About

Sawtooth School for Visual Art is a nonprofit community art and craft school located in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. For eight decades, Sawtooth has been a steadfast creative hub for Winston-Salem and the region, connecting and creating community through the act of making. Classes, workshops, and events at Sawtooth are open to everyone, no matter their age, skill level, or background.

An art instructor leaning over to guide a student working on a wooden table loom.

Our mission is to strengthen the community's creative core by providing high-quality instruction and hands-on visual art experiences for students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

Learn more about Our Story

Our Vision + Guiding Principals

Access + Belonging

We ensure that everyone, regardless of background or ability, feels welcome and empowered to engage fully in our creative spaces.

Creativity + Self Expression

We foster an environment where every individual can explore and express their unique creative voice, uninhibited by boundaries.

Participatory Learning

We emphasize hands-on, collaborative learning experiences that empower students to actively engage with and contribute to their artistic journey.

Family + Community

We build connections through the arts, serving as a catalyst for family engagement and creating intentional networks of shared interests.

Inspiration

We ignite a passion for art by creating an atmosphere where imagination flourishes and ideas move beyond the walls.

Expertise

We commit to providing the highest quality instruction, led by skilled artists dedicated to nurturing the talents of all our participants.

Our Strategic Roadmap

Goal #1

Increase access to arts and creativity experiences, ensuring a commitment to being a 'creative hub for all.'

Goal #2

Deepen the sense of belonging for core constituencies, increasing connectivity and appreciation for shared experiences.

Goal #3

Grow visibility and appreciation for the value proposition of Sawtooth and the organization’s role in the local and national creative ecosystem.

Goal #4

Grow financial resources and support for Sawtooth, driving an investment call-to-action.

Providing Art for All

Offering hundreds of high-quality, hands-on experiences throughout the year in eleven disciplines, we have served generations of artists, from skilled professionals to novices of all ages. Our programs are tailored to fit a variety of schedules, ranging from one evening to a weekend or once a week for a few months. Our instructors are passionate, diligent, and world-renowned, creating a nurturing atmosphere that combines technical expertise with the freedom to experiment and grow.

In addition to our historic downtown campus, we have recently expanded our presence across Winston-Salem with the addition of two wood-fired ceramic kilns and two well-equipped, professional-grade studios at the Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness near Wake Forest University and The Grounds.

Additionally, we foster creativity in our community through outreach initiatives like our Art + Wellness program, now in its tenth year. Our program serves patients, survivors, and caregivers facing critical illnesses—in partnership with eleven regional healthcare organizations—promoting stress reduction, relaxation, and overall well-being. This program is made possible thanks to contributions from the Greer Foundations and donors like you.

Support Our Work

Your donation helps fund scholarships, expand programming, and keep our studios open to everyone. Every gift keeps creativity alive in Winston-Salem.

Make a Donation

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