Drawing, Painting + Crafts Classes for All Levels
Take classes with experienced teachers in drawing, painting, and crafts. As a community center, we strive to offer an inviting work environment where ideas, creativity, and laughs are shared. Working among peers—whether at a beginner or more advanced level—enriches the class experience. We offer drawing and painting classes in many mediums, including oil paints, acrylic paints, pastels, watercolors, charcoal, pencil, and more. We also offer classes in hands-on crafts such as embroidery and mosaics. All studio arts classes are in person.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Register for these three classes by Mar 30 and save $100 with the
code EARLYART24.
Modern Painting with Acrylics (Classes begin Apr 11)
Mixed Level Painting: Exploring Oil Painting (Classes begin May 2)
Mixed Level Painting: Paint Like an Impressionist (Classes begin May 2)
Gal Cohen is a New York City-based visual artist who works primarily in the painting and printmaking fields. Cohen is a member artist and a former artist in residence at Cornerstone Studios (NYC), a Scholarship Artist at Manhattan Graphic Center studios, a recent alumni of AIM fellowship at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, and a Chashama “Space to Connect” artist in residence for 2019-2020. Cohen earned her MFA in Fine Arts at Parsons School of Design and her BFA in Fine Arts at Bezalel Academy, Jerusalem. She has exhibited her work at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Collar Works, the Laurie M. Tisch Gallery, the Arlington Arts Center, Bric Gallery, Fresh Paint Art Fair, Clemente Art Center, Spring/Break Art Show, and Westbeth Gallery.
Marika Hahn's artwork is inspired by nature and wildlife, even though New York City is home. In addition to her nature series, "Birdsong Cottage," she works with major publishers such as Simon & Schuster and Workman, illustrating books such as the best-selling "What to Expect When You're Expecting" series. Her artwork is used in advertising for companies such as Revlon, Estée Lauder, and Bloomingdale's, and her illustrations have appeared in Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, Glamour, Woman's World, and The New York Times.
Heidi Johnson was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and earned degrees from Tufts University and its School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Spending her childhood peering at mud puddles and tree bark in the woods of rural Massachusetts instilled a deep appreciation for the minutiae that drives this world. She has received grants and fellowships from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, the Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program, New York Foundation for the Arts, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and Nordic Artists’ Centre, among others. Her work has been shown in numerous exhibitions in the U.S., Scandinavia, and Australia. She lives and works in Patterson, NY.
Leanne Staples is an artist, writer, photographer, and licensed New York City tour guide. She has been providing street photography workshops and mentoring hundreds of students from all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience for more than 12 years. She believes that photography is the ultimate form of creative expression and that it is something that everyone can learn and find enjoyment in.
Jessie Kritt White is a Brooklyn-based fiber artist and teacher. She has always had a passion for crafting and currently she practices and teaches weaving, crochet, macrame, and indigo dyeing. She is passionate about creating community around crafting and hosts craft circles in addition to workshops. See her work on Instagram @the.weekend.weaver.
Our Facilities
- Brand-new easels
- Spacious studio with high ceilings
Lockers
Locker rentals are $20/semester for JCC members and $30/semester for the public. Between semesters, locker rentals are $10/month. Lockers are free for Open Studio Pass students. When you arrive to class, your instructor will help you rent a locker. A limited number of lockers are available.
Visual Arts Classes
Mixed Level Painting: Paint (Think) Like an Impressionist
Mixed Level Painting: Paint (Think) Like an Impressionist
In Person. Explore different Impressionist styles and techniques each week as you create 10 small paintings in oil or acrylic. The contributions of Impressionist painters—depicting light and movement, showing the passage of time—were a psychological step in human perception.
Mixed Level Painting: Exploring Oil Painting
Mixed Level Painting: Exploring Oil Painting
In Person. Learn basic techniques of oil painting, including setting up a palette, color mixing and paint handling, and how to determine the best composition on the canvas. Students will create 10 small paintings over the course, with individual instruction based on their abilities. For all levels.
Mixed Level Watercolor + Illustration: Afternoon Session
Mixed Level Watercolor + Illustration: Afternoon Session
In Person. With a different theme or inspiration each week, classes start with a demonstration of techniques for using liquid watercolors, including wet on wet, wet on dry, layering/glazing, and brush strokes.
Mixed Level Ancient + Modern Glass Mosaics
Mixed Level Ancient + Modern Glass Mosaics
In Person. Experiment with the ancient technique of mosaic in new and exciting ways. Learn to cut and properly adhere glass, and create your own projects, small and large.
Ready to Wear: A Sewing Workshop for All Levels
Ready to Wear: A Sewing Workshop for All Levels
In Person. In this class, instructor Hilla Shapira will guide you through exciting sewing projects, teaching you essential skills like reading patterns, playing with fabric textures, and mastering 3D sewing techniques.
Advanced Drawing + Mixed Media
Advanced Drawing + Mixed Media
In Person. This class is for students who are familiar or experienced with the basics of drawing mechanics and are ready to “break some rules” and find their unique style and signature.
Beginner + Intermediate Drawing: Drawing in the Moment
Beginner + Intermediate Drawing: Drawing in the Moment
In Person. Uncover the basic skills of drawing that can help you break free, observing and interpreting objects while developing hand-eye coordination.
Modern Painting with Acrylics
Modern Painting with Acrylics
In Person. Unlock the secrets behind the masterpieces of artists like Monet and Van Gogh. Ever wondered how Van Gogh captured the vibrant hues in his paintings?
Abstract painting class : Gestural Abstraction
Abstract painting class : Gestural Abstraction
In Person. Explore the foundational principles of Abstract Expressionism in this course, designed to empower you to tackle the blank canvas with confidence.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class May 10
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class May 10
Virtual. Create easy-to-learn patterns in beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Mixed Level Painting: Paint Like an Impressionist
Mixed Level Painting: Paint Like an Impressionist
In Person. Explore different Impressionist styles and techniques each week as you create 10 small paintings in oil or acrylic. The contributions of Impressionist painters—depicting light and movement, showing the passage of time—were a psychological step in human perception.
Mixed Level Painting: Exploring Oil Painting
Mixed Level Painting: Exploring Oil Painting
In Person. Learn basic techniques of oil painting, including setting up a palette, color mixing and paint handling, and how to determine the best composition on the canvas. Students will create 10 small paintings over the course, with individual instruction based on their abilities. For all levels.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class May 17
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class May 17
Virtual. Create easy-to-learn patterns in beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class May 24
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class May 24
Virtual. Create easy-to-learn patterns in beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class May 31
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class May 31
Virtual. Create easy-to-learn patterns in beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Week 1: Exploring Contrasts
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Week 1: Exploring Contrasts
Virtual. Zentangle is easy to learn, relaxing, and fun. Drawing patterns, called tangles, allows you to focus and get lost in repetition while creating beautiful art. The main goal is to relax your mind, relieve stress, and achieve a meditative state.
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Take All Five and Save
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Take All Five and Save
Virtual. Zentangle is easy to learn, relaxing, and fun. Drawing patterns, called tangles, allows you to focus and get lost in repetition while creating beautiful art. The main goal is to relax your mind, relieve stress, and achieve a meditative state.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class June 7
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class June 7
Virtual. Create easy-to-learn patterns in beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Mixed Level Watercolor + Illustration: Summer Session
Mixed Level Watercolor + Illustration: Summer Session
In Person. With a different theme or inspiration each week, classes start with a demonstration of techniques for using liquid watercolors, including wet on wet, wet on dry, layering/glazing, and brush strokes.
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Week 2: String Things
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Week 2: String Things
Virtual. Zentangle is easy to learn, relaxing, and fun. Drawing patterns, called tangles, allows you to focus and get lost in repetition while creating beautiful art. The main goal is to relax your mind, relieve stress, and achieve a meditative state.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class June 14
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class June 14
Virtual. Create beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
New York Skyline: Paint + Sip with Live music
New York Skyline: Paint + Sip with Live music
In Person. Experience an enchanting evening of music and art on the JCC’s magical rooftop. Indulge your creativity as you paint your masterpiece, accompanied by the smooth melodies of live music inspired by the iconic city of New York city and delightful taste of fine wine.
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Week 3: Shading Techniques
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Week 3: Shading Techniques
Virtual. Zentangle is easy to learn, relaxing, and fun. Drawing patterns, called tangles, allows you to focus and get lost in repetition while creating beautiful art. The main goal is to relax your mind, relieve stress, and achieve a meditative state.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class June 21
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class June 21
Virtual. Create beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Week 4: Fragments
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Week 4: Fragments
Virtual. Zentangle is easy to learn, relaxing, and fun. Drawing patterns, called tangles, allows you to focus and get lost in repetition while creating beautiful art. The main goal is to relax your mind, relieve stress, and achieve a meditative state.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class June 28
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class June 28
Virtual. Create beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Ceramics: Mixed Level Wheel Throwing
Ceramics: Mixed Level Wheel Throwing
In Person. In this pottery class, students will learn and/or hone their wheel throwing abilities—from the basics of wedging clay, center, pulling, and trimming to more advanced techniques of throwing off the hump, making multiples, and attaching and fitting pieces together.
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Week 5: High-Focus Tangles
Zentangle: Intro to Therapeutic Doodling: Week 5: High-Focus Tangles
Virtual. Zentangle is easy to learn, relaxing, and fun. Drawing patterns, called tangles, allows you to focus and get lost in repetition while creating beautiful art. The main goal is to relax your mind, relieve stress, and achieve a meditative state.
Ceramics: Beginner + Intermediate Wheel Throwing
Ceramics: Beginner + Intermediate Wheel Throwing
In Person. Delve deeply into fundamental and intermediate skills of throwing functional pottery on the wheel. Spend time developing trimming/finishing techniques for a clean and polished pottery.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class July 12
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class July 12
Virtual. Create beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class July 19
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class July 19
Virtual. Create beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class July 26
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class July 26
Virtual. Create beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class Aug 2
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class Aug 2
Virtual. Create beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class Aug 9
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class Aug 9
Virtual. Create beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
3D Paper Making and Casting - Foundations Workshop
3D Paper Making and Casting - Foundations Workshop
Join the Paper Lab for a transformative journey into the art of paper-making. Discover innovative techniques that elevate your skills and understanding. Step away from tradition as we lead you through contemporary practices emphasizing form, texture, and topography.
3D Paper Making and Casting - Foundations Workshop
3D Paper Making and Casting - Foundations Workshop
Join the Paper Lab for a transformative journey into the art of paper-making. Discover innovative techniques that elevate your skills and understanding. Step away from tradition as we lead you through contemporary practices emphasizing form, texture, and topography.
The sewing machine lab
The sewing machine lab
Immerse yourself in a hands-on, in-person paper-oriented workshop designed to unlock the full artistic potential of your sewing machine. Over the course of one transformative 6-hour session, explore the world of paper crafting and mixed media, pushing the boundaries of creativity with this versatile tool.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class Aug 16
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class Aug 16
Virtual. Create beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
3D Paper Making and Casting -Advanced Workshop
3D Paper Making and Casting -Advanced Workshop
The Advanced Workshop represents the pinnacle of paper-making and casting expertise, offering participants a comprehensive exploration of advanced techniques and methodologies.
3D Paper Making and Casting -Advanced Workshop
3D Paper Making and Casting -Advanced Workshop
The Advanced Workshop represents the pinnacle of paper-making and casting expertise, offering participants a comprehensive exploration of advanced techniques and methodologies.
Ceramics: Kurinuki Cup + Bowl Workshop
Ceramics: Kurinuki Cup + Bowl Workshop
In Person. Join us for a three-hour workshop exploring the Japanese art of kurinuki, carving functional pottery from solid clay blocks. Craft cups and bowls with a jagged, organic aesthetic. Choose your glaze colors, applied by instructor Bernadette Daroux post-firing. No pottery wheel is necessary.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class Aug 23
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class Aug 23
Virtual. Create beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class Aug 30
Zentangle: Beyond the Basics Class Aug 30
Virtual. Create beautiful compositions through this unique rhythmic art form, suitable for artists at all levels. In no time, the simple steps allow tanglers to access delicious pleasure and calm.