Community Arts: Visual Arts at the West Side Y

Change in Open Studio Policy: Open Studio is now only available to students that are waitlisted for a class. This must be done in person at registration. No first timers.

Single open studios: are available for registered students for $45. These open studios are not available on Sat. or Sun. Firing fee sheets must be filled out in the studio and brought to registration before a student can attend a single open studio session.

Comp. time open studio: All students enrolled in a class are entitled to 4 hours of open studio comp. time All students are required to sign up for this at registration ,in person, even if you have registered for a class on- line. Although you sign up for a particular day, the studio is flexible with time slots.

Watercolor, Ages 18+

This class is for playing with watercolor techniques with an emphasis on finding and developing your own personal style. Frequent subject materials include still life set-ups and photos for inspiration. Beginners and Intermediate levels welcome. The Class will be closed from April 2 - April 10 (Spring Break)

Instructor: Bonnie Steinsnyder 

Tuesday 10:00 AM-12:30 PM 
Tuesday 1:00 PM-3:30 PM 
 

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Stained Glass

Learn to create beautiful glass objects using this ancient craft. Students learn to create patterns, cut, foil and solder stained glass into a variety of useful and sculptural forms that include sun catchers, night lights, candle holders, jewelry boxes and lamp shades. Ample individual assistance enables each person to pursue their individual projects. Essential tools and equipment provided. Supplies such as glass, foil and solder are students responsibility after first project. (we will provide recommendations on locations to purchase). The Class will be closed from April 2 - April 10 (Spring Break)

Instructor: Virginia Chakejian 
 
Wednesday 2:00 PM-5:00 PM 
Wednesday 5:30 PM-8:30 PM 
Thursday 5:30 PM-8:30 PM


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Ceramic Open Studio – Wheel, Ages 18+

Change in Open Studio Policy
Open Studio is now only available to students that are waitlisted for a class. This must be done in person at registration. No first timers.

Monday 1:30 PM-5:30 PM  
Tuesday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM 
Thursday 12:30 PM-4:30 PM 
Thursday 4:30 PM-8:30 PM 
Friday 10:00 AM-2:00 PM 
Friday 4:30 PM-8:30 PM 
Saturday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM 
Sunday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM 

Register

Ceramic Open Studio – Hand building, Ages 18+

Change in Open Studio Policy
Open Studio is now only available to students that are waitlisted for a class. This must be done in person at registration. No first timers.

Monday 1:30 PM-5:30 PM 
Tuesday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Thursday 12:30 PM-4:30 PM
Thursday 4:30 PM-8:30 PM
Friday 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Friday 4:30 PM-8:30 PM
Saturday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Register

Ceramic Wheel: Beginners Plus

Beginner/Intermediate level students will learn the basic skills of throwing on the potter's wheel and glazing techniques. Instructors will assist students with creating individual projects and developing skills. Demos and critiques will be given regularly.

Instructor: Julann Gebbie
Monday 6:00 PM-8:30 PM

Instructor: Dave Gibson
Wednesday 10:00 AM-12:30 PM

Instructor: Nanette Ronner 
Saturday 10:00 - 12:30 PM

Instructor: Kathleen Ginsberg  
Sunday 10:00 - 12:30 PM

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Ceramic Wheel: Intermediate

Intermediate and advanced students will work on individual projects to further develop their skills and unique personal expressions. Demos and critiques will be given regularly. Students must have previous throwing experience. To be admitted to this level you must be able to wedge, center and be able to throw a cylinder. 

Instructor: Nanette Ronner
Tuesday 6:00 PM-8:30 PM

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Ceramic Wheel: Intermediate/Advanced

Intermediate and advanced students will work on individual projects to further develop their skills and unique personal expressions. Demos and critiques will be given regularly. Students must have previous throwing experience. To be admitted to this level you must be able to wedge, center and be able to throw a cylinder. 

Instructor: Julie Knight
Tuesday 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Wednesday 6:00 PM-8:30 PM

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Hand building: Beginners Plus

During this class students will learn the basics of hand building. Coiling, pinch pots and slab techniques are taught. Students with some experience will be given more challenging projects with these techniques.

Instructor: Abigail Regner
Monday 6:00 PM-8:30 PM

Instructor: Ellen Gelber
Wednesday 10:30 AM-1:00 PM

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Hand building: Intermediate

Develop further skills and techniques in hand building through an exploration of advanced projects and surface techniques.

Instructor: Abigail Regner
Friday  2:00 PM-4:30 PM

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Hand Building Independent Study

Classes begin January 19, 2025

Independent Study
Advanced hand building:  Explore your individual artistic direction in a supportive environment. For advanced students only.

Saturday  10:00 AM-12:30 PM

Hand building for experienced students only. 

Monday 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

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Workshop Surface Decoration

Develop further skills and techniques in hand building through an exploration of advanced projects and surface techniques.

Instructor: Kate Missett, Nanette Ronner
April 11,18, 25, and May 2
Time: 2:00pm to 5:00pm

There will be an exploration of techniques the adding depth and visual Interest to your ceramic work. These will include water etching, carving, glaze layering with latex, mono printing and transfer imagery. This is appropriate for wheel or hand builders at all levels. Leather hard work is required for each project.

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We are so excited to welcome you to our great selection of classes for adults. For youth classes such as Clayworks pottery class, please see our visit link below.  
 

Youth Classes


Spring I Programming starts February 23!
Member registration opens Saturday, February 7 and community registration opens Saturday, February 14. Explore your branch offerings and join the Y today for early access and discounts! If online registration is closed, please visit or call your branch to see if additional spots are available.


Writer's Voice

Telling Great Stories

Everyone has a story to tell. This class will focus on elements of "creative" prose writing - plot, character, setting, voice and beginnings and endings - through weekly prompts and detailed critiques. Both fiction and nonfiction will be considered. Exercises and works in progress will be reviewed in class in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Each writer will receive one-to-one attention. The workshop is open to everyone. No manuscript submission required. Maximum of 10 students. Classes will be held on the following dates: March 2, March 16, March 30, and April 13.

Instructor: Thaddeus Rutkowski
Monday 6:30 PM-8:30 PM 

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Writing for Stage and Screen

Do you have an idea for a stage-play, television pilot or screenplay? Or perhaps you’ve written a full or partial draft and now you want some constructive feedback to inspire you toward completion? Or maybe you don't have any ideas at all and just want to get inspired and have fun learning something about writing for the stage and screen? In this workshop, writing prompts and in-class writing exercises tailored to individual needs will address Dramatic Writing craft fundamentals, including: story, conflict, character, dialogue, visual action, and revision.  Students bring in new pages of their script-in-progress to class and hear their material read out loud.  In-class writing exercises tailored to individual needs help students develop skills and write scripts. All levels welcome. There will be no class on March 16.

Instructor: Charles L Schulman
Tuesdays: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM

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