Explore the art of cooking with hands-on Culinary Arts classes at 577. A long-standing favorite, these classes invite participants to discover flavors from around the world, master comforting classics, explore healthy and plant-based options, create inventive desserts, learn canning techniques, and more.
Designed for all skill levels, our classes provide practical kitchen tips, foundational techniques, and creative inspiration. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your culinary horizons, local chefs and passionate food enthusiasts guide each session in a welcoming, interactive setting.
With new topics each month, classes take place in the Cottage or Virginia’s House, bringing people together to share the joy of cooking and learning.
Upcoming Classes
February classes open for registration on Wednesday, December 17 at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Jolly Treats: Gluten-Free & Vegan Holiday Desserts
Wednesday, December 3 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Celebrate the joy of the holiday season with delicious desserts that everyone can enjoy! Whether you or your guests follow a gluten-free or vegan/plant-based diet, this class is designed to help you create mouthwatering treats that are both festive and inclusive.
Working together, we’ll create a decadent chocolate hazelnut cheesecake, amazingly easy pecan pie bars, and an assortment of festive truffles. Bring your sweet tooth for sampling in class and a container to take some home, too!
Community Instructor: Becky Fitzpatrick
Bake the Season Bright: Cookies!
Monday, December 8 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Let’s get together for some hands-on, festive cookie baking! Your instructors will guide you through three (3) classic holiday recipes and the essential techniques for making successful cookies that are perfect for gifting, entertaining, or simply enjoying with a cup of cocoa.
Participants will learn how to make stress-free Gingerbread, Candy Cane, and Toffee Shortbread Cookies, beginning with dough making and finishing with cookie decorating. Everyone will have fun sampling cookies warm from the oven, and will take home the recipes, leftover cookies (if there are any!), and the confidence to recreate the cookie magic at home.
Community Instructors: Jan Szalkowski and Wendy Steusloff
Satisfying Soups
Monday, January 12 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Explore the fundamentals of basic soup-making and learn how to put together a base recipe you can personalize to create your own soups at home. In this hands-on experience, you will learn stock basics, ingredient selection, technique, and flavor building.
Together, we’ll prepare and sample two delicious soups—Hungarian Portobello Mushroom Soup and Veggie Egg Drop Soup—made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Everyone will receive a handout with tips, fundamentals, and recipes to take home.
Class Note: Some samples/recipes contain milk and/or eggs.
Community Instructors: Jan Szalkowski and Wendy Steusloff
Plant-Based Cooking: Dinner Made Easy
Monday, January 19 ~ 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Learn how to create a delicious, approachable plant-based meal that everyone will love! In this hands-on class in Virginia’s Kitchen, we’ll prepare a fragrant Golden Tofu Coconut Curry, a crisp and colorful Thai Peanut Slaw, and refreshing Fruit Bowls topped with luscious vegan cream.
Each recipe is designed to be both satisfying and easy to recreate at home. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this class will leave you inspired and equipped to incorporate more plant-powered goodness into your kitchen. Come hungry and ready to cook—your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
Class Note: Some recipes may contain tree nuts, peanuts, soybeans, and/or sesame.
Community Instructors: Becky Fitzpatrick
Authentic Ukrainian Borscht
Monday, January 26 ~ 5:30pm to 8pm
Join us for a delicious and immersive culinary experience as we dive into the rich and vibrant world of Ukrainian cuisine! Learn how to make Borscht from scratch while exploring the art of balancing flavors and textures, as our native Ukrainian instructor guides you through the process.
Cooks of any experience level will have fun as they get hands-on to make this iconic dish. Once everyone has done their part and the Borscht is ready, we’ll savor a bowl together in Virginia’s Dining Room, and each person will take home a container to enjoy or share later.
Beets have the potential to color your hands during the cooking process. We highly recommend the use of gloves or aprons to prevent any unintended staining that may ruin your outfits. On the other hand, Borscht has its own set of superstitions and some people believe that if you spill borscht, it’s a sign of good luck. So, don’t worry about those red stains on your clothes, it might just be a stroke of fortune.
Class Note: Some samples/recipes contain wheat. This is not a vegetarian recipe, but the instructors will cover how to make a vegetarian version.
Community Instructor: Jan Szalkowski with Special Guest Instructor Tetiana Hoidenko
Class Locations & Parking Map
Signed up for a class and need help finding your classroom location and parking? Each class description lists its location. Click the button below to view a full map of the grounds and buildings with two lots available for easy and convenient parking.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Because space is limited, we rely on you to register for classes thoughtfully. Please help us continue to offer these wonderful classes as affordably as possible by adhering to the following registration, cancellation, and refund policies.
Photo & Video Release
Photos and videos may be taken during 577 classes and events for use on our website and other relevant media outlets and your attendance constitutes consent. View the full policy below including how you can opt-out of this release.