LEARNING FROM THE BEST

LEARNING FROM THE BEST: FUN CLASSES AROUND SOMERVILLE AND CAMBRIDGE

BY LILLY MILMAN I f you live in or are visiting Somerville or Cambridge, you’re probably just steps away from an independent store owned by one of the best in the business. From artisan candy stores to bakeries, to glass blowing studios and media centers, our cities have it all. What’s even more exciting is that most of these experts and store-owners are looking to share the tricks of their trade! So, roll your sleeves up, get ready to get your hands dirty, and check out some of our favorite classes and workshops in the area!

FORGE BAKING COMPANY

626 Somerville Ave., Somerville Head down to Forge and break bread with some of Somerville’s best bakers at their home breadbaking class, offered on various dates throughout March and April. Want something a little sweeter? In January, co-owners Tucker Lewis and Jennifer Park launched a home pastrymaking class with baker Meghan Lethem. For the coffee-lovers, Harrison Seiler will be teaching an espresso class. All classes include a lunch and required tools and ingredients.

For more information, call (617) 764-5365, email info@ forgebakingco.com, or visit forgebakingco.com.

MAUD MORGAN ARTS

20 Sacramento St., Cambridge Fun is the focus at the Maud Morgan Arts 10-week “Start With Art” class, taught by Alice Turkel, where pre-school and toddler-aged children and their caregivers are given a new variety of materials to play with during every session. The course begins on March 24, but the arts center also offers specialized 5-week classes on printmaking and

ceramics that are perfect for teen and adult learners looking for a little more difficulty and flexibility.

For more information, call (617) 349-6287, or visit maudmorganarts. org.

SOMERVILLE FABRICATION LAB

5 Meacham St., Somerville Not only does the Somerville Fabrication

Lab, also known as

Fabville, offer handson classes where you can use awesome equipment, but they do it for free! On Thursday evenings throughout the spring, head down to the Healey School, where instructors Justin Schmidt or Halley Murray from Fabville will be providing free introductory classes in 3D printing, vinyl cutting, laser cutting, and more.

For more information, email contact@fabville.net or visit fabville.net.

NOCA GLASS SCHOOL

147 Sherman St., Cambridge North Cambridge Glass School is the one-stop shop for artisans looking to expand their knowledge and get to work on one-of-a-kind projects. There are a few ways to get involved: Sign up for a six-week session based on skill level and interest (choose from barware, Scandinavian glass, and more,) choose a workshop based on a specific item you want to make (like the one-day workshop on glass flowers,) or take a private lesson with one of the NOCA experts.

For more information, call (617) 245-0350, email nocaglassschool@gmail.com, or visit nocaglassschool.com.

MUDFLAT STUDIO

81 Broadway, Somerville Mudflat Studio is a non-profit space in Somerville focused entirely on ceramic arts since 1971. Their classes are offered in semesters, and you’re just in time to sign up for the spring and summer session, starting on April 27! Mudflat offers classes for children and teens once a week, adult workshops, introductory workshops for beginners, parent and child workshops, and studio rental. They also offer scholarships to a few students each semester, with a form available on their website.

For more information, call (617) 628-0589 or visit mudflat.org.

GRAYMIST STUDIO & SHOP

364 Huron Ave., Cambridge Started in 2006 by founder, owner, and master basket weaver Etsuko Yashiro, GrayMist is the perfect place to learn the careful art of the Nantucket Basket. All skill levels are welcome at their nearly daily basket-weaving classes, where students are encouraged to work at their own pace. GrayMist also offers private lessons and, for those who feel they’re ready to graduate from the basket-weaving sessions, classes on learning to become an instructor yourself. If basket weaving isn’t your thing, GrayMist also offers felted wool workshops where you can make small animals (think: Calico Critters) and decor.

For more information, call (617) 868-8868, email cambridge@graymist.com, or visit graymist.com.

GRACIE’S ICE CREAM

22 Union Square, Somerville Known for their delicious ice cream flavors and their quirky vibe, Gracie’s Ice Cream is a Somerville staple. They offer a “Make Your Own Dream Ice Cream” class where people can decide what ice cream they want and then come in and learn how to make it from Gracie’s coowner Aaron Cohen himself. The classes are scheduled as needed and they’re conducted in groups. While there are currently no public classes, Gracie’s is considering them in the future if there is enough interest.

For more information, call (617) 764-5294, email info@ graciesicecre.am, or visit icecreamgracies.com.

SPINDLER CONFECTIONS

2257 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge Spindler Confections, started in owner and founder Jeremy Spindler’s personal residence, is your one-stop shop for sweets that’ll leave you wanting more. Spindler is crazy for candy, and he wants you to be, too! That’s why he’s teaching a class called “Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate!” where he teaches the basics of tempering chocolate, making fillings, prepping, and capping molds. All attendees will leave with about $80 worth of chocolate and a new set of skills! Periodically, Spindler also teaches classes about making caramel and other candies.

For more information, call (617) 714-4871, email spindlerconfections@gmail.com, or visit spindlerconfections.com.

SOMERVILLE MEDIA CENTER

90 Union Square, Somerville Here at Scout, we’re big supporters of local news, and Somerville Media Center is one of the best local news sources out there. Even better, they’re sharing the wealth! In April, Somerville Neighborhood News coordinator Jane Regan will be teaching journalism basics like finding interviews, contacting sources, and more in the free “How to Pitch Your Story and Get Coverage… or Cover it Yourself!” workshop. Come in as an interested resident and leave as a budding journalist! Want to become an even more informed media mogul? Other workshops include audio, video, and editing seminars, social media classes, and more.

For more information, call (617) 628-8826, email info@ somervillemedia.org, or visit somervillemedia.org.