Youth & Family

A Very Special Storytime: Nigel Burgoine’s Ballet Tale

Wednesday, April 1 ~ 10:30am–11:45am

Join us for a very special Storytime with guest author and former principal dancer Nigel Burgoine. Nigel will read from his picture book “Meema the Lemur Becomes a Ballerina,” the story of a young lemur with big ballet dreams and the determination to follow them. This special program makes a wonderful spring break outing for young readers and movers.

The morning begins in the Library with the author reading and a brief Q&A. Following the reading, participants will move to the Dining Room for interactive activities, including a demonstration at a portable ballet barre and the opportunity to learn a few simple ballet movements with dance volunteer Audrey Ziemke. Children will also create a lemur mask craft using paper plates and wool ties, enjoy additional ballerina-inspired art activities, and receive a sticker to take home. Book signing will be available following the program.

Registration is $5. Designed for children ages 4 to 12, this special program includes a $5 coupon toward the purchase of the book in the Welcome Center & Curiosity Shop (valid through April 30, 2026). Space is limited, so registration is required for each child. Children must attend with an adult.

Community Author & Guest: Nigel Burgoine & Audrey Ziemke

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

Intro to Crochet for Families (Ages 7 to 17/Adult 18+)

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

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.

577’s 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. 577’s 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

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