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
September classes open for registration on Wednesday, July 29, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Intro to Crochet for Families
Thursday, July 30 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Ages 7–17 & Adult (18+)
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 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: Musical Jamboree: Fun with Flowers
Wednesday, July 31 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Ages 2-6 & Adult (18+)
Join us for this special musical- and flower-themed class designed for preschoolers aged two to six and their adult partner. Together we’ll read short books written by Miss Elaine, play with toy instruments, sing and dance, and enjoy painting an art piece with real flowers.
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 Art: Pop Art Cosmic Cat
Tuesday, August 4 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Ages 7-12
Create your own whimsical cosmic cat with acrylic paints in this fun and creative class for young artists ages 7 to 12. Each child will paint a colorful cat with step-by-step instruction, while learning basic painting techniques like warm and cool color palettes and color mixing.
Paintings will be on 11″ x 14″ recycled cardboard. All materials provided.
Community Instructor: Robin Sears
Youth Pottery: Mushroom Jar
Thursday, August 6 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Ages 7-17
Calling all young artists ready to get creative! In this fun-filled pottery class, kids will learn the basics of working with clay while making their very own Mushroom Jar, a whimsical container inspired by the magic of forests and fairy tales. Whether used to hold small treasures or given as a handmade gift, each mushroom jar is sure to be one of a kind.
Your instructor will guide the class through simple pinch pot techniques as they form and shape their mushroom-inspired creations. Everyone will have the opportunity to add texture and decorate their jars with colorful underglazes, bringing their imaginative designs to life. This beginner-friendly class offers a fun opportunity for kids to explore clay, practice new skills, and enjoy the creative process in a relaxed and supportive environment.
After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed with a clear coat for shine and durability, and fired again by our staff. We’ll email you in about two weeks when your finished artwork is ready for pickup.
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.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Youth Pottery: Animal Maracas
Friday, August 7 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Ages 7-17
Make some noise and get creative in this fun, hands-on pottery class! Create an animal-themed maraca that combines sculpture, music, and clay into one unique project. Your instructor will guide the class step by step, demonstrating how to build an animal sculpture and transform it into a functional maraca. Choose a favorite animal and bring it to life with expressive features, creative details, and plenty of personality. Along the way, learn techniques for adding texture and decorative elements to make each maraca truly one of a kind.
Once the clay work is complete, add color using underglazes (liquid colored clay), giving each animal maraca a bright and playful finish. After class, our staff will complete the firing and glazing process. Each maraca will be bisque-fired, glazed, and fired again, creating a durable finished piece to display, play, and enjoy. We’ll email families in about two weeks when projects are ready for pickup.
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
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Preschool Musical Jamboree: Farm Animals
Friday, August 7 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Ages 2-6 & Adult (18+)
Join us for this special musical- and farm animal-themed class designed for preschoolers and their adult partner. Together we’ll read “The Cow That Went Oink,” written and illustrated by Bernard Most, play with toy instruments, sing and dance, and enjoy creating a simple paper pig hat.
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
Kids Explore Nature: Incredible Insects
Saturday, August 15 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Ages 4-7 & Adult (18+)
Young explorers will discover what makes an insect an insect. We’ll learn about all the tiny details that make bugs so incredible, like how they jump and fly, how they see the world with their special eyes, what they eat and where they live, and more. Kids will also build a bug of their own using natural materials such as twigs, wood, and pegs, approximately 5″ x 8″.
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
Youth Art Adventures: Magnificent Monarchs
Friday, August 21 ~ 10am to 11am
Ages 2-6 & Adult (18+)
Discover the magical world of monarch butterflies through story, music, movement, and hands-on creativity. Designed for children ages 2 to 6 and their adult partner, this playful class introduces young learners to the many wonders of a monarch’s life cycle.
We’ll read “The Monarch” by Kirsten Hall and Isabelle Arsenault, sing along to fun preschool tunes, explore the stages of a butterfly’s life, and create a colorful monarch craft to take home. Weather permitting, we’ll wrap up with a short walk to visit the Flutter Hut on the 577 grounds.
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. This class is designed for 2- to 6-year-olds with an adult guardian. Homeschool kiddos are welcome.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Family Pottery: Hot Air Balloon Plaque
Saturday, August 22 ~ 9:30am to 11am
Ages 7-17 & Adult (18+)
Take creativity to new heights in this fun, hands-on family pottery class! Each youth and their accompanying adult will create hot air balloon wall hangings perfect for brightening a bedroom, playroom, family room, or patio wall. Choose to each make a unique piece or work together on a collaborative creation.
Your instructor will guide the class through the process, demonstrating how to cut balloon shapes from pre-made clay slabs and add texture, patterns, and decorative details. Get creative with colorful stripes, whimsical patterns, or imaginative scenes to make each hot air balloon truly one of a kind.
Once the clay work is complete, add color using underglazes (liquid colored clay), bringing each hot air balloon to life with vibrant designs and personal touches. After class, our staff will complete the firing and glazing process. Each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed, and fired again, creating a durable wall hanging ready to display and enjoy. We’ll email families in about two weeks when projects are ready for pickup.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 and 17, with one accompanying adult age 18 or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany each registered youth. If an adult would like to attend with multiple youth participants, please register each youth individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Preschool Move, Play & Grow: Bugs
Friday, August 28 ~ 10am to 11am
Ages 2.5-5 & Adult (18+)
Join our bug-themed sensorimotor fun fest for kids ages 2.5 to 5 and their caregiver. Dive into creative activity stations designed and led by an occupational therapist to boost coordination for little hands, eyes, and the whole body as well as supporting sensory processing, social skills, self-regulation and more.
It’s a playful mix of learning, fun, and getting ready to conquer the world of play, sports, and beyond!
Community Instructor: Mary Davies, OT
Preschool Move, Play & Grow: Birds
Friday, September 11 ~ 10am to 11am
Ages 2.5-5 & Adult (18+)
Join us for a bird-themed sensory adventure designed for kids ages 2.5 to 5 and their adult caregivers. Dive into creative activity stations designed and led by an occupational therapist to boost coordination for little hands, eyes, and the whole body as well as supporting sensory processing, social skills, self-regulation and more.
It’s a playful mix of learning, fun, and getting ready to conquer the world of play, sports, and beyond!
Community Instructor: Mary Davies, OT
Youth Art Adventures: Nature is an Artist
Friday, September 18 ~ 10am to 11am
Ages 2-6 & Adult (18+)
Explore nature through story and art in this class designed for preschoolers and their adult guardian. We will read “Nature is an Artist” by Jennifer Lavallee, illustrated by Natalia Colombo, then create art with all sorts of art materials and pieces of nature.
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. This class is designed for 2- to 6-year-olds with an adult guardian. Homeschool kiddos are welcome.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Youth Art: Colorful Ice Cream Cone
Saturday, September 19 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Ages 7-13
Create your own three scoop ice cream cone with acrylic paints in this fun and creative class for young artists ages 7 to 13. Each child will paint their own unique cone with step-by-step instruction, while learning basic painting techniques like warm and cool color palettes and color mixing.
Paintings will be on 10″ x 20″ recycled cardboard. All materials provided.
Important Note: This class is open to children ages 7 to 13. Youth 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.
Community Instructor: Robin Sears
Youth Pottery: Pumpkins & Bats
Tuesday, September 22 ~ 4:30pm to 6pm
Ages 7-17
Let’s get spooky! In this hands-on pottery class, youth will create two pinch pot pumpkins and a bat-shaped wall hanging, making a festive collection of handmade decorations perfect for Halloween and the fall season.
Your instructor will guide participants step by step, demonstrating how to form pumpkins using the pinch pot method. Along the way, youth will have plenty of opportunities to add textures, patterns, carved faces, and other creative details to give each pumpkin its own unique personality. Participants will also learn how to cut a bat shape from a clay slab, then refine and smooth the edges to create a finished wall hanging.
Once the clay work is complete, participants will decorate their pumpkins and bats with underglazes (liquid colored clay), bringing their creations to life with festive colors and imaginative designs. After class, our pottery staff will complete the firing and glazing process. Each project will be bisque-fired, glazed, and fired again to create durable keepsakes that can be enjoyed for many seasons to come. Families will be notified by email in approximately two weeks when their finished pieces are ready for pickup.
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
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Preschool Musical Jamboree: Fall Fun
Friday, September 25 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Ages 2-6 & Adult (18+)
Join us for this special musical- and fall-themed class designed for preschoolers and their adult partner. Together we’ll enjoy a story by Miss Elaine, play with toy instruments, sing and dance, and paint a tree with bright fall colors using sponges.
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
Kids Explore Nature: Toymakers’ Workshop
Saturday, September 26 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Ages 4-7 & Adult (18+)
Young explorers will create toys with nature. Using their imagination and creativity, each child will create a unique nature-inspired toy with sticks of various shapes and sizes. Learn how to peel the bark and decorate with fun art supplies such as paint, yarn, beads, bells, and more.
To celebrate nature, we’ll also learn about mandalas and make our very own nature mandalas with found objects at 577 including rocks, leaves, sticks, petals, and more. Nature mandalas will be left at 577 to display, but participants may take what they learned and create lots of beautiful eco-friendly mandalas at home!
Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.
Community Instructor: Nancy and John Salerno
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.