Enriching Lives Through Art: Adult/Teen Classes

We are offering art classes for all age groups at the arts center, which are made possible through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant generously funded by the John Ben Snow Foundation. Our Thursday night free drawing class is offered online. All classes are listed below.

You can also check out our month-by-month calendar to help you plan your Fine Arts Center activities.

Classes

stained glass tree in fall colors of red, orange and yellow
  • Please note: This is a three-session workshop

  • Workshop: Stained Glass-on-Glass
    Mosaic Tree Scape
  • Instructor: Diane Melnik
  • Dates & Times (2 Sundays / 1 Saturday):
  • Sunday, April 7, 1:00 - 4:30 pm (3-½ hour class)
  • Sunday, April 14, 1:00 - 4:30 pm (3-½ hour class)
  • Saturday, April 20, 10:30 am - noon (1-½ hour class)
  • Ages: Adults (14 y/o and up)
  • Maximum enrollment: 8
  • Fee:  $60.00 (25% off for members $45.00) *

Who doesn’t admire tree leaves glistening in the sun, with light dancing through them, illuminating their many colors and hues? Diane has been able to capture some of this beautiful light, dancing on the trees, using a stained glass-on-glass technique, and she is going to share it with you.

In this workshop, Diane will teach the art and technique of creating a unique, original design using glass-on-glass. You will be able to create your own mosaic tree, using colors of your choice to illustrate a tree in any season, without using lead or soldering. The transparent effect of this artwork creates an exquisite collage of beautiful colors, and it can be displayed with or without light behind it. By the end of the 3-day workshop, you will have a completed, framed 8” x 10” glass-on-glass mosaic tree. All materials are supplied. Sign up early, as class seats are limited.

This is an in-person class, and masks are optional. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. This discounted class is made possible through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant generously funded by the John Ben Snow Foundation.

* 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.

Diane Melnik, a local artist, has been creating stained glass art for 20 years and is well known locally for her inspiring glass-on-glass creations. She is currently a board member for the Salmon River Fine Arts Center.


leather work panel showing two colorful owls leather work panel showing two colorful owls
  • Please note: This is a five-day workshop

  • Leather Tooling 101: “Stylized Owl”
  • 5–Day Workshop
  • Instructor: Anna Blachman
  • Dates & Times:
  • Sunday, April 21, 6 - 8:30 pm
  • Monday, April 22, 6 - 8:30 pm
  • Tuesday, April 23, 6 - 8:30 pm
  • Wednesday, April 24, 6 - 8:30 pm
  • Thursday, April 25, 6 - 8:00 pm
  • Ages: Adults (12 y/o or older)
  • Maximum enrollment: 6
  • Fee:  $85.00 (25% off for members $63.75) *

Have you ever admired a wonderfully crafted work of art done on leather? This class was created to kick-start your passion for working with leather with our own expertly trained leather instructor, Anna Blachman. She is a wonderful source of knowledge who will take the guesswork out of working with leather and inspire you with the all the possibilities of making leather into works of art.

This class is an introduction to leather tooling/carving and is perfect for anyone desiring to learn to use the "7 basic tools” used in leather tooling: swivel knife, pear shaders, bevelers, veiners, cams, stops, seeders, mulesfeet and backgrounders.  This class will provide the foundational skills that you can take on to your next tooling projects, whether in a class setting or on your own.  For those already familiar with leather tooling, this class will be a great opportunity to take your tooling skills to the next level.  As the week progresses, new tools will be introduced, giving you the opportunity to practice using the tools on scrap leather before tackling the final project.  You will have a choice to create a Traveler's Notebook (6”x 8" folded) or a picture that can be hung on a wall. All materials will be supplied.

Leather tooling is not fast paced. This class will give you plenty of time to strive for control, accuracy and clean tooling. Please bring your reading glasses, if you use them.

Please note: leather tooling requires repetitive hand motions and a bit of hand/wrist strength. If you have arthritis or other hand/wrist conditions, this class can exacerbate those conditions.

This is an in-person class and masks are optional. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. This discounted class is made possible through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant generously funded by the John Ben Snow Foundation. 

*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.

Anna Blachman. Anna began working with leather in the 1970s, starting with a high school craft class, before apprenticing with a San Diego saddle maker and later buying his business.  After taking almost 30 years off (school, real job, etc.) she unpacked her shop, dusted off her skills and began doing custom leather work again.  These days, leather work is primarily a hobby. Anna collects reference photos, books and videos by other leatherworkers, occasionally drawing new patterns and tooling new pieces, and sometimes practicing braiding and knot work.  She teaches leather tooling, stamping and construction classes at various locations around the area, including Oswego High School, Tandy Leather (Syracuse), and the Salmon River Fine Arts Center.



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
  • Class Limit: 20

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 anyone in our local community with a desire to draw — any age, any level. To attend, simply email us at sr.fine.arts.ctr@gmail.com to get your name on the list. After you register for this free class you will be emailed a link with instructions. Be sure to sign up early because the class limit is 20.

This class is made possible by generous donations from Drs. Patricia and Jay Chapman as well as many of our members and participants.