Drop In Art at Mint Museum Randolph

Drop In Art is back at Mint Museum Randolph this fall, with sessions running every Wednesday evening from October 14 through December 9. It's a self-directed art program, which is a nice way of saying you just show up and make whatever you feel like. There's no class to follow and no specific project you're expected to finish—you just drop in and get to work.

The sessions take place in the Art Room, and this season the focus is on fiber art, drawing and painting, and collage. Those three areas run throughout the fall, and they're joined by rotating seasonal activities that change as the weeks go by. If you're not sure where to start, a museum educator is always on hand to go over the studio rules and offer a few tips, so you don't have to be an expert to dive in. It's a good setup for anyone who wants to create without the pressure of a formal lesson.

One of the best things about the format is who it's for. The museum describes it as best suited for artists aged 4 and up, all the way through adults. That means you can bring your kids and work on your own things side by side, or just come in on your own. Since it's a drop-in, you don't have to commit to every single week—you can stop by once or make it a regular Wednesday habit.

Here are the practicals: the Art Room is open every Wednesday from 5 PM to 8 PM, starting October 14 and running through December 9. There's one break in the schedule—no session on November 25, Thanksgiving week—so keep that in mind if you're planning your visits. Entry is free, and the sessions are held at Mint Museum Randolph in Charlotte.