Upcoming classes and workshops

Intro to Acrylic Inks
In this hands-on workshop, artist Tracy Loring will guide you through techniques to help your creativity flow as you explore the unique qualities of this fluid medium. Acrylic inks are a vibrant and versatile medium that can be layered, blended, and combined with acrylic paint and watercolor for stunning effects.
Adults and teens, ages 15+

Toddler Time with Elly Wininger!
Join Elly Wininger for a joyful session of songs and movement designed especially for little ones and their grown-ups. Sing, dance, and play along in this fun, interactive musical hour!

Author Visit: Wendy Marech
After leaving her marriage, local author Wendy Marech moved to a dilapidated house in the Catskill Mountains. Built in 1893 and listed on the National Historic Register, the house was halfway to disaster. What it needed—like her—was some serious repair. Part memoir, part travelogue, part home repair guide, and part personal journey, her book is the story of the year and a half she spent living in the mountains and fixing up the house’s plumbing and electric, heat and insulation, windows, bathrooms, kitchen, floors, foundation—and, not coincidentally, herself. Join her as she talks about the ins and outs of her adventure.
Rebuilding is her love letter to the Catskills and a celebration of repair of all kinds.
Limited 2 for 1 admission deals!

Goddess Portrait Collage
Uncover an idealized divinity through analog collage in this hands-on workshop with Kathy Velis Turan. Participants will create symbolic portraits inspired by sacred archetypes, magical powers and ACC's current exhibition Goddess: Origins of Wonder. Explore identity, intuition, and imagination as you layer images, textures, text and meaning into a reflection of your inner self.
Adults 18+
Material List:
Paper - plain, colored or printed, tissue paper, flyers, brochures, magazines, old books, maps, fabrics, lace, dollies, anything that can be glued down! All different weights are good.
Substrate of your choice. White mat board will be available, at no additional cost.
Glue Sticks and/or acrylic medium, brushes, and container for water
Scissors, X Acto knives (with extra blades)
Self-healing cutting mats
Burnisher (credit cards work great!)

Honey Extraction Workshop with The Bees Knees
Join Jeff from The Bees Knees, a veteran-owned business based in Athens, NY, for a live honey extraction experience at ACC! Watch as fresh frames of honey are spun into liquid gold, ready for taste-testing and bottling. This one-hour workshop is perfect for curious minds of all ages!
Honey will be available for purchase.
Youth (17 & Under) Free!
Adults $15
Stone Carving at Riverfront Park
Experience the art of stone carving in this all-ages workshop led by sculptor Kevin VanHentenryck! Families are welcome to participate together, learning traditional hand and pneumatic tool carving techniques. This event is rain or shine!
The workshop runs from 10 AM to 5 PM, with three, two-hour sessions offered throughout the day:
10 AM–12 PM
1 PM–3 PM
3 PM–5 PM
Adults (18+) may register for any two-hour session(s) at $65 per slot.
Youth Admission is free with the purchase of a stone.
Each participant receives one stone with admission. Additional stones are available for $15 each.
Please note: All participants must bring their own safety gear, including eye and ear protection and a dust mask. Disposable gear is acceptable.

Toddler Time!
Join us for Toddler Time with Lydia Adams Davis as she performs a fall themed sign and sing family event!
Award-winning songwriter/musician Lydia Adams Davis brings her irreverent troupe of animal puppets to a performance of original nature songs and stories. Children get a chance to become puppeteers in this educational concert which includes plenty of improvisation, audience participation, and a bit of sign language.

gather & Sing
Gather & Sing is a brand new, seasonal, 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!
For a complete list of guidelines and information, please visit www.voicebodyconnection.com
Gather & Sing is held on Mondays from 6-8pm for eight sessions, on:
Monday October 6, 13, 20, November 3, 10, 17, December 1 & 8.
(no gathering October 27 and November 24)
*The final session on Monday December 8th is the Gather & Sing Social - family and friends are invited!
In addition to singing, each session will include a gentle vocal and physical warm-up, activities to build connection and community, and a spacious break.

The Collage Within
Collage with Marianne Van Lent using techniques such as scratching, engraving, drawing, printing, writing, gluing, waxing, tearing, mottling, burnishing, stenciling, patterning, and pressing to enhance your storytelling on paper.
Adults 18+
Workshops are held Thursdays, Oct. 9 & 16, from 9:30am -12pm
Material List:
3 glue sticks
Acrylic Gel Matte Medium or Matte Gel – 8 fluid ounces (available at The Little Art Shop - 444 Main St. Catskill)
4 or 5 chip brushes – 1 ¾” (hardware store) and some small, pointed brushes to create line.
1 large yogurt container for water
2 thin sharpies and 2-3 pencils
Scissors
Newspaper (Sunday Times worth or more!)
20 sheets of regular xerox paper 8 ½ x 11” for creating special effects
Participants are welcome to bring collage materials of their own.

Intro to Alcohol Inks
Join Adrianna Maselli-Theriault for an engaging abstract workshop featuring alcohol-based inks that are richly pigmented and dry rapidly. Renowned for their vibrant colors, these inks allow you to create stunning flowing effects on non-porous surfaces.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
The diverse range of tools, various surfaces, and countless techniques you can use are all part of the creative process.
You'll receive all the materials necessary to create three unique pieces of art, along with a charming five-inch easel to showcase your creations!
Ages 16+

Tea Bag Collage
Join Ruby Silvious in creating Tea Bag collages. Participants will learn how to compose collages on used tea bags, using found images, rubber stamps and watercolors. All materials included.
Ages 15+

Needle Felting, Painting with Wool
Join teaching artist Chantal Van-Wierts to learn the art of needle felting with wool. In this hands-on workshop, participants will “paint” with colorful wool fibers, using felting needles to layer and blend textures into vibrant, fabric-based artworks. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and curiosity!
Adults and teens, ages 13+

Drums in the Park
Join us at 4pm in Athens Riverfront Park on 8/16 for a free workshop with djembe master John Ward! Free and open to all, this is made possible by a partnership with Operation Unite New York.

Mask Making
Sorry folks, this class has been cancelled.
In this playful two-hour workshop, kids ages 5–13 will design and create their own imaginative masks inspired by powerful figures like superheroes, mythical beings, and magical creatures. Monika Zarzeczna will guide participants through the creative process using a variety of fun and accessible materials.
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Summer Rec!
Monika Zarzeczna returns with a morning full of exciting arts and craft projects - perfect for all ages!
Summer Rec is back! From July 7 to August 8, kids in 1st through 6th grade are invited to join us at E.J. Arthur Elementary School (51 3rd Street, Athens) for fun mornings filled with games, outdoor play, and arts and crafts. Organized and hosted by the Village of Athens, this free drop-in program runs Monday through Friday from 9 AM to noon—no registration needed! 6th–9th graders are welcome to join as Counselors in Training. The Coxsackie-Athens School District provides breakfast and lunch, and the Athens Cultural Center is proud to support with special programming!
For more information, email: Summerrec2024@gmail.com.

Toddler Time!
Join us for Toddler Time with Monika Zarzeczna! Little ones and their grown-ups are invited to enjoy an hour of hands-on fun as Monika guides a joyful session of crafting, cutting, and creating a dreamy summer field of flowers.

Summer Rec!
Join Monika Zarzeczna for a morning of arts and crafts - perfect for all ages!
Summer Rec is back! From July 7 to August 8, kids in 1st through 6th grade are invited to join us at E.J. Arthur Elementary School (51 3rd Street, Athens) for fun mornings filled with games, outdoor play, and arts and crafts. Organized and hosted by the Village of Athens, this free drop-in program runs Monday through Friday from 9 AM to noon—no registration needed! 6th–9th graders are welcome to join as Counselors in Training. The Coxsackie-Athens School District provides breakfast and lunch, and the Athens Cultural Center is proud to support with special programming!
For more information, email: Summerrec2024@gmail.com.

Summer Rec!
Join ACC for a morning of arts and crafts!
Summer Rec is back! From July 7 to August 8, kids in 1st through 6th grade are invited to join us at E.J. Arthur Elementary School (51 3rd Street, Athens) for fun mornings filled with games, outdoor play, and arts and crafts. Organized and hosted by the Village of Athens, this free drop-in program runs Monday through Friday from 9 AM to noon—no registration needed! 6th–9th graders are welcome to join as Counselors in Training. The Coxsackie-Athens School District provides breakfast and lunch, and the Athens Cultural Center is proud to support with special programming!
For more information, email: Summerrec2024@gmail.com.

Ginkgo Butterflies
Create exquisite butterflies with Ruby Silvious on ginkgo leaves using acrylic gouache. All materials included.
Adults and youth ages 12+ welcome!

Belly Dance with Donna Barrett
Learn some classic belly dance movements to traditional music. Follow the leader for warm-up, isolations and drills, then try out the movements in improvisational dance in your personal style. Wear soft, stretch clothing or belly dance clothes if you have them.
Donna Barrett teaches community belly dance classes at Columbia-Greene Community College. She has performed recently with the Hudson Festival Orchestra for Hudson in Concert, in the Hips of the Hudson show in Poughkeepsie, and at the Midtown Kingston Arts District benefit in Kingston.
Free! Suitable for ages 12+
This program is made possible by ACC’s community partners, Operation Unite New York.

Summer Rec!
Join Chantal Van-Wierts for a morning of arts, crafts, and shadow puppet play—perfect for all ages! Get creative, make something magical, and bring stories to life through light and shadow.
Summer Rec is back! From July 7 to August 8, kids in 1st through 6th grade are invited to join us at E.J. Arthur Elementary School (51 3rd Street, Athens) for fun mornings filled with games, outdoor play, and arts and crafts. Organized and hosted by the Village of Athens, this free drop-in program runs Monday through Friday from 9 AM to noon—no registration needed! 6th–9th graders are welcome to join as Counselors in Training. The Coxsackie-Athens School District provides breakfast and lunch, and the Athens Cultural Center is proud to support with special programming!
For more information, email: Summerrec2024@gmail.com.

Partner Painting in Mixed Media
Bring a partner and create wonderful memories along with a unique work of art. Join local artist, Tracy Loring, as she guides you through a process using various types of media to create a special painting that reflects both of you. You'll each start and finish your work but swap with your partner in between so both of you will contribute to each piece!
Materials included. Admission includes material fee.
All ages and pairs welcome!
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Insect Collage
Pop into ACC during the Athens Street Festival to join Chantal Van-Wierts for free collage fun, making life-like & magical make-believe critters.
All ages welcome!

Summer Rec!
Join singer-songwriters Elly Wininger and Lydia Adams Davis for two lively 45-minute sessions of songs, stories, and puppetry! Sing along, move, and laugh with this interactive musical performance — perfect for all ages!
Summer Rec is back! From July 7 to August 8, kids in 1st through 6th grade are invited to join us at E.J. Arthur Elementary School (51 3rd Street, Athens) for fun mornings filled with games, outdoor play, and arts and crafts. Organized and hosted by the Village of Athens, this free drop-in program runs Monday through Friday from 9 AM to noon—no registration needed! 6th–9th graders are welcome to join as Counselors in Training. The Coxsackie-Athens School District provides breakfast and lunch, and the Athens Cultural Center is proud to support with special programming!
For more information, email: Summerrec2024@gmail.com.

Tiny Collage Journals with Ruby Silvious
Learn how to craft your own unique collage journal from internationally renowned artist Ruby Silvious! Participants are welcome to bring their own images to collage or ephemera embellishments.
Materials provided
Adults (18+) $20 (includes $5 material fee)

Travel Sketching Workshop: Lighthouse & Coastal Views with Ottavia Huang
A travel sketchbook is a great way to capture the beauty of your adventures. It helps you slow down and truly take in the charm of the places you visit. In this workshop, Ottavia will guide you step-by-step to create a watercolor and pen sketch of a lighthouse and coastal landscape using a reference photo, starting from the basic design in pencil, drawing the ink outlines, to the final stage working with watercolors!
Youth 15-17: Free!
Adults 18+: $15
Materials not included, see supply list below.
Supply list:
- A watercolor sketchbook (I usually use a smaller travel sketchbook 5x7” or 6x8") 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

Athens Community Day!
Celebrate Athens Community Day with us at Riverfront Park, 10am-4pm, where we’ll offer free, hands-on arts and crafts activities for all ages. While you're in town, stop by the Athens Cultural Center to experience Material Girl—a vibrant exhibition that explores the expressive possibilities of paint as a physical material. At 5:00pm join us back at ACC for a Honey Extraction Workshop led by Jeff with The Bees Knees where you’ll be able to taste-test and take-home locally sourced honey!
Enjoy our activities at Riverfront Park and admission to see Material Girl at no cost!
Registration required for the Honey Extraction Workshop - Register soon!

Toddler Time @ Athens Community Farm!
Join us for Toddler Time at the Athens Community Farm! Little ones will explore how vegetables grow with help from the farm’s amazing volunteers, then enjoy hands-on fun with garden-themed crafts.
Athens Community Farm is located at
39 Third Street, Athens, New York 12015
(right behind the Athens Volunteer Fire Department)

iPhone Photography Workshop
iPhone Photography Workshop with Ira Rosen
Join us on May 17th from 11 AM to 12 PM for a hands-on iPhone photography workshop. Led by professional photographer Ira Rosen, this session will explore composition, technique, and how to get the most from your phone’s camera.
Accordion Book with Ruby Silvious
Participants will learn to create accordion books, exploring the unique structure 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.
Materials list: X-Acto knife and ruler
Youth 15+ Free!
Adults 18+ $15

Toddler Time!
Join Elly Wininger for a free family event packed with sing-alongs, dance, movement and fun for all ages!

Vanishing Flowers with Monika Zarzeczna
Inspired by the beauty of nature, participants will create small, mysterious paintings of wildflowers—both rare and common—in the style of British painter Melanie Miller. Using water-based media on circular wooden panels, each piece will become a delicate, precious tribute to the fleeting beauty of native flora.
AGES 15+
Youth Admission Free (15+)
Adult Admission (18+) $20 (includes $5 material fee)
*All materials included.

Gel Plate Mono-Printing with Celia Buchanan
Discover the art of one-of-a-kind monoprints with Materials Specialist Celia Buchanan. Using gel plates and acrylic paints, you'll explore a spontaneous and expressive process that blends printmaking, painting, and drawing into a single dynamic technique. Perfect for all skill levels, this hands-on workshop encourages creative experimentation and layered compositions.
Ages 15+
*All materials included
Participants are encouraged to bring non-precious items to experiment with such as: old jewelry, textured fabrics, fresh botanical elements or stencils.
Youth Admission (15+) Free
Adult Admission (18+) $20 (includes $5 material fee)

Writer's Workshop: Surprising Yourself
Using prompts ranging from the mundane to the completely nonsensical and bizarre, we will attempt to break through mental barriers to write from our intuition and imagination. There is no end result, but only the possible beginnings of a new poem, novel, play, etc. Come prepared to surprise yourself.
Welcome new instructor Seth McNeill!
Adults 18+ $15

Toddler Time!
Join Monika Zarzeczna and Sara Pruiksma for a free family event inspired by Margaret's Unicorn a book by Briony May Smith! Children will create a unicorn of their own to bring home!

Native Plant Garden Design with Kate Brittenham
Join Kate Brittenham of Front Stoop Gardens for a three-hour workshop on designing landscapes using ecological principles and native plant species. Learn how to create resilient, biodiverse, and low-maintenance landscapes that support local ecosystems.
Participants will explore native plant selection with the help of curated handouts and guidance on choosing species suited to specific site conditions. The workshop includes hands-on design exercises, such as sketching scaled landscape plans to map plant spacing, structure, and layering. Through interactive activities, you'll learn how to tailor your design to factors like sunlight, soil type, and water availability.
This one-hour lecture, followed by a two-hour hands-on workshop will equip you with the skills to create a beautiful, functional landscape that thrives naturally.
AGES 15+
Youth Admission (15+) FREE
Adult Admission (18+) $15
Participants may bring their own colored pencils, tracing paper, drawing pencils and erasers, or use materials provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to bring a drafting scale and circle templates (a limited number will be available for participant use).
Photo by Pacilli Photography

Creative Everyday with Visiting Artist Ira Marcks
Award-winning graphic novelist Ira Marcks will lead a day of workshops on Friday, April 4th, presenting the art of comics and cartooning at Coxsackie-Athens High School. Students across 9th-12th grades will participate in an in-depth presentation and drawing exercises gaining a strong foundation in visual storytelling.
Sponsored by the Athens Cultural Center with funds from the Milton and Sally Avery Foundation for the Arts, the Athens Community Foundation, the Greene County Youth Bureau, and ACC members.

Tasting Heritage Grapes with J. Stephen Casscles
Join local viticulturist and author J. Stephen Casscles, Esq. for an engaging talk on grape varieties bred in the 19th and 20th centuries in the Hudson Valley and the region’s rich history of grape growing and winemaking.
Stephen’s work in Athens, NY, involves cultivating and evaluating over 85 different grape varieties to determine which are the hardiest and can thrive with fewer pesticides and insecticides than most commercially grown varieties. As climate change brings warmer, wetter conditions and more extreme weather events—including floods, droughts, and unseasonable frosts—his research aims to identify sustainable, economically viable grape varieties for the future.
During the talk, we’ll sample and discuss wines made from these locally bred Heritage grape varieties. Afterward, Stephen will be available to sign copies of his book, Grapes of the Hudson Valley, which details over 200 grape varieties that can be grown sustainably in the region while producing high-quality wine.
Non-Member Admission (21+) $15
Member Admission (21+) $13.50

Because: A Dance for Gymnasiums
Led by Artistic Director Shannon Hummel, alongside dancers Nikki Assanti and Keon Washington, Cora Dance will lead two days of dynamic workshops presenting arts-based experiences blending hip-hop and modern dance at the Coxsackie-Athens Middle School gymnasium. Students across 5th-8th grades will explore movement through their personal interests and narratives, based on Cora Dance’s new performance Because.
Programming will take place during regularly scheduled gym classes and is not open to the general public.
Photo by Dylan Huie