Enriching Lives Through Art: Adult/Teen Classes

• Wheel Throwing Fundamentals:
• 4-Week Pottery Class
• Instructor: Antonia Cantu
• Dates: Fridays, April 10, 17, 24 & May 1
• Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
• Ages: Adult/Teen
• Maximum enrollment: 5
• Skill Level: Beginner/Introductory
• Location: 3-D Studio, Salmon River Fine Arts Center
• Fee: $100 (25% off for members — $75)*

SORRY! CLASS IS FULL. Discover the art of pottery in this 4-week introductory wheel-throwing class designed for beginners or anyone looking to build a strong foundation on the pottery wheel. Students will learn the essential techniques needed to create beautiful, functional ceramic pieces while gaining confidence working with clay. Throughout the course, participants will be guided step by step through the pottery process. Students will learn how to prepare clay, center it on the wheel, and form a basic cylinder, the foundational shape used to create many ceramic forms. Once comfortable with this process, demonstrations will show how to transform cylinders into simple functional pieces such as cups and bowls.

In addition to throwing, students will learn important finishing skills, including proper drying techniques, trimming the base of their pieces, and basic glazing methods to prepare their work for kiln firing. By the end of the class, students will have a collection of handmade ceramic pieces and a solid introduction to wheel-throwing techniques. Join us for a fun and hands-on experience exploring the timeless craft of pottery at the Salmon River Fine Arts Center! All tools and materials are provided.

Students enrolled in this class will also have the option to come in during a designated time on Tuesdays (6-8 pm) or Fridays (1-4 pm) 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. 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.

• Mosaic Garden Art Workshop: Two-Sided Paisley Design
• Instructor: Dyan Melnik
• Dates and Times: 3 Sundays
• 4/19, 1-4pm
• 4/26, 1-4pm
• 5/03, 1-3pm
• Ages: Adult (14+)
• Class size: 8 students
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Fees: $45 (25% off members price $33.75)

Create a stunning, one-of-a-kind garden feature in this immersive 3-day mosaic workshop with artist Dyan Melnik! In this class, participants will design and construct a beautiful two-sided paisley mosaic that can be admired from every angle in your outdoor space.

Using a variety of colorful glass, tile, and mixed media materials, students will learn essential mosaic techniques including cutting, layout design, adhesion, and grouting. Dyan will guide you step-by-step through the creative process, helping you bring your unique vision to life while building confidence in mosaic artistry. Your finished piece will be securely mounted on a steel rod, making it easy to display as a decorative element in your garden, yard, or landscape.

All materials included. Participants may bring any special items or embellishments they’d like to incorporate into their design. This workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, as well as gardeners, creatives, and anyone looking to explore a new medium in a supportive and inspiring environment.

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. 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.

• 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.

• 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.