Upcoming events
Adaptive Art: Free Visual Arts Class for Adults with Disabilities (18+)
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.
ExpRESSIVE Printmaking
This playful, welcoming class is open to all, no prior printmaking experience required.
Participants will learn the basics of printmaking using ink or paint is applied to a surface and then printed onto paper. In this 1-day workshop, participants will explore a variety of simple printmaking methods using watercolor and other media to create playful and expressive prints that can be easily adapted for artmaking at home.
Each participant will create a collection of prints using both a printing press and hand printing methods. Exploratory exercises and creative experimentation are encouraged!
Fine Jewelry Making
Learn basic and advanced jewelry making techniques! Create your own project plan from start to finish.
This is a multi-week course, with the first session (April 15th) 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
Writing Visual Art: Ekphrastic Poetry and Prose
This 1-session workshop explores ekphrastic writing, where participants create poetry or prose inspired by visual art. Using examples from John Keats, Gertrude Stein, W.H. Auden, and others, students will engage in a generative exercise to write an ekphrastic piece about a work of art in the museum, followed by feedback and discussion.
The Audacity: Queer Imaginaries in Art and Writing
This 1.5-hour seminar explores queer imaginaries in art and writing, examining how the queer community, particularly trans and nonbinary individuals, confront legal and social obstacles through the creation of imaginative worlds where queerness thrives. There will be a brief lecture by the instructor to define the queer imaginary, its history, and the theory behind it, followed by a larger discussion with participants.
Experimental Photography
This four-week class invites photographers to explore experimental and nontraditional approaches to photography. Participants will learn in-camera techniques such as double exposure and flash photography, and work with props including fabric, colored gels, and other materials to create expressive images, without Photoshop or digital editing.
Sewing Machine Basics
Do you have a sewing machine sitting unused, waiting for the right moment? Now’s your chance to dust it off and learn how to use it!
Learn the fundamentals of your sewing machine with fabricator and textile artist Deborah Sementelli, who brings over 20 years of experience and serves in a leadership role with the Erie Fiber Arts Guild.
This four-part workshop is designed to build confidence quickly and practically. The first session focuses on threading the machine, learning its parts, and “taking it for a drive” with an instant-gratification project, such as a strip-pieced pillow. Subsequent classes will build on these skills, including clothing repairs and basic alterations, including how to measure, fit and work with a simple sewing pattern.
Participants should bring their own sewing machine and come ready to build skills, confidence, and momentum at the machine, one stitch at a time.
Hand Drumming
Learn basic rhythmic notation, composition, ensemble playing, solo and collective music-making, music appreciation, leadership/following in music, and more. Experience the joy, euphoria, and health benefits of hand drumming, including improved heart rate and mood.
Introduction to Therapeutic Art: Session II - Exploring Self and Others
Session II - Exploring Self and Others: Participants will use art-making as a way to learn more about themselves and others, practicing kindness toward themselves and others while enjoying the shared experience of creating art in community. Through guided, reflective art activities, participants are invited to explore identity, relationships, and personal strengths in a supportive group setting.
Improv at the Museum
This class is open to everyone, no matter your experience level, whether you’re a total beginner or have dabbled in theater, you’ll find a supportive, playful space to explore.
Led by Teaching Artist Sara Fisher, a seasoned improviser with a rich background in musical improv, physical storytelling, and adaptive arts, this class blends fun, curiosity, and discovery. Sara is passionate about creating inclusive environments where everyone can shine, drawing on her experience teaching adults with disabilities, leading community workshops, and performing across Chicago, Boston, and here in Erie.
Through games, exercises, and collaborative activities, you’ll:
Build confidence and presence in a group setting
Strengthen your listening, collaboration, and quick-thinking skills
Explore character, movement, and storytelling in playful, hands-on ways
The Art of Nature Journaling
This class invites students to slow down, observe, and respond creatively to the natural world through drawing, writing, and mixed media, exploring different approaches to nature journaling. Using simple materials and guided prompts, participants will build a personal nature journal that reflects what they see, notice, and experience.
Adaptive Art: Free Visual Arts Class for Adults with Disabilities (18+)
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.
Hildegard of Bingen, Herbs, and the Greening Power: Women's Bodies and Balance with the Natural World
This lecture draws on Dr. Minji Lee’s recent publication, The Medieval Womb: Hildegard of Bingen's Views on the Female Reproductive Body.
Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), a German Benedictine nun, believed that human beings possess the power to heal themselves in body, mind, and soul as being created by God and inheriting the divine power. She used the concept of viriditas, the greening power, to explain human health and reproduction as analogous to the vitality by which trees and plants draw water and nutrients from the earth to produce leaves and flowers.
Hildegard particularly emphasized herbs as essential sources of healing and treatment for women's ailments, viewing the female body's regenerative capacity as an expression of this greening power. Dr Lee will offer a historical approach to understanding the medieval construction of women's bodies as positive and powerful through the framework of herbal medicine and viriditas.
Adaptive Art: Free Visual Arts Class for Adults with Disabilities (18+)
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
In this five-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.
Landscape Painting II: Color Theory & Application
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.
Asian Watercolor
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.
Figure Drawing: Skeletal Structure & the Human Form
Explore the fundamentals of drawing the human figure in this hands-on workshop. Through a variety of exercises using conte crayon and charcoal, students will learn to accurately assess the human form and develop foundational skills for figure studies. Classes include gesture sketches, short poses, and extended poses, with one-on-one instruction to guide each student’s progress.
Schedule:
Weekly Session Structure:
10 × 1-minute gesture sketches
2 × 5-minute drawings
1 × 20-minute pose
2 × 25-minute seated poses
1 reclining pose extended over two 25-minute periods
Breaks for model and discussion included throughout.
Adaptive Art: Free Visual Arts Class for Adults with Disabilities (18+)
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.
Lecture | Creative Connections: Teaching Artists with Disabilities
This panel discussion and Q&A will focus on techniques and tips in teaching the arts to people of all ages with disabilities. This event is open to the public, but prior registration is encouraged.
Introduction to Therapeutic Art: Model Building as Mindfulness
Join us to practice mindfulness through creative model building with miniatures.
Learn to calm a busy mind by focusing on a small world of your own creation. This class introduces the fundamentals of building plastic model kits of your choice, such as cars, ships, airplanes, or characters, using techniques including sanding, painting, and gluing.
Beginners are welcome, and first-time participants are encouraged to choose a beginner-friendly kit.
Depending on the complexity of the kit and individual interest, participants may attend a single session.
Fundamentals of Photography
Led by professional photographer and artist, Erica Whiting, this four-week class teaches participants to learn the basic foundational skills of photograph, 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. We will practice with still-life objects and a variety of natural lighting conditions (no flash), as well as learning how to photograph objects in motion to freeze motion or create intentional motion blur. Each class includes hands on practice and verbal and visual instruction.
Perfect for beginners who’ve never picked up a camera or recently purchased one and thought okay, where do I start?
Introduction to Watercolor Painting
This class is suitable for beginners or those looking to advance their watercolor skills. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of watercolor painting, exploring basic techniques and concepts. The course is designed to help build a solid foundation for artistic expression in this medium. Participants will learn to paint simple objects and landscapes, applying the elements & principles of design to create well-composed and visually appealing artwork. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, this class will guide you through the essentials of watercolor painting in a supportive and engaging environment.
Introduction to Therapeutic Art: Session 1
The Erie Art Museum is excited to introduce a new Therapeutic Art Program, designed and facilitated by Sumin Kim, BFA, MA, LAPC, ATR (she/her). This series invites participants to explore self-awareness, empathy, and joy through expressive artmaking while creating art that feels personally meaningful, in a supportive, judgment-free environment. No prior art experience is needed.
Please note that this is NOT group therapy. This is a community-based art class that draws on the therapeutic nature of art-making.
Session I - Mixed Media: Participants will be introduced to a variety of art materials and techniques, including painting, collage, beading, and sensory-based materials such as dissolving paper and stone. The focus is on open-ended exploration and creative play, rather than artistic skill or final outcomes.
First Class: DIY Screen Printing
Want to learn screen printing but don’t have access to specialized equipment like photo emulsion, a light table, or a power washer? This beginner-friendly workshop is the perfect place to start. Using simple and accessible techniques, you’ll discover how to transform an original drawing into a reproducible print, and leave with the skills and confidence to continue experimenting with DIY screen printing on your own.
Musical Theatre Dance Class
Open 16+ (Beginner-friendly, no experience needed!); Drop in for just one class or join us for all four - the choice (and the fun) is yours! Love Broadway? Crave that showbiz sparkle?
Start the new year on the right foot... literally! This adult dance class brings the magic of musical theatre to life, no stage required. Whether you’re brand new to dance or returning after a long break, January is the perfect time to shake off the winter blues, get moving, and rediscover joy through dance.
Each class kicks off with an energizing warm-up to get your body moving and your blood flowing. We’ll focus on stretching, cardio, and simple jazz-based movement. Think of it as a mini workout with a Broadway twist.
Then it’s showtime: you'll learn a choreographed combo set to a classic or contemporary Broadway (or Off-Broadway) tune. Choreography is rooted in musical theatre jazz, with influences from ballet, modern, and hip hop. Some routines will reflect iconic stage choreography, while others will be fresh, original pieces created just for you.
No experience? No problem.
This class is truly open-level: great for absolute beginners, seasoned movers, or anyone in between. You’ll be supported with modifications and encouraged to move at your own pace and comfort level.
Price
$10 per class
This is a drop-in workshop and no registration is required!
Dates & Times
Thursdays in January, starting January 15th, from 6 – 7 pm.
January 15th
January 22nd
January 29th
Musical Theatre Dance Class
Open 16+ (Beginner-friendly, no experience needed!); Drop in for just one class or join us for all four - the choice (and the fun) is yours! Love Broadway? Crave that showbiz sparkle?
Start the new year on the right foot... literally! This adult dance class brings the magic of musical theatre to life, no stage required. Whether you’re brand new to dance or returning after a long break, January is the perfect time to shake off the winter blues, get moving, and rediscover joy through dance.
Each class kicks off with an energizing warm-up to get your body moving and your blood flowing. We’ll focus on stretching, cardio, and simple jazz-based movement. Think of it as a mini workout with a Broadway twist.
Then it’s showtime: you'll learn a choreographed combo set to a classic or contemporary Broadway (or Off-Broadway) tune. Choreography is rooted in musical theatre jazz, with influences from ballet, modern, and hip hop. Some routines will reflect iconic stage choreography, while others will be fresh, original pieces created just for you.
No experience? No problem.
This class is truly open-level: great for absolute beginners, seasoned movers, or anyone in between. You’ll be supported with modifications and encouraged to move at your own pace and comfort level.
Price
$10 per class
This is a drop-in workshop and no registration is required!
Dates & Times
Thursdays in January, starting January 15th, from 6 – 7 pm.
January 15th
January 22nd
January 29th
Musical Theatre Dance Class (cancelled 1/15/26 only)
Open 16+ (Beginner-friendly, no experience needed!); Drop in for just one class or join us for all four - the choice (and the fun) is yours! Love Broadway? Crave that showbiz sparkle?
Start the new year on the right foot... literally! This adult dance class brings the magic of musical theatre to life, no stage required. Whether you’re brand new to dance or returning after a long break, January is the perfect time to shake off the winter blues, get moving, and rediscover joy through dance.
Each class kicks off with an energizing warm-up to get your body moving and your blood flowing. We’ll focus on stretching, cardio, and simple jazz-based movement. Think of it as a mini workout with a Broadway twist.
Then it’s showtime: you'll learn a choreographed combo set to a classic or contemporary Broadway (or Off-Broadway) tune. Choreography is rooted in musical theatre jazz, with influences from ballet, modern, and hip hop. Some routines will reflect iconic stage choreography, while others will be fresh, original pieces created just for you.
No experience? No problem.
This class is truly open-level: great for absolute beginners, seasoned movers, or anyone in between. You’ll be supported with modifications and encouraged to move at your own pace and comfort level.
Price
$10 per class
This is a drop-in workshop and no registration is required!
Dates & Times
Thursdays in January, starting January 22nd, from 6 – 7 pm.
January 15th (CANCELLED)
January 22nd
January 29th
First Class: Introduction to Landscape Painting
In this seven-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.
First Class: 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.
Eraser Stamp Workshop
Class Description
Learn the basics of relief printmaking by carving stamps from erasers. This beginner-friendly workshop introduces participants to a range of techniques and materials, highlighting the accessibility and versatility of this art form. Participants will also explore notable artists and styles in the field, receive guidance on the safe use of tools, and leave with their own reusable stamps.
Registration required.
Adaptive Art
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.
Holiday Card Making Workshop
In this family-friendly programming, participants are invited to celebrate the winter season by creating festive holiday cards using simple collage techniques. Utilizing precut paper shapes, you’ll design cheerful compositions with snowmen, ornaments, Christmas trees, stockings, or reindeer. Personalize each card with markers and other drawing media to add greetings or messages.
This workshop is fun and approachable for all skill levels. All materials are provided, and you’ll leave with a handmade card(s) perfect for sharing with family, friends, or to decorate your home.
Ages 5+ (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Price
This class operates on a sliding scale, allowing you to pay between $5 and $25 based on what feels comfortable for you. All participants receive the same instruction and experience, regardless of the amount paid.
This is a drop-in workshop and no registration is required!
Matting & Mounting Artwork
Matting & Mounting Artwork
With James Pearson
Class Description
Led by professional framer and long-time Museum personnel, Collections Manager & Lead Preparator, James Pearson, this hands-on 2-day class will teach you the essential skills of matting and mounting your artwork. Perfect for artists and collectors alike, participants will learn how to professionally present their pieces, starting with mat design, measuring, cutting a mat window, cutting backing, and mounting the artwork using photo corners. By the end of the workshop, students will leave with a completed "package" including their mounted artwork, backing, and custom mat—ready for framing!
Adaptive Art
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.
First Class: The Joy of Artmaking
Therapeutic Art Series:
The Joy of Artmaking with Self and Others
The Erie Art Museum is excited to introduce a new Therapeutic Art Program, designed and facilitated by Sumin Kim, BFA, MA, LAPC, ATR (she/her). This four-week class invites participants to explore self-awareness, empathy, and joy through expressive artmaking in a supportive, judgment-free environment. No prior art experience is needed. Participants will:
Use art for mindfulness and emotional well-being
Reflect on personal identity and positive memories
Learn about differing perspectives through creative collaboration
Cultivate self-compassion and kindness
Discuss and learn about wellness
Bring home reflective artworks that are personally meaningful
First Class: Make a Mini Greenhouse
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.
First Class: Fundamentals of Photography
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.
Adaptive Art
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.
First Class: Paper Clay 101
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.
World Cyanotype Day
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.
First Class: Introduction to Landscape Painting
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.
First Class: Landscape Painting II
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.
Adaptive Art
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.