Explore the art of portrait painting in this in-depth, multi-week course designed to guide you from foundational techniques to more advanced skills. Learn how to simplify complex forms into approachable shapes and develop a deeper understanding of facial anatomy and structure. Working from a live model, you'll practice imprimatura (underpainting), refine your color mixing abilities, and master the role of light and value to create depth and realism in your work. Step by step, you’ll build confidence in your process while discovering your personal approach to expressive, lifelike portraits. Whether you're expanding your skills or diving into portraiture for the first time, this course offers a supportive environment for growth and creative exploration. 

No Class on Monday, September 1st (Labor Day)

• 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!

Wednesday Evenings

Welcome to the learning opportunity where you'll start with simple drawing lessons and transition to painting with oils or acrylics when you're ready. Whether you choose from provided still life setups, bring your own objects, or work from photos using a tablet, you'll explore traditional techniques, studying how light defines shape and color, allowing form to emerge. No prior experience is required, and you'll progress at your own pace – seize this opportunity to unleash your creativity! Enroll now and let the artistic journey begin!

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!

Yoga at the Springs Breathe deeply, stretch fully, and ground yourself in the beauty of nature with Yoga at the Springs. Set against the serene backdrop of Historic Yellow Springs, these all-level sessions invite you to connect with movement, breath, and the peaceful energy of the natural surroundings.

Each class will meet at Chester Springs Studio before moving to a designated outdoor spot on campus. From open lawns to quiet creekside corners, the changing scenery enhances every practice. In the event of rain or extreme weather, sessions will be held indoors at the CSS.

Participants may purchase a 10-class punch card for flexible attendance or join us as a drop-in. Please bring your own mat, water bottle, and anything else you need for a comfortable outdoor experience. No prior yoga experience is necessary—just a willingness to move, breathe, and enjoy. Learn more about your instructor: https://powerfulchild.com

• 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!

Yoga at the Springs Breathe deeply, stretch fully, and ground yourself in the beauty of nature with Yoga at the Springs. Set against the serene backdrop of Historic Yellow Springs, these all-level sessions invite you to connect with movement, breath, and the peaceful energy of the natural surroundings.

Each class will meet at Chester Springs Studio before moving to a designated outdoor spot on campus. From open lawns to quiet creekside corners, the changing scenery enhances every practice. In the event of rain or extreme weather, sessions will be held indoors at the CSS.

Participants may purchase a 10-class punch card for flexible attendance or join us as a drop-in. Please bring your own mat, water bottle, and anything else you need for a comfortable outdoor experience. No prior yoga experience is necessary—just a willingness to move, breathe, and enjoy. Learn more about your instructor: https://powerfulchild.com

Design and create your own unique ceramic planter in this hands-on workshop! Using slab construction techniques, you’ll learn how to build, shape, and assemble a one-of-a-kind planter perfect for your favorite plants. Explore surface textures, decorative elements, and finishing techniques to personalize your piece. Whether you’re new to ceramics or looking to expand your skills, this workshop offers a fun and creative way to craft a functional work of art. By the end, you'll take home a handcrafted planter ready to add a touch of greenery to your 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!

In this full-day workshop, participants will begin by creating a pastel painting inspired by a still life arrangement featuring florals, birds, and fruit. With a focus on color, texture, and composition, you'll learn how to capture the charm of natural forms using soft pastels.

In the second part of the workshop, we’ll experiment with adding layers of collage—incorporating patterned papers, magazine clippings, vintage maps, and other found materials. Through guided demonstrations and playful exploration, you’ll learn how to integrate collage elements into your pastel work to add depth, contrast, and storytelling.

Participants are also encouraged to bring in older pieces of their own artwork to reimagine and transform through collage, giving new life to existing creations.

This workshop is perfect for artists of all levels looking to loosen up, try new materials, and embrace a more experimental approach to making art. photo credit: Andrea Steffen

click HERE for a materials list for this workshop

• 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!

Step into the world of handcrafted design with this immersive Block Printing on Fabric workshop. You’ll learn the time-honored art of block carving and printing, creating your own custom stamp to transfer bold, textured patterns onto natural fabric.

Explore the beauty of repeat patterns, experiment with color, and play with composition as you print onto a tea towel or tote bag—perfect for everyday use or as a unique handmade gift. With hands-on guidance throughout, you’ll leave with both your finished fabric piece and your reusable carved block, ready for future printing projects.

No prior experience is needed—just a curiosity for craft and a love of handmade artistry.

• 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!

This full-day workshop is designed for artists of all levels who are interested in exploring the art of animal portraiture. We will begin by diving into foundational artistic principles that apply to a wide variety of animal subjects—focusing on form, proportion, texture, and expression. Through guided exercises and demonstrations, participants will develop observational skills and techniques that translate across species and media.  Participants are encouraged to bring a reference photo of an animal they love or find inspiring. Using a combination of water-based painting media (such as watercolor or gouache) and drawing materials (like pencil, ink, or colored pencil), each participant will work toward capturing the personality and unique features of their chosen subject.

By the end of the day, you'll walk away with a completed portrait, new techniques, and a deeper understanding of how to bring animals to life on paper.

click HERE for a materials list for this workshop

• 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