Enriching Lives Through Art: Adult/Teen Classes

• Alcohol Inks on Ceramic Light Switch Tiles
• Instructor: Robin Eaton-Novak
• Date: Saturday, April 25
• Time: 10 am – Noon
• Ages: Adults (16 and older)
• Maximum enrollment: 10
• Fee: $35 (25% off for members — $26.25)*

Add a splash of color and creativity to your home with this exciting Alcohol Inks on Ceramics workshop led by local artist Robin Eaton- Novak! In this class, you'll transform an ordinary ceramic light switch cover into a functional piece of art using vibrant alcohol inks.

Explore the fluid beauty of alcohol inks as you learn techniques for creating abstract patterns and stunning landscape-inspired designs. Robin will guide you through the process of applying inks to ceramic surfaces and sealing your artwork so it’s both durable and decorative. Attendees will be making 2 light switch covers each. This is a fun and relaxing class for all skill levels—no prior experience necessary. Perfect for adding a personal touch to your space or gifting something handmade and beautiful. All materials will be supplied.

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 a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.

• 6-day Leather Tooling 101 Workshop:
• Are You As Brave As a High Schooler?
• Instructor: Anna Blachman
• Dates:
• Saturday April 25
• Saturdays May 2, 9 16, 23, 30
• Time: 2-5 pm
• Age: Adult (14 +)
• Maximum enrollment: 10
• Fee: $80 (25% off members—$60)

The stunning images you see in the promotional materials for this workshop were all created by high school students who previously took this workshop with Oswego High School Art Teacher Billie Peterson. Their work demonstrates just how accessible, creative, and rewarding leather tooling can be—even for beginners.This 13–16 hour workshop, offered over 5–6 days, provides a hands-on introduction to the art of leather carving and tooling. Participants will learn foundational techniques while designing and creating their own tooled traveler’s notebook or wall hanging. Throughout the workshop, students will explore traditional leatherworking tools, carving methods, texture techniques, and finishing processes that bring designs to life. This workshop is perfect for art teachers looking for fresh techniques to bring back to the classroom, artists who want to expand their creative practice, and anyone curious about learning a new craft. All skill levels are welcome.

Day 1 – Foundations of Leather Tooling. Participants will be introduced to leather carving, the “Basic 7” leather carving tools, and the overall project. Students will begin developing and sketching their personal design that will be tooled onto their leather piece. Homework: finalize and complete the design/pattern.

Day 2 – Pattern Transfer & Swivel Knife Techniques. A refresher on the important principle of “foreground first” and proper swivel knife techniques. Students will trace their patterns onto leather and begin cutting their designs. If time allows, participants will start beveling and adding texture.

Day 3 – Building Depth & Texture. Students will continue beveling and texturing, learning how to create dimension and visual depth in their designs.

Day 4 – Optional Work Session. An optional studio day to complete beveling and texturing before moving on to finishing techniques.

Day 5 – Adding Color. Introduction to color application and resist techniques. Students will begin adding color to their leather pieces. Additional coloring can be completed at home if needed.

Day 6 – Finishing the Piece. Participants will antique their leather, punch holes, and assemble their traveler’s notebook or finished hanging piece.

By the end of the workshop, students will leave with a completed handcrafted leather piece and a strong foundation in leather tooling techniques that they can continue exploring long after the class ends. Join us for this unique opportunity to learn a traditional craft, expand your artistic toolkit, and create something truly one-of-a-kind. All tools and materials provided; however, students may bring their own.

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 a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.

• Five-Week Beginner Wheel Throwing
• Instructor: Ann Buchau
• Dates:
• Wednesday April 29 &
• Wednesdays May 6, 13, 20, 27
• Time: 6:00-8:30 pm
• Ages: Adult/TeenMaximum enrollment: 5
• Fee: $125 (25% off for members - $93.75)
• Location: 3-D Studio

Learn how to throw basic forms using the potter's wheel. Your instructor will guide you step by step as you learn how to wedge, center and create simple vessels. You will also learn trimming techniques and how to successfully glaze your pots. Students enrolled in this class will also have the option to come in during a designated time on Tuesdays (6-8pm) or Friday (1-4pm) to practice and work on their pieces. (Although there will be a monitor, there is no instructor for the open studio.) Total class time is 12.5 hours with the option of an additional 20 hours of open studio time during the class session. All tools and materials are provided. No outside clay or glazes are permitted in the Pottery Studio.

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 a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.

• Needle-Felting Landscape
• Instructor: Brooke Morse
• Date: Sunday, May 3
• Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
• Ages: Adults (14+)
• Class size: 10-12
• Fees: $35 (25% off for members — $26.25)*

Unwind and create something beautiful in this relaxing two-hour needle-felting landscape workshop with artist and instructor Brooke Morse. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll start with a felt background and learn how to punch colored wool into the felt using special felting needles to build soft, layered textures. Brooke will walk you through techniques for blending fibers, creating horizon lines, and adding simple landscape details like trees, hills, and sky gradients. No experience is needed — just come ready to play with color and texture. You’ll leave with your own wool-painted mini landscape framed to take home and display. Perfect for a cozy creative break and a fun introduction to needle felting! All materials are provided.

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.

• Ceramic Garden Totem with Marybeth Sorendo
• Instructor: Marybeth Sorendo
• Date: Saturdays, May 9, 16, 23 & 30
• Time: 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
• Ages: Adult/Teen
• Maximum Enrollment: 5
• Skill Level: Beginner / Introductory
• Fee: $75 per class members/ $100 non members
• Location: 3-D Studio

Create a one-of-a-kind statement piece for your garden! In this 4-week ceramics class, students will design and build a decorative ceramic garden totem using a combination of wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques. Whether you’re interested in stacking sculptural forms, experimenting with texture, or creating functional outdoor art, this class offers the guidance and flexibility to bring your vision to life.

Instructor Marybeth Sorendo will provide step-by-step support in constructing durable, weather-conscious pieces while encouraging creative exploration in form, surface design, and composition. Join us in the studio and create a beautiful ceramic totem that will bring personality and artistry to your outdoor space all season long.

Students enrolled in this class will also have the option to come in during a designated time on Tuesdays (6-8pm) or Friday (1-4pm) to practice and work on their pieces. (Although there will be a monitor, there is no instructor for the open studio.) Total class time is 12 hours with the option of an additional 20 hours of open studio time during the class session. No outside clay or glazes are permitted in the Pottery Studio. All tools and materials are provided. Spaces are limited; early registration is encouraged!

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 a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.

• 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.