Inspire curiosity and creativity with Youth & Family classes at 577. Designed to mirror adult programming, these hands-on experiences introduce young learners and families to arts, cooking, nature, gardening, skill-building, and more. Taught by passionate community educators and 577 staff, each class encourages exploration, learning, and connection in a supportive environment. With small class sizes, participants enjoy personalized instruction in the Pottery Studio, Cottage, Virginia’s House, and the beautiful gardens and grounds of 577—where discovery happens naturally.
Join us for engaging, family-friendly learning experiences that spark a love for creativity and the natural world.
Upcoming Classes
March classes open for registration on Wednesday, January 28 at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Youth Art Adventures: Playful Penguins
Friday, January 30 ~ 10am to 11am
Discover the joy of penguins through story, music, movement, and hands-on creativity. Designed for children ages 2 to 6 years old and their adult partner, this playful class introduces young learners to the life of a penguin. Together we’ll read “If You Were a Penguin” by Wendell & Florence Minor, dance like a penguin, and create a cute craft.
Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Family Pottery: Chia Pets (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Saturday, January 31 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Chia Pets have outlasted the ’70s—and now you can create one of your very own! Originating in Mexico, these quirky, charming housewares make a delightful project to create together and a fun piece to take home and watch grow.Your instructor will guide families step-by-step through using pinch-pot techniques to build a pet of your choice. Create a hedgehog, turtle, sheep, cat, or dog, and craft a small tray for your pet to sit on and catch any extra water.
Each youth/adult pair may choose to work together on a single Chia Pet or each create their own, taking home a pair of pets if they’d like. Projects will remain unglazed so the ceramic walls stay permeable—an essential feature for sprouting real chia. Once your creations are fired and ready (usually two to three weeks after class), we’ll send an email letting you know they’re ready for pickup—complete with chia seeds from 577 so you can bring your new pet friends to life at home.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Intro to Crochet for Families (Ages 7 to 17/Adult 18+)
Saturday, January 31 ~ 10am to 12pm
Saturday, March 28 ~ 10am to 12pm
Learn to crochet together as a family! Whether you need a refresher or you’ve never picked up a hook before, each adult and child pair will focus on how to tie a slip knot, how to chain stitch (the foundation of crochet), and the single crochet stitch. Each participant will create a project of their choice – a dishcloth, a coaster, a scarf, or a little lap blanket.
Participants will have a variety of yarns and tools on hand to choose from. We’ll start by choosing your desired project, your yarn color, and the correct-sized hook. All supplies are included to reduce beginner frustration from using the wrong tools. Everyone will receive a crochet hook and a ball of yarn, along with handouts for reference when practicing and helping each other at home.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
Community Instructor: Annie Johnson
Preschool: Is That My Shadow?
Tuesday, February 3 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Celebrate Groundhog Day at 577—even if it’s a day late. Preschoolers aged two to six and their adult partners will explore why groundhogs are famous for predicting the arrival of spring and learn about this fascinating creature. The class includes games, crafts, a story, and a shadow activity.
This engaging experience is designed to spark curiosity and creativity while fostering special moments between you and your little one. Come ready to learn, play, and grow together!
Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.
Community Instructor: Elaine Sneider
Intro to Knitting for Families (Ages 7 to 17/Adult 18+)
Wednesday, February 4 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Join us for a cozy evening by the fireside in Virginia’s Library and learn to knit together as a family! Whether you need a refresher, or you’ve never picked up knitting needles before, each adult and child pair will focus on how to cast on to their knitting needles and how to do the knit stitch. We’ll also touch on the purl stitch and how to cast off or finish a project. Each participant will create a project of their choice – a dishcloth, a coaster, a scarf, or a little lap blanket.
Participants will have a variety of yarns and tools on hand to choose from. We’ll start by choosing your desired project, your yarn color, and the correct-sized needles. All supplies are included to reduce beginner frustration from using the wrong tools. Everyone will receive illustrated handouts, straight knitting needles, and a skein of yarn for practicing and helping each other at home.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
Community Instructor: Annie Johnson
Preschool Move, Play, & Grow: Hearts
Friday, February 6 ~ 10am to 11am
Join our seasonally themed sensory + motor fun fest for kids ages 2.5 to 5 and their caregiver. All activities are designed and led by an occupational therapist to boost coordination for little hands, eyes, and the whole body, while also supporting sensory processing, social skills, self-regulation, and more. It’s a playful blend of learning, fun, and helping kiddos get ready to conquer the world of play, sports, and beyond.
Class Note: Weather and time permitting, we may venture outside onto the beautiful 577 grounds toward the end of class.
Community Instructor: Mary Davies, MS OTR/L
Youth Art Adventures: Valentine’s Day Party!
Friday, February 13 ~ 10am to 11am
Celebrate Valentine’s Day through story, music, movement, and hands-on creativity. Designed for children ages 2 to 6 years old and their adult partner, we will read a Valentine story, create a special craft, and celebrate friendship.
Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Youth Pottery: Make Your Own Monster (Ages: 7-17)
Monday, February 16 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Get ready for some monstrously fun creativity! In this playful youth pottery class, kids will learn how to make their own pinch pot clay monster using simple handbuilding techniques. Your instructor will guide kiddos through a step-by-step demonstration on forming the monster’s body and sculpting fun features like eyes, teeth, tongues, horns, and more. Once their creatures are complete, kids can choose to paint their monsters with colorful underglazes or select a studio glaze for a shiny finish.
This class is a wonderful way for young artists to explore imagination and self-expression while learning basic pottery skills. Finished monsters will be glazed and fired by staff, and families will receive an email when pieces are ready for pickup, typically two to three weeks after class.
Class Notes: This class is open to children ages 7 to 17. No prior pottery experience is required. Youth Pottery Classes are designed to be drop-off classes to support the creative process. Adult guardians will be asked to drop students off at the beginning of class and return at the scheduled end time for pickup. This allows young artists to fully engage, explore, and create independently. Please remember to arrive on time for both drop-off and pick-up.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Youth Pottery: Door Décor Name Plaques (Ages: 7-17)
Monday, February 16 ~ 2pm to 4pm
In this creative and personalized pottery class, kids will design and build their own name plaque—perfect for decorating a bedroom door or wall! Your instructor will guide kiddos through a demonstration on how to form their plaque using pre-rolled clay slabs. Kids will have the chance to add texture, sculpt fun decorative elements, and stamp their names using letter stamps. Once the plaques are complete, they can paint them with colorful underglazes to make each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
This class is a fun way for young artists to express their creativity while learning basic clay techniques. Finished plaques will be glazed and fired by staff, and families will receive an email when pieces are ready for pickup, typically two to three weeks after class.
Class Notes: This class is open to children ages 7 to 17. No prior pottery experience is required. Youth Pottery Classes are designed to be drop-off classes to support the creative process. Adult guardians will be asked to drop students off at the beginning of class and return at the scheduled end time for pickup. This allows young artists to fully engage, explore, and create independently. Please remember to arrive on time for both drop-off and pick-up.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Kids Explore Nature: Snowflakes
Saturday, February 21 ~ 10am to 11::30am
Designed for kids ages 4 to 7 with an adult guardian, this class will explore the wonders of snowflakes. Young learners will understand how a snowflake is born from thousands of ice crystals, learn how to classify snowflakes into dendrites, furnlikes, and plates, and get to observe samples with magnifying glasses. Children will also make a snowflake and an 8″ round window project.
This engaging experience is designed to spark curiosity and encourage meaningful moments between you and your little one. Come ready to learn, grow, and explore together!
Community Instructors: Nancy & John Salerno
Preschool: Look Who’s Hiding!
Tuesday, February 24 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Preschoolers aged two to six and their adult partners will enjoy learning about animal camouflage, listening to stories, playing musical games, and creating a craft in this fun class. This engaging experience is designed to spark curiosity and creativity while fostering special moments between you and your little one. Come ready to learn, play, and grow together!
Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.
Community Instructor: Elaine Sneider
Family Pottery: Coil-Built Planters (Ages 5-6/Adults 18+)
Thursday, February 26 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Create, plant, and grow together in this fun and engaging family pottery class! Designed especially for children ages 5–6 and their accompanying adult (18+), this hands-on experience invites families to work side-by-side to build a small coil-built planter—perfect for bringing a little green life into your home.
Your instructor will guide families step-by-step through coiling techniques, demonstrating how to shape the planter and add texture, patterns, and playful embellishments. Kids will also have the chance to paint their planters with colorful underglazes, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Finished planters will be bisque-fired only to ensure they are perfect to keep healthy plants. Families will receive an email when items are ready for pickup, typically two to three weeks after class. When you return to pick up your creations, each child will receive a small plant to pot in their handmade planter—adding an extra touch of joy as they watch it grow. This class is a wonderful way for families to explore pottery together while creating a functional piece of living art.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 5 to 6, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Family Pottery: Snack Set (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Saturday, February 28 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Have fun creating side by side in this playful, family-friendly pottery class! Designed for a child ages 7-17 and their accompanying adult (18+), this session invites each participant to make their own “No Double Dippers” snack set — a plate paired with two small push-pot–style dipping bowls.
Your instructor will begin with a demonstration on how to roll and cut slabs and will introduce families to a variety of textures, letter stamps, and design tools to personalize their pieces. Kids and adults can add stamped words, patterns, or simple decorative details to make their snack sets uniquely their own.
After building, you’ll select your glaze colors, and staff will glaze and fire the finished pieces. Families will receive an email when items are ready for pickup, typically two to three weeks after class. These snack sets are perfect for chips and dip, veggies and hummus, fruit and yogurt — or any snack that deserves its own dipping space! This class is a delightful way for families to learn basic pottery techniques while making something fun, functional, and ready to enjoy at home.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Youth Pottery: Bunny Pinch Pots (Ages: 7-17)
Wednesday, March 4 ~ 4:30pm to 6pm
Hop into spring with this fun and festive pottery class! Kids will create their own bunny pinch pot, choosing between two different bunny styles to make their piece uniquely their own. Your instructor will guide participants step-by-step through the process, demonstrating how to form a pinch pot, shape the bunny, and properly attach details like ears, faces, and tails. Once the clay work is complete, participants will paint their bunnies using colorful underglazes, adding personality and springtime charm to each creation.
After class, staff will take care of the finishing process. All pieces will be fired in the kiln and finished with a clear glaze. Participants will be notified via email when projects are ready for pickup, typically within 14–16 days. This class is a joyful introduction to hand-building with clay and a great way for kids to explore creativity while making an adorable keepsake to celebrate the season. No prior pottery experience is needed.
Class Notes: This class is open to children ages 7 to 17. No prior pottery experience is required. Youth Pottery Classes are designed to be drop-off classes to support the creative process. Adult guardians will be asked to drop students off at the beginning of class and return at the scheduled end time for pickup. This allows young artists to fully engage, explore, and create independently. Please remember to arrive on time for both drop-off and pick-up.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Family Pottery: Keepsake Platters (Ages 5-6/Adults 18+)
Friday, March 6 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Create something special together in this family pottery class designed for children ages 5–6 and an accompanying adult. Working side by side, families will design and decorate a handmade clay platter—a special keepsake that can be enjoyed for years to come and brought out for holidays, family dinners, birthdays, and other celebrations.
Your instructor will guide participants step-by-step, demonstrating how to cut and clean clay slabs and how to properly place the slab into a platter mold. Children and accompanying adults will then have time to add textures and decorative elements, using tools and found objects to personalize their designs. Once the clay work is complete, families will paint their platters using colorful underglazes, with creative freedom over patterns, colors, and style.
After class, staff will take care of the finishing process. All pieces will be fired in the kiln and glazed, and families will be notified via email when their platters are ready for pickup, typically 14 to 16 days later.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 5 to 6, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Knitted Wire Art for Families (Ages 7-12/Adult 18+)
Saturday, March 14 ~ 1pm to 3pm
Welcome to the world of knitted wire art for families! Adult and child pairs will enjoy working together as they learn how to make a spring bunny and 3-D carrot, using the French spool loom as a tool to create unique fiber art. Participants will leave class with their own French spool loom, hook, tapestry needle, patterns, and yarn to continue exploring their new skills. Approximate dimensions of completed pieces: Bunny: 8 in. x 5 in.; 3-D carrot: 4 in. x 3 in.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth (ages 7-12) with one (1) accompanying adult (18+). Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany each registered youth. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please register each child separately and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Lindsay Grider
Preschool: Animals of the Night
Tuesday, March 17 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Preschoolers aged two to six and their adult partners will learn about interesting animals of the night, including bats, owls, hedgehogs, and more. Class includes musical games and songs, a story, and a flying bat craft.
This engaging experience is designed to spark curiosity and creativity while fostering special moments between you and your little one. Come ready to learn, play, and grow together!
Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.
Community Instructor: Elaine Sneider
Preschool Move, Play, & Grow: Rainbows & Shamrocks
Friday, March 20 ~ 10am to 11am
Join our shamrock-themed sensory + motor fun fest for kids ages 2.5 to 5 and their caregiver. All activities are designed and led by an occupational therapist to boost coordination for little hands, eyes, and the whole body, while also supporting sensory processing, social skills, self-regulation, and more. It’s a playful blend of learning, fun, and helping kiddos get ready to conquer the world of play, sports, and beyond.
Class Note: Weather and time permitting, we may venture outside onto the beautiful 577 grounds toward the end of class.
Community Instructor: Mary Davies, MS OTR/L
Kids Explore Nature: Birds
Saturday, March 21 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Designed for kids ages 4 to 7 with an adult guardian, participants will explore the wonders of birds. Young learners will play a game, learn the parts of a bird, observe bird nests and materials used, and understand how birds raise their young. Participants will also make a nest ball to help birds build their nest and build a cedarwood birdhouse.
This engaging experience is designed to spark curiosity and encourage meaningful moments between you and your little one. Come ready to learn, grow, and explore together!
Community Instructors: Nancy & John Salerno
Youth Art Adventures: Hop into Spring!
Friday, March 27 ~ 10am to 11am
Spring is here! Designed for children ages 2 to 6 years old and their adult partner, this engaging experience will celebrate and welcome spring. Together we will read “When the Earth Wakes” by Ani Rucki, listen to some fun springtime preschool tunes, create a recycled craft, and play spring bingo!
Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Family Pottery: Aquarium/Terrarium (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Monday, March 30 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Dive into creativity together in this special family pottery class. Youth participants and an accompanying adult will work side by side to create either one per person or one per family (family choice at time of class) wall-hanging inspired by an aquarium or terrarium, filled with plants, animals, and imaginative details.
Your instructor will guide families through the process with a hands-on demonstration, showing how to cut and clean clay slabs and how to plan a balanced wall piece. Along the way, Alison will share inspiration and examples of different plants, sea creatures, reptiles, and environments families can draw from as they design their projects.
Once the clay work is complete, participants will paint their wall hanging using colorful underglazes, bringing their underwater world or leafy habitat to life. After class, staff will take care of the finishing touches. All pieces will be fired in the kiln, finished with a clear glaze, and fitted with wire for easy hanging. Families will be notified via email when projects are ready for pickup, typically 14 to 16 days later.
This class is a wonderful way to spend creative time together and create a collaborative keepsake that’s ready to display at home. No prior pottery experience is needed.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Youth Pottery: Blooming Tulip Pot (Ages: 7-17)
Monday, March 30 ~ 1pm to 2:30pm
Celebrate spring with this cheerful pottery class. Participants will create their own tulip-inspired pinch pot cup, perfect for holding small treasures or treats while adding a pop of handmade color to any space. Your instructor will guide the class step-by-step, demonstrating how to form a pinch pot and how to shape and attach clay leaves to transform their piece into a blooming tulip. Once the clay work is complete, everyone will paint their cups using bright underglazes, bringing their tulips to life with color and personality.
After class, staff will handle the finishing process. All pieces will be fired in the kiln and finished with a clear glaze, and participants will be notified via email when projects are ready for pickup, typically 14 to 16 days later. This class is a fun and approachable introduction to hand-building with clay and a wonderful way for kids to explore creativity while celebrating the season. No prior pottery experience is needed.
Class Notes: This class is open to children ages 7 to 17. No prior pottery experience is required. Youth Pottery Classes are designed to be drop-off classes to support the creative process. Adult guardians will be asked to drop students off at the beginning of class and return at the scheduled end time for pickup. This allows young artists to fully engage, explore, and create independently. Please remember to arrive on time for both drop-off and pick-up.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Preschool: Look Who’s Talking!
Tuesday, March 31 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Preschoolers aged two to six and their adult partners will learn about the ways animals communicate. Do they dance? Do they sing? Class will include musical games and songs, a story, and a craft.
This engaging experience is designed to spark curiosity and creativity while fostering special moments between you and your little one. Come ready to learn, play, and grow together!
Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.
Community Instructor: Elaine Sneider
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.