Upcoming classes and workshops
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.
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.
Paint & Sip!
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).
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.
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.
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
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
Collage Like Matisse
Explore collage through the lens of Henri Matisse’s iconic cut-outs with Kathy Velis Turan. This class invites adults to experiment with bold color, expressive shapes, and dynamic composition, transforming simple materials into sophisticated works of art.
Ages 18+
Material List:
Paper - painted paper, colored paper, construction paper
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!)
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
Toddler Time!
Join us for Toddler Time with Monika Zarzeczna for playful leaf and botanical printing!
Paint & Sip
Unwind and get creative in this fun, step-by-step Sunflower 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 fresh cider. Adults may enjoy a glass of wine, or cider included with admission.
All materials included!
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
2-3" rubber brayer (roller) (limited quantities will be available for use)
Participants are encouraged to bring specialty papers or magazines for collage as well.
This is the second half of a consecutive workshop. Registration is now closed.
Victorian Stroll Sign Workshops
Join us for a hands-on series creating festive outdoor signs for the Athens Victorian Stroll! Participants are welcome to design new signs, or refresh and update existing signage. All materials are provided — just bring your creativity, and community spirit!
Free and open to all!
Workshops take place on Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21 & 28
from 2-4:30pm.
Participants may come to one, or as many workshops as they like!
Relax, Rejuvenate, Revitalize: A Guided Energy Experience
Discover the restorative power of three healing energies—Guided Meditation, Healing Frequencies of the Monlina, and Reiki Energy—braided together in one unique session designed to relax the body, rejuvenate the spirit, and revitalize your whole being. This experience will be led by practitioners Carl Thomsen, Barbara Schofield Thomsen, and Laura Christman.
Chairs and limited yoga mats will be available.
Wear comfortable clothes and bring along any cushiony support you desire.
With gratitude to Carl Thomsen, Barbara Schofield Thomsen, and Laura Christman for generously leading this workshop as a fundraiser in support of ACC.
Wildlife Photography: Predators in Action
Join photographer Len Greer for a one-hour Hudson Valley wildlife overview, highlighting local predators including foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and raptors. Discover the region’s most captivating hunters and their role in the ecosystem.
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
This is a consecutive workshop, please plan to attend both class sessions.
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
2-3" rubber brayer (roller) (limited quantities will be available for use)
Participants are encouraged to bring specialty papers or magazines for collage as well.
Please note: register for the first workshop date. One ticket covers both workshops.
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.
Painting the Day
Celebrate the legacy of local plein-air artist Jim Cramer by ‘Painting the Day’ at Riverfront Park. Participants of all ages are invited to bring their favorite medium to create art inspired by nature and enjoy a live demonstration by artist James Coe. During the event, a children’s table with water-based paints and drawing supplies will be available at the pavilion, with refreshments served at noon.
In lieu of formal remarks, participants will be able to share fond memories of Jim, the tips he shared as an artist, or your love of plein air painting on our community memory board.
AN ALL AGES, FREE EVENT
Children’s art supplies will be available at the pavilion. Adult participants are encouraged to bring any medium of their choosing: watercolors, oil paints, pastel, needlework, drawing supplies— whatever your fancy! If you'd like a traditional list, please reference Jim Cramer's teaching artist material list here.
All ages welcome | $15 donation per adult is kindly suggested to support our programs
All donations made during the program will be given in Jim’s name
In conjunction with Painting the Day, the Athens Cultural Center will be open to the public, Oct. 5 from 1-7 pm to view Seasons of Greene Vl, a collection of landscape paintings by some of the area’s finest artists, including works by the late Jim Cramer.
Stone Carving at Riverfront Park
Sorry folks, this event has been cancelled.
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.
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
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!)