The Robert S. Shineman Foundation

YAE After-School Spring Art Club 2026

Young Artist Experience or YAE program (pronounced “yay”) are mindfulness-based art classes that help relieve stress and nurture the creative spirit! All classes are held at the Salmon River Fine Arts Center. These discounted classes are made possible through the generous funding of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation.

Elementary ART Program (ages 5-10) 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Middle/High School ART Program (ages 10-16) 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Option for bus drop off after school directly at the art center (with permission slip)
Class Limit: 8 (first come; first served)

SIGN UP in person at the art center during gallery hours or register online:
https://salmonriverfineartscenter.square.site/classes

Cost: Pay what you can: $5 - $40 (covers one month session, all materials and a snack)
Free scholarships available –please email your request!


YAE After School Spring Series

banner announncing the Young Artist Experience classes for March 2026

a diorama that is representative of what the students will make for this class

Build a tiny world with a big imagination!

Step into a world of mini-making in this exciting 4-day Diorama Workshop! Elementary students will work with instructor Jessica Wiggins, and MS/HS students will create with instructor Karen Allen as they design and build their very own shadow box dioramas. Using a mix of found materials, textured surfaces, and Sculpey clay, students will sculpt characters, build environments, and bring a story or scene to life inside a three-dimensional frame. This hands-on class encourages imagination, creativity, and problem-solving as students transform everyday materials into detailed miniature worlds they can proudly take home and display.

Instructors: Jessica Wiggins (Elementary) and Karen Allen (Middle/HS)

banner announncing the Young Artist Experience classes for April 2026

a painting of a bunny sitting in clover and wearing flowers on her head

Spring into creativity with colorful animal-inspired art!

Celebrate new beginnings through art in this inspiring 4-day Painting & Drawing Workshop with instructor Brooke Snyder! Designed for both Elementary and MS/HS students, this class invites young artists to explore themes of animals, transformation, and rebirth through creative drawing and painting projects. Over four days, students will experiment with a variety of materials and techniques while creating artwork inspired by creatures that symbolize change—such as butterflies, birds, frogs, and woodland animals. With step-by-step guidance and plenty of room for personal style, students will leave with completed artwork that reflects growth, imagination, and the beauty of nature.

Instructor: Brooke Snyder

banner announncing the Young Artist Experience classes for May 2026

a painting of a flower against a bright gold background

Paint the petals, sketch the blooms, and celebrate spring!

Bloom into creativity this May in our Plants & Flowers Art Workshop with instructor Brooke Snyder! Designed for both Elementary and MS/HS students, this class will explore the beauty of nature through painting, chalk pastels, and drawing. Students will create vibrant floral artwork inspired by spring gardens, wildflowers, leaves, and botanical details while learning techniques for shading, blending, layering, and color mixing. With guided instruction and plenty of room for creative choice, artists will leave with cheerful, nature-inspired pieces that capture the fresh energy of the season.

Instructor: Brooke Snyder