Particle man said
I mean jesus I'm not frickin I don't know jimmy neutron.
Wow, been a long time since I've heard anyone reference that sho-
....Wait.
OH MY GOODNESS I CLICKED THE QUOTE BUTTON AND ALL THE PARAGRAPHING AND STUFF REMAINED INTACT. o.o Took a minute for that to sink in...
Sorry. Just felt the need to bring that up. Because wow. Guild improvements actually happening!
But um, yeah, back on topic:
I'm no Holmes but I do at least have some experience with art, and from what you've said in your post... yeah, an art class probably just sounds like the best thing for you to do. I mean, really I can only think of two ways in which a person can really improve with art: and that's from being taught (either in a class like you mentioned or just casually like learning from a friend or, hell, even internet tutorials or w/e), and practice. That's... really all I can recommend.
Also, if you do take an art class, I highly doubt you'll be a "laughing stock" unless you wind up taking a class with some reeeaaaally snooty people. Is this art class 100% hypothetical or did you actually have some serious plans to potentially take one? If so, what sort of class is it? Because I really can't imagine anyone really discouraging you like that. O_o I mean... everyone's there to learn, after all.