Upcoming classes and workshops
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.
Needle Felting: Birds
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+
Intro to Painting in Acrylics
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.
Mixed Media Mark Making
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+
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
First Sundays: Family Studio Hour
Join Monika Zarzeczna for an hour of family studio time! Create and paint mixed-media wooden sculptures while building balance, fine-motor skills, and counting—all through playful, hands-on exploration.
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.
Soft Pause
Thank you for supporting arts education throughout 2025 at the Athens Cultural Center! Your participation, contributions, and support make our programs possible and strengthen our mission to bring meaningful, accessible arts experiences to people of all ages throughout the community.
Before you go… Our regularly scheduled programs, such as Qigong, Bluegrass Slow Jam, and Toddler Time programs will continue throughout the holiday season and into the New Year.
Please join us!
We look forward to sharing 2026 with you and welcome your ideas for classes and programs you’d like to see in the year ahead. Please share your ideas and recommendations with Sara via email at associatedirector@athensculturalcenter.org, or by completing this online survey. Thank you!
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.
Toddler Time!
Join us for a joyful, festive 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!
Free for all ages!
Holiday Cottages
Join us for family fun making holiday cottages!
All materials provided during this free, all age program.
Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Cottages will be displayed during the Victorian Stroll, Saturday, December 13, 1-5PM.
Victorian Stroll Window Painting
Sorry folks, due to the weather today’s painting session has been postponed.
Tuesdays, November 4, 11, 18, and December 2, 2025
10am-12:30pm
Join us in making the Athens Cultural Center windows shine for the holidays! Design and paint Victorian-inspired botanical borders and ornaments to bring warmth and cheer to the Village.
Come to one session, or as many as you like!
FREE FOR ALL!
All painting materials provided.
Additional small step stools are helpful.
Registration encouraged, not required.
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.
Please register by Friday October 3rd
Victorian Stroll Window Painting
Tuesdays, November 4, 11, 18, and December 2, 2025
10am-12:30pm
Join us in making the Athens Cultural Center windows shine for the holidays! Design and paint Victorian-inspired botanical borders and ornaments to bring warmth and cheer to the Village.
Come to one session, or as many as you like!
FREE FOR ALL!
All painting materials provided.
Additional small step stools are helpful.
Registration encouraged, not required.
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.
Please register by Friday October 3rd