Education & Classes in Davidson

Raised by a mother who believed in each person's innate artistic abilities, accomplished brush master Tina Steele Penn harnesses that sentiment, a lifelong love of art, and a fascination with color to guide others toward their inner Monets. Within her two studios, she crafts a welcoming atmosphere where artists of all skill levels can tap into their imaginations and unleash creativity and imprisoned winged dragons. Her classes and workshops encourage students to delve into media such as acrylic, watercolor, and oil paints, whereas her private sessions guide pupils toward their individual goals through one-on-one guidance.

Students at Fast Track High Performance Driving School don't need to prove that they can parallel park—they're more concerned about taking a turn at more than 100 miles per hour. Most of them have never even felt the rumble of a 600-horsepower engine before. After plenty of safety debriefing from expert instructors, however, they usually are no longer intimidated by its purr. They'll then hop into the vibrant shell of an ARCA-style stock car, a former racing vehicle that's still capable of rocketing down the track at a blur-inducing speed of 165 miles per hour.

Since 1989, the school has been fulfilling speed-demon fantasies with its courses and ride alongs at racetracks throughout the country. The staff meets with everyday fans and aspiring competitors alike to cover racing protocol, safety, and appropriate postrace dance moves. Depending on the depth of their lesson, pupils might take the wheel during a four-car passing exercise or simply sit back in the passenger seat as a professional flies through three–five laps.

Sisters and native Charlotteans Neha Negandhi and Monika Shah didn’t let respective stints in Seattle and Alaska keep them away from their hometown arts scene. Inspired by similar BYOB painting sessions seen during their travels, they harnessed their diverse experiences with event management and Alaskan train tours to open their own studio, where they encourage students of all artistic levels to tap into their inimitable creativity just as they did. Joined by an impressive cast of local artists, the sisters unfurl a calendar stocked with a barrage of painting options, allowing students to portray a sailboat with an impressionistic mast or a seahorse wearing a gilded saddle.

"What do you want to create?" That is the question posed to each of New Orleans Paint N Party's visitors. During the studio's energetic parties, local artists teach visitors to put brush on canvas, creating colorful projects such as streetcars and city skylines. The staff keeps it simple. They greet each visitor with a presketched canvas and a trove of supplies, including brushes and paints. New Orleans Paint N Party also invites its customers to bring along food and potable beverages; they'll even supply the wine opener, ice bucket, ice pick, and drinking glasses.

Assurance Firearms, LLC. molds its students into more responsible gun owners with safety classes and practice sessions on its range. The staff teaches beginners the basics of handgun safety and shooting fundamentals during Basic Pistol Shooting courses. During NC Concealed Carry courses, they teach an understanding of the law, and help students hone the skills needed to obtain their concealed carry licenses. The range also offers Lady Lion self-defense courses, which teach women constant vigilance against aggression and how to defend themselves from an attacker.

Started in January of 2010, what began as a mere hobby for friends Emmy Preiss and Harriet Mills has grown into a flourishing business with 16 branches in three states. The duo corrals together local artists that lead students of all abilities through hands-on painting classes. Pupils sit side by side at painting stations equipped with easels, vivid pallets of paint, and water to clean off brushes. Finished pieces blanket the walls to both inspire students and hide the studio's multitude of personal safes. Youngsters can join in on the self-expression as well through Art Buzz Kids' programs, which rolls out birthday parties, summer-camp sessions, and Mommy N' Me classes.