Humans have an inherent need to create. As kids, we imagined worlds faraway and conquered tasks too challenging for the real world, but were just the right amount of fun for our created world. As adults, what do we do that’s creative? Compose spread sheets? Pull together dinner from a random assemblage of ingredients in the pantry? Rearrange the furniture to best achieve feng shui? Whatever creative avenues you pursue these days, it’s important to not forget how much fun it is to hold a paint brush, how enjoyable it is to work with your hands, and how a few artsy tools can grow your imagination. Downtown Annapolis features a few shops and events that allow you to revisit your inner creative child. Read what’s below and get to creatin’.
You’ve probably walked by The Clay Bakers on Main Street, but have you ever stopped in to see what all the buzz is about? The Clay Bakers is a locally owned business (though it has a location in Easton too) that features DIY treasures. Customers choose from a variety of clay items to paint and then can decorate with colored glass and whatever the mind brings to bear. There are frogs, vases, plates, bowls, dragonflies, and all sorts of molds from which to choose. After the piece is painted, the artsy crew at The Clay Bakers glazes and finishes the piece. After that process, the piece is microwave and dishwasher safe.
Another great feature of The Clay Bakers is that guests can plan parties for friends there. Anybody of any age is welcome to create there, but on certain nights, The Clay Bakers welcome certain crowds. There are a few planned ladies nights, teen nights, and kids nights ideal for learning amongst peers. Not confident in your abilities? Attend one of the glass or clay workshops through September. You can learn more about these events at www.theclaybakers.com or visit them at their store at 151 Main Street. 
At St. Johns College, a few artsy workshops are held throughout the year. The first upcoming workshop teaches participants about how to craft a short story or longer piece of literature. After this, St. Johns holds a class about composing fiction. Other fall workshops include “Landscape Painting” with local artist Jean Brinton Jaecks, “Figure Drawing” with Ken Cosgrove, and “Pottery: An Introduction” with John Jensen. These workshops are spread across ten sessions and cost about $185. St. John’s Community Outreach page has more information; access it at here.
Cottonseed Glory in West Annapolis is, by nature, a quilt shop, but features free sewing classes, applique classes, and more of the like. These classes rotate around the year and are ideal for those willing to put in the time to learn and sew. Check http://cottonseedglory.com to read more.
Art galleries aren’t just good for viewing beautiful works by talented people; some galleries have workshops that lend a peak into the creative process. McBride Gallery often hosts art workshops, the most recent led by watercolorist Bruce Handford. The Circle Gallery doesn’t host workshops for adults, but does provide events ideal for kids that make art education and entertaining. These art gallery events run throughout the year, so check the following sites to plan your next creative endeavor. For more on McBride’s creative workshops, head to www.mcbridegallery.com; for more on The Circle Gallery, go to www.mdfedart.com.
Though it would be quite informal, you could learn about creative processes from employees of flower stores, galleries, and even apparel stores in Annapolis. All these people would most likely be glad to share some inspiring thoughts with you, so ignore banality and embrace a more colorful side!
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