A Mother for America: How Betsy Ross Became the Most Famous Woman in American History 

Join us for an engaging talk with historian Charles Hardy as he explores the fascinating story of Betsy Ross and how she became one of the most recognizable figures in American history.

In A Mother for America, Hardy examines how the Betsy Ross story evolved from family memory into a powerful national symbol, revealing how history, myth, patriotism, and cultural identity shape the stories Americans remember.

About the Speaker: Charles Hardy III is Professor of History Emeritus at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. His work focuses on public history, Pennsylvania history, oral history, and digital storytelling.

Advanced registration prefered

Join master potter, teacher, and writer Jack Troy for this immersive two-day hands-on workshop exploring the transformation of wheel-thrown forms through alteration and intuitive process. Using the potter’s wheel as a starting point, participants will create a range of bottle forms that evolve beyond their original shapes through paddling, shaping, and manipulation at both soft and leather-hard stages.

Through guided demonstrations and studio exploration, participants will develop sensitivity to clay’s changing responsiveness while learning how enclosed forms can be altered around trapped air pockets into dynamic organic and geometric shapes that are both sculptural and functional.

The workshop will also introduce Troy’s ongoing exploration of ishi no sasayaki—Japanese for “stone with secret voice.” These enclosed ceramic forms contain hidden rattles that create subtle, shifting sounds unique to each finished piece, bringing an unexpected sense of life and mystery to the work.

This lively workshop encourages curiosity, experimentation, and the expansion of personal form vocabulary beyond familiar approaches.

Participants should be comfortable throwing bottles 6" tall or larger.

Please bring a ceramic object you have lived with for several years that holds personal meaning and that you would be willing to share with the group.

Join Historic Yellow Springs for a guided visit to the Wharton Esherick Museum, home and studio of pioneering artist and designer Wharton Esherick. Often considered the father of the Studio Furniture movement, Esherick transformed wood into sculptural furniture, interiors, and architectural elements that blurred the line between art and everyday life.

Participants will experience the museum’s signature guided tour, exploring Esherick’s remarkable studio-home, grounds, and creative legacy. Along the way, you'll discover his deep connection to nature, innovative approach to design, and lasting influence on contemporary craft, furniture, and sculpture.

Participants will drive independently to the museum. Plan to meet at the visitors center 9:45. This unique field trip offers inspiration for artists, makers, designers, and anyone interested in the intersection of art, craft, and daily life.

Join Historic Yellow Springs for a guided visit to the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works Museum, the historic workshop founded by historian and artist Henry Chapman Mercer. Participants will tour the site, learn about Mercer's tile-making legacy, and take part in a hands-on sgraffito tile-making workshop.

Finished tiles will be fired and glazed by the studio and available for pickup approximately 3–4 weeks after the visit.

Participants will drive independently to the museum and should plan to arrive by 10:50 AM for an 11:00 AM tour.

Discover the exciting and unpredictable art of Raku firing. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore unique glaze effects and the dramatic transformation that occurs when red-hot pieces meet the elements. Perfect for makers who enjoy bold, one-of-a-kind results. Bring 6-10 bisque fired, average sized pots made of Raku clay or stoneware (low-fire clay will not survive the process). All glazes will be provided. Space is limited. Raindate: October 4

• 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 a world of constant notifications and endless scrolling, Analog Night offers an opportunity to disconnect from devices and reconnect with your surroundings, your creativity, and one another.

The evening begins by placing cell phones in secure phone pouches (which participants will take home as a reminder to create intentional moments of unplugging). After brief introductions, participants ease into a quiet, intentionally slow gathering designed to help transition away from the pace of everyday life.

Through a guided observation activity, participants rotate through a series of simple, everyday objects—a weathered baseball, a hammer, a handmade ceramic bowl, a pine cone, and other ordinary items. Using careful observation and drawing, these familiar objects become invitations to practice sustained attention, curiosity, and mindfulness.

The experience continues with a facilitated group conversation exploring the role attention plays in our daily lives. Together, participants will reflect on the ways technology, environment, and modern routines shape how we focus, connect with others, and experience the world around us. Rather than offering solutions, the discussion creates space for shared experiences, thoughtful listening, and personal reflection.

The evening concludes with a quiet gallery walk to reflect on the drawings created throughout the session, followed by a closing circle with calming ambient sound. Participants are invited to browse and contribute to a growing collection of books, articles, and resources centered on attention, mindfulness, creativity, and intentional living.

Whether you're looking for a break from digital distractions, a chance to slow down, or an evening of meaningful conversation and creative practice, Analog Night offers a welcoming space to rediscover the value of undivided attention.

Experience a deep dose of rest, relaxation, and reflection as the sun sets over our serene grounds. This immersive hour of sound healing, led by White Wave Restorations, features a rich blend of vibrational instruments—including gong, handpan, singing bowls, chimes, drums, and more—designed to calm the nervous system and gently guide you into a state of peaceful presence.

As the sky shifts into evening, you’ll lie or sit comfortably and allow waves of sound to wash over you. This practice of deep listening supports stress relief, mental clarity, emotional balance, and improved sleep—offering space for both release and renewal.

Please bring your own yoga mat and any comforts to support your relaxation (pillows, blankets, bolsters, eye pillow). You’re also welcome to bring a journal to capture insights or reflections following the session.

Rain Date: October 8

• 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!

You asked for it, a whole day focused on the basics of watercolors! This class is for the beginner watercolor painter, or the practiced painter looking to refresh their skills. In the morning, we will complete a worksheet with 15 watercolor application techniques, and then in the afternoon we will practice our skills on a small watercolor painting.

• 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!