Classes
The welfare of our staff, teachers, students, and artists is critical. To view all of our current updates and our face mask, hygiene. and other safety requirements, please visit our Facilities page here. UPDATED: 11/25/20
NEW: In the event of a mandated shut down due to COVID-19 during the Winter class session (January through March), full or prorated refunds will be issued in the form of a FCAC gift certificate, as appropriate. In the event of a pandemic lockdown, the Flower City Arts Center reserves the right to change open studio times and walk-in hours at our discretion. Thank you for your continued support of the Flower City Arts Center during these uncertain times.
NEW: From August 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021, or until fully exhausted, we are currently offering scholarship and tuition assistance to workers who were deemed essential during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Essential workers include workers at: hospitals, nursing homes and other health care entities; fire stations; U.S. Post Offices; delivery companies; grocery and convenience stores; restaurant that remained open for carry-out or delivery; and the like. For more information and to fill out our essential worker tuition assistance form, please CLICK HERE. Thank you to all who donated to our Spring Donation Appeal to help make this happen!
Information on general tuition assistance for classes at Flower City Arts Center can be found here.
If our classes aren't exactly what you're looking for, find information about customizable 1-on-1 instruction here.
Upcoming Classes
Intro to the Wheel
Session 1: January 8th - February 26th, 2021
Session 2: January 11th - March 1st, 2021
Session 3: January 15th - March 5th, 2021
Session 4: January 18th - March 8th, 2021
Session 5: January 19th -
Session 6: January 19th - March 9th, 2021
Session 7: January 20th - March 10th, 2021
For beginners, this 8-week Introduction class covers the basics of wheel-thrown, functional work. You will learn to master the cylinder, the gateway form to cups, ... more
Go Retro with Film: Introduction to Photography
Session 1: January 11th - February 22nd, 2021
Session 2: January 13th - February 24th, 2021
Session 3: February 4th - March 18th, 2021
Take this introductory class first to truly understand the fundamentals of photography. Experience the basic elements of photography. No camera or prior knowledge needed. Learn ... more
Color Film Developing Workshop
Session 1: January 12th - January 12th, 2021
Session 2: March 16th - March 16th, 2021
This SPECIAL one-day workshop will teach you how to process your own color film! Topics include preparing the solutions, the three steps process (Developer, Blix ... more
Photo Manipulation and Digital Compositing: Online
Session 1: January 12th - February 2nd, 2021
Session 2: February 16th - March 9th, 2021
Manifest your ideas into reality through photo manipulation and digital compositing with Photoshop! Learn how to digitally engage with photography in an experimental way. Through ... more
Carved Candlesticks: Online
Session 1: January 14th - January 14th, 2021
Session 2: January 21st - January 21st, 2021
Session 3: January 28th - January 28th, 2021
In this virtual workshop we will explore the Japanese, Kurinuki style carving technique to make one of a kind candle sticks. Participants will be able ... more
Tiny Pinched Tea Set for kids
Session 1: January 16th - January 16th, 2021
Session 2: January 23rd - January 23rd, 2021
Your little one can make a tiny set, with help from an older sibling or family member. This multi-generational class will teach the time-honored pinch ... more
Experimental Darkroom Techniques
January 19th - March 2nd, 2021
In this workshop, we will explore different techniques to make contact prints, using 2D/ 3D objects on photo papers, painting with photo chemicals and household ... more
Screen Printing
Session 1: January 20th - January 27th, 2021
Session 2: February 9th - February 16th, 2021
Session 3: March 17th - March 24th, 2021
This workshop will cover the basics of screen printing process from start to finish. Creating imagery, transferring the image to the screen, printing, and clean-up ... more
Photography Lecture Series with Bruno Chalifour
January 22nd - March 12th, 2021
This weekly photography lecture series will provide an opportunity for us to use this weird time to expand our knowledge and understanding of current issues ... more
Hybrid: Winter Photography
January 23rd - February 6th, 2021
Explore the Genesee River as it cuts through the gorge at Letchworth State Park. Photograph unique ice formations, waterfalls, wildlife, natural areas, and historical sites. ... more
Sunday Afternoon Bookbinding I
January 24th - January 24th, 2021
January: For our first 2021 Bookbinding Workshop we will work with accordion fold, matchbook and perfect bound book making skills. Basic tools and supplies will ... more
Experimental Screen Printing
January 28th - March 18th, 2021
An intermediate/advanced course in silkscreen that explores the subtle and surprising forms that the process can take– from painterly to photographic to abstract! Students will ... more
Ceramic Jewelry
January 30th - February 13th, 2021
With simple handbuilding techniques you will create personalized ceramic jewelry. Expect to make two pairs of earrings, two pendants, and two brooches. In the first ... more
Observation to Abstraction
February 1st - March 8th, 2021
Working in the media of your choice, students in this class will explore how to develop abstract themes based on observation, both of the world ... more
Borders and Boundaries: Online
February 1st - March 8th, 2021
In this advanced photography class we will consider questions pertaining to borders and boundaries to develop a photo project around this theme. How do we ... more
Encaustic Art
February 2nd - March 9th, 2021
To begin the opportunity and discover unexpected results is a gift connected to Encaustics. The smell of heated wax is pleasant and the touch of ... more
Building a Puppet Theatre for Teens
February 2nd - February 23rd, 2021
Do you imagine different worlds populated by beings that live in your imagination? In this six week class you will combine storytelling and different puppetry ... more
Drypoint: Chine-Collé Printmaking
February 2nd - February 23rd, 2021
In this 4-session class, Artist-in-Residence Josh DiFabio will teach you how to make drypoint intaglio prints with chin-collé: a technique that allows you bind tissue-thin ... more
Intro to Bookbinding
February 3rd - February 24th, 2021
In this introductory course, you will learn several hand-sewn book structures perfect for making pocket notebooks, address, journals, sketchbooks, and more. You’ll leave with the ... more
Experimental Monoprinting
February 3rd - February 24th, 2021
In this class take the basics of monoprinting to the next level using exciting and experimental techniques. Students will participate in exercises that will allow ... more
Hot-Shoe Flash!
February 3rd - February 10th, 2021
This class will focus on the use of a hot-shoe flash for your DSLR. Learn basic flash techniques, the use of high speed sync, first ... more
Applied 4x5: Large Format Photography
February 6th - March 27th, 2021
Further your knowledge of 4x5 photography by applying advanced techniques (film reciprocity and bellows extension factor) to gain more control over your exposures. This class ... more
Intro to Fashion Photography
February 6th - March 27th, 2021
Intro to Fashion Photography; an opportunity to collaborate with fellow creatives while discovering, or rediscovering, oneself creatively. Additionally, it is a chance for photographers to ... more
Family Wheel Time!
February 6th - March 13th, 2021
Explore the potter's wheel as a family, and make your own fantastic dishes! In this 6-week class, parents (or caregivers) and children will learn to ... more
VIVA! Photographing Winter Landscapes: Online
February 8th - March 1st, 2021
In this class we will take time to explore the work of photographers who focus on capturing the Winter Landscape. Students will gain an understanding ... more
VIVA Handbuilding
February 8th - March 8th, 2021
Perfect for beginners or those with more experience, this 5 week class focuses on the handbuilding process through unique projects. Make a wine cooler, sushi ... more
RISO: Introduction to Underground Comics
February 10th - March 10th, 2021
Students will learn different comic making strategies, including how to best manipulate principles such as composition, pacing, and scale to enhance their comic’s narrative. Technical ... more
Cyanotypes - One Day Workshop: Online
February 13th - February 13th, 2021
Did you know you can make a photograph, from home, without a camera? The cyanotype process, also known as sun printing, is one of the ... more
Botanical Drawing II: Online
February 15th - March 22nd, 2021
With this 5-week course you will learn color for botanical artists and how to properly blend and mix those colors using colored pencils. We will ... more
Intro to Digital Photography
February 17th - March 24th, 2021
Make your digital camera work for you! Learn all of the important functions of your camera, at a steady pace. In this class we will ... more
Portrait Touch-Up
February 17th - March 10th, 2021
Learn the basics of touching-up & smoothing skin, enhancing eyes, subtle face & body sculpting and other techniques that will enhance your portraits. To achieve ... more
Digital Art for Teens for kids
February 18th - March 25th, 2021
Digital Art for Teens is the perfect introduction to both Photoshop and InDesign, in a fun, laid-back environment. Students will get the opportunity to design ... more
Digital Ink: 21st Century Letterpress
February 18th - March 11th, 2021
Bring your digital design project to life in letterpress! In this class, you will learn how to translate your vision from pixels to print using ... more
Go Retro for Teens: Intro to Film Photography
February 19th - March 26th, 2021
In this class teens will have an amazing opportunity to learn the fundamentals of photography from the camera to the darkroom! Learn how to use ... more
Basic Studio Lighting
February 19th - March 26th, 2021
Instruction will include various techniques in the use of the studio's White Lightning strobes in multiple lighting configurations, as well as other equipment such as ... more
Anthotypes: Printing with Spices and Vegtables
February 20th - March 27th, 2021
Learn how to easily create beautiful photographic prints from plant materials such as turmeric, beets, and spinach, with the amazing anthotype process. Throughout this class, ... more
Digital Photography for Teens (Youth Ages 13-17)
February 23rd - March 23rd, 2021
Digital photography for teens is an opportunity for students to learn the fundamentals of digital photography with a professional digital camera. They will learn about ... more
RISO: DIY Zine Publishing
February 23rd - March 9th, 2021
Create your own underground zine using our in-house Risograph printer! Evan Bobrow will guide you through contemporary practices in small press as well as strategies ... more
Push or Pull: Understanding Film
February 24th - March 31st, 2021
What does it mean to have a good negative? In this class we’ll explore different exposure methods using interactive objects to ensure optimal results. We’ll ... more
Smush and Smash! Clayplay for toddlers for kids
February 25th - March 18th, 2021
Four weeks of fun smushing and smashing clay, for ages 3 – 5 with their caregiver/adult. Your child will get their first experience with this ... more
Painting with Acrylics
February 25th - March 25th, 2021
Whether you'd like to paint with acrylics as a hobby or... show your work at the MET... I can help you to jump start your ... more
Make Your own House Numbers!
February 25th - March 18th, 2021
Make your home even more unique by designing your own house numbers in clay, using our vintage wood type as a stamp! No experience is ... more
Seeing in Black and White : Online
February 25th - March 18th, 2021
Black and white is the essence of photography: it is about texture, contrast, and above all, light. Seeing light, understanding it, and anticipating what the ... more
Intaglio II
February 26th - April 2nd, 2021
Follow the transformative states of a copper plate, with the assistance of an acid bath. Learn the use of grounds and their different effects. Explore ... more
Intaglio I
February 26th - April 2nd, 2021
Join the ranks of artists like Picasso and Rembrandt in exploring intaglio printing! On the first night you will understand what an intaglio print consists ... more
Sunday Afternoon Bookbinding II
February 28th - February 28th, 2021
February: For our second 2021 Bookbinding Workshop we will work with pamphlet stitch skills and leather cover books. Tools and paper supplies will be provided ... more
Intro to InDesign
March 1st - March 22nd, 2021
Create professional layouts for business cards, newsletters, posters, or books. Learn basic tools and commands, methods of combining text, graphics and images, and how to ... more
Sculpture: Artistic Expression in Wire & Plaster
March 2nd - March 23rd, 2021
Learn how to see with your hands and make beautiful, three dimensional artwork with wire and plaster in an open and creative environment. Working in ... more
Collagraph Printmaking
March 2nd - March 23rd, 2021
Learn to make a printing block that is just as much a work of art as the resulting print. Collography is a process in which ... more
Alternative Process: Caffenol
March 6th - March 7th, 2021
WEEKEND WORKSHOP! Develop an understanding of processing black and white film and prints using Caffenol, an amazing non-toxic and eco-friendly process in which film and ... more
Stacking the Deck
March 7th - April 4th, 2021
Poker, Tarot, Go Fish.... or a game of your own making ...it’s your choice! In this five week class students will make their own deck ... more
Drawing with Walnut Ink: Online Class
March 14th - March 21st, 2021
If you love to explore new media, or you want a short class that introduces you to some drawing technique, this is the class for ... more
Lightroom Revealed
March 15th - March 19th, 2021
Photoshop Lightroom is a powerful tool that offers more than basic photo editing. Topics include image import functions, along with image editing, batch processing, export ... more
Squarespace Website Workshop for Artists - Online Class
March 16th - March 17th, 2021
An artist needs a website to be found and show what you do, but the technology, process, and costs can seem overwhelming. Enjoy a low-tech, ... more
Monoprinting I
March 20th - March 20th, 2021
One print is pulled at a time and no two prints are alike with this painterly printmaking method. Techniques include transfer, reductive and additive, plus ... more
Sunday Afternoon Bookbinding III
March 28th - March 28th, 2021
March: In our third bookbinding Workshop we will work on Japanese Stab Binding patterns as well as reviewing our previous skills with the accordion fold, ... more
Active Classes
Intro to the Wheel
Session 1: January 8th - February 26th, 2021
Session 2: January 11th - March 1st, 2021
Session 3: January 15th - March 5th, 2021
Session 4: January 18th - March 8th, 2021
Session 5: January 19th -
Session 6: January 19th - March 9th, 2021
Session 7: January 20th - March 10th, 2021
For beginners, this 8-week Introduction class covers the basics of wheel-thrown, functional work. You will learn to master the cylinder, the gateway form to cups, ... more
Urban Sketching
January 10th - February 7th, 2021
Learn to make ink and watercolor drawings in a sketchbook. During the class students will learn basic skills of ink and watercolor drawing. By the ... more
Botanical Drawing I: Online
January 11th - February 8th, 2021
In this 5-week course we will learn how to work in graphite to accurately draw leaves, fruits, and vegetables. In this course you will learn ... more
Lovin’ Letterpress
January 11th - March 15th, 2021
Immerse yourself in letterpress printing. Choose from our hundreds of fonts and learn to handset type from California Job cases. Print from a variety of ... more
Go Retro with Film: Introduction to Photography
Session 1: January 11th - February 22nd, 2021
Session 2: January 13th - February 24th, 2021
Session 3: February 4th - March 18th, 2021
Take this introductory class first to truly understand the fundamentals of photography. Experience the basic elements of photography. No camera or prior knowledge needed. Learn ... more
Handbuilding
January 11th - March 1st, 2021
Learn to use traditional methods like pinching, coil, and slab to build functional and/or sculptural work. The skills learned are perfect for an absolute beginner ... more
RISO: Bookmaking
January 11th - February 15th, 2021
Have you ever wanted to publish your own book, start to finish? In this class, students will learn how to do just that! Evan Bobrow ... more
Photoshop for Photographers
Session 1: January 12th - February 16th, 2021
Session 2: January 12th - February 16th, 2021
This course covers techniques used in making and editing photographs to gain efficiencies and quality improvements. Students will learn the appropriate skills and techniques to ... more
Fundamentals of Drawing: Online
January 12th - March 2nd, 2021
In this class we’ll focus on developing observational skills and drawing techniques, using a variety of drawing media. No prior experience with drawing is required ... more
Linoleum Block Printing
January 12th - February 2nd, 2021
Learn the basics of linoleum block printing to create cards, fine art prints, or to add your own imagery to your letterpress work. Students will ... more
Photo Manipulation and Digital Compositing: Online
Session 1: January 12th - February 2nd, 2021
Session 2: February 16th - March 9th, 2021
Manifest your ideas into reality through photo manipulation and digital compositing with Photoshop! Learn how to digitally engage with photography in an experimental way. Through ... more
Advanced Wheel
January 12th - March 2nd, 2021
For the accomplished potter, Kyle will provide individualized attention, with the focus on refining your craft, and enhancing your own personal style work. Included: 25 ... more
Figure Sculpture
January 12th - March 2nd, 2021
This class will take a look at modern and historical representations of the figure in art. Students will spend the first four weeks of the ... more
Color Film Developing Workshop
Session 1: January 12th - January 12th, 2021
Session 2: March 16th - March 16th, 2021
This SPECIAL one-day workshop will teach you how to process your own color film! Topics include preparing the solutions, the three steps process (Developer, Blix ... more
Intro to Wheel II
Session 1: January 13th - March 3rd, 2021
Session 2: January 14th - March 4th, 2021
Session 3: January 15th - March 5th, 2021
This class is for those who have taken a wheel class previously, and want to build on their skills. You will work skill-building exercises, and ... more
Printmaking and Book Arts for Teens
January 13th - March 3rd, 2021
Come and explore different aspects of printmaking and the book arts! Students will experience a variety of printmaking techniques including relief printing and monoprints. A ... more
Intermediate Wheel
January 13th - March 3rd, 2021
For those with some experience, the Intermediate class will broaden your knowledge base with more complicated projects, lidded forms, plates, and handles. The class fee ... more
Letter Press Poster Design
January 13th - February 3rd, 2021
In this 4 week course we will explore graphic design and typographic layouts for letterpress poster design. Explore the metal and wood type collection at ... more
Intro to Digital Photography: Online Class
January 13th - February 24th, 2021
Make your digital camera work for you! Learn all the functions of your camera, including manually adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, exposure modes, lenses, ... more
Alternative Process: Cyanotype
January 13th - February 17th, 2021
Cyanotype, named for its beautiful blue image, is one of the first photographic processes ever used. Instructor Jon Merritt will teach you how to create ... more
Beginner Watercolor Painting
January 14th - February 11th, 2021
Beginner watercolor art classes are the perfect way to explore and express your inner-artist. If you have never painted before or are looking for a ... more
Print to Pages: Gelli Plate Printing
January 14th - February 11th, 2021
Gelli plate printing can be a simple surprise or a planned composition. We will use many different types of papers, paints and tools too. The ... more
Introduction to Oil Painting: Online
January 14th - March 4th, 2021
Learn about materials, fundamentals, and best practices of oil painting, with an emphasis on direct or "alla prima" techniques. Color mixing and creating a range ... more
Carved Candlesticks: Online
Session 1: January 14th - January 14th, 2021
Session 2: January 21st - January 21st, 2021
Session 3: January 28th - January 28th, 2021
In this virtual workshop we will explore the Japanese, Kurinuki style carving technique to make one of a kind candle sticks. Participants will be able ... more
One Step Beyond with your DSLR : Online
January 14th - February 18th, 2021
In this online class you will have the opportunity to share examples of your work, past or present, question their status and get feedback about ... more
Colored Pencil Landscape Drawing: Online Class
January 15th - March 19th, 2021
In this course the student will be able to draw a landscape of their choice using professional grade colored pencils. Each week we will cover ... more
Foundations of Print
January 15th - February 5th, 2021
Did you ever want to learn the difference amongst all the kinds of printmaking: monotype, reductive woodblock, collography, screen printing, or dry point? In this ... more
Intro to Risograph Printing (Digital Screen Printing)
January 15th - February 5th, 2021
Create an edition of 10 prints of your own design using our RISO digital duplicator! Learn how the RISO works and how you can quickly ... more
Anthotypes: Printing with Spices and Vegetables - Online
January 16th - February 6th, 2021
Learn how to easily create beautiful photographic prints from turmeric, beets, and spinach, with the amazing anthotype process. In each class, Kylie will share simple ... more
Tiny Pinched Tea Set for kids
Session 1: January 16th - January 16th, 2021
Session 2: January 23rd - January 23rd, 2021
Your little one can make a tiny set, with help from an older sibling or family member. This multi-generational class will teach the time-honored pinch ... more
Teen Wheel (13+)
January 17th - February 21st, 2021
This six week class will teach you to throw on the wheel. You'll learn to center, pull a cylinder, and make beautiful functional work. Caitlin ... more
Mudslingers (ages 6 - 9) for kids
January 17th - February 21st, 2021
The Mudslingers class gives the young artist a complete understanding of the handbuilt ceramic process, from working the clay, to creating and glazing their own ... more
Mudslingers (ages 10 - 13) for kids
January 17th - February 21st, 2021
The Mudslingers class gives the young artist a complete understanding of the handbuilt ceramic process, from working the clay, to creating and glazing their own ... more