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
June classes open for registration on Wednesday, April 29, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Preschool: Musical Jamboree
Tuesday, April 7 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Wednesday, May 27 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Preschoolers aged two to six and their adult partners will enjoy musical games, songs, music movement, a story, and a fun craft.
This engaging experience is designed to spark a love for music, 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
Youth Pottery: Silly Snail Pinch Pots (Ages: 7-17)
Saturday, April 11 ~ 9:30am to 11am
Kids are invited to slow down and get creative in this fun pottery class as they make an adorable snail pinch pot that doubles as a functional trinket dish—perfect for holding small treasures, jewelry, special keepsakes, or even a snack. 577’s instructor will guide the class step-by-step, demonstrating how to form a pinch pot, sculpt the snail’s body, and securely attach it to the shell. Students will explore decorative and texturing techniques to give their snails personality—from patterned shells to expressive faces and playful details. Depending on size and design, each student may create one (1) to three (3) snails.
Once the clay work is complete, kids will paint their pieces using colorful underglazes (liquid colored clay), bringing their snails to life with bright designs and creative flair. After class, all pieces will be fired and glazed in the 577 kilns to create a durable, functional trinket dish. Families will be notified when projects are ready for pickup, typically within two weeks.
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: Chia Pets (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Saturday, April 11 ~ 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. 577’s 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
Youth Pottery: Ladybug & Little Blooms (Ages: 7-17)
Thursday, April 16 ~ 4:30pm to 6pm
Kids will bring a little garden magic to the studio in this fun pottery class as they create a bright and playful ladybug plate, along with two small flower-shaped bowls—perfect for snacks, small treasures, or display. 577’s instructor will guide kids step-by-step through the process, demonstrating how to cut a plate from a pre-rolled slab and smooth the edges for a smooth finish. They’ll also learn the push-pot technique to form two small bowls, shaping them into sweet flower designs. Along the way, kids will explore decorative and texturing techniques to transform their pieces into a colorful garden scene full of personality.
Once the clay work is complete, students will paint their plate and bowls using vibrant underglazes (liquid colored clay), bringing their ladybug and flowers to life with bright patterns and spring-inspired colors. After class, all pieces will be fired and glazed in the 577 kilns to create durable, functional pottery ready to use and enjoy. Families will be notified when projects are ready for pickup, typically within two weeks.
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 Move, Play, & Grow: Caring for the Earth
Friday, April 17 ~ 10am to 11am
Join us for an Earth Day-themed sensory adventure designed for kids ages 2.5 to 5 and their adult caregivers. This month’s theme, “Caring for the Earth,” invites little explorers to dive into creative activity stations featuring reused and recycled materials, making learning both fun and eco-friendly.
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: Dig Into Potatoes!
Saturday, April 18 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Join us for this fun kids’ class exploring the amazing properties of a humble root veggie—the potato! Designed for 4- to 7-year-olds and an adult partner, this class will meet in the Green Door Studio for some fun activities and science experiments using potatoes and potato chips. We will identify different potatoes and learn how to grow them naturally. Each child will take home a 5-gallon planting bucket, soil, and the start of their very own small potato garden!
Community Instructors: Nancy & John Salerno
Youth Art Adventures: Earth Day!
Friday, April 24 ~ 10am to 11:15am
Celebrate Earth Day through story, art, music, and games! Designed for children ages 2 to 6 years old and their adult partner, this engaging experience will introduce little learners to the wonders of our planet. Together, we’ll read a story about caring for the earth, listen and dance to some lively preschool Earth Day tunes, play bingo, and a create a recycled craft.
Weather permitting, we’ll also take a nature walk to explore the beauty and wonder of our surroundings. Come ready to celebrate, create, and connect with nature!
Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Preschool: Look Who’s Hopping! ~ Rabbits
Tuesday, April 28 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Preschoolers aged two to six and their adult partners will enjoy learning about rabbits through story, games, crafting, and music.
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: Pinch Pot Animals (Ages 5-6/Adults 18+)
Wednesday, April 29 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Join us for a fun session in the 577 Pottery Studio as you and your child create charming animal pinch pots together. Choose from a cat, dog, elephant, mouse, or ladybug as you bring your sweet little sculptures to life. 577’s instructor will guide adult/child pairs step-by-step through simple pinch pot and sculpting techniques, demonstrating how to shape and add details to each animal. Depending on style and level of detail, each pair may create between two (2) and six (6) animals.
During class, you’ll have the opportunity to paint your creations using colorful underglazes (liquid colored clay), adding playful personality and bright details. After class, all pieces will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear, and fired again in the 577 kilns. Finished creations will be ready for pickup in approximately two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pieces are ready.
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
Preschool: Mother’s Day Celebration
Tuesday, May 5 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Preschoolers aged two to six and their adult partners will enjoy celebrating beautiful mothers, learning about animal mothers, playing games, listening to a story, and making their mom (or special person in their life) a sweet gift.
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
Crochet for Families II: Granny Squares
Tuesday, May 5 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Let’s continue expanding your stitch knowledge—sustainably! Learn to use double-crochet and chain stitches to create granny squares in a variety of shapes, including squares, triangles, and more. A fun way to upcycle scrap yarn, granny squares are a versatile and sustainable way to create new projects by simply sewing them together. Think blankets, vests, purses, scarves, and beyond—giving leftover yarn new life.
Participants will also learn how to make shell patterns, switch yarn colors, and sew crochet squares together. All supplies are included, but participants are encouraged to bring their own crochet hooks and yarn scraps from home to personalize their work and reduce waste. The finished project is around 4 to 5 inches in diameter.
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.
Prerequisite: Families must have completed an Intro to Crochet for Families class at 577 to register.
Community Instructor: Annie Johnson
Youth Art Adventures: A Raindrop’s Journey
Friday, May 8 ~ 10am to 11:15am
Learn about a raindrop’s journey through story, art, and movement! Designed for children ages 2 to 6 years old and their adult partner, this engaging experience will take little learners on a rain adventure. Together, we’ll walk and read May’s StoryWalk book, “A Raindrop’s Journey” by Mark & Jack Graber, experiment with a simple water cycle art activity, and create a rainy craft.
Class Notes: Cost is per child—please register each child attending. Adults are free and do not need to register. Caregivers should attend class with their child. Part of this class will take place outdoors—please dress for the weather. In the event of bad weather, the entire class will be held in the Green Door Studio.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Kids Explore Nature: The Gentle Honeybee
Saturday, May 23 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Buzz into the fascinating world of honeybees! In this hands-on class, young learners ages 4 to 7 and their adult companions, will explore how bees find flowers, gather nectar, and turn it into the sweet honey we love.
We’ll discover how bees communicate through their famous “waggle dance,” and even try the dance ourselves. Then, children will head into the garden to collect “nectar” using basters, just like busy bees at work. Along the way, we’ll sample different types of honey made from a variety of flowers and talk about how each one is unique. To wrap up, each child will paint their own bee to take home.
This playful, sensory-rich experience is designed to spark curiosity, encourage movement, and celebrate the important role bees play in our world.
Class Notes: Cost is per child—please register each child attending. Adults are free and do not need to register. Caregivers should attend class with their child.
Community Instructors: Nancy & John Salerno
Family Pottery: Bird in the Nest (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Wednesday, May 27 ~ 4:30pm to 6pm
Looking for a creative way to spend time together? Join us in the 577 Pottery Studio to shape, sculpt, and design an adorable bird-in-the-nest sculpture as a family. Join your instructor as she guides families through simple pinch pot and sculpting techniques to create these delightful little sculptures. She will demonstrate each step, making the process approachable and fun for all experience levels.
Once completed, each creation will be bisque-fired, glazed in your choice of color, and fired again. Finished pieces will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their sculpture is ready.
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: Slab of Summer Workshop (Ages: 7-17)
Week A: Monday, June 15 – Friday, June 19 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Week B: Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Week C: Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Registration opens Wednesday, April 1, at 9am for all sessions
Get ready to roll up your sleeves, play with clay, and bring your imagination to life at 577 this summer! Join the 577 Pottery Staff for a fun and creative weeklong exploration of clay. This exciting 5-day workshop invites young artists to explore the endless possibilities of clay.
Throughout the week, your kiddo will learn foundational hand-building techniques such as pinch, slab, and coil to craft a variety of unique projects. Inspired by animals, nature, and the beautiful surroundings of 577, we will create a new piece each day, including a special project designed just for summer workshop. Toward the end of the week, everyone will get to experience the glazing process firsthand on one of their pieces. All other pieces will be glazed by staff due to firing limitations.
This camp is open to youth ages 7 to 17, making it a great option for siblings or families who want to create together.
Three sessions will be offered this summer. While the overall structure is the same for each session, participants who register for multiple weeks will have the opportunity to create new designs within the guidelines of each project.
Important 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.
Registration opens Wednesday, April 1, at 9am for all sessions.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Riverwalk String Workshop Week (Grades 6 to 12)
Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24 ~ 9am to 3pm
Young musicians in grades 6 to 12 are invited to join us for the Riverwalk String Workshop. This week-long immersive experience offers high-quality instruction in string playing from world-class musicians, paired with mindfulness and creativity sessions from the Toledo Mindfulness Institute, where students will learn techniques to enhance focus and self-expression.
Participants will build lifelong skills while working both in small groups and one-on-one with professional musicians. This workshop is open to students who play violin, viola, cello, or bass.
Students will also benefit from attending live performances on-site at 577, including Riverwalk’s Ensemble-In-Residence, the Orion Trio, and a concert by Riverwalk’s faculty. Participants will also take part in two nature-based art activities led by 577 staff.
The week concludes with a special concert showcasing our students’ talents on the final day of the workshop, Friday, July 24, from 2pm to 3pm. All performances take place on 577’s Outdoor Stage and are open to the public. A rain location will be announced if needed.
This is a unique opportunity for young student musicians to grow as performers, find inspiration, and build friendships in a holistic, supportive, and engaging environment. Join us and gain the courage to follow your dreams!
Important Notes: Young musicians must have at least 2 years of private instruction. Musicians will be asked to complete a Google Form from Riverwalk String Workshop. This includes an optional request to submit a one-minute video sample of their playing as an audio file, which can include a solo, etude, orchestra excerpt, etc. While optional, this submission is strongly recommended to assist with ensemble placement. Registration is subject to review. Participants who do not meet the requirements may not be accepted into the camp. Any musician who is not accepted will receive a full refund.
Registration opens Wednesday, April 1, at 9am for all sessions.
Community Instructors: Cole Habekost, Alex Munson, & Isabella Weik
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.