Algarve Arts Academy

Algarve Arts Academy is a private art school in Quarteira, near Aquashow, founded by art therapist and art teacher Julia Gurchenkova. What began as classes run by mothers for their teenage sons has grown into a full academy blending classic fine art training with modern approaches, including character design and computer graphics alongside traditional painting, drawing, sculpting and pottery. The academy runs separate programmes for kids and adults, from weekly art clubs and art camps for children to pottery wheel sessions, oil painting and watercolour classes for adults, and family art therapy sessions exploring the wellbeing benefits of creative practice. Current classes include a Thursday evening 'Golden Layers' oil painting course (EUR 35), botanical watercolour postcard workshops (EUR 65), a pottery class called 'Tides and Textures', and outdoor plein air sessions at Vilamoura Marina (EUR 35). Weekend evenings bring Sip and Paint and Clay & Classics social sessions, some with live piano, and the academy also hosts guest workshops such as a photography masterclass with Jacob Sutton. Classes are bookable online through the academy's own booking system, and digital gift cards (EUR 35, 50 or 100) can be used against any class, workshop or event. The academy is based at Urbanizacao Al-Sakia Village, Avenida da Fonte Santa 10, Loja 7, in Quarteira.