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

Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts! 

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.

• 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 immersive eight-week journey, we invite you to explore the profound dynamics between the world around us and the stories within us, viewed through the lens of nature and history.

Just as the mineral springs here have carved their way through the earth over centuries, our personal histories are shaped by the environments we inhabit. We will look to the surrounding landscape—the ancient trees, the weathered stone architecture, and the medicinal springs—as a mirror for our own lived experiences. Participants will be encouraged to explore how their personal history intersects with the broader legacy of Yellow Springs, finding where individual memory meets collective heritage.

A Multi-Sensory Approach to Storytelling Writing a memoir is often seen as a solitary act of pen and paper, but true expression often requires more than words alone. This course introduces creative free-writing as a foundation, but we break the boundaries of the page by incorporating mixed media. All artistic abilities are welcome!

• 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 class is for students who have a basic understanding of wheel throwing from wedging to shaping on the wheel. Our goal is to provide an open environment for pushing limits and experimentation. I base demonstrations off of class interests but we will focus on altering forms on and off the wheel as well as creating multi-part forms. 

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!

This course breaks down the process of portraiture into manageable steps—from blocking in basic shapes, establishing accurate proportions using reference points, to building up value progressions. You’ll learn the best way to approach each stage of a portrait, from initial sketch to final details. We begin by working from photo references to develop your ability to capture likeness, culminating in a live model session. Whether you prefer to sketch loosely or render in detail, you'll learn techniques that adapt to your artistic goals. Model fee included

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!

Throughout this 10-week course, you will explore the world of fiber design. Specifically Embroidery and Weaving! Students will spend the first 5 weeks mastering the art of Embroidery. The class will start with stitching techniques. Over the course of the 5 weeks, students will be able to create a painting of thread! Weeks 6-10 are all about looms! Students will learn basic weaving techniques and be able to apply them to create abstract tapestries! Every piece of art tells a story, and these weavings are no different. Throughout the course, students will keep a sketchbook filled with design ideas and backstories for their weavings and embroidery pieces!

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!

This 10-week course offers a comprehensive introduction to the art of wheel throwing. Students will learn the fundamentals of clay preparation, centering, and shaping basic forms like bowls and cylinders. As the course progresses, students will explore trimming, attaching handles, surface decoration techniques and glazing. With hands-on practice and one-on-one guidance, participants will refine their skills and complete personal projects. The final weeks focus on finishing touches and group critiques, providing students with a well-rounded foundation in the art of functional pottery. Suitable for beginners eager to explore the world of ceramics.

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!

In this vibrant, hands-on class, young artists will explore a variety of materials and techniques designed to ignite their imagination. Each project encourages creative expression while building fine motor skills, artistic vocabulary, and confidence. From playful experimentation to proud finished pieces, children will discover the joy of making art in a supportive and inspiring environment.

• 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