Enriching Lives Through Art: Adult/Teen Classes
We are offering art classes for all age groups at the arts center, which are made possible with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust. All classes are listed below.
Our Thursday night free drawing class is offered online and is made possible by generous donations from Drs. Patricia and Jay Chapman as well as many of our members and participants.
You can also check out our month-by-month calendar to help you plan your Fine Arts Center activities.
Classes
- Layered Gelli Plate Printing:
- Collage, Texture & Mixed Media Exploration
- Instructor: Beth Sotherden
- Date: Saturday, July 18
- Time: 10 am - 12 pm
- Ages: Adult/Teen (13+)
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Maximum enrollment: 10
- Fee: $20 members / $25 non-members
Discover the creative possibilities of layered printmaking in this hands-on Gelli Plate workshop. Students will explore how to build rich, dynamic compositions by collaging directly onto the gel plate using multiple images and layers while learning how to think from foreground to background.
Throughout the workshop, participants will experiment with layering techniques, transparency, texture, and composition, while discovering how each print evolves through process and experimentation. Students will explore:
- • Creating layered compositions directly on the Gelli Plate
- • Building images from front to back using multiple printed layers
- • Incorporating collage elements into prints
- • Using stencils and masks to create depth, pattern, and visual interest
- • Exploring metallic accents through the use of metal leaf
- • Creating texture, transparency, and complex surfaces through print layering
- • Developing unique mixed media prints through experimentation and play
This class is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike who enjoy process-based artmaking, mixed media exploration, and discovering unexpected creative results. Students will leave with a collection of one-of-a-kind prints and a deeper understanding of layered image-making techniques. Come ready to experiment, embrace happy accidents, and create beautifully layered artwork!
This is an in-person class. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. *Financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee. Please email the arts center with your request. This class is made possible with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.
- Raku Pottery Workshop Summer 2026
- Instructor: Ann Buchau
- Dates & Times:
- Tuesday, July 28, 3-6 pm, at the Arts Center
- Tuesday, August 4, 3-6 pm at the Arts Center
- Saturday, August 8, 9 am - 3 pm, Raku firing off site
- Ages: 14 and up
- Maximum enrollment: 8
- Class fee: $65 members / $80 non-members*
- Locations:
- Monday & Tuesday, Salmon River Fine Arts Center, Pottery Studio
- Saturday, Firing Day, off site in Port Ontario
Raku is a thrilling, quick-fire ceramics technique originating from 16th-century Japan. Pots are pulled from a glowing red hot kiln (about 1850 F) and plunged into enclosed metal cans filled with organic matter to starve them of oxygen. The resulting smoke, flame, and rapid cooling create unpredictable, stunning surface effects and often metallic colors.
In this 3-day class you will be guided through the entire creative and firing process of raku pottery. Emphasis will be on creating pieces using a variety of handbuilding techniques, but experienced potters may choose to use the wheel. All tools and materials are provided. No experience necessary.
Class Schedule.
- Day 1 (Monday, July 28, 3-6 pm). Ceramic forming techniques and brief history of raku pottery. You will hand-build or throw 3 to 4 pieces.
- Day 2 (Tuesday, August 4, 3-6 pm). Continued surface decoration, refining shapes, and decorative techniques in preparation for a bisque firing.
- Day 3 (Saturday, August 8, 9 am – 3:00 pm). Glazing and Firing Day.
- Learn how to apply specialized raku glazes to your bisqued pieces as well as the unique horsehair decoration technique.
- Participate in loading the kiln, closely monitoring the heat, and setting up the combustible reduction cans.
- Enjoy a picnic-style lunch while you wait for the firing to get to temperature.
This is an in-person class. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. *Financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee. Please email the art center with your request.
This class is made possible with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.
- Puppy Portraits in Acrylic:
- Paint Your Favorite Furry Friend
- Instructor: Brooke Snyder
- Dates & Times:
- Saturday, August 1, 4-7 pm
- Saturday, August 15, 4-7 pm
- Ages: Adult/Teen (13+)
- Maximum enrollment: 10
- Fee: $28 members / $35 non-members
Have you always wanted to paint a portrait of your own beloved dog? In this class you will learn the skills necessary to create your own one-of-a-kind portrait of your pup. This will be a 2-day workshop class. The first day will be heavy on learning the skills, which include choosing colors, practicing brushstrokes, and blending. On the second day we will put it into practice. You will have one-on-one access to your teacher, who will help you to achieve the look you want.
This class is welcome to all skill levels. Please bring a photo of your dog with you to class; all other materials will be provided. This class will be catered specifically to dog portraits. Please do not bring photos of other pets.
This is an in-person class. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. *Financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee. Please email the arts center with your request.
This class is made possible with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.
- Ceramic Wind Chimes:
- A 2-Day Clay Workshop with Brooke Morse
- Instructor: Brooke Morse
- Dates & Times:
- Making day: Wednesday, Aug 12, 5-7:30 pm
- Glaze day: Wednesday, Aug 19, 5-7:30pm
- Ages: Adult/Teen (12+)
- Maximum enrollment: 5
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Fee: $36 members / $45 non-members*
- Location: 3-D Studio
Create a beautiful handmade ceramic wind chime that brings art, movement, and sound to your home or garden. In this two-day workshop, students will design, build, glaze, and finish a unique ceramic wind chime while learning a variety of clay handbuilding techniques.
Throughout the workshop, participants will explore texture, form, and design while creating functional artwork that is both decorative and durable. Students will learn how to construct multiple clay components that move gracefully in the wind and produce gentle sound.
Day 1: Design & Construction
- Learn basic handbuilding techniques
- Design and create the individual components of your wind chime
- Explore surface decoration through carving, stamping, and texture
- Learn construction techniques for balance, movement, and assembly
- Complete and prepare pieces for firing
Day 2: Glazing & Finishing
- Learn glazing techniques and color application
- Glaze all wind chime components
- Discuss assembly methods and outdoor care
- Prepare pieces for their final kiln firing
This workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced clay artists alike. Whether you love pottery, gardening, or handmade décor, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind ceramic wind chime that showcases your creativity and craftsmanship.
This is an in-person class. No outside clay or glazes are permitted in the Pottery Studio. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. *Financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee. Please email the arts center with your request. This class is made possible with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.
Free Weekly Drawing Class
- FREE Weekly Drawing Class
- Thursday 6 - 8 pm
- Instructor: Ann Buchau
- All ages welcome
Enjoy this online step-by-step drawing class in the comfort and safety of your own home via Zoom. Each week your instructor will focus on a different topic, technique or subject with the ultimate goal of improving and developing your own unique style. This class is open to our members and to anyone in the local community with a desire to draw — any age, any level. To attend, simply email us at info@srfac.org to get your name on the list. After you register for this free class you will be emailed a link with instructions.
This class is made possible by generous donations from Drs. Patricia and Jay Chapman as well as many of our members and participants.
Drawings of rocks by the Free Drawing Class June 11.