when I attended art evening classes,found them to be a mixture of absolute beginners, intermediate and top amateur painters.
I never found any of the experts "looking down" on beginners as so often happens in other classes and sports.indeed the opposite was true,they would offer good advice and help on what to buy.
most painters found the classes an enjoyable, social gathering.
on the first few nights the instructor taught the beginners basic colour mixing,composition,perspective etc and he/she advised on what equipment to buy.
perhaps I was lucky in the classes I attended but over the years found them friendly,instructive and enjoyable.
go for it!