Gasper Arts Center wins 2026 Best of Florida Award

Gasper Arts Center in Dania Beach has been named a 2026 Best of Florida Award winner, recognizing a studio that blends pottery classes, workshops, open studio access and gallery programming. Founded in 2021, the center says the award reflects its effort to build a creative community for artists and beginners alike.

Why it matters: - Gasper Arts Center now has a statewide award that can help validate its role as a community arts hub in Dania Beach. - The win spotlights a business model that combines instruction, studio access, exhibitions and events for both new and experienced artists. - The recognition may strengthen the center’s draw for students, resident artists and visitors looking for hands-on creative programming.

What happened: - Gasper Arts Center was named a winner of the 2026 Best of Florida Award. - The creative studio and gallery is based in Dania Beach, Florida. - Laura Gasper, a ceramic artist and business owner, founded the center in 2021. - The center offers classes, workshops, open studio space, artist studios and gallery opportunities.

The details: - Beginning and intermediate pottery classes teach wheel throwing and other ceramic techniques. - Workshops give participants a chance to explore new skills. - Wheel & Wine runs on Friday evenings. - Sip-n-Spin runs on Saturday evenings. - Mosaic classes add another option for working with color, texture and pattern. - Open Studio memberships give artists access to workspace and equipment for independent projects. - Resident artist spaces support artists at different stages of their creative work. - Monthly art shows give artists a place to exhibit and sell work. - Community events and musical performances have also taken place at the center, including a Sofar Sounds concert. - Gasper said the award means a lot to the center’s artists and students. - Gasper said the studio was built to give people a place to explore creativity without judgment, whether they are first-time pottery students or experienced artists. - For more information, click here.

Between the lines: - The award underscores how arts spaces can grow beyond classes into broader social and cultural gathering places. - Gasper Arts Center’s mix of education, studio access and public programming suggests the center is aiming to keep both learning and community engagement under one roof.

What's next: - Gasper Arts Center plans to keep expanding its classes, workshops, artist community and gallery programming. - The center says it will stay rooted in its founding vision of creating an art studio with an inspiring atmosphere for creative artists and art lovers of all skill levels. - Continued growth in programming could bring more artists, students and event audiences into the space.

The bottom line: - Gasper Arts Center’s award cements its position as a creative destination that serves both aspiring makers and working artists.