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

image of several pieces of pottery decorated wih a strawberry design
  • Intermediate Pottery: Forms & Finishing Techniques
  • 4-Week Pottery Series
  • Instructor: Antonia Cantu
  • Dates: Wednesdays, August 5, 12, 19, & 26
  • Time: 5 -7:30 pm
  • Ages: Adult/Teen (13+)
  • Maximum enrollment: 5
  • Fee: $60 members / $75 non-members
  • Location: 3-D Studio, Salmon River Fine Arts Center

Ready to take your pottery skills to the next level? This intermediate-level ceramics class is designed for potters who already have basic wheel-throwing experience and are looking to refine their craftsmanship and expand their creative techniques. Starting Wednesday, August 5, students will meet weekly from 5:00–7:30 PM for a 4-week hands-on pottery experience focused on functional forms and finishing details. Throughout the series, students will explore:

  • Creating and fitting lidded jars
  • Using different styles and techniques for handles
  • Learning basic surface design and decoration
  • Using finishing techniques for polished, functional pottery
  • Refining forms and improving consistency on the wheel

This class encourages experimentation, craftsmanship, and creative growth while helping students strengthen both technical skills and artistic voice. Perfect for intermediate potters looking to build confidence and elevate their ceramic work in a supportive studio environment.

Students enrolled in this class will also have the option to come in during a designated time on Tuesdays (6-8:30 pm) or Friday (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 10 hours with the option of an additional 12 hours of open studio time during the class session.

All tools and materials, such as clay and glaze, along with kiln firing are included. No outside clay or glazes are permitted in the Pottery Studio. Space is limited due to wheel availability, so early registration is encouraged! 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.


an image of a teenager working at a pottery wheel
  • Wheel Throwing Fundamentals:
  • 4-Week Pottery Class
  • Instructor: Antonia Cantu
  • Dates : Fridays, August 7, 14, 21 & 28
  • Time: 5:00-7:30 pm
  • Ages: Adult/Teen (13+)
  • Skill Level: Beginner / Introductory
  • Maximum enrollment: 5
  • Fee: $80 members / $100 non-members
  • Location: 3-D Studio, Salmon River Fine Arts Center

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, students will learn 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 (6-8:30 pm) or Friday (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 10 hours with the option of an additional 12 hours of open studio time during the class session.

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.


an example of ceramic wind chimes two examples of ceramic wind chimes
  • 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: 2-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.


An example of grid based gelli plate collage
  • Grid-Based Gelli Plate Collage:
    Layering, Pattern & Metallic Details
  • Instructor: Beth Sotherden
  • Date: Saturday, August 22
  • Time: 10 am - 12 pm
  • Ages: Adult/Teen (13+)
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Maximum enrollment: 10
  • Location: 2-D Studio, Salmon River Fine Arts Center
  • Fee: $20 members / $25 non-members

Discover the creative possibilities of combining Gelli Plate printing with collage in this hands-on mixed media workshop. Students will create a collection of printed papers using Gelli Plate techniques and then transform those papers into structured grid-based compositions that explore pattern, color, texture, and balance. Throughout the workshop, participants will learn how to create visually engaging artwork by building compositions from layered printed papers while exploring how artists use repetition, contrast, and focal points to create dynamic designs.

Students will explore:

  • Creating unique printed papers using Gelli Plate techniques
  • Building structured grid-based compositions from printed materials
  • Selecting papers that create both unity and contrast in color, pattern, and texture
  • Exploring composition, repetition, and visual movement
  • Layering printed papers to create depth and complexity
  • Creating dimensional focal ornaments using hot glue techniques
  • Applying metallic paints and finishes to enhance details and create visual interest
  • Combining printmaking and collage techniques into one finished mixed media artwork

This class is perfect for beginners, mixed media artists, paper lovers, and anyone who enjoys experimentation and process-based artmaking. Students will leave with a collection of handmade printed papers, a finished mixed media collage, and new techniques for creating layered, visually rich artwork. Come ready to print, layer, experiment, and create something uniquely your own! 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 through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.


Free Weekly Drawing Class

drawing of a hand holding the earth
  • 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.


several drawings of rocks done by the free drawing class

Drawings of rocks by the Free Drawing Class June 11.