Enriching Lives Through Art: Adult/Teen Classes

• Teen Wheel Throwing: Ages 13-19
• Instructor: Marybeth Sorendo
• Date: Saturday, September 20
• Time: 10 am - 12 pm
• Fee: $65. Members get 25% off $48.75
• Ages: 13-19
• Class size limit: 5 students

Join us for a hands-on teen ceramics workshop led by local ceramic artist Marybeth! This two-hour class is designed specifically for teens to explore both wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques in a fun and supportive environment. Students will get the chance to work on the pottery wheel to create basic forms, while also learning handbuilding skills to shape, sculpt, and personalize their own clay creations. Whether you're brand new to ceramics or looking to build your skills, this workshop is the perfect way to get creative with clay. All materials are included, and no prior experience is needed. Come ready to get your hands dirty and make something uniquely your own!

This is an in-person class and masks are optional. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. * Financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee. Please email the art center with your request. This discounted class is made possible through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant generously funded by the John Ben Snow Foundation.

Marybeth Sorendo received a BFA in Ceramics (Kent State University) and a MA in studio art (New York University). She has taught pottery at several community art centers, including SRFAC, the Art Association of Oswego, and recently at SUNY Oswego as an adjunct professor. She enjoys producing functional pottery for the home and garden.

• Surface Designs:
• Underglaze Techniques & Decorative Play
• Instructor: Brooke Morse
• Date: Saturday, October 11
• Time: 10:00 am – Noon
• Ages: Adults (16 and older)
• Maximum enrollment: 8
• Fee: $55 (25% off for members: $41.25)*

Bring your greenware to life in this two-hour decorative workshop focused on surface design for mugs and vessels. Designed for potters of all levels, this hands-on session explores creative finishing techniques using underglaze. Students will learn how to apply underglaze transfers cleanly and effectively, paint directly with underglaze to create illustrative or abstract designs, and use stencils to build layered patterns and dynamic surfaces. The workshop will also cover composition, layering, and how to plan designs to complement the unique curves and forms of each piece.

Participants should bring 3–5 fully finished, bone-dry greenware mugs or small vessels, along with any personal underglazes, brushes, or stamps if desired. Materials provided include a variety of underglaze colors, transfers, stencils, sponges, brushes, tools, and example pieces for inspiration. Come ready to experiment, play, and leave with beautifully decorated pots full of personality and style!

This is an in-person class. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. *Financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee. Please email the art center with your request.

• Concertina Art Journals:
• Storytelling Through Collage and Paint
• Instructor: Beth Sotherden
• Date: Saturday, October 11
• Time: 10:30 am – 1pm
• Ages: Adults (16 and older)
• Maximum enrollment: 8
• Fee: $25 (25% off for members $18.75)*

Autumn themed concertina art journal.

In this fall themed, hands-on workshop, we’ll transform a single large sheet of paper into a unique concertina-style art journal. This folded format creates a flowing sequence of pages, allowing your images and ideas to unfold like a visual story. Once the structure is built, we’ll bring the pages to life with collage, stenciling, and layers of paint—experimenting with color, pattern, and imagery to create depth and movement across the unfolding panels.

Whether you want to explore personal themes, play with abstract design, or simply enjoy the process, this session offers a chance to combine book arts, mixed media, and storytelling into one creative practice. No prior experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

Students will have access to multiple autumn images and a variety of papers suitable for use in backgrounds.

What to Bring:

• ● Any personal images, printmaking pieces, old art, magazines, catalogs, photos, or papers you’d like to include.
• ● A list of suggested items to bring will be shared with students upon registration

Whether you’re a returning printmaker or new to mixed media, this class is the perfect place to experiment, gather inspiration, and leave with a one-of-a-kind handmade art journal.

This is an in-person class and masks are optional. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. * Financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee. Please email the art center with your request. This discounted class is made possible through the “Enriching Lives through Art,” grant, generously funded by the John Ben Snow Foundation.

• Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain
• Instructor: Katrina Morse
• Date: Sunday, October 26
• Time: 10:00 am – Noon
• Ages: Adults (16 and older)
• Maximum enrollment: 8
• Fee: $40 (25% off for members $30)*

Learn to See Like an Artist: Drawing with Confidence. Unlock the power of observation and transform the way you draw. In this hands-on class, inspired by Betty Edwards’ groundbreaking book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, you'll explore techniques that help retrain your brain to truly see—not just what you think is there, but what’s actually in front of you. Through a series of guided exercises, you’ll develop your ability to perceive shape, proportion, space, and light, building a strong foundation for realistic drawing. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class will help you gain confidence and accuracy in your artwork by learning to look with an artist's eye. Beginner to intermediate skill level.

Some materials will be supplied: #2 pencil, eraser, and a shading stick. Please bring a 9"x12" sketch pad. This is an in-person class and masks are optional. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site.

*Financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee. Please email the art center with your request. This discounted class is made possible through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant generously funded by the John Ben Snow Foundation.

• 4-Week Adult Pottery Workshop
• Instructor: Marybeth Sorendo
• Dates: Saturdays, November 1, 8, 15, & 22
• Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
• Ages: Adult (14+)
• Fee: $93.75 per class members/ $125 non members
• Class Size limit: 5

Discover the art of clay in this hands-on, 4-week pottery workshop designed for adults of all skill levels. Guided by local ceramic artist Marybeth Sorendo, you'll explore both wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques in a relaxed and encouraging environment. Over the course of four consecutive Saturday mornings, you'll learn the foundational skills of working with clay: shaping, trimming, decorating, and glazing to create your own functional and sculptural pieces.

Whether you're a total beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, get creative, and walk away with beautiful handmade ceramics. Space is limited and fills quickly. All materials and firing included—just bring your curiosity and creativity!

This is an in-person class and masks are optional. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. * Financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee. Please email the art center with your request. This discounted class is made possible through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant generously funded by the John Ben Snow Foundation.

Marybeth Sorendo received a BFA in Ceramics (Kent State University) and a MA in studio art (New York University). She has taught pottery at several community art centers, including SRFAC, the Art Association of Oswego, and recently at SUNY Oswego as an adjunct professor. She enjoys producing functional pottery for the home and garden.

• Painting Realistic Landscapes
• Instructor: Christine Fischer
• Date: Wednesday, November 19
• Time: 4:30-7:00 pm
• Ages: Adults (14+)
• Maximum enrollment: 8
• Fee: $35 (25% off for members — $26.25)

In this workshop, participants will explore the beauty and versatility of painting with only four colors. By working with a limited palette, you’ll learn essential color mixing techniques that create natural, harmonious tones. The class will cover atmospheric perspective to add depth, as well as simplification principles to make your compositions clear and impactful. Starting with basic shapes and saving the details for last, you’ll discover how this step-by-step approach makes the process approachable and rewarding for artists of all levels. All materials will be supplied.

This is an in-person class and masks are optional. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. * Financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee. Please email the art center with your request. This discounted class is made possible through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant generously funded by the John Ben Snow Foundation.

• Alcohol Inks on Ceramic Light Switch Tiles
• Instructor: Robin Eaton-Novak
• Date: Saturday, January 10
• Time: 9:30 am – 12 pm
• Ages: Adults (16 and older)
• Maximum enrollment: 10
• Fee: $35 (25% off for members — $26.25)*

Add a splash of color and creativity to your home with this exciting Alcohol Inks on Ceramics workshop led by local artist Robin Eaton-Novak! In this class, you'll transform an ordinary ceramic light switch cover into a functional piece of art using vibrant alcohol inks.

Explore the fluid beauty of alcohol inks as you learn techniques for creating abstract patterns and stunning landscape-inspired designs. Robin will guide you through the process of applying inks to ceramic surfaces and sealing your artwork so it’s both durable and decorative. Attendees will be making 2 light switch covers each. This is a fun and relaxing class for all skill levels—no prior experience necessary. Perfect for adding a personal touch to your space or gifting something handmade and beautiful. All materials will be supplied.

This is an in-person class and masks are optional. Register in person or online at Salmon River Fine Arts Center Square Site. * Financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend and are unable to pay the full fee. Please email the art center with your request. This discounted class is made possible through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant generously funded by the John Ben Snow Foundation.

• FREE Weekly Drawing Class
• Thursday 6 - 8 pm
• Instructor: Ann Buchau
• All ages welcome

Enjoy this online step-by-step drawing class in the comfort and safety of your own home via Zoom. Each week your instructor will focus on a different topic, technique or subject with the ultimate goal of improving and developing your own unique style. This class is open to anyone in our local community with a desire to draw — any age, any level. To attend, simply email us at sr.fine.arts.ctr@gmail.com to get your name on the list. After you register for this free class you will be emailed a link with instructions.

This class is made possible by generous donations from Drs. Patricia and Jay Chapman as well as many of our members and participants.