Daytime Classes   

In this introductory course, students will discover the foundations of this engaging, social game while building the confidence to play on their own. We’ll explore the rules and overall objective, get to know the tiles, symbols, and card combinations, and walk through examples of winning hands. With clear, step-by-step guidance and plenty of hands-on practice, we’ll break down the game’s many layers into approachable, easy-to-grasp lessons. Join us and experience why Mah Jongg has captivated players for generations!

Open Play is the perfect setting for players who know the basics and want to enjoy friendly games, practice their skills, and build confidence at the table. We'll bring the tiles, and all the accessories.  You bring your 2025 National Mah Jongg League card and your love of the game! An instructor will be available to answer questions and offer guidance if needed. The focus is on learning to play independently, building camaraderie, and having fun. Come meet fellow Mah Jongg enthusiasts, sharpen your strategies, and enjoy the lively spirit of the game!

Students must know the basics of mah jongg.  If you're new to the game, or don't feel comfortable sitting at a table and playing with others at a similar level, please register for a Beginner class by clicking here.

In this one-hour mat Pilates class, you will move through the classical and contemporary Pilates repertoire to strengthen and stretch the body. You will gain core strength to support the lower back and improve your posture and flexibility. Modifications will be made for any condition or injury.

This workshop is designed for those who have been curious about platform tennis but haven’t had many opportunities to try it out. It will give you a grasp on the game and will focus on entry-level techniques. Racquet sport lovers will have a blast in this tennis/squash hybrid sport. Platform is an addictive, fun, and social way to play, regardless of your level.

This class will help bring back the lost art of letter writing. Letter writing, snail mail campaigns, sending cards, postcards, and even writing as a famous author are all back in style. With a big boom on social media, letter writing has come back into the spotlight as a way to connect with family and friends, to make new friends, and even to create a family history. In this class, we will begin your letter-writing journey from the first “Hello” to the closing line. A great way to start the new year and recount your holiday stories, share your plans for the new year, or craft the perfect missive to your Valentine's Day sweetheart.

Watercolor is a luminous and expressive medium that invites creativity and exploration. In this course, students will continue to develop foundational watercolor techniques—including wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, color mixing, and composition—while adding a new dimension: drawing. Basic drawing concepts will be introduced and practiced to help students create more realistic and refined watercolor paintings. With guided instruction and hands-on exercises, you'll gain the confidence and skills to bring your artistic vision to life. Let your imagination flourish as you blend drawing and watercolor into vibrant, dynamic works of art.

This course will assume some familiarity with watercolor basics such as wet-on-wet, dry brush techniques, color mixing, and brushwork, as these will not be the primary focus of instruction. If you’re new to watercolor, we recommend starting with Watercolor Foundations: A Two-Week Workshop, where these foundational skills are taught.

Take a look at some pictures from Jackie Meier's past classes here.

Looking for a chair-based fitness class that will help you to improve your balance and flexibility, decrease stress and tension, AND strengthen your brain? Look no further! In this six-week series, you’ll join Patricia Wahl, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and ABM Neuromovement TML teacher, for an hour each week. Learn how you can use the power of neuroplasticity to transform your movement and whole body strength, and fitness. In this class, you will learn to:

• Affect the normal path of aging
• Breathe better
• Improve posture
• Decrease pain and tension

In this unique and relaxing workshop, paint beautiful nature imagery on river stones using acrylic paint and high gloss varnish. Students will learn the essentials of acrylic painting techniques, including layering, glazing, and dry brushing. This workshop consists of a demo, independent art-making, and an end-of-class art share.

In this class, you will learn the value of native plants in our ecosystem, focusing on some specific and popular native flowering plants in our area, some of which can be started from seed as well as bought in a nursery. Participants are welcome to bring names of plants or areas of need they have in their own yards for discussion. We will also discuss handy phone apps that can help you identify unknown plants so you can decide whether to encourage local wildflowers or take out invasive or unwanted species. Informational handouts, book titles and weblinks to follow up on the information discussed during the session will be provided.

Finally, after explaining winter seeding, our planting will begin. Soil, seeds, and various (recycled) containers will be provided, and participants are welcome to bring their own (used plastic produce containers work well). You will then take home your planted containers with easy follow-up care instructions provided so that come spring, you will enjoy the beautiful flowers.

Now home to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, this 1906 Beaux Arts beauty was once the nation’s Customs House—a key office for collecting tariffs and revenue. Designed by the renowned architect, Cass Gilbert, the building reflects America’s commercial ambitions through its architecture and iconography. But what was on the site going back to the 17th century? We’ll learn these fun facts and hidden secrets on a tour of the Alexander Hamilton US Customs House, as well as explore some galleries of today’s museum.

In this one-session workshop, students will explore the expressive qualities of the traditional Chinese brush. We will practice basic calligraphy strokes and see how different script styles create unique lines and textures. Participants will then apply these techniques to complete a simple seasonal ink painting—a winter branch with red berries in the snow. No experience is required.

You've seen it on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube – people doing synchronized stomping movements and intricate footwork in the middle of driveways and public spaces. What are they doing? They are shuffling, and you could do it, too! This course covers the basics of cutting shapes, a shuffling style characterized by light vertical bouncing, fast heel-toe footwork, hip twisting, and upper body movements. We will focus on the scissors, criss cross, happy feet, shaper running man, Indian step, and Charleston. Learning these steps will establish a foundation to freestyle and learn choreography. Expect an incredible workout, some fun combos, and a safe space for creative expression. This class is designed for all levels, including beginners. Modifications can be made as needed. Here are some examples of the instructor shuffling:

Here are some examples of the instructor shuffling:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPJY053Daw7/?igsh=cnR0enRubjFicnM4

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQRlPD2jWH1/?igsh=MWg1cWs4cGJjbHN6cA%3D%3D

Learn the art of nuno felting and make a beautiful, wearable infinity scarf. This class will give the ins and outs of wet felting, using different wool and silk fibers and textures to create a wonderful work of art. Students choose from an array of color combos and embellishment fibers. 

Take a look at some pictures from Carlise Azmitia's past classes here.

Do you have bits and pieces of stories or ideas written on napkins, sticky notes, index cards, and journals--or even a book in the works? This class will help you put all of your ideas together and shape them into a well-written piece. In a writing workshop style, we will gather each week, share stories, and find ways to improve and move them along. So bring in your work(s) and let's start to shape and bring to life the story you have been envisioning.

The combination of twisted wire and gemstones results in a lovely bangle-shaped bracelet, so flexible and comfortable to wear.  A magnetic closure finishes it off.  No experience necessary, but students should have the dexterity to work with wire and jewelry tools.

Take a look at some pictures from Marianne Olbermann's past classes here.

 

In this workshop, you will create a dynamic scene step by step—starting with a loose sketch from reference photos, followed by pen and ink for structure. Then, you'll bring your scene to life with watercolor, refine it by adding tonal values, and finish with expressive ink details and textures.

Take a look at some pictures from Annette Meglino's past classes here.

Crocheted granny squares have been around a long time for a reason. They are fun, versatile, and require only basic stitches to provide a wealth of color options and uses for the home and personal adornment. From earrings to slippers, tote bags to cushions, you can do it with a granny! This class will guide you through the process of making granny squares to serve as a basis for any fun project. Please note, students should already have basic crochet experience.

Take a look at some pictures from Joanne Menchini's past classes here.

 

 

Join Ginny, art museum docent, as she curates a two-hour tour of the best art exhibitions featured at the international Chelsea galleries. While touring, Ginny will provide insight on historical context, the art techniques used, and the importance to the current art market. Past tours looked at works by Picasso, Frank Stella, Mark Bradford, and Richard Avedon.