Explore a variety of classes for all experience levels in drawing and painting, as well as printmaking, paper crafts, fused glass, photography, metals and jewelry making, woodcrafts, and more. Classes are taught by dedicated 577 staff members and community members with a passion for their chosen art medium. Class topics vary each month and are taught in the Cottage, House, and outdoors around the beautiful gardens and grounds of 577.
Upcoming Classes
Fused Glass: Lighthouse
Thursday, September 5 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Create your own whimsical lighthouse to decorate your garden throughout the year. Participants will receive step-by-step guidance exploring the art of creating fused glass. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included.
Completed projects will be approximately 9 inches tall. Projects will be left with the instructor who will “fuse” the glass together by firing the projects in a home kiln before returning them to 577 for pick-up.
Community Instructor: Geneen Wise
Creative Card Making
Thursday, September 5 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm
Join us for an evening of creating together! Create five (5) seasonal, all-occasion cards. Learn the best stamping techniques, how to apply card-based adhesives, and fun ways to use various card-making tools. Completed cards are perfect for sending to friends and family.
Participants will explore new techniques and receive plenty of support, making the class enjoyable for both experienced cardmakers and beginners, including those who have previously attended these classes. All supplies are included, and all are welcome.
Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper
Creating an Illustrated Field Journal
Friday, September 6 ~ 11am to 12:30pm
Friday, October 11 ~ 11am to 12:30pm
The seasonal changes in the natural world can often be overlooked when we don’t take the time to look closely at what is around us. By keeping an illustrated field journal, we can record not only our thoughts, but sketch and draw what we see, creating meaningful pages through the use of word and image.
Using the beautiful 577 grounds for inspiration, new participants in this session will be introduced to the concept of keeping this type of journal and will create their first entry, hopefully inspired to carry on and fill the remaining pages over time. Experienced students are also welcome–learn new tips, gain fresh inspiration in the ever-changing seasons, and build upon past lessons. No writing or drawing experience is necessary, only the desire to have some fun while exploring the natural world around us.
Community Instructor: David Lymanstall
577 Collab Class: Botanical Eco Printing ~ Flower Pounding
Saturday, September 7 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm
Explore the botanical eco-printing technique of flower pounding with 577’s Organic Landscape Horticulturist Bennett O. Dowling and Program Coordinator Avery Bohman. After a walk around the grounds to gather our flowers and foliage, you will work to create a beautiful and unique floral composition to pound into your fabric.
Using 100% cotton fabric, approximately 15″ x 24″, you will learn flower pounding basics including how to prepare your fabric and which supplies to use. We will experiment with different plants and petals to create a unique wall hanging, framed in a magnetic poster frame.
Class fee includes all materials, including your project and the magnetic wall frame. Participants are encouraged to bring a hammer or mallet if they have one. *Please note: Flower pounding requires heavy forearm movement and pressure in a repetitive motion.
577 Staff Instructors: Avery Bohman & Bennett O. Dowling
Drawing is for Everyone!
Tuesday, September 10 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Drawing IS for everyone! This class is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt unsure about where to start or doubted their drawing abilities. Join us to explore the exciting world of drawing through engaging, easy-to-follow exercises. You’ll experiment with a variety of materials—colored pencils, pastels, graphite, and charcoal—while receiving plenty of step-by-step guidance in a relaxed setting.
Discover how drawing can serve as a foundation for other art forms and enrich your daily life. Uncover your favorite techniques and styles, and leave with the confidence to continue your artistic journey on your own.
577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker
Create a Fall Shadowbox
Thursday, September 12 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm
Create a fall-themed shadowbox with whimsical images in seasonal shades of burnt orange, metallic copper, and teal. Participants will learn how to stamp, color with alcohol, heat emboss, compose their image, and use various tools & adhesives. The cost includes a 9″x9″ shadowbox and all other supplies. No experience is necessary, and all are welcome.
Community Instructor: Pat Szymanowski
The Art of Alcohol Inks
Thursday, September 17 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Wednesday, October 2 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Explore the beauty and unpredictability of alcohol inks while creating three unique tiles. You’ll learn the basic techniques of this low-stress/ high-reward medium that allows you to “go with the flow”.
No experience is necessary. All supplies are included.
Community Instructor: Melissa Thomas
Jewelry: Industrial Chic Earrings
Wednesday, September 18 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Wednesday, October 9 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Wednesday, October 30 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Learn how to turn scrap metal into unique wearable art with just a few tools! Each participant will receive lots of support and guidance to create, customize, and assemble two pairs of earrings using copper, brass, or German silver metals.
All experience levels are welcome. Each participant will receive a polishing cloth and a gift box. The size of completed earrings will vary but will be approximately one to two inches. *Important note: Please bring reading or safety glasses. All other supplies included.
Community Instructor: Snookie Viviano
Fused Glass: Colorful Dish
Thursday, September 19 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Create your own sweet and colorful dish, perfect for trinkets, to give as a gift, or as a fun spot to display your fall apples. Receive step-by-step guidance as you explore the art of creating fused glass. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included.
Completed dishes will be approximately 8″ by 8″ in size. Projects will be left with the instructor who will “fuse” the glass together by firing the projects in a home kiln before returning them to 577 for pick-up.
Community Instructor: Geneen Wise
Acrylic Painting: Autumn Mountain Lake
Monday, September 23 ~ 10am to 2:30pm
Discover the artist within yourself and create your own work of art in this fun and friendly class. Learn step-by-step how to paint a colorful autumn scene with acrylic paints using a variety of acrylic painting tools and techniques. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included for you to create an 11” x 14” painting in a relaxing atmosphere.
Please note: You are welcome to bring snacks to enjoy throughout class and we encourage you to bring a lunch for our midday break. (Refrigerator and microwave available.)
Community Instructor: Mary Claire Roe
Sun Printing: Cyanotype Napkins
Tuesday, September 24 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Bring a touch of artistry to your everyday table and special occasions with a set of custom dinner napkins crafted using the fascinating cyanotype process. In this class, you’ll learn how to design and print a stunning botanical composition on four (4) cotton napkins, provided by 577.
Your instructor will guide you through each step of the cyanotype printing method. By the end of the class, you’ll leave with four (4) freshly printed 15″ x 15″ cotton napkins. Your family and friends will be impressed by the unique touch and personal flair these napkins bring to your meals and gatherings.
577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker
Botanical Printmaking: Cyanotype Cards & Print
Tuesday, September 24 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Join us for a fun and creative class where you’ll make a beautiful set of greeting cards using the exciting cyanotype process. Learn to design and print stunning botanical compositions on four (4) blank greeting cards that will be perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy guided step-by-step instructions through the cyanotype printing techniques. By the end of the class, you’ll take home four (4) unique greeting cards and a 9″ x 12″ print, perfect for gifting or displaying.
577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker
Watercolor & More: Funky Flower Vase Collage
Wednesday, September 25 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Unleash your inner childlike creativity by crafting a whimsical flower vase and abstract floral “dots” using collage paper made from oil pastels, watercolors, and black walnut ink. Play with color, textures, shapes, linework, and more in this unique session designed to inspire creativity and individuality.
Projects will be completed on 9″ x 12″ watercolor paper. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are included.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Painted Dot Mandala: Copper Reflections
Saturday, September 28 ~ 10am to 12:30pm
Learn the basic techniques of dot painting while creating a mesmerizing mandala painting using metallic paints. Participants will be guided in creating common mandala elements and techniques such as petals, teardrops, lollipops, and walking-the-dots, with an emphasis on learning swoops.
All materials and acrylic paints will be provided along with a step-by-step pattern, allowing participants to work at their own pace with instructor support. Paintings will be completed on a 6-inch canvas board.
Please note: New students will receive a set of tools to keep. To support 577’s commitment to sustainability, returning participants are encouraged to bring the tools they received in their first class.
Community Instructor: Shalene Germani
Fused Glass: Pumpkin Patch
Thursday, October 3 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Create an adorable fused glass pumpkin patch that’s a perfect decoration for the season. Receive step-by-step guidance as you explore the art of creating fused glass. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included.
Everyone will make a set of three pumpkins that will be returned glued to a stand for display on a table. Completed projects approximately 8” wide by 7” tall. Projects will be left with the instructor who will “fuse” the glass together by firing the projects in a home kiln before returning them to 577 for pick-up.
Community Instructor: Geneen Wise
Spooky Thrifted Painting Party
Thursday, October 3 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Celebrate the Halloween season with 577 by painting a spooky scene into a thrifted painting. Students will give old thrift store paintings a fun and eerie twist with acrylic paint and markers. Think ghosts, pumpkins, spiders, witches, birds, black cats, skeletons, and more.
Finished upcycled paintings make great gifts and unique handmade decor to enjoy each spooky season. We’ll enjoy popcorn, apple cider, and soft Halloween music.
*Please Note: Participants need to bring their own painting. Tips – check out thrift stores, garage or estate sales, or even your own basement or closet.
Staff Instructor: Avery Bohamn
Watercolor in the Gardens: Fall Trees
Friday, October 4 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with our enjoyable watercolor series, where each month we explore a different subject. In October, we’ll turn our focus to the vibrant fall colors of trees in the picturesque landscape of 577.
The session begins in the cozy Dining Room of Virginia’s House with guided exercises, offering tips and tricks to help you capture the essence of autumn trees on paper. From there, you can choose to continue painting indoors from photo references or step outside to paint directly from the stunning trees that grace 577.
This class is open to all experience levels, and all supplies are provided. You’re also welcome to bring your own favorite tree photos as references. Weather permitting, participants may opt to paint outdoors and be inspired by the natural beauty around them.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose
Painting for Pairs: Leaves
Friday, October 4 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm
Enjoy a fun and creative evening with your favorite partner learning to paint colorful fall leaves ~ no drawing or painting experience needed! We’ll begin with tips, tricks, and exercises for all levels to practice painting with watercolor.
Participants will then paint their own individual leaf images while collaborating on a third leaf painting that will be periodically swapped with each other throughout the evening. Each couple will create three leaf paintings and each painting will be approximately 7″ x 7″. All supplies are included.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose
Painted Dot Mandala: Trick or Treat
Saturday, October 5 ~ 10am to 12pm
Tuesday, October 22 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Learn the basic techniques of dot painting while creating a mesmerizing mandala. Participants will be guided to make common mandala elements and techniques such as petals, teardrops, lollipops, and swoops, with an emphasis on learning walking-the-dots.
All materials and acrylic paints will be provided along with a step-by-step pattern, allowing participants to work at their own pace with instructor support. Paintings will be completed on a 6 inch by 6 inch canvas board.
Community Instructor: Shalene Germani
Create a Shadowbox: Thankful
Monday, October 7 ~ 10am to 1pm
Create a stunning, multi-layered fall shadowbox suitable for displaying in your home through November. Beautiful fall-colored cardstock layers will add depth and color to your fall decorations.
Participants will enjoy step-by-step instructions and lots of support along the way. All supplies are included and no experience is necessary!
Community Instructor: Patricia Piper
Creative Card Making
Tuesday, October 8 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Join us for an evening of creating together! Create five (5) fall-themed all-occasion cards. New this month is a fun “swing card”. For returning participants, this will be a fun new technique to build on your crafting skills.
Learn the best stamping techniques, how to apply card-based adhesives, and fun ways to use various card-making tools. Completed cards are perfect for sending to friends and family. No experience is required, and all are welcome.
Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper
Alcohol Inks: Next Level Techniques
Wednesday, October 16 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Let’s take your alcohol ink projects to an exciting new level! Join us for this exciting new class and learn how to use common household items to create unique and stunning effects in your finished pieces.
Experiment and create on two 4.5-inch tiles ~ perfect for gifting or displaying in your home. A basic understanding of alcohol inks is helpful but not required. All supplies are included.
Community Instructors: Melissa Thomas
577 Collab: Drawing + Nature • Mushrooms!
Thursday, October 17 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Discover the Art of Wild Mushrooms! Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of wild, forageable mushrooms and learn how to capture their unique forms through art. This class will guide you in drawing the fun and funky shapes of fall fungi commonly found in the NW Ohio region, using pastels to bring them to life. We will focus on species like Hen of the Woods, Wild Oyster, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Wine Cap mushrooms.
The class is led by Program Coordinator & Artist Isabelle Tucker and Organic Garden Horticulturist Samantha Day, who will share their expertise on both the artistic and horticultural aspects of these remarkable mushrooms. Whether you’re a mushroom enthusiast, an aspiring artist, or both, this experience is perfect for anyone looking to blend nature and creativity!
577 Staff Instructors: Isabelle Tucker & Samantha Day
Fused Glass: Angel
Thursday, October 17 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Create a festive fused glass angel that’s a perfect decoration for the season. Receive step-by-step guidance as you explore the art of creating fused glass. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included.
Completed projects approximately 6” wide by 8” tall. Projects will be left with the instructor who will “fuse” the glass together by firing the projects in a home kiln before returning them to 577 for pick-up.
Community Instructor: Geneen Wise
Acrylic Pour Painting
Saturday, October 19 ~ 2pm to 4pm
During this hands-on pour painting class, we will learn how to mix our own vibrant acrylic colors, apply them to canvas, and manipulate the paint to create a stunning masterpiece without a paintbrush. Participants will focus on the Chameleon Cell Technique creating awesome cells in their painting.
Everyone will leave with a general knowledge of supplies and techniques to continue their fluid art journey. Completed paintings will be 12″ x 12″. Paintings will stay at 577 to dry and will be available for pick up beginning Monday, October 21 in the Welcome Center.
Community Instructor: Thomas Craley
Acrylic Painting: Cumberland Falls
Monday, October 21 ~ 10am to 2:30pm
Discover your inner artist and learn to create your own work of art in this fun and friendly class. Learn step-by-step how to paint a scene of Cumberland Falls, known as the “Niagara of the South,” with acrylic paints using a variety of acrylic painting tools and techniques. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included for you to create an 11” x 14” painting in a relaxing atmosphere.
Please note: You are welcome to bring snacks to enjoy throughout class and we encourage you to bring a lunch for our midday break. (Refrigerator and microwave available.)
Community Instructor: Mary Claire Roe
Craft & Play: Create Your Own Game Box
Wednesday, October 23 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Make your own travel-friendly game box from upcycled cigar boxes and recycled items. The perfect handmade gift for a game enthusiast, friend, child, or grandchild. Each box is designed to include several versatile items for various games.
In this eco-friendly class, you’ll have the opportunity to decorate your box with paints and collage papers while selecting your own supplies. Your personalized game kit will come with a small pad of paper and pencil for scoring, at least 13 marbles, five dice, two decks of cards, 26-30 upcycled checker pieces made from stones, buttons, or metal bottle caps, and a foldable game board crafted from recycled fabric swatches and markers. Plus, each box will include a card with instructions for over 20 different games.
These game boxes make for unique holiday gifts and offer endless fun on the go!
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Christmas Card Palooza
Thursday, October 24 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Get ready for the holidays in this festive class creating elegant and classic Christmas cards you can send to loved ones or use to decorate holiday packages. Learn a variety of techniques including dry and heat embossing, masking, stamping, layering, and embellishing on beautiful papers, some with metal foils.
Enjoy making beautiful cards, meeting fun new people, and savoring some yummy holiday treats. Each participant will make 12 cards: 3 each of 4 different designs. No experience is required, and all are welcome.
For more Christmas cardmaking fun, join us to make 4 new designs in November’s session of Christmas Card Palooza on November 7. Registration will open on September 28.
Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper
Watercolor Pencils: Fall Leaves
Friday, October 25 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm
Friday, October 25 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm
Enjoy exploring the various ways you can use watercolor pencils while practicing with a colorful and forgiving seasonal subject: fall leaves. We’ll use simple exercises to learn how water can be used to create different effects, and how the pencils can be layered with watercolor paints for added fun and interest. This exploration will lead to your work on a small mixed-media painting using your favorite techniques. No previous drawing or painting experience necessary!
Completed projects will be approximately 7 inches by 7 inches. All experience levels are welcome and all supplies are included.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose
Exploring Cyanotype: Fall Tote Bag
Saturday, October 26 ~ 1pm to 3pm
Join us for a creative adventure designing your very own fall-themed tote bag using the cyanotype process!In this hands-on class, you’ll start by collecting your favorite leaf shapes and designing your image. From mixing and applying solutions to processing your work, Program Coordinator and Artist Isabelle Tucker will guide you every step of the way.
No experience is needed, and all materials are provided. Come ready to create a stunning tote bag that celebrates the season!
Please note: Projects will be left with the instructor who will finish setting the image overnight with students needing to return to 577 for pick-up.
577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker
Printmaking: Fall Block Prints
Tuesday, October 29 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Embrace the beauty of fall by creating your very own custom block print! In this hands-on workshop, each participant will receive a 4×6 linoleum block and learn how to carve intricate designs inspired by the stunning patterns of fall leaves and nature.
Bring your own shirts, tote bags, or fabric to print on, or use the provided paper to create unique prints. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this class offers a fun and creative way to celebrate the season and take home a personalized piece of art.
577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker
Fused Glass: Window or Door Trim Snowman
Thursday, October 31 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Create an adorable fused glass snowperson to sit above your window or door all winter long. Receive step-by-step guidance as you explore the art of creating fused glass. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included.
Completed projects approximately 8” wide by 6-7” tall. Projects will be left with the instructor who will “fuse” the glass together by firing the projects in a home kiln before returning them to 577 for pick-up. Your snowperson will be returned with a strip of sticky tape to hold it in place.
Community Instructor: Geneen Wise
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.