In this engaging studio-style class, preteens will dive into a wide range of artistic materials and techniques while developing their personal creative voice. Projects are designed to promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative risk-taking—building both artistic skill and confidence. Students will be encouraged to explore, experiment, and refine their ideas as they create meaningful, expressive works 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 our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Celebrate Historic Yellow Springs’ role in marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with botanical artist Margaret Saylor in this unique two-part Making History workshop series.

Inspired by a remarkable composite volume from the archives, featuring 37 hand-colored engravings originally illustrated by naturalist James Sowerby, this historic text once guided physicians and apothecaries in the identification and use of medicinal plants during the Revolutionary era. In the winter session, participants will work from high-resolution scans of these plates to begin their own botanical sketchbook or art journal—a personal reference to the medicinal plants documented by William Woodville in Medical Botany. 

Guided by Margaret Saylor, artists will develop observation and illustration techniques, record notes, and build lasting skills for documenting nature through art. The summer session, part two of the series, invites participants to draw live medicinal plant specimens inspired by the historic plates, expanding their journals with direct field observation. This immersive series offers a rich blend of art, science, history, and hands-on practice to deepen your botanical art practice and connection to historic herbal knowledge.

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!

Over four, two-hour classes you will build on the information learned in the Zentangle Basics class. Tangle Time expands your knowledge of “tangles” while exploring techniques that allow you to push your creativity to new heights. In each class you will expand your tangling techniques and add to your knowledge of tangles (patterns) Take your Zentangle journey ahead of basics to a level where you can create your own patterns in a fun and enjoyable way.Supplies: There will be a one-time supply fee of $12 payable to the instructor at time of first class if you do not have the basic Zentangle kit.

*It is recommended but not necessary that you take a basic Zentangle class first.

• 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!

Create a personalized ceramic house number plaque that’s both functional and beautiful. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll use slab-building techniques to design and construct a custom address plaque, incorporating natural textures from leaves, flowers, and stems pressed directly into the clay.

Participants will choose their plaque’s shape, layout, and number style, then add surface details that reflect their own aesthetic. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll learn how to cut, shape, and attach your design elements while exploring texture and composition.

All tools and materials are provided. Finished plaques 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.

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.

Paint a layered, imaginative forest scene using techniques pioneered by Eyvind Earle for his work on Disney's 1959 animated film Sleeping Beauty. Using opaque gouache paint, we will learn to layer colors into an intricate, woven texture resembling Medieval tapestries and Persian miniature paintings. 

Clcik 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.

"They say 'Go Big or Go Home'... and while the world of Zentangle is usually under 4 inches, we are going big for this workshop. This mega Zentangle-inspired mandala will be done on a 12x12 inch 'tile".  Perfect for framing. Bring your Zentangle kit, or purchase a kit for $13 from the instructor. Previous Zentangle experience is not required, but is helpful. There will be some additional supplies needed for this class. List will be sent after registration.

• 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!

Learn the wonderful art of needle felting with natural fibers as you create your own adorable penquin. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll follow step-by-step guidance to shape, layer, and build your sculpture using wool sourced locally from Locust Hollow Sheep Farm in nearby Coatesville. No experience needed, just bring your creativity.

Materials fee: $15

• 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!