Upcoming classes and workshops
Memoir & Creative Nonfiction Writing
Everyone has stories worth telling. Join Author Wendy Marech in exploring the art of memoir and creative nonfiction, and learn how to transform real-life experiences into compelling narratives. Through discussion, writing prompts, and guided exercises, students will discover how to choose meaningful topics, develop depth and insight, and find the unique voice that brings their stories to life.
Together, we'll examine questions of truth, memory, and perspective while learning techniques for shaping real events into engaging stories. Topics include deciding whether a story is best suited for an essay or a longer work, building character from real people, organizing and framing narrative arcs, and creating work that resonates with readers. Writers of all experience levels are welcome.
Everyday Sketching: Gestures & Movements
In this relaxed, hands-on workshop, participants will explore the art of capturing people through quick watercolor and ink sketches with Ottavia Huang. We’ll practice observing gestures, posture, and movement to bring everyday moments to life on paper. Perfect for beginners and experienced sketchers alike, this session encourages loose, expressive drawing and the joy of sketching people in the moment.
Supply list:
- A watercolor sketchbook (I usually use a smaller travel sketchbook 5”x7” or 6"x8") or watercolor papers (Bockingford, Strathmore 400 series, or any brand that you are comfortable with). Note: find ones with at least 300gsm/140lb to prevent paper from buckling
- A pencil
- An eraser
- A waterproof pen (I usually use Unipin fineliner 0.1 black). Micron 03 will work too.
- Watercolor brushes (small 2-6 or medium 8-12, or any size(s) that you usually work with). I love using water brushes (size M and L)
- A palette for color mixing
- Watercolor set - you can use either the 12-color tube set or half-pan set- (I usually use a Cotman half-pan set)
- A container (for the water), a rag/piece of cloth, paper towels
Drum Circle
Join us on fourth Thursdays for an exploration of the power of drumming to move, connect, and transform. More than simply hearing or playing rhythms, participating in a drum circle is a shared vibrational experience that can be energizing, grounding, healing, and fun.
No experience is necessary, and all are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring a hand drum, such as a frame drum, bongo, or similar percussion instrument.
A limited number of drums will be available upon request; please contact charlesmichener@msn.com (or text 917-370-1591) in advance to reserve one.
Sliding scale admission at the door: $5–$15.
Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome!
Community Studio
Join us for Open Studio sessions! Bring your supplies and a project to work on. Pull up a chair and share a table as you create alongside fellow artists. Water-based media, fiber arts, writing, collage, and more are welcome!
Sliding scale admission at the door: $5–$15
Open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
*Please note: oil paints and spray materials are not permitted in the building.
Practical writing for non-writers
Do you ever wish you could write better? Write more easily? Write at all?
This is for anyone who has struggled to write a text, a dating app profile, a business plan, a palm card, an application essay, an artist statement, a real estate ad, or a credible explanation about why the cookie jar is empty.
Participants will explore the fundamental building blocks of effective writing, beginning with premise and purpose—understanding what you are trying to communicate and why. The class will cover how to get started, write about yourself with confidence, and develop prose that clearly conveys meaning without unnecessary explanation. Through discussions of structure and theme, students will learn how to organize their writing with intention, stay focused on their message, and get to the heart of what matters.
Additional topics include selecting meaningful details, developing an authentic voice, and strengthening language skills through concise writing, precise word choice, and effective use of reference tools. Whether writing about yourself, your work, or your ideas, these practical techniques can be applied to a wide range of everyday writing situations.
Family Studio Hour: Songs with Lydia Adams Davis
Join award-winning songwriter and musician Lydia Adams Davis for One Earth So Green and Round, a lively performance of original nature songs and stories featuring her delightful troupe of animal puppets, and a special performance of Yankee-Doodle-Dandy!
Children get a chance to become puppeteers in this educational concert which includes plenty of improvisation, audience participation, and a bit of sign language.
Charcoal Portraits on the Gel Plate
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Create beautiful, expressive portraits with no drawing skills required! Join local mixed-media artist and instructor, Tracy Loring, as she walks you through a process that combines charcoal, pastel, and acrylic paint with a gel plate to create one-of-a-kind portraits. You'll learn the basics of printmaking including layering, registration, and the role of paint opacity/ transparency in your final creation.
Please bring a paper 5" x 7" black and white printout or photocopy of the subject you would like to paint (a person or animal!).
All supplies included!
Adults and teens 13+
Family Studio Hour: watercolor spirit animal
Join Tracy Loring in this imaginative watercolor workshop, children will explore the idea of a “spirit animal” by choosing an animal they love or feel connected to—such as a wolf, owl, fox, bunny, bear, butterfly, or tiger. Using simple watercolor techniques, kids will create colorful, expressive paintings while learning about shapes, textures, and color blending.
Recommended Ages 7 & under.
Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome!
(Please note: If there are no registrations 24 hours before a session, it will be cancelled.)
Parents & Guardians, please bring food and drink for your child(ren) as necessary.
The Know-how Workshop
The Know-How Workshop is your introduction to the practical skills needed to repair and maintain your home. This introductory session offers a hands-on, approachable way to build confidence with tools and tackle everyday fixes—no prior experience required.
Led by Carl Thomsen, a lifelong carpenter and educator, the workshop will cover:
Essential safety practices for protecting your eyes, ears, lungs, and hands
Essential tools to keep on hand
What, when, & how to use power tools
How to recognize when it’s time to call a professional
Open Q&A for your own home repair questions
Some tools will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own toolbox if they have one.
Come ready to learn, ask questions, and leave with the know-how to take on projects at home with greater confidence.
Introduction to Plein Air Painting
Enjoy a relaxing morning of watercolor painting outdoors with Wendy Doney at the beautiful Athens Riverfront Park. In this beginner-friendly plein air class, participants will learn basic watercolor techniques and explore painting from observation in a welcoming, creative environment. Whether you’re new to painting or looking to reconnect with your creativity, you’ll leave with new skills and a finished work of art inspired by the Hudson River landscape.
Participants are welcome to bring a favorite reference photo to paint from, though the mountains and river views surrounding us will serve as our primary inspiration.
Please bring a chair, water bottle and dress comfortably for the outdoors!
This event is rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather, the class will be cancelled and tickets refunded.
All painting materials will be provided.
Ages 9–99
Writing Children's Books
Explore the craft of writing for young readers in this engaging workshop on children’s picture and chapter books with Wendy Marech. Through discussion and hands-on prompts, participants will consider what makes a story resonate, compare formats, and develop language that is clear, and engaging. Participants will also learn about the visual side of storytelling—how images and color shape meaning—and have opportunities to share their work. Open to all experience levels, this workshop offers a supportive space to begin or deepen your work in writing for children.
This event is funded in part by Poets & Writers with public 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.
Open Studio
Join us for Open Studio sessions! Bring your supplies and a project to work on. Pull up a chair and share a table as you create alongside fellow artists. Water-based media, fiber arts, writing, collage, and more are welcome!
Sliding scale admission at the door: $5–$15
Open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
*Please note: oil paints and spray materials are not permitted in the building.
Mixed Media Self-Portraits
Join us Friday morning for painterly fun with Monika Zarzeczna. Participants will create one-of-a-kind imaginative self-portraits in mixed media with cardboard, markers, paint, and collage. All materials included.
Ages 5-12
Pre-Registration strongly encouraged. Limited spots available.
Parent/guardian volunteer opportunities available with student participation.
Mixed Media Mark Making
Sorry folks, this class has been canceled.
Join Tracy Loring, for a mixed media exploration of mark making. In this action packed workshop you'll learn about expressive mark making, what marks are meaningful to you, and how to layer various media to create your unique expression. You'll explore watercolor, oil pastel, wax pencil, and more. All supplies included.
Adults and teens 13+
Intro to Painting in Acrylics
Sorry folks, this class has been canceled.
Join Adrianna Maselli-Theriault in this beginner acrylic class designed for individuals who are new to painting with acrylics or want to refresh their skills! Participants will learn the basics of color mixing, brush techniques, and how to create vibrant works of art on canvas. No prior experience is required, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
Adults and teens 15+
All supplies and materials provided.
Needle Felting: Birds
Sorry folks, this class has been canceled.
Learn the art of needle felting with Chantal Van-Wierts. Participants will create two-dimensional felted pieces while exploring techniques suited to both beginners and experienced needle felting artists. All materials and supplies will be provided.
Adults & teens 15+
Family Studio Hour: What Lives in A Garden
Join Monika Zarzeczna for an hour of family studio time! Learn about what lives in a garden, and paint your own watercolor masterpiece.
Recommended Ages 7 & under.
Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome!
(Please note: If there are no registrations 24 hours before a session, it will be cancelled.)
Parents & Guardians, please bring food and drink for your child(ren) as necessary.
In-school Hamlet Performance
Coxsackie-Athens, grades 8-12, Catskill Mountain Shakespeare is coming to you!
A bold new take on Shakespeare’s classic, this high-energy production of Hamlet is set in the rebellious spirit of the 1980s exploring themes of authority, identity, and resistance through a fresh, accessible lens. Fast-paced and engaging, this 90-minute performance brings Shakespeare to life in a way that feels immediate, relevant, and alive.
Performed by Catskill Mountain Shakespeare
Sponsored by Athens Cultural Center
Please note this performance is during school hours and is not open to the public.
Open Studio
Join us for Open Studio sessions! Bring your supplies and a project to work on. Pull up a chair and share a table as you create alongside fellow artists. Water-based media, fiber arts, writing, collage, and more are welcome!
Sliding scale admission at the door: $5–$15
Open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
*Please note: oil paints and spray materials are not permitted in the building.
paper quilts
Join Chantal and the Athens Rivertown Senior Apartment residents for FREE senior art classes in the community room. This April, enjoy making a one-of-a-kind paper quilt square from mosaic-like paper tiles.
The Athens Rivertown Senior Apartments are located at:
19 Third Street, Athens, NY 12015
Space is limited for public attendance. To participate, kindly RSVP (one week in advance) by emailing instructor Chantal Van-Wierts at: chantevw55@gmail.com. Please include your name, which class you’d like to attend, as well as any accessibility needs.
Bluegrass Slow Jam
Join us for an easy-tempo jam session aimed at beginning and intermediate players, but with plenty of room for relaxed experts. The group leader, mandolist Peter Paden of the Wickers Creek Band, will distribute basic chord charts for well-known tunes and songs before the session, and guide all players, no matter their instrument.
Acoustic and stringed instruments only, please
Family Studio Hour: The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Gather for a playful, story-centered art experience inspired by The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Teaching artist Tracy Loring will read this beloved children’s book and guide families in creating their own tiger faces using simple art materials.
Designed for children and their caregivers to enjoy together, this session encourages creativity, connection, and a love of storytelling. All materials are provided.
Recommended 7 & under
Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome!
(Please note: If there are no registrations 24 hours before a session, it will be cancelled. A cancellation notice will appear on the main ‘classes’ page listing.)
Parents & Guardians, please bring food and drink for your child(ren) as necessary.
Communication with Young Children: Building a Positive Relationship and Connection
Join Mike Pagnani, Parenting Educator of Cornell Cooperative Extension of CGC, for an educational workshop offered to all caregivers of youth aged 2-7. The workshop focuses on learning effective, evidence-based communication strategies that encourage healthy social and emotional development, resiliency, motivation, and age-appropriate conflict resolution. Our shared goal is for families is to foster an environment of trust, safety, and mutual respect through positive communication.
FREE Event with an open-ended activity to be provided for young children.
Registration encouraged, walk-ins welcome!
Qigong
Join Carl Thomsen and Barbara Schofield Thomsen for Saturday morning Qigong. Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that uses gentle movement, breath, and mindful focus to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Qigong is especially beneficial for mature adults or those with limited mobility, and can be practiced seated or standing to improve balance and coordination. Each class concludes with an optional 15-minute meditation to deepen relaxation, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
No registration required.
Cost is a sliding scale, 5 to 15 dollars, paid in person.
Charcoal Portraits on the Gel Plate
Create beautiful, expressive portraits with no drawing skills required! Join local mixed-media artist and instructor, Tracy Loring, as she walks you through a process that combines charcoal, pastel, and acrylic paint with a gel plate to create one-of-a-kind portraits. You'll learn the basics of printmaking including layering, registration, and the role of paint opacity/ transparency in your final creation.
Adults and teens ages 13+
**Participants must bring a paper 5" x 7" black and white printout or photocopy of the subject you would like to paint.
All supplies included.
Gather & Sing Pop-Up
Join us for a one-day Gather & Sing Pop-Up event! Gather & Sing is a non-auditioned, multi-generational community singing collective led by Elissa Maas Weinzimmer. Singing together boosts our mood, lowers stress levels, and creates strong social bonds. Come build community resilience by gathering to sing.
All ages and vocal abilities welcome!
In addition to singing, we will include a gentle vocal and physical warm-up, and activities to build connection and community.
Planning Your Pocket Native Plant Garden
In this fundamentals workshop, Kate Brittenham of Front Stoop Gardens will guide you in creating your own little pocket garden of native plant species. We'll explore the wonderful world of native plants, learning about plant selection, basic design principles on a small scale, and what you can expect from a native plant garden as it grows and matures.
We will focus on modular, small scale designs that you can easily implement. You will walk away from the class with lists of easy to find plants curated to your site conditions, and an understanding of how to incorporate them into your space with a hands-on group activity.
Paint & Sip!
Sorry folks, this class has been cancelled.
Unwind and get creative in this fun, step-by-step painting class for adults and kids ages 9+. Adrianna Maselli-Theriault’s friendly and approachable teaching style makes it easy for beginners and experienced painters alike to relax, enjoy the process, and socialize.
Participants under 21 will be served seltzer or juices. Adults may enjoy a glass of wine, or other drink included with admission.
All materials included
Painting inspired by earthenware made by Athens Pottery Works (c. 1800s).
First Sundays: Family Studio Hour
Join Sara Pruiksma for a hands-on Family Studio Hour inspired by our feathered friends! Together, we’ll explore the fascinating world of birds. Enjoy a bird-themed story, learn about common backyard species, their calls, and create take-home bird suet.
This all-ages workshop encourages creativity, curiosity, and connection to the natural world.
All materials will be provided. **Limited tools available—please bring a large plastic mixing bowl, rubber scraping spoon, and a one-cup measuring cup if you can.**
Recommended Ages 7 & under.
Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome!
(Please note: If there are no registrations 24 hours before a session, it will be cancelled.)
Parents & Guardians, please bring food and drink for your child(ren) as necessary.
Qigong
Join Carl Thomsen and Barbara Schofield Thomsen for Saturday morning Qigong. Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that uses gentle movement, breath, and mindful focus to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Qigong is especially beneficial for mature adults or those with limited mobility, and can be practiced seated or standing to improve balance and coordination. Each class concludes with an optional 15-minute meditation to deepen relaxation, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
No registration required.
Cost is a sliding scale, 5 to 15 dollars, paid in person.
Collage Accordion Book
Learn to create accordion books with Ruby Silvious. Explore the unique structure of an accordion book and its creative possibilities for storytelling, collage, and other artistic expressions. Suitable for all skill levels. Cardstock and assorted printed papers, glue and scissors will be supplied.
Participants must bring:
Ruler
X-ACTO knife
Specialty papers
Qigong
Join Carl Thomsen and Barbara Schofield Thomsen for Saturday morning Qigong. Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that uses gentle movement, breath, and mindful focus to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Qigong is especially beneficial for mature adults or those with limited mobility, and can be practiced seated or standing to improve balance and coordination. Each class concludes with an optional 15-minute meditation to deepen relaxation, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
No registration required.
Cost is a sliding scale, 5 to 15 dollars, paid in person.
Messy Flowers
Learn to paint loose, expressive florals in acrylic with Tracy Loring. You'll learn how to mix vibrant colors and create harmony, use brushwork to create unique textures, and how to layer acrylics for depth.
All supplies included!
Adults and teens (13+)
Qigong
Join Carl Thomsen and Barbara Schofield Thomsen for Saturday morning Qigong. Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that uses gentle movement, breath, and mindful focus to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Qigong is especially beneficial for mature adults or those with limited mobility, and can be practiced seated or standing to improve balance and coordination. Each class concludes with an optional 15-minute meditation to deepen relaxation, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
No registration required.
Cost is a sliding scale, 5 to 15 dollars, paid in person.
Craft & Arts with Chantal
Join Chantal and the Athens Rivertown Senior Apartment residents for FREE senior art classes, held in the community room.
To participate, kindly RSVP (one week in advance) by emailing instructor Chantal Van-Wierts at: chantevw55@gmail.com. Please include your name, which class you’d like to attend, as well as any accessibility needs.
Bluegrass Slow Jam
Join us for an easy-tempo jam session aimed at beginning and intermediate players, but with plenty of room for relaxed experts. The group leader, mandolist Peter Paden of the Wickers Creek Band, will distribute basic chord charts for well-known tunes and songs before the session, and guide all players, no matter their instrument.
Acoustic and stringed instruments only, please