Enriching Lives Through Art: Adult/Teen Classes

We are offering art classes for all age groups at the arts center, which are made possible with 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, and through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust. All classes are listed below.

Our Thursday night free drawing class is offered online and is made possible by generous donations from Drs. Patricia and Jay Chapman as well as many of our members and participants.

Our March classes feature making art in 6-inch x 6-inch formats, which you can keep or donate to the 6x6 Community Art Show FUNdraiser. See all 6 x 6 classes below.

You can also check out our month-by-month calendar to help you plan your Fine Arts Center activities.

Classes

a sign stating 6x6 clmmunity show 2026 to advertise 6x6 classes, which follow
  • March 6 x 6 Classes
  • Dates & Times Noted Below
  • Ages: Adults/Teen

We are offering a variety of 6 x 6 classes in March, featuring making art in 6-inch x 6-inch formats, which you can keep or donate to the 6 x 6 Community Art Show FUNdraiser. All classes listed below.


a photo of a  glass dish that has blues and greens similar to water colors a photo of a glass object with blues and turquoise sections
  • A 6 x 6 Class
  • Glass & Water:
  • Fused Glass Seascapes and Abstract Waves
  • Instructor: Heather Hennigain
  • Date: Sunday, March 22
  • Time: 10 am - Noon
  • Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate
  • Ages: 14+ (Adults & Teens Welcome)
  • Fee: $40 ( 25% off for members — $30)*

Explore the beauty of water through glass in this creative fused glass workshop. Students will design and assemble 6" x 6" glass tiles inspired by water—either as a flowing abstract composition or a realistic landscape such as an ocean, lake, or shoreline scene.

Working primarily with transparent glass to capture depth and movement, participants may add touches of opaque glass for highlights, contrast, and detail. Learn basic fused glass design principles, layering techniques, and how to create visual texture and dimension using color and transparency. This class is suitable for beginners and experienced students alike. All pieces will be kiln-fired after class and available for pickup once firing is complete. All materials provided.

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.

This class is made possible with 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, and through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.


a photo showing a small tabletop printing press with three small edition prints of birds a small edition print of one bird
  • A 6 x 6 Class
  • 6 x 6 DryPoint Etching on Plexiglass
  • Instructor: Ann Buchau
  • Date: Sunday, March 22
  • Time: 1-3 pm
  • Class Size: 8
  • Age: Adult (14+)
  • Level: Beginner and up
  • Cost: $25 (25% off for members — $18.75)*

Explore the versatile world of drypoint printmaking using Plexiglass! This hands-on workshop will teach you how to prepare a small plexiglass plate, etch your image, and properly ink and print a small series with your etched plate. Unlike traditional metal, Plexiglass offers a transparent surface for easy image tracing and a soft texture to easily carve a variety of etched lines. To keep things eco-friendly and approachable, we’ll use Akua Intaglio Inks, which are soy-based and clean up easily with water. Using a tabletop press, you will print a small edition of prints, as well as learn hand-burnishing techniques so you can continue your practice at home without a press. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a total beginner, you'll leave with a series of custom prints and the skills to keep etching on your own. All materials will be supplied.

This class is part of our special 6 x 6 class series in preparation for our annual 6 x 6 Community Art Show and fundraiser. It is our hope that students participating will donate one of their prints to the show!

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. This class is made possible with 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, and through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.


a photo of a chipmunk in a field of blue forget-me-nots
  • A 6 x 6 Class
  • 6 x 6 Chipmunk Acrylic Painting Class
  • Instructor: Brooke Snyder
  • Date: Saturday, March 28
  • Time: 9:30 am -11:30 am
  • Age: 12 and up
  • Level: Beginner and up
  • Class Size: 10 students
  • Fee: $20.00 (25% off for members — $15.00)*

In this class you will learn to paint the flowers in the background loosely with acrylics. Instead of zooming in on our reference image to put every shadow and speck just so, it is much better to loosely paint the big shapes and add different colors and textures to give the illusion of what you are trying to depict. After completing the background we will use a bit more of a detailed approach for the chipmunk while still remaining fairly loose in application. This class is very beginner friendly and appeals especially to an impressionist style painter. If you’re not sure about painting but have always wanted to try, this is the best place to start! Donation of the paintings created during this class to the art center for the 6x6 art show is strongly encouraged but not required. All materials will be supplied.

This class is part of our special 6 x 6 class series in preparation for our annual 6 x 6 Community Art Show and fundraiser. It is our hope that students participating will donate one of their prints to the show!

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. This class is made possible with 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, and through “Enriching Lives through Art,” a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.


a watercolor of a woman with brown hair holding a cat a watercolor of a dog on a multi-colored background
  • Watercolor Foundations: Introduction to Watercolor Painting
  • Instructor: Antonia Cantu
  • Dates: Thursdays, April 2, 9,16, 23
  • Time: 6-8 pm
  • Size: 8 students
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Ages: Adults (14+)
  • Fee: $65 (25% off for members — $48.75)*

Discover the beauty and versatility of watercolor in this beginner-friendly watercolor painting class. Over the course of four weeks, students will explore the essential techniques and materials needed to confidently begin painting with watercolor. This class will introduce participants to basic watercolor materials, brush handling, and foundational painting techniques. Students will learn how to control water and pigment, create smooth washes, and build depth through layering and blending colors.

Through demonstrations and guided practice, students will explore key watercolor methods including wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques, along with basic color mixing to create a range of tones and hues. The class will also touch on composition, creating simple forms, and developing finished paintings, while learning how to properly care for brushes and watercolor materials.

By the end of the course, participants will have a stronger understanding of watercolor techniques and will complete several small paintings while building confidence with this medium. This class is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their watercolor skills in a supportive and creative environment. All materials will be supplied.

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.

This class is made possible with 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, and a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.


a photo of a large pottery bird bath, an object made by the teacher a photo of a mug and two plates, objects made by the teacher
  • Wheel Throwing Fundamentals:
  • 4-Week Pottery Class
  • Instructor: Antonia Cantu
  • Dates: Fridays, April 3, 10, 17, & 24
  • Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
  • Ages: Adult/Teen
  • Maximum enrollment: 5
  • Skill Level: Beginner/Introductory
  • Location: 3-D Studio, Salmon River Fine Arts Center
  • Fee: $100 (25% off for members — $75)*

Discover the art of pottery in this 4-week introductory wheel-throwing class designed for beginners or anyone looking to build a strong foundation on the pottery wheel. Students will learn the essential techniques needed to create beautiful, functional ceramic pieces while gaining confidence working with clay. Throughout the course, participants will be guided step by step through the pottery process. Students will learn how to prepare clay, center it on the wheel, and form a basic cylinder, the foundational shape used to create many ceramic forms. Once comfortable with this process, demonstrations will show how to transform cylinders into simple functional pieces such as cups and bowls.

In addition to throwing, students will learn important finishing skills, including proper drying techniques, trimming the base of their pieces, and basic glazing methods to prepare their work for kiln firing. By the end of the class, students will have a collection of handmade ceramic pieces and a solid introduction to wheel-throwing techniques. Join us for a fun and hands-on experience exploring the timeless craft of pottery at the Salmon River Fine Arts Center! All tools and materials are provided.

Students enrolled in this class will also have the option to come in during a designated time on Tuesdays (6-8 pm) or Fridays (1-4 pm) to practice and work on their pieces. (Although there will be a monitor, there is no instructor for the open studio.) Total class time is 12.5 hours with the option of an additional 20 hours of open studio time during the class session. No outside clay or glazes are permitted in the Pottery Studio.

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. This class is made possible with 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, and a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.


a light switch with a scene painted on it with alcohol ink a light switch with gold and turquoise colors painted on it with alcohol ink
  • Alcohol Inks on Ceramic Light Switch Tiles
  • Instructor: Robin Eaton-Novak
  • Date: Saturday, April 25
  • Time: 10 am – Noon
  • 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. Ribbon 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. 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 class is made possible with 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 and a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.


Two examples of leather tooling created by high school students - 01 Two examples of leather tooling created by high school students - 01 An example of leather tooling created by high school students - 01 An example of leather tooling created by high school students - 01
  • 6-day Leather Tooling 101 Workshop:
  • Are You As Brave As a High Schooler?
  • Instructor: Anna Blachman
  • Dates:
  • Saturday April 25
  • Saturdays May 2, 9 16, 23, 30
  • Time: 2-5 pm
  • Age: Adult (14 +)
  • Maximum enrollment: 10
  • Fee: $80 (25% off members—$60)

The stunning images you see in the promotional materials for this workshop were all created by high school students who previously took this workshop with Oswego High School Art Teacher Billie Peterson. Their work demonstrates just how accessible, creative, and rewarding leather tooling can be—even for beginners.This 13–16 hour workshop, offered over 5–6 days, provides a hands-on introduction to the art of leather carving and tooling. Participants will learn foundational techniques while designing and creating their own tooled traveler’s notebook or wall hanging. Throughout the workshop, students will explore traditional leatherworking tools, carving methods, texture techniques, and finishing processes that bring designs to life. This workshop is perfect for art teachers looking for fresh techniques to bring back to the classroom, artists who want to expand their creative practice, and anyone curious about learning a new craft. All skill levels are welcome.

Day 1 – Foundations of Leather Tooling. Participants will be introduced to leather carving, the “Basic 7” leather carving tools, and the overall project. Students will begin developing and sketching their personal design that will be tooled onto their leather piece. Homework: finalize and complete the design/pattern.

Day 2 – Pattern Transfer & Swivel Knife Techniques. A refresher on the important principle of “foreground first” and proper swivel knife techniques. Students will trace their patterns onto leather and begin cutting their designs. If time allows, participants will start beveling and adding texture.

Day 3 – Building Depth & Texture. Students will continue beveling and texturing, learning how to create dimension and visual depth in their designs.

Day 4 – Optional Work Session. An optional studio day to complete beveling and texturing before moving on to finishing techniques.

Day 5 – Adding Color. Introduction to color application and resist techniques. Students will begin adding color to their leather pieces. Additional coloring can be completed at home if needed.

Day 6 – Finishing the Piece. Participants will antique their leather, punch holes, and assemble their traveler’s notebook or finished hanging piece.

By the end of the workshop, students will leave with a completed handcrafted leather piece and a strong foundation in leather tooling techniques that they can continue exploring long after the class ends. Join us for this unique opportunity to learn a traditional craft, expand your artistic toolkit, and create something truly one-of-a-kind. All tools and materials provided; however, students may bring their own.

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.

This class is made possible with 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, and a grant from The John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust.


Free Weekly Drawing Class

drawing of a hand holding the earth
  • 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 our members and to anyone in the local community with a desire to draw — any age, any level. To attend, simply email us at info@srfac.org to get your name on the list. After you register for this free class you will be emailed a link with instructions.

All drawings in March will be done in a 6-inch x 6-inch format and students will be encouraged to enter them in the upcoming 6x6 Community Art Show and FUNdraiser.

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