The Robert S. Shineman Foundation

YAE After-School Fall Art Club 2025

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

Option for bus drop off after school directly at the art center (with permission slip)
Class Limit: 6-8 (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 Fall Series

November Session: Native American Art Adventure

Examples of native american art that students will create in the art class
  • ELEMENTARY (Ages 5-10)
  • Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19  |  Dec 3  |   3:30-5:30

  • MIDDLE - HIGH SCHOOL (Ages 10-16)
  • Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20  |  Dec 4

Celebrate creativity through the traditions of Native American–inspired art!

In this special November session, students will explore projects rooted in Native American culture and history. Together, we’ll craft corn husk dolls, squash birdhouses, and other art projects that reflect the resourcefulness and creativity of Indigenous traditions. Students will learn how natural materials have been used for generations to create both functional and decorative works of art, while also exploring the values of respect, storytelling, and connection to the land.

Come create, learn, and celebrate in Native American Art Adventures!

Instructor: Linda Knowles

banner announncing the Young Artist Experience classes for December 2025

a photo of a piece of pottery that will contain a candle; when lit, the candle light will shine through the stars and circles punched into the pot

Light Up the Season with Your Own Handmade Magic!

In this 4-session Youth Art Club, students will create festive ceramic holiday luminaries and ornaments from start to finish. Young artists will learn basic clay hand-building, shaping, carving, and surface design techniques as they build and personalize multiple ornaments and 1–2 small luminaries. During the final sessions, students will glaze their work to perfection, preparing their pieces to be professionally kiln-fired for a glossy holiday finish. This is a fun, creative way to get into the spirit of the season while learning real ceramic skills. Students will leave with handmade holiday decor they can proudly display or gift!

Instructors: Ann Buchau (elementary) and Joan Mullen (middle - high school)


banner announncing the Young Artist Experience classes for January 2026

a photo of the Corning Museum of Glass a photo of two pieces of glass

From Fire to Form — Experience Glass in Motion!

Join us on Saturday, January 10th for a full-day field trip to the Corning Museum of Glass! We will depart at 8:00 AM and return at approximately 6:30 PM. During our visit, students will participate in a hands-on glass blowing workshop taught by professional instructors at the museum, enjoy a guided tour through the world-renowned exhibits, and also have time to explore the galleries individually. Students may bring a packed lunch or purchase lunch at the museum café.

In addition, during our final week of this session, students will continue their glass education back at the Art Center with a glass slumping experience taught by glass artist Heather Hennegan. This will allow students to expand their understanding of hot glass and cold glass work — from blowing to shaping — creating a truly full-circle glass art experience.

Instructor: Heather Hennigan


banner announncing the Young Artist Experience classes for February 2025

a large art installation of colored glass

Chihuly Inspired — Community Admired.

In February, we will continue our glass art journey by creating a collaborative Dale Chihuly–inspired recycled “glass” installation that will be temporarily installed in a public space for the community to enjoy. Dale Chihuly is known worldwide for his large-scale, vibrant glass sculptures and colorful suspended installations that transform spaces and celebrate movement, light, and teamwork in the making of art. In this 4-session experience, students will work together to design, build, and assemble a large community art piece using recycled materials to mimic the look and energy of blown glass. This project emphasizes collaboration, creative problem-solving, and the power of public art — giving students the chance to not only create something beautiful, but also to share it with the community in a meaningful, impactful way.

Instructors: Joan Mullen and Brooke Morse