This fall, the Boulder JCC invites you to slow down, create with your hands, and deepen your artistic practice through a diverse series of adult art classes and workshops. From botanical drawing to weaving wearable garments, this season’s offerings celebrate personal expression, seasonal inspiration, and community connection. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or a curious beginner, there’s a class for every level of experience.

FIBER ARTS & WEAVING WORKSHOPS

Led by longtime fiber artist and educator Sara Goldenberg White, these weaving classes blend hands-on skill-building with artistic exploration. Schacht Spindle Company generously provides looms and yarn.

Intro to Rigid Heddle: Beginner Stripe Scarf
Tuesdays, August 19 & 26 | 10 am – 3 pm | $164 + $33 kit fee
Learn the fundamentals of weaving in this two-part course and create a cozy striped scarf or table runner. This class is a prerequisite for participation in other weaving classes.

Butterfly Wing Scarf
Tuesdays, September 9 | 10 am – 3 pm & September 16 | 10:30 am – 2:45 pm | $154 + $55 kit fee
For experienced weavers, this class explores Danish medallions and multi-color techniques to create a striking wearable piece.

Shrug Class
Tuesdays, October 21, 28 & November 4 | 10 am – 3 pm | $222 + $100 kit fee
Move into garment making by weaving and sewing your own shrug using luxury yarn blends and color patterning.

Weaving Group
Tuesdays, December 2 & 9 | 10 am – 3 pm | $55
A supportive environment to continue projects, get guidance, or explore new techniques with fellow weavers.

CERAMICS WITH RITA VALI

Renowned ceramicist Rita Vali brings warmth, guidance, and creativity to each of her workshops. Her classes emphasize meaning, texture, and personal expression.

Clay & Celebration: Create a Rosh Hashanah Plate Set
Thursday, September 4 | 10 am – 2 pm | $68
Craft a festive plate set for apples and honey using handbuilding and decorative surface techniques.

Elevated Clay: Make a Pedestal Serving Bowl
Thursday, October 9 | 10 am – 2 pm | $68
Sculpt a raised serving bowl complete with handles, texture, and glaze for a functional showpiece.

Handbuilt Ceramic Menorahs
Thursday, November 13 | 10 am – 2 pm | $68
Create a personalized menorah to celebrate Hanukkah with traditional or modern flair.

Hopeful Birds Clay Class
Thursday, December 4 | 10 am – 2 pm | $68
Sculpt two meaningful ceramic birds—one to keep, one to donate—symbolizing peace and connection.

FLORAL & BOTANICAL CLASSES

Ikebana: The Path of Flowers
Wednesday, August 20 | 1:30 – 3:30 pm | $55
Discover the Japanese art of flower arranging in the Sogetsu School style with Eileen Kay, a certified and highly experienced instructor.

Hand-Tied Bouquets
Sunday, September 21 | 10 am – 12 pm | $50
Harvest blooms from our own fields and create your own seasonal bouquet with guidance on color and design.

Botanical Drawing with Michael Campbell
Mondays, December 1, 8 & 15 | 10 am – 1 pm | $118
Explore observational drawing of plants in a relaxed, mindful environment. All levels welcome.

PAINTING & VISUAL ARTS

The Art of Seeing: Plein Air Painting Workshop
Tuesday, October 7 | 9:30 am – 3 pm | $158
Take your painting practice outdoors in this immersive workshop with award-winning artist David W. Mayer. Bring your own supplies and paint with oils, pastels, or gouache in natural light.

ART OPENING AT THE MESSINGER GALLERY
Thursday, September 18 | 5:30 – 7 pm | FREE
Join us for an inspiring evening as the Messinger Gallery presents new work by Camille McMurry, Julie Rothschild, and Sara Goldenberg White. Explore textiles, movement-based installation, and contemporary fiber art.

Register for all of these programs through the Boulder JCC website.