I am a student from the US studying abroad here for about 5 more weeks, I am hoping to get into the art and music scene around Kunming!

Does anyone know of art classes or cool museums to go to? ~ Also looking for friends to explore the town with ~

Sorry but the word 'cool' doesn't apply to Kunming.

Its good that it doesnt. The whole "coolness" has done horrible damage to the West. Several generations of people swallowed by the coolness, too busy and occupied being cool, dumber than carrots - its just too horrible to even think about it.

Well then, are there any inspiring and intriguing art museums to go to?

Theres some local art scene around. They seem to have stuff going on. Maybe focus around there instead of searching for museums, theres even a Yunnan painting style. And theres the Nordica - Loft and such (or is it demolished?) What else. Batik in Yunnan.

China is not really a museum country - and to stretch this a bit off here - you cant even trust much in museums. Heh.

This is not a comprehensive reply, but I thought better add something rather than only provoke about coolness up there.

I saw nice place, it was a shop of master ( artist ) from Taiwan. I really like his work. Combination stone and wood. Also have old designs, like traditional Chinese stuff. But is quite far from city ( south side ) and subway is not finished there yet. I wen there by bike. Its place which is called International Jewelery City or something like that,coz lots of jewelry shop. They r building new expo hall specially for that purpose ( why Im not surprised ). Sort of the ghost town.

Woah this thread went in a completely different direction than expected. But, interesting points made, I suppose I will be more mindful about how I use "cool". I guess it is obvious I am from the west, I apologize for any negative stigma that might have caused that was not my intention.

I appreciate the in put! Yeah I suppose I am interested in whatever "art scene" or "art styles" I may be able to explore while I am here versus sticking to a museum.

Are there any art styled classes available?

Maura, what kind of art & music scene are you referring to, and what kind of art classes?
Suggest you ask around Nordica & the Loft, in Kunming.
Anybody know what sort of art scene is functioning in Dali these days?

A western foreigner here who could fill you in best is Xiefei, who posts here sometimes - lots of contacts with Chinese artists over many years.

I guess I am mostly wondering if there is an art scene, or just any type of music scene.

Any suggestion is nice, just looking for places to explore Kunming while I am here!