Youth & Family

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 is open now!

Community Instructors: Cole Habekost, Alex Munson, & Isabella Weik

Family Pottery: Animal Bells (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)

Wednesday, July 8 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Create lasting memories together in the 577 Pottery Studio as you shape and decorate adorable clay animal bells in this hands-on family pottery class.

Your instructor will guide families step by step as they use simple hand-building techniques and pre-extruded clay tubes to create charming animal-shaped bells. Alison will demonstrate how to shape the bell form and add features to bring each animal to life, making the process enjoyable for all experience levels.

Families will also have the opportunity to personalize their creations with textures, details, and colorful underglazes (liquid colored clay). After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear, and fired again. Finished bells will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.

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

Family Pottery: Dino/Dragon Pinch Pots (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)

Friday, July 10 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Get ready for a prehistoric or magical adventure in the 577 Pottery Studio as you sculpt your very own dinosaur or dragon in this imaginative family pottery class.

Your instructor will guide families step by step as they use the pinch pot method to form the body and sculpt details like heads, tails, spikes, and wings. Alison will share inspiration for adding texture and unique features to give each prehistoric or magical creature its own personality, making the process fun for all experience levels.

Families will also have the opportunity to add color using underglaze (liquid colored clay), bringing their creations to life with bold and vibrant designs. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed, and fired again. Finished sculptures will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.

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

Family Pottery: Pinch Pot Turtles (Ages 5-7/Adults 18+)

Monday, July 13 ~ 9:30am to 11am

Get creative together in the 577 Pottery Studio as you shape and decorate adorable pinch pot turtles in this fun, hands-on family pottery class.

Your instructor will guide families step by step as they learn how to form a pinch pot and shape the turtle’s head, legs, and tail. Alison will share inspiration for adding texture and decorative details, such as patterned shells and expressive features, making the process fun for all experience levels.

Families will also have the opportunity to add color using underglaze (liquid colored clay), bringing their creations to life with bright and playful designs. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear, and fired again. Finished pieces will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.

Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 5 and 7, 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

Kids Explore Nature: Dinosaur Explorers!

Saturday, July 18 ~ 10am to 11:30am

Calling all young dinosaur enthusiasts! Together we’ll explore the world of dinosaurs through hands-on activities inspired by paleontology. Kids will learn about dinosaur footprints, food, and habitats, search for tracks along the 577 trails, and create a small dinosaur habitat with live plants.

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 Learn & Create with Clay: Pollinator Fun!

Friday, July 24 ~ 10am to 11:30am

Join us for a fun and magical collab class with 577 staff instructors, Avery Bohman (Youth Art Adventures) and Pottery Manager Julie Beutler, to learn all about the wonders of pollinators.

We’ll start in the Green Door Studio where Avery will lead us through a story about pollinators, songs, a craft, and a short scavenger hunt through the community gardens. Then, we’ll head next door to the Pottery Studio, where Julie will lead us through a short demo on what pollinator cups are and how to make them.

These adorable pollinator water cups are small ceramic pieces designed to hold shallow water and provide hydration for our hardworking honeybees, butterflies, and other friendly pollinators. They also bring a beautiful little touch to our garden spaces!

Each child/parent pair will create and paint 2 to 4 pollinator cups together. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed, and fired again. Finished cups will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.

Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 4 and 6, 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 Instructors: Avery Bohman & Julie Beutler

Summer Soap Making for Families

Create colorful gemstone-inspired soaps together in this beginner-friendly family class using the Melt & Pour method—a safe, simple, and quick way to craft custom soaps with no lye or long curing times required.

Participants will learn the basic equipment and techniques needed to get started, along with an introduction to different soap bases, scents, colors, and additives. Adult and child pairs will then put their new skills into practice by creating four (4) colorful gemstone-inspired soaps.

Everyone will take home their finished soaps, soap molds, and instructions to continue creating custom soaps 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 registered youth participant. 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: Lindsay Grider

Intro to Crochet for Families

Thursday, July 30 ~ 6pm to 8pm

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

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 Pottery: Slab of Summer Workshop (Ages: 7-17)

Week C: Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

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.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Youth Art: Pop Art Cosmic Cat (Ages 7 to 12)

Tuesday, August 4 ~ 10am to 11:30am

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 (Ages 7-17)

Thursday, August 6 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

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

Kids Explore Nature: Incredible Insects

Saturday, August 15 ~ 10am to 11:30am

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

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

Youth Pottery: Animal Maracas (Ages 7-17)

Friday, August 7 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

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

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

Family Pottery: Hot Air Balloon Plaque (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)

Saturday, August 22 ~ 9:30am to 11am

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

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