Rich Holck will oversee and guide you through the hands-on process of loading, firing, unloading, cleaning, and maintaining a wood kiln. Learn how to build the fire and operate the kiln at each stage, read the atmosphere of the kiln to time your stokes, and how to place wood across the width of the firebox to maintain even heat. Gain understanding of how kiln oxygen levels may fluctuate and ways of controlling oxygen levels by adjusting dampers and air openings. Consider factors like the quantity of wood per stoke, stoking frequency, and the size and type of wood to use. When introducing salt into the chamber, discuss its effects on the pottery, kiln, and kiln furniture. During unloading, observe the results of your collective efforts on the finished works, and how the process details come together to shape the end result. 12X24X30 inches per share

Bring a touch of handmade charm to your garden with a ceramic bird feeder crafted by you! In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will learn slab-building techniques to construct a functional and decorative feeder that birds will love.

You’ll roll and shape clay into a teardrop form, add texture using stamps or natural materials, and attach end caps and hanging holes to complete your design. Along the way, you’ll explore surface decoration and handbuilding basics while creating a piece that’s both artistic and useful.

All tools and materials are provided. Finished bird feeders will be fired and ready for pickup at a later date.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the mission of HYS.

If you are looking to learn or refresh basic skills in watercolors and gouache, this is the class for you! We will complete two cheat sheets to practice skills in each medium, and then learn how to use the materials to paint a glowing summer campfire scene.

Materials: Students should bring a basic set of watercolors (primary colors plus black, at least) and gouache. For economy, bring just watercolors plus a tube of white gouache. Note: bring gouache, not "acrylic gouache." Also please have a mixing palette, basic watercolor brushes, cold press watercolor paper, and any dry mixed media you'd like to use. Optional: a color wheel will be useful. My suggested supplies are listed here: Artist Resource List

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Two different days are available.

Jump into the Fun and Functional Ceramics class to discover basic ceramic techniques like pinch, slab, and coil pots. Add your personal touch to each piece with stamps, textures, and colored slips.  Enroll now and let the creative journey begin!

This class is held in a ADA accessable studio space

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Beginners will build a strong foundation in wheel throwing through hands-on practice and personalized instruction. Students will learn essential skills including clay preparation, centering, and shaping basic forms such as cylinders and bowls. As confidence grows, the class will explore trimming techniques, handle attachment, surface decoration, and glazing. The final weeks will focus on finishing work and preparing pieces for firing. This class is ideal for those new to the pottery wheel and looking to create functional, finished pieces in a supportive studio environment.

This class is held in a ADA accessable studio space

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Unlock the secrets of abstract and expressionistic painting with EO Omwake's tailored classes, designed to cater to each student's unique preferences. Dive into the essence of creativity, regardless of your painting experience, and learn foundational and advanced skills in the historic Chester Springs Fine Art Studio. Join a community of artists of all levels, working together to explore the nuts and bolts of painting, receiving personalized guidance from EO Omwake, and culminating in a valuable end-of-class critique. Elevate your artistry and enrich lives through your creations – take the plunge and enroll now to unleash your creative potential!

click HERE for a materials list for this course!

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

We will learn tips and tricks to develop and improve the skill of realism in watercolor. Use various techniques to paint a variety of textures such as wood, metal, brick, fruit, leaves, clouds. There will also be a brief intro for how to wax a painting for framing without glass.

Click HERE for a materials list for this course

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Inclusive Clay classes provide ceramic art education for adults with intellectual disabilities, fostering an inclusive and empowering environment. Participants learn handbuilding techniques like slab building, coiling, and pinching, with sessions also covering surface treatments and glazing.

For more information, check out Inclusive Clay

This class is held in a ADA accessable studio space

Eligibility and Participation Requirements:

• Participants must be over 18 and enrolled in the PA Department of Human Services ODP-HCBS waiver program.
• A support person must accompany participants and stay for the entire class.
• Support staff can create pottery at no additional cost while ensuring their participant is adequately supported.