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 Pottery: Story-Themed Bookends (Ages: 7-17)
Tuesday, January 6 ~ 5pm to 7pm
Spark creativity and celebrate the magic of storytelling in this hands-on clay class for youth ages 7–17! Students will design and build their own set of bookends inspired by a favorite book or story. Your instructor will guide students step-by-step as they work with pre-rolled clay slabs to cut out and assemble the base forms for their bookends.
Once the structure is built, students will learn to sculpt simple shapes and figures from clay and securely attach them to their pieces. They’ll have the chance to bring their story to life through creative details and colorful underglaze painting. This project encourages imagination, problem-solving, and hands-on skill building—combining a love of stories with the joy of clay. Finished bookends will be glazed and fired by staff. Families will receive an email when the artwork is ready for pickup, typically 14 to 16 days 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.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Family Painting: Watercolor Snow Families (Ages 7-17/Adult 18+)
Saturday, January 10 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm
Spend a cozy afternoon in the Green Door Studio and enjoy family time getting creative together! Each adult and child pair will explore fun and easy watercolor techniques in the first part of class. In the second part of class, participants will each paint their own personalized “Snow Family Portrait,” using their favorite colors and techniques.
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: Connie Stose
Preschool: Animal Coverings
Tuesday, January 13 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Preschoolers aged two to five and their adult partners will have fun learning about animals and their coverings, such as shells, fur, and more. This class includes a story, playing musical games, 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
Family Pottery: Valentine Heart Fun (Ages 5-6/Adults 18+)
Friday, January 16 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a sweet and creative family pottery class! Designed especially for children ages 5–6 and their accompanying adult (18+), this class invites families to work together to make a heart-decorated or heart-shaped dish—perfect for holding snacks, candy, or as a special keepsake—along with a few sweetheart-inspired ornaments.
Your instructor will guide families step-by-step as they form and shape their dish using pre-rolled clay slabs. Participants will have the chance to add texture, stamps, or meaningful words to their creations before painting them with colorful underglazes. This class is a wonderful way to celebrate love and creativity while learning simple pottery techniques together.Finished pieces will be glazed and fired by staff, and families will receive an email when items are ready for pickup, typically two to three weeks after class.
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
Kids Explore Nature: Animal Hibernation
Saturday, January 17 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Young explorers will learn all about critters and what they do during the winter season. Designed for kids ages 4 to 7 with an adult guardian, families will meet in the new Green Door Studio to learn about animals that hibernate and migrate, as well as make a recycled 12″ x 12″ cardboard puppet stage with hibernating puppets.
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 Pottery: Valentine Hearts (Ages: 7-17)
Monday, January 19 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Your kiddo will love getting into the Valentine’s spirit with this hands-on pottery class, giving them the perfect opportunity to spend their day off school creating something sweet and special.
Your instructor will guide everyone step-by-step as they craft their own custom heart-shaped dish—perfect for holding little snacks, candy, jewelry, earbuds, change, and other small treasures. Next, students will create a coiled heart pot to stash their secret finds. These adorable pieces will be cherished all year long! Once completed, your child’s creations will be bisque-fired, dipped in their favorite glaze chosen during class, and fired again. Families will receive an email when the artwork is ready for pickup, typically 14 to 16 days 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.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Youth Pottery: Hot Cocoa Mug Set (Ages: 7-17)
Monday, January 19 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Kids can turn their day off school into a hands-on clay adventure as they create their very own hot cocoa mug set—perfect for chilly winter days! Your instructor will guide participants step-by-step as they use a pre-extruded clay cylinder to build their mug, attach a handle, and form a small coordinating dish to complete their set.
Once their pieces are built, kids can let their imagination shine by adding sculpted details—marshmallows, peppermints, candy canes, or any fun winter elements. They’ll also paint their creations with colorful underglazes to make each mug set uniquely their own. This class is a fun, hands-on way for young artists to learn basic pottery techniques while making something they can enjoy all season long. Families will receive an email when the artwork is ready for pickup, typically 14 to 16 days 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.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Preschool Move, Play, & Grow: Snow!
Friday, January 23 ~ 10am to 11am
Join our snow- and wintry-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
Family Winter Seed Starting (Ages 7 to 17 w/ Adult)
Saturday, January 24 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Beat the winter blues with your family and get a jump start on your garden together! Winter sowing is a planting method where seeds are started outside in the winter, rather than starting them in a house or building. Using simple recycled containers, the seeds will germinate when ready and are already acclimated to your local climate. With this method, seed germination is believed to be higher than 90%! Each family will prepare and take home three (3) containers, seeds, potting soil, a trowel, instructions, and labels.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7-17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. Please bring gardening gloves, if desired.
Community Instructor: Sherry Kertesz
Preschool: Farm Animals
Tuesday, January 27 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Preschoolers aged two to five and their adult partners will enjoy learning about farm animals, listening to stories, playing musical games, and making 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
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
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.
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
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.