Mondays, January 6, 13, 20, 27
4 sessions
1:00–4:00 pm
Instructor: Kathy Rasmus
Age 16+ Advanced (Prerequisite: Successful completion of intermediate wheel throwing and a handbuilding class, or instructor approval.) This is a fast paced workshop series focusing on creativity, collaboration, and independent study. Instruction focuses on engaging students' creativity and mastery of pottery and handbuilding skills by exploring various advanced techniques and processes. Students are encouraged to explore the bounds of these processes and to share their creative variations with the class.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and leave your rings, watches and bracelets at home. Bring hand towel and your own pottery tools (available at craft stores and online). Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, and firing.
Register by January 4
Minimum registration: 3
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Paid enrollment in a Womanspace class must be cancelled in order for the student to be eligible for a refund. A refund (minus a $10 non-refundable deposit, minus the 3% service fee) will be granted according to the following:
Mondays, January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10
6 weeks
6:00–8:00 pm
Instructor: Anya Nelson
Ages 16+. Prerequisite: Recent experience with wheel throwing and creating basic forms is required to take this class or instructor approval. This course is an excellent opportunity to improve your throwing skills. During this class time, you will work with the instructor to develop your skills into the next level of competency. You will have an opportunity to incorporate new methods into your pieces to make them unique. During this class you will gain the skills to throw larger pieces and improve your form. Students are encouraged to bring their own pottery goals so the instructor can assist each student with completion of personal goals. Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes and firing.
Materials needed: a list of your pottery goals, an apron, hand towel, and your own pottery tool kit (available at local craft stores or online). Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Leave your rings, watches and bracelets at home.
Maximum registration: 6
Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11 6 weeks
10:00 am–12:00 pm
Instructor: Nancy O'Neill
Ages 16+ Beginner. Join in on this fun pottery class to learn the basics of hand building! Working with textures, stamps, decals, different glaze techniques, and more, Nancy will guide you through the process of creating your one of a kind pottery pieces. Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes & firing.
Materials needed: Apron, hand towel, and your own pottery tool kit (available at local craft stores or online). Bring any ideas/inspirations you may have. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Leave your rings, watches and bracelets at home.
Register by January 5
Minimum Registration: 3
Maximum Registration: 5
Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4
5 weeks
Instructor: Sue Abare
Ages 18+. Beginning–Intermediate. This class is for those first timers wanting to experience watercolor or someone who wants to expand beginning skills. Have fun exploring the enchantment of water and paint in their irresistible dance. As with all painting, a little drawing experience is helpful. We will discuss preparing paper to paint, brushes and their technique, some color theory — but mostly we will jump in the water, and do it!
Toes in the Water Supply List.pdf
Register by January 5 Minimum Registrations: 3
Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11
Instructor: Lynette Porter
Ages 16+ Beginner. In this 6-week class, you will learn essential wheel-throwing techniques from centering to trimming. Bowls and mugs will be the first forms we practice throwing on the wheel. This class will give the student with little or no experience the opportunity to learn and develop a basic set of wheel-throwing skills. After taking this class, the student will take with them a small collection of functional wheel-thrown pottery, as well as, the skills needed to create more advanced pieces in the future. Fee includes up to 25 lb. of clay, glazes and firing.
Materials needed: an apron, hand towel, and your own pottery tool kit (available at local craft stores or online). Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Leave your rings, watches and bracelets at home.
Minimum Registered: 3
Maximum Registered: 5
4 weeks 9:30a–12:30p
Age 18+. Intermediate–Advanced. Join this fun, independent clay study group and create something you are interested in. You can use forms, natural elements, and your imagination to build practical, unusual or whimsical forms. Your clay partners will be able to offer some guidance, but no specific instruction will be provided. You must be an advanced clay worker and be able to work independently. There are lots of tools to play with, lots of colors to choose from and so many choices for you to enjoy. Due to popular demand for this independent work time, both upper and lower studio space will be used. The registration has been increased to a maximum of 8: 4 registrants will be able to work in the lower studio and 4 in the upper studio. Sturdy, canvas covered board/workspaces will be provided for the registrants in the upper studio. Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes & firing.
Materials needed: Apron, hand towel, and your own pottery tool kit.
Register by January 6
Maximum Registration: 8
Wednesday, January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12
2:30-4:30 pm
Thursdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13 6 weeks
10:00a–12:00p
Instructor: Margo Olson
Ages 16+ Beginner. Begin your journey learning to throw pottery. This 6-week class is for those with no knowledge of throwing on a wheel or with little experience of throwing and need more practice. The instructor will demonstrate during each class and assist learners with improving their skills. Start by throwing simple forms of cylinders and bowls, then to trimming vessels. Glazing will be demonstrated after the greenware is low fired in the kiln. Each glazed piece will then be high fired to finish the process. Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes and firing.
Register by January 7
Thursdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6
Ages 18+. Intermediate–Advanced. In this four-week class, we will continue to practice our skill building toward simplicity, spontaneity and success. We will discuss value, wetness, color and composition. Do you know what NOT to paint? Ideas abound! Lots of thinking goes on as we continue learning. Students will bring their own supplies.
Register by January 7 Minimum Registration: 3
Ages 16+ Intermediate. Advance your hand-building skills while having fun in this 6-week class. Explore many hand-building techniques to make mugs, plates, functional pieces and pieces students are interested in creating. Create your own texture and templates and explore many decorating and glazing options. Fee includes up to 25lb of clay, glazes and firing.
Saturdays, January 11, 18, 25, February 1
4 weeks
9:00am–12:00pm
Instructor: Jennie Johnson Sic
Ages 16+. [Prerequisite: beginner throwing skills consistently mastered or instructor approval*]. This 4-week course will allow you to take your skills further and learn to throw with larger amounts of clay and create more intricate forms such as bottles, plates, and lidded vessels. Students are welcome to suggest forms they’re interested in creating and demonstrations will be given based on interest. Students are also free to work on their own personal projects and receive assistance from the instructor as needed. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and leave your rings, watches and bracelets at home.
Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes and firing. Please bring to class an apron, hand towel, and your own pottery tool kit (available at local craft stores or online).
*Previous mastering of basic wheel throwing skills and creating basic forms is required to take this class.
Register by Jan 9 Minimum Registered: 3
Tuesday, January 14
6:00-8:00 pm
Instructor: Pat Sullivan
Make your own nightlight! In this fun workshop, you will create a nightlight out of recycled and pre-cut glass, which will then be fused in a kiln and affixed to a wooden stand. This workshop is open to ages 8+, and is a great multi-generational activity for all ages. Glass pieces will be pre-cut, so no glass cutting experience is necessary. Safety glasses and gloves are provided, closed toe shoes recommended.
Register by January 12 Minimum Registered: 4
Fridays, January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14
11:00 am–1:00 pm
Instructor: Jaymee Fedor
Ages 16+. All levels. Want to keep moving forward with your painting skills? Check out this guided open studio class for watercolor and acrylic painters! Jaymee will provide individual instruction based on your creative goals. Feel free to bring your own reference imagery and ideas, or peruse Jaymee’s collection of art samples for inspiration! Some previous painting experience is beneficial, but not always necessary. Absolute beginners should be prepared to work on painting exercises before moving on to individual work. Since instruction is individual, there will be plenty of independent work time as Jaymee spends time with each student.
Cost includes a $20 supply fee. This includes paper, brushes, canvases and professional grade paints, but feel free to bring your favorites!
Register by January 15
Minimum Registration: 5
Saturday, January 181:00–2:30 pm
Instructor: Peighton Fei
Join our monthly Studio Art Club for kids, ages 6+. Each session of our Studio Art Club gives students a unique opportunity to delve into the world of creativity and self-expression through various art projects. Students will refine their technical skills, learn to manipulate color and composition, and develop a personal artistic style. We will also engage in group critiques and discussions, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
January - Vision Boards: Welcoming 2025, we will spend this session creating a collage of how we envision our new year. Each child will have a project board and open supplies to assemble a creative collection of their future, gratitude, and individual personality.
February - The Four Seasons: Join Peighton for a story about the four seasons as human-like characters, filled with rich symbolism. Then, create your own seasonal characters, exploring the colors, foods, and feelings each season inspires. What colors does each one feel like, what foods do we eat in these times, what feelings are brought forth with the changing weather? A fun craft that deepens our connection to the changing Earth!
March - Reclaimed Art Necklaces: Create unique necklaces using reclaimed materials! Each student will design and make two necklaces—one to keep and one to share with a friend. Let your creativity shine while learning the art of upcycling!
April - Origami: Explore the fascinating art of origami! Students will learn basic folding techniques and create a variety of classic origami figures. This fun and engaging class is perfect for young creators looking to develop new skills and bring paper to life.
Register 2 days before each class.Minimum Registration: 3
Feeling emotionally stressed? Looking for a fun diversion? That's what our Community Art Studio is here for! Recharge your creative and emotional self in this supportive and welcoming place. We'll keep a theme in mind as a guideline for creative roadblocks, but it's non-commital. Bring your own project and supplies. There are brushes, pencils, scissors, and miscellaneous supplemental supplies in the studio. Give your mind a break and keep your hands busy while you meet new people and share the warm, encouraging and open spirit that is Womanspace. A freewill offering registration option is available for all Community Art Studio Programs, just add to the donation jar what you can when you come, no one is turned away.
Friday, January 24
6:00-9:00pm
Instructor: Nicole Landreth
Junk Art- How many unfinished projects are in your stash right now? Bust ‘em out and join us in the art studio for some fun, creative, social time. Maybe you’ll even finish your project!!
See other sessions: Junk Art, Put a Bookmark in it, Art Roulette, Unfinished Art, Recycled Art *Would you like to host an community arts & craft event like this? Contact Nicole to schedule it!
Register by January 22 Minimum Registration: 2
Saturday, January 25
1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: Cindy Bear & Maggie Magnusen
Put a Bookmark In It! Spend some relaxing time making your own bookmark to take home. All materials along with instructions will be provided, and you can choose pencil, watercolor, markers, or a combination of all to bring you vision to reality.
See other sessions: Junk Art, Put a Bookmark in it, Art Roulette, Unfinished Art, Recycled Art*Would you like to host an community arts & craft event like this? Contact Nicole to schedule it!
Register by January 23 Minimum Registration: 3
Fridays, January 31, February 7
2 weeks
2:00p-4:00 pm
Instructor: Maggie Magnuson
A great photo can capture where we’ve been, could be a vacation or just a beautiful spot of nature. How about we take that next step and create a watercolor painting inspired by that great photo and the memories you brought home.
In this two session class, you will be using your creativity and imagination along with watercolors and ink to transform your photo into art. We will be exploring some watercolor and ink techniques before embarking on your work, to give you some practice and get you set to go. Instructor's suggestion: scenery, buildings and street scene choices would work best for beginning painters.
Register by January 29 Minimum Registered: 3
Saturday, February 1 AND Sunday, February 2
1:00-3:00 pm
Instructor: Rita Carpenter
This workshop is perfect for anyone eager to explore these versatile mediums and create artwork with a charming vintage aesthetic. You’ll learn how to layer washes of watercolor, add dramatic depth with India ink, and achieve bold details using gouache. The process includes a balance of wet and dry techniques, allowing for rich textures and striking contrasts. Due to the necessary drying times between layers, participants are encouraged to bring multiple black-and-white reference photos, enabling you to work on several pieces simultaneously. By the end of the session, you'll leave with a collection of dynamic and visually captivating paintings, as well as new skills to continue exploring this delightful art style. All levels are welcome—just bring your creativity and love of experimentation!
You will need the following supplies:
Register by January 30 Minimum Registered: 4
Mondays, February 3, 10, 17, 24
Register by February 1
Register by February 3
Saturdays, Feb 8, 15, 22, Mar 1
Register by Feb 6 Minimum Registered: 3
Saturday, February 151:00–2:30 pm
Sunday, February 16 1:00p-4:00p
Instructor: Rhiannon Yandell and Nicole Landreth
Unwind and recharge in this soothing multi-modal healing experience, part of our Winter Blues Wellness Series. Begin with a calming meditation followed by a gentle, all-levels vinyasa flow yoga session designed to spark creativity and inner balance. After the yoga practice, channel your inspired energy into creating your own personalized mandala art, infused with a meaningful mantra from the session.
All art supplies are provided—just bring your curiosity, an open heart, and your yoga mat to this uplifting workshop!
Register by Feb 14
Mondays, February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 31 (skip 3/24)
Register by February 15
Tuesdays, Feb 18, 25, Mar 4, 18, Apr 1, 8 (no class 3/11 & 3/25) 6 weeks
Register by February 16
Tuesdays, February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18
Register by February 16 Minimum Registrations: 3
Tuesdays, Feb 18, 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, Apr 1 (skip 3/25)
Wednesday, Feb 19, 26, Mar 5, 19, Apr 2, 9 (no class 3/12 & 26)
Register by Feb 17
Thursdays, Feb 20, 27, Mar 20, 27, Apr 3, 10 (skip 3/6, 3/13) 6 weeks
Register by February 18
Thursdays, February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20
Register by February 18 Minimum Registration: 3
Thursdays, Feb. 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, April 3 (skip 3/27) 6 weeks
Fridays, February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21
Register by February 19
Saturday, February 22
12:00-5:00 pm
Discover the fun and versatile art of Gelli Plate Printing! Using a gelatin plate, you'll create stunning prints on fabric or paper with ease. Simply apply paint to the Gelli surface, spread it with a brayer, and experiment with stencils and textured objects to design unique patterns. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and enjoy exploring this exciting technique. Join us for a playful, hands-on class and leave with your own beautiful prints!
Supply List (Students must bring items in BOLD)
Feeling emotionally stressed? Looking for a fun diversion? That's what our Community Art Studio is here for! Recharge your creative and emotional self in this supportive and welcoming place. We'll keep a theme in mind as a guideline for creative roadblocks, but it's non-commital. Bring your own project and supplies. There are brushes, pencils, scissors, and miscellaneous supplemental supplies in the studio. Give your mind a break and keep your hands busy while you meet new people and share the warm, encouraging and open spirit that is Womanspace! A freewill offering registration option is available for all Community Art Studio Programs, just add to the donation jar what you can when you come, no one is turned away.
Friday, February 28
Art Roulette- Sooo, sometimes we wind up accumulating, maybe a tad more than we need of a specific type of art/craft supplies. Let’s gather it all together and play a roulette-esque art supplies swap game. Bring your own chosen surface (canvas, wood panel, handmade paper, etc) and an open, creative mindset. Let’s play!
Register by February 26 Minimum Registration: 2
Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24
Instructor: This class will be independent study.
Register by March 1
Register by March 3
Saturdays, Mar 8, 15, 22, Apr 5 (skip 3/29)
Register by Mar 6 Minimum Registered: 3
Saturday, March 151:00–2:30 pm
Instructor: Nikki Hollander
Sunday, March 16 1:00p-4:00p
Instructor: Cristi Hopp-Kniess
Register by Mar 14
Thursday, March 20
6:00p–9:00p
Instructor: Rebecca Bowman
Discover the relaxing art of Zentangles! This meditative drawing technique uses simple, structured patterns to create intricate and beautiful designs. Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this class focuses on mindfulness, creativity, and finding calm through the rhythmic process of drawing. Join Rebecca (who's been tangling for years) to learn the basics, explore new patterns, and create your own unique works of art—no artistic experience required! All materials are provided, so come ready to unwind and get inspired.
Register by March 18
Minimum registered: 3
Fridays, March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9
8 weeks
Instructor: Emily Rangel-Cascio
Ages 16+. Beginner. Join our NEW Absolute Beginner Wheel Throwing course to get a handle on the basics and set yourself up for success! This introductory class focuses on mastering three foundational forms: a cup, a mug, and a bowl. Alongside these projects, participants will receive in-depth demonstrations and step-by-step instruction on essential beginner skills, such as centering clay, shaping forms, and trimming pieces. Additionally, you'll explore various options for decorating and glazing to personalize your creations. This course wraps up with a dedicated session on finishing steps, including sanding, cleaning, and photos. See the full weekly breakdown in the attached PDF below. Whether you're brand new to pottery or looking to refine your skills, this course provides a solid foundation and the confidence to continue your journey with clay!! Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes and firing.
Click here for the weekly class plan W25-ERC-Absolute Beginner WTP.jpeg
Register by March 19
Saturday, March 22
2:00-4:00 pm
Sharpen your skills in this focused workshop on glass cutting techniques! Whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence or an experienced artist seeking to refine your craft, this hands-on class will teach you essential tips and tricks for precise cuts and creative shapes. Explore different tools and methods while practicing on a variety of glass types. Perfect for enhancing your fused glass or stained glass projects, this workshop is a must for any glass art enthusiast!
Safety glasses and gloves are provided; closed toe shoes recommended.
Register by February 20 Minium Registered: 4
Saturdays, March 22 & April 5 2 sessions
4:00–7:00p
Instructor: Stefi Kruger
This class is designed for you to dive into and improve your photography skills on your smartphone. Point and shoot cameras are also acceptable. We will discuss lighting and gain perspective in how to improve our photography, and discuss camera settings. This is a great class for someone trying to get better candids, take pictures of nature or do product photography for themselves. In this class, we’ll focus on capturing the special lighting at dusk.
Students must bring a device they wish to learn on. Please contact us directly if you have a DSLR camera.
Register by March 20
Friday, March 286:00-9:00pm
Unfinished Art- We’ve all got at least a couple of projects in our collection that just aren’t hitting right. Gather something from your reject pile that you want to give another go and your accompanying specialty supplies, and come join us in the studio for some social creative time.
Register by March 26 Minimum Registration: 2
Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Register by March 30 Minimum Registrations: 3
Register by March 31
Thursdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1
Register by April 1 Minimum Registration: 3
Fridays, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2
Register by April 2
Mondays, April 7, 14, 21, 28
Instructor: Linda Ewalt
Register by April 5
Mondays, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12
Tuesdays, Apr 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13
Register by April 6
Thursdays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15 6 weeks
Register by April 8
Saturdays, Apr 12, 26, May 3, 17 (skip 4/19, 5/10)
Register by Apr 10 Minimum Registered: 3
Saturday, April 12
2:00p-4:00p
Create a truly unique piece of art in this fused glass workshop! Using a curved mold, you’ll design and craft a stunning glass sculpture that doubles as a functional and eye-catching bookshelf accent. Learn techniques for cutting, layering, and fusing glass to bring your vision to life. This workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced glass artists alike. All materials are provided—just bring your creativity and let your imagination shine! Safety glasses and gloves are provided, closed toe shoes recommended.
Register by April 10 Minimum Registered: 4
Tuesdays, April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20 6 weeks
Register by April 13
Wednesday, April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21 6 weeks
Register by April 14
Thursdays, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22 6 weeks
Register by April 15
Saturday, April 19
Anyone can create Zentangle art! Have fun creating a stunning black and white tote bag with intricate zentangle patterns. Reap the benefits of stress reduction and general feeling of well-being. Zentangle consists of repetitive lines and patterns.…you can't make a mistake. You will use the provided markers to draw patterns in black, and then add color to your finished tangles, making your tote bag an impressive work of art. Tote bags and markers included in registration fee.
Register by April 17
1:00–2:30 pm
Instructor: Luz Castenada
Sunday, April 20
1:00-4:00pm
Instructor: Rhiannon Yandell
Celebrate the inevitable arrival of spring with a relaxing and playful intuitive painting experience! We’ll begin with a guided meditation to calm the mind and open the flow of creativity, allowing inspiration to surface freely. Then, explore the process of layering paint and letting go of expectations to allow your art to evolve naturally. This is a space for self-love, expression, and letting go of perfection—embrace the mystery and beauty in the process. All supplies provided.
Register by April 18 Minimum Registration: 3
Friday, April 256:00-9:00pm
Found, Repurposed, Recycled Art- What can you gather from around your space and in your daily life that can be transformed into repurposed art?
Register by April 23 Minimum Registration: 2
Womanspace is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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Womanspace, Inc., 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford, IL 61114-5481 | Phone: 815-877-0118
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 10:00 am– 5:00 pm