The Art Bridges Foundation ‘Access for All’ initiative brings you free admission to the Museum the first Thursday of each month from 11 am – 3 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm.

Explore the Museum, participate in free art crafts, and more!

This is one of 3 family-friendly workshops exploring aspects of alternative photography! On August 23rd Create your own canvas tote – perfect for your local farmer’s market haul! This demonstration will explain how to apply the Cyanotype Process to textile goods. Participants will print their own compositions on bandanas and bags while learning application methods and tips for successful sun-printing.

Asian Watercolor

with Esther Hong

This class will introduce you to the art of Asian watercolor painting. Beginning students will learn the brush strokes and techniques to paint the basic four paragons: the Orchid, the Bamboo, the Plum Blossoms and the Chrysanthemum with traditional materials. Intermediate students will learn how to draw flowers, various fruits and vegetables, baskets, and other objects for still life paintings. Advanced students will learn trees, rocks, mountains, fog, clouds, and waterfalls to draw traditional landscape paintings. Small class size allows for personalized instruction.

The Art Bridges Foundation ‘Access for All’ initiative brings you free admission to the Museum the first Thursday of each month from 11 am – 3 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm. Experience the Museum and participate in guided craft activities!

PianoPunk

The Art After Dark music series takes place on the first Thursday of each month, through May 2026.

Take a tour of the galleries and enjoy drinks at 5 pm. Stay for live music from 6-8 pm.

Thank you to Erie Insurance for continued support of Art After Dark.

Single Wall Basket Weaving

with Robert Lewis

Learn the traditional art of single wall basket weaving with artist and educator Robert Lewis. A Cherokee National Treasure for Storytelling, Lewis brings traditional knowledge to audiences across the globe, celebrating his own Cherokee, Navajo, and Apache heritage. From storytelling to cultural and art education, he is renowned for his ability to be inclusive and accessible.

Ages 12–17 welcome with parent or guardian supervision.

Beginner Urban Sketching

with Kim Kloecker

Learn to sketch through direct observation. From everyday objects to lively streetscapes, this beginner-friendly class blends drawing and watercolor with illustration, helping students embrace imperfection and develop their own visual style.

Fine Jewelry Making

Precious Metal Jewelry Making with Jan & Dan Niebauer. In this class, you’ll learn basic and advanced jewelry-making techniques. Create your own project plan from start to finish.

This is a multi-week course. The September 10th course will be held at the Erie Art Museum. The remaining sessions will be held at the artist's studio in Southwest Millcreek every Wednesday evening. Please note the studio is on a lower level with no elevator access. Pets are also present at the studio, so please be aware if you have any pet allergies. Please contact the instructors for any additional questions at rmjdesigns@gmail.com

Adaptive Art takes place on the second Friday of each month, from 10:30 am – 12 pm.

Adaptive Art is a monthly visual arts and creativity class designed for adults (18+) with disabilities. Thanks to a generous grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities, registration is currently free while funds last. In this class, participants will explore various adaptive mediums such as movement, drawing, painting, and poetry to find new ways of self-expression and PLAY alongside talented and passionate teacher, Sara Fisher. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the joy of art in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Introduction to Landscape Painting II

This Level II / Beginning-Intermediate class is perfect for students who have taken a class with Lorena before or want to advance their skills. Explore color theory through the practice of landscape painting.

Participants will learn fundamental color theory concepts and how to apply them effectively in their paintings. Through guided exercises, you’ll develop intentional color mixing techniques that help you accurately capture what you see, create the mood you desire, and add depth, atmosphere, and light to your landscapes.

Introduction to Landscape Painting

In this six-week landscape painting course, participants will delve into essential techniques for capturing nature scenes on canvas. Through a series of guided exercises and demonstrations, students will learn to simplify natural forms into basic shapes and tones, experiment with light, shadow, and color mixing, and build their own compositions. Each session progressively builds on previous skills learned; by course end, students will have developed confidence and foundational techniques to form cohesive landscape compositions.

Second Sundays are a perfect way to spend time creating in the Museum with your family and loved ones! Admission is pay-what-you-wish, and donations are appreciated. Each Second Sunday of the month, from 2-4pm.

Gallery Night is a citywide celebration of art. Businesses and local galleries and venues will remain open with some hosting their own events. Shop, eat, listen to music, and spend time with friends and family visiting as many local galleries as you can. There’s no better way to get a feel for Erie’s art and culture scene!

The Art Bridges Foundation ‘Access for All’ initiative brings you free admission to the Museum the first Thursday of each month from 11 am – 3 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm.

Explore the Museum, participate in free art crafts, and more!

World Cyanotype Day

At 1020 Collective with Brittany Stowe and Sarah Moody

Celebrate World Cyanotype Day with a hands-on workshop covering Cyanotype, Lumen Printing, and other experimental sun printing techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to submit their finished work to alternativephotography.com for inclusion in the site’s annual virtual exhibition, which highlights cyanotype artists from around the globe. 2025’s theme is Cultivating Community.

The Art Bridges Foundation ‘Access for All’ initiative brings you free admission to the Museum the first Thursday of each month from 11 am – 3 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm. Experience the Museum and participate in guided craft activities!

Eric Brewer and Friends

The Art After Dark music series takes place on the first Thursday of each month, through May 2026.

Take a tour of the galleries and enjoy drinks at 5 pm. Stay for live music from 6-8 pm.

Thank you to Erie Insurance for continued support of Art After Dark.

Paper Clay 101: Recycle, Sculpt, and Paint

with Brandi Linné

Turn everyday paper waste into pliable, upcycled paper clay while learning the basics of sculpture design. Participants will leave with a completed, hand-painted sculpture made entirely from recycled paper, along with a deeper understanding of sustainable art practices and the skills to continue creating at home. No prior experience necessary.

Adaptive Art takes place on the second Friday of each month, from 10:30 am – 12 pm.

Adaptive Art is a monthly visual arts and creativity class designed for adults (18+) with disabilities. Thanks to a generous grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities, registration is currently free while funds last. In this class, participants will explore various adaptive mediums such as movement, drawing, painting, and poetry to find new ways of self-expression and PLAY alongside talented and passionate teacher, Sara Fisher. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the joy of art in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Second Sundays are a perfect way to spend time creating in the Museum with your family and loved ones! Admission is pay-what-you-wish, and donations are appreciated. Each Second Sunday of the month, from 2-4pm.

The Art Bridges Foundation ‘Access for All’ initiative brings you free admission to the Museum the first Thursday of each month from 11 am – 3 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm.

Explore the Museum, participate in free art crafts, and more!

Masquerade at the Museum details will be available in the future. Save the date!

Fundamentals of Photography

With Erica Whiting

Led by professional photographer and artist, Erica Whiting, this four-week class teaches participants to learn the basic foundational skills of photography. Such as the basic anatomy of the lens and camera body including exposure meter, the dial modes and what they mean. We will also discuss how to navigate camera settings and how to achieve proper exposure. Other topics include shutter speed, and depth of field. Each week, participants will make photos they have composed and created using techniques taught in this class. Each class includes hands-on practice and verbal and visual instruction.

Grow at Home: Make a Mini Greenhouse

with Emily Gaudioso

In this beginner-friendly DIY (Do It Yourself) three-week workshop, participants will build a charming tabletop greenhouse perfect for herbs, succulents, or seedlings. Emily Gaudioso will guide you step-by-step through simple woodworking techniques using basic hand tools like saws and drills. No prior experience needed.

You’ll leave with a fully constructed greenhouse ready for your windowsill or kitchen counter, plus the skills and confidence to build more on your own.

Ideal for older teens and adults interested in indoor gardening, woodworking, or hands-on creative projects.

The Art Bridges Foundation ‘Access for All’ initiative brings you free admission to the Museum the first Thursday of each month from 11 am – 3 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm. Experience the Museum and participate in guided craft activities!

Danny and the Daddios

The Art After Dark music series takes place on the first Thursday of each month, through May 2026.

Take a tour of the galleries and enjoy drinks at 5 pm. Stay for live music from 6-8 pm.

Thank you to Erie Insurance for continued support of Art After Dark.

Second Sundays are a perfect way to spend time creating in the Museum with your family and loved ones! Admission is pay-what-you-wish, and donations are appreciated. Each Second Sunday of the month, from 2-4pm.

Adaptive Art takes place on the second Friday of each month, from 10:30 am – 12 pm.

Adaptive Art is a monthly visual arts and creativity class designed for adults (18+) with disabilities. Thanks to a generous grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities, registration is currently free while funds last. In this class, participants will explore various adaptive mediums such as movement, drawing, painting, and poetry to find new ways of self-expression and PLAY alongside talented and passionate teacher, Sara Fisher. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the joy of art in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The Art Bridges Foundation ‘Access for All’ initiative brings you free admission to the Museum the first Thursday of each month from 11 am – 3 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm.

Explore the Museum, participate in free art crafts, and more!

The Art Bridges Foundation ‘Access for All’ initiative brings you free admission to the Museum the first Thursday of each month from 11 am – 3 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm. Experience the Museum and participate in guided craft activities!

Adaptive Art takes place on the second Friday of each month, from 10:30 am – 12 pm.

Adaptive Art is a monthly visual arts and creativity class designed for adults (18+) with disabilities. Thanks to a generous grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities, registration is currently free while funds last. In this class, participants will explore various adaptive mediums such as movement, drawing, painting, and poetry to find new ways of self-expression and PLAY alongside talented and passionate teacher, Sara Fisher. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the joy of art in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Gallery Night is a citywide celebration of art. Businesses and local galleries and venues will remain open with some hosting their own events. Shop, eat, listen to music, and spend time with friends and family visiting as many local galleries as you can. There’s no better way to get a feel for Erie’s art and culture scene!

Second Sundays are a perfect way to spend time creating in the Museum with your family and loved ones! Admission is pay-what-you-wish, and donations are appreciated. Each Second Sunday of the month, from 2-4pm.

The Art Bridges Foundation ‘Access for All’ initiative brings you free admission to the Museum the first Thursday of each month from 11 am – 3 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm.

Explore the Museum, participate in free art crafts, and more!