This beginner-friendly class is a great introduction to watercolor painting in a relaxed and creative way. You’ll learn basic techniques such as brush control, color mixing, layering, and simple washes while experimenting with watercolor paints and paper. The focus is on exploration, confidence, and having fun with the medium. No prior painting experience required. Perfect for anyone curious about watercolor or looking to loosen up and enjoy the process.
Shared art materials will be provided in the studio for most classes. Personal supplies can be purchased at our Art Supply Store, located on the first floor of GoggleWorks.
Discover the simplicity and complexity of itajime shibori, with its limitless possibilities for creativity and pattern. You will learn how to create and use an indigo bath, leaving with a collection of samples as well as one finished piece suitable for wearing or gifting. We will discuss how the samples can be used as the basis for other projects. If you participated in session A or B, bring your samples and see how overdyeing with indigo creates further laying and depth. No previous experience needed! Be dressed to work with materials that can stain.
Sketch outdoors on GoggleWorks’ campus! Learn tips for sketching from life with a special focus on the structure of plants, foliage, and flowers. Please bring your favorite sketch journal and sketching supplies which can include dry media (pencils, pens, pastels) and water-based media like watercolors and gouache.
Supplies can be purchased at our Art Supply Store, located on the first floor of GoggleWorks.
Make your very own sturdy serving plate or shallow bowl with “stack ‘n squish” in our fusing studio. This technique involves cutting squares of opaque glass and stacking them on a piece of black glass. After fusing in the kiln, they become completely flat and offer a nice visual surface to your glass piece. Closed-toe shoes are required.
Woodworkers and gardeners, either or both, can find a fun day of creativity with this class. Start off in the woodshop where you’ll create a whimsical gnome planter, using the lathe to create your piece, then add finishing touches with various other tools. After a lunch break, head over to GoggleWorks’ Gardens at Lauer’s Park where you will add actual life to your gnome planter with a plant or flower that you’ll pot yourself. A materials fee is due at registration. Closed-toe shoes required.
Transform everyday scraps and found materials, from paper pieces, old books, ephemera, fabric, and more, into a one-of-a-kind handmade journal. You’ll learn collage techniques, layering methods, and creative ways to combine textures, color, and imagery. This class is beginner-friendly and encourages play over perfection. Whether you want to use your journal for writing, art-making, memory keeping, or reflection, you’ll leave with a personalized journal and ideas for continuing the practice at home. No experience necessary; just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
Unleash your creativity in this beginner-level workshop where you’ll learn the art of scroll sawing while creating a unique and personalized wooden eagle! (And with some extra creativity you could almost imagine it as a likeness to many people’s favorite local PA football team.) A materials fee is due at registration. Closed-toe shoes required.
Learn the basics of flameworking and create your very own glass flower! Using a torch and glass rods, you’ll learn how to safely shape, melt, and form your own vibrant glass flowers. This is a great introduction to learning to work with the material on the torch. Wear closed-toe shoes, natural fabrics (like cotton), and tie back long hair in the studio.
Savor your time together and join us for a creative night with clay, where you will enjoy a shared charcuterie spread handselected by the chef and your choice of draft beverage from Thorn Alley Kitchen. During this Maker Date, our ceramic instructor will walk you through the basics of working on the potter’s wheel. Create a unique piece of pottery, then choose a glaze from our ceramic studio’s selection. Tuition fee covers one individual; you must register each person attending. Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Turnaround time for ceramics can be a few weeks. Once the pieces are ready for pick up, you’ll receive an email from our Programs team letting you know.
Explore your creative side, while enjoying a shared charcuterie spread handselected by the chef and your choice of draft beverage from Thorn Alley Kitchen, in this drawing Maker Date. Experiment with drawing exercises using graphite and colored pencil in a low-pressure, supportive environment. This Maker Date focuses on creativity, play, and enjoying the process of exploration, rather than perfection. Tuition fee covers one individual; you must register each person attending.
Join us in the metals studio where you and a plus one will enjoy a shared charcuterie spread handselected by the chef and your choice of draft beverage from Thorn Alley Kitchen, while gaining a foundational understanding of the enameling process by creating a custom pair of handmade enamel earrings. Through hands-on practice in basic application, firing techniques, and finishing methods, you will learn to fuse vibrant colored glass to metal and leave the session with a completed set of unique jewelry. Tuition fee covers one individual; you must register each person attending.