Upcoming classes and workshops
Qigong
Join Carl Thomsen and Barbara Schofield Thomsen for Saturday morning Qigong, 10-11:15am. 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.
Classes will be held on October 10, 17, 24, and 31.
No class October 3
No registration required.
Cost is a sliding scale, 5 to 15 dollars, paid in person.
Song Collaborative
Join us for an hour of easy-to-learn songs, musical sharing, and community! Sing along with familiar tunes, teach us a song you’d like to share, and enjoy making music together in a judgement free zone.
Donations are requested, with all proceeds benefiting the Athens Cultural Center.
Adults and teens welcome. Teens 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Drum Circle
Join us 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!
**Typically on 4th Thursdays, please note the date change for October**
Blind Contour Portraits
Join artist Tracy Loring for a playful exploration of portraiture through blind contour drawing and watercolor. Working first in pencil, participants will create a portrait without looking down at the page, then build on their drawing with watercolor to bring it to life.
Come with a partner and draw and paint each other, or work from an 8 × 10-inch photograph or an 8.5 × 11-inch printed copy if you prefer to come solo. No drawing experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to see—and draw—a little differently!
Portrait Photography with Bruce Byers
Join photographer Bruce Byers for a hands-on photography workshop exploring the art of seeing, connecting, and capturing the person in front of your lens.
Whether using a DSLR, point-and-shoot, or smartphone, participants will photograph one another in ACC’s unfinished upstairs spaces, learning to capture candid moments, authentic expression, light, composition, and perspective. Drawing from more than 40 years of experience, Bruce will share his approach to slowing down, looking closely, and telling a story through a single portrait.
No previous experience necessary—just bring a camera or phone and a willingness to experiment.
Please note: Participants must be able to climb a flight of stairs comfortably.
Adults 18+
Family Studio Hour: The Very HUNGRY CATERPILLAR
Join new ACC instructor Erin Koch for an hour of family studio time inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar! This hands-on workshop invites families to experiment, imagine, and make art together.
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.
Painting the Day, A Community Plein Air Event
Join us for the second annual Painting the Day Community Celebration at Athens Riverfront Park! Inspired by the rich history of the Hudson River School of Art, and in memory of beloved local artist Jim Cramer, this community gathering invites participants of all ages to “paint the day” creating art inspired by nature and the historic charm of the Village of Athens.
Enjoy a live demonstration, a children’s area with water-based paints, drawing supplies, and refreshments served at noon.
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL!
10:00am Welcome at the Pavilion
10:15–10:45am Plein air demonstration
12:00pm Refreshments at the Pavilion
1:30–2:00pm Plein Air Appreciation Walk
Artists are welcome to arrive early to choose their painting location.
In conjunction with Painting the Day, the Athens Cultural Center will be open, Oct. 3 from 1-7 pm to view Seasons of Greene VII, a collection of landscape paintings by some of the area’s finest landscape artists. Seasons of Greene VlI is on view from August 21- October 11, 2026. Learn more about the exhibition here.
Primary Rhythms with Juma Sultan
Primary Rhythms: A Hands-On Journey Through World Music & Culture.
Primary Rhythms invites students to discover the universal language of rhythm through the music and cultural traditions of communities around the world. Through live demonstrations, guided instruction, and hands-on drumming, students explore how percussion has been used for storytelling, celebration, communication, and connection across cultures and generations.
During each 40-minute session, EJA Elementary students are introduced to percussion traditions from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Indigenous cultures of the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. Every student has the opportunity to play authentic instruments while developing rhythm, listening, coordination, creativity, and teamwork—all with no prior musical experience required.
Combining music, history, geography, and cultural learning, Primary Rhythms encourages students to appreciate the diversity of musical traditions while discovering the shared rhythms that connect us all.
Felt an Abstract Landscape
Inspired by the Seasons of Greene Vll exhibition, this hands-on workshop explores texture, abstraction, and composition through fiber arts. Guided by teaching-artist Chantal Van-Wierts, participants will learn the basics of needle felting using the artwork on view to study color, texture, line, pattern, and form. Through layering you'll discover how contrast, harmony, movement, and imagination can transform simple materials into a unique work of art.
No prior experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.
Participants are welcome to bring fabrics, yarns, or other textile based media of interest.
Adults and teens 13+
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!
Family Studio Hour: Rhythm, Song and Movement
Join musician and educator Mike Pagnani for an energetic hour of rhythm, song, and movement designed for the whole family. Through interactive music-making, simple percussion, singing, and creative movement, participants will explore the joy of making music together while building listening skills, coordination, confidence, and connection. No musical experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to play!
Sewing Skills
Join us for a two-hour sewing workshop with Charles Bannon, a courageous LGBTQIA+ activist and one of the original members of the Gay Liberation Front in the Albany area.
This hands-on workshop will focus on basic garment repair skills, including hemming a skirt or pair of pants, fixing a ripped seam, and making simple alterations. Participants are encouraged to bring one item of clothing that requires basic repair to use during the workshop.
Retired from a long and successful career in wardrobe for various theaters in New York City and locally, Bannon will share his extensive sewing skills, as well as stories from his experiences with the Gay Liberation Front in the area, with members of the Queer and Trans community and our allies.
This is a free, all-age event presented by the Queer and Trans Connection Network.
Children must attend with an adult.
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.
Classes will be held on September: 5, 12, and 19.
No class September 26th
No registration required.
Cost is a sliding scale, 5 to 15 dollars, paid in person.
Screen Printing with Rebekah Tolley
Learn the basics of screen printing in this hands-on workshop—and put your new skills to work! Participants will create the custom screen-printed tote bags for this year’s ACC gala. No prior experience necessary; just bring your creativity and be ready to make something useful, beautiful, and part of the celebration.
Rebekah Tolley is a printmaker and digital media artist. Her work uses art activism and live-screenprinting to advocate and engage contemporary issues related to gender, motherhood and workplace inequality.
She is represented in collections such as the Hood Museum, Library and Archives Canada, The National Library of Quebec, The Boston Public Library, the Amity Art Foundation and the Kohler Library as well as numerous other public and private collections. Her work has been exhibited in galleries in Canada, France, China, Japan and across the United States.
She received her BFA from Concordia University in Montreal, and her MFA from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. She has taught at UNC-Chapel Hill, Colby-Sawyer College, Two Rivers Printmaking Studio in Vermont, The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Davidson College, Amherst College, SUNY Oneonta and currently teaches screenprinting at University at Albany-SUNY.
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.
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.
Classes will be held on August: 1, 8, 22, and 29.
No class August 15th
No registration required.
Cost is a sliding scale, 5 to 15 dollars, paid in person.
Writing workshop with D.M. Kamecke
Whether you're new to writing or returning to a longtime passion, this welcoming, nonjudgmental workshop with D.M. Kamecke offers a space to explore your creativity and discover your own unique voice. Through discussion, optional prompts and sharing, participants will experiment with storytelling, reflection, and creative expression in a supportive environment.
No previous writing experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to put pen to paper. Whether you've always wanted to write or simply want to see what it's all about, this workshop is for you.
Taught by D.M. Kamecke, a former magazine editor, newspaper reporter, narrative fiction and creative nonfiction writer, script reader, grants writer, and published poet. Also, former farm hand, factory worker, photographer and, at some point, a librarian.
Adults 18+
This program is sponsored by the Catskills Association of Publishers and is funded in part by Poets & Writers through 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.
Animal Bodies: Felting & Mixed Media Collage
Due to area flash floods, today’s class (7/29) has been postponed to Wednesday, August 5th.
Inspired by the Animal Bodies exhibition, this hands-on workshop explores texture, abstraction, and composition through fiber arts and collage. Guided by teaching-artist Chantal Van-Wierts, participants will learn the basics of needle felting while experimenting with fabric, felt, paper, and other mixed media materials.
Participants will observe the artwork on view, studying color, texture, line, pattern, and form, translating these elements into their own expressive collage. Through layering and combining materials, you'll discover how contrast, harmony, movement, and imagination can transform simple materials into a unique work of art.
No prior experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.
Participants are welcome to bring fabrics, yarns, or other textile based media of interest.
A FREE SENIORS CLASS!
Image: Untitled P2017-1 (2017), pigmented paper pulp and textile, by Elana Herzog. Installation view of Animal Bodies. Photograph by Lynda Shenkman/Oxygen House Photography.
Family Studio Hour: Animal Textures
Join Monika Zarzeczna for an hour of family studio time inspired by our current exhibition, Animal Bodies! Explore the textures, patterns, and surfaces found in the animal world as you create with Model Magic and drawing materials. This hands-on workshop invites families to experiment, imagine, and make art together.
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.
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.
Writing workshop with D.M. Kamecke
Whether you're new to writing or returning to a longtime passion, this welcoming, nonjudgmental workshop with D.M. Kamecke offers a space to explore your creativity and discover your own unique voice. Through discussion, optional prompts and sharing, participants will experiment with storytelling, reflection, and creative expression in a supportive environment.
No previous writing experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to put pen to paper. Whether you've always wanted to write or simply want to see what it's all about, this workshop is for you.
Taught by D.M. Kamecke, a former magazine editor, newspaper reporter, narrative fiction and creative nonfiction writer, script reader, grants writer, and published poet. Also, former farm hand, factory worker, photographer and, at some point, a librarian.
Adults 18+
This program is sponsored by the Catskills Association of Publishers and is funded in part by Poets & Writers through 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.
Summer Rec!
Take inspiration from artist Elizabeth Murray's playful and colorful paintings with Monika Zarzeczna to create artwork that breaks free from the traditional rectangle. Participants will design and paint bold, abstract compositions on uniquely shaped surfaces while exploring color, movement, and creative expression.
Summer Rec is presented Monday-Friday 9am-Noon, in partnership with the Village of Athens for children in grades K-6. CIT’s are welcome 7-9 grade. Drop in daily, no registration required. The Coxsackie-Athens School District will be providing breakfast and lunch daily, July 6-31, at no cost.
Participation is entirely free!
For more information on ACC specific programs, or to register, please email associatedirector@athensculturalcenter.org.
For general inquiries on the Athens Summer Rec program, please contact Summerrec2024@gmail.com
Summer Rec!
Create your own original prints using simple printmaking techniques with Monika Zarzeczna. Participants will ink, and press designs to produce multiple copies of their artwork while learning about repetition, pattern, and the creative possibilities of printmaking.
Summer Rec is presented Monday-Friday 9am-Noon, in partnership with the Village of Athens for children in grades K-6. CIT’s are welcome 7-9 grade. Drop in daily, no registration required. The Coxsackie-Athens School District will be providing breakfast and lunch daily, July 6-31, at no cost.
Participation is entirely free!
For more information on ACC specific programs, or to register, please email associatedirector@athensculturalcenter.org.
For general inquiries on the Athens Summer Rec program, please contact Summerrec2024@gmail.com
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!
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.
Adults and teens 16+
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
Watercolor Techniques
Explore the versatility of watercolor with artist Wendy Doney. Participants will investigate and practice a variety of watercolor techniques through a series of small studies and exercises. These colorful test samples will then be transformed into a unique woven bookmark.
These techniques will form the foundation for learning how to use color, layering, texture, and composition. Bring an open mind, patience, and a willingness to experiment!
All materials are provided.
Athens Street Festival
Beat the heat and get creative with teaching artist Chantal! Stop by the Athens Cultural Center during the Athens Street Festival to make your own miniature paper kite. Participants will design, decorate, and assemble colorful kites using a variety of materials. This free, drop-in activity is open to all ages, and all materials are provided.
Summer Rec!
Explore the textures of fur, feathers, scales, and more through charcoal drawing with Monika Zarzeczna. Using photographs and imagination as inspiration, participants will create animal portraits while learning techniques for building texture, value, and detail.
Summer Rec is presented Monday-Friday 9am-Noon, in partnership with the Village of Athens for children in grades K-6. CIT’s are welcome 7-9 grade. Drop in daily, no registration required. The Coxsackie-Athens School District will be providing breakfast and lunch daily, July 6-31, at no cost.
Participation is entirely free!
For more information on ACC specific programs, or to register, please email associatedirector@athensculturalcenter.org.
For general inquiries on the Athens Summer Rec program, please contact Summerrec2024@gmail.com
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.
Summer Rec!
Discover the expressive possibilities of charcoal with Monika Zarzeczna while creating portraits inspired by yourself, or a friend. Participants will learn basic drawing techniques, experiment with shading and contrast, and explore how artists use light and shadow to bring faces to life.
Summer Rec is presented Monday-Friday 9am-Noon, in partnership with the Village of Athens for children in grades K-6. CIT’s are welcome 7-9 grade. Drop in daily, no registration required. The Coxsackie-Athens School District will be providing breakfast and lunch daily, July 6-31, at no cost.
Participation is entirely free!
For more information on ACC specific programs, or to register, please email associatedirector@athensculturalcenter.org.
For general inquiries on the Athens Summer Rec program, please contact Summerrec2024@gmail.com
Practical writing for non-writers with wendy marech
Sorry folks, this class has been canceled.
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.
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.