Wednesday, April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21 6 weeks
2:30-4:30 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 April 14
Minimum Registration: 3
Maximum Registration: 5
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:
Thursdays, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22 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.
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.
Register by April 15
Minimum Registered: 3
Maximum Registered: 5
Saturday, April 19
Instructor: Rebecca Bowman
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
Minimum registered: 3
1:00–2:30 pm
Youth Instructor: Mackenize Peterson
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.
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. This month will be the first of a new effort to bring in young artists as instructors in our Kids Art Club. Please join Mackenzie, age 10, as she shares her passion and talent for creating origami!
Register 2 days before each class.Minimum Registration: 3
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
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, April 256:00-9:00pm
Instructor: Nicole Landreth
Found, Repurposed, Recycled Art- What can you gather from around your space and in your daily life that can be transformed into repurposed art?
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 April 23 Minimum Registration: 2
4 weeks 9:30a–12:30p
No instructor; Independent study
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 intermediate to 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. Materials needed: Apron, hand towel, and your own pottery tool kit. Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes & firing.
Register by April 28
Maximum Registration: 6
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 4% service fee) will be granted according to the following:
Mondays, May 12, 19, June 2, 9 (skip 5/26)
4 sessions
1:00–4:00 pm
Instructor: Linda Ewalt
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 May 10
Minimum registration: 3
Tuesdays, May 13 & 20
2 weeks
10:00 am–12:00 pm
Instructor: Sue Abare
Ages 18+. Join us for a relaxed, guided open studio experience with our weekday watercolor instructor Sue Abare! In this two-session workshop, enjoy minimal instruction and plenty of creative freedom as you paint alongside fellow artists. Bring your own supplies, explore your style, and enjoy a supportive space to create and connect.
Register by May 11
Minimum Registrations: 3
Tuesday, May 13
6:00–8:00p
Instructor: Pat Sullivan
In this class, you will cut the shape of the incense holder from a sheet of glass, then drill a hole for the incense stick, and decorate your holder with accessory glass (frit, stringers, and all the fun fused glass parts). Your masterpiece will then be fired in Pat’s kiln, then fired again to “slump” it into the curved shape of the holder, and behold! Your very own incense holder to save or give as a gift. Safety glasses and gloves are provided, closed toe shoes recommended.
Register by May 11 Minimum Registered: 4
Thursdays, May 15 & 22
Register by May 13
Fridays, May 16, 23, 30*, June 13, 20* (skip June 6)
5 weeks
11:00 am–1:00 pm
Instructor: Jaymee Fedor
*Due to the Glitzy Garage Sale and SPARK! youth program, the May 30th and June 20th class in this series will be held in the Yoga Studio located in our main building’s lower level.
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. All supplies are included in the class fee, including paper, brushes, canvases and professional grade paints, but feel free to bring your favorites! Register by EARLY! This class fills fast!
Register by May 14
Minimum Registration: 5
Saturday, May 17
10:00a–1:00p
Instructor: Stefi Kruger
Do you know how to sew? Have you done it in a while? Forgot how to thread your machine? Adjust the tension? Bobbin ran out and can’t remember how to do that? This class is perfect for first time sewers, sewers that need a refresher course or sewers who want to learn a new machine. We will cover proper machine settings, threading the machine, sewing with the machine and how to troubleshoot/repair machine problems. Plus, we will make a fun little project to take home with you! Students MUST bring sewing machine and its manual.
Register by May 15
Mondays, May 19, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (skip 5/26)
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.
Register by May 17
Maximum registration: 6
Tuesdays, May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24
Instructor: Alyssa Noonen
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.
Register by May 18
Thursdays, May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26 6 weeks
Instructor: Lynette Porter
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.
Register by May 20
Friday, May 23
6:00–9:00p
Facilitator: Nicole Landreth
All skill levels. Ages 16+. Looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend a Friday evening? Join us for Community Art Studio! Bring your own project and supplies, and enjoy a creative, social, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re painting, sketching, or working on another craft, it’s a great space to unwind, meet new people, and share stories. The studio is stocked with basic supplies like brushes, pencils, and scissors, but anything more project specific, please bring yourself. Come for the art, stay for the connection!
Studio Fee $5/hour
Register by May 21
Tuesdays, May 27, June 3, 10, 17, July 1, 8 (skip June 24)
Register by May 25
Register by May 26
Wednesday, May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 9 (skip June 25) 6 weeks
Thursdays, May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3 6 weeks
Instructor: Jennie Johnson Sic
Register by May 27
Saturdays, May 31, Jun 14, 21, 28 (skip 6/7)
4 weeks
9:00a–12:00p
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. Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes and firing.
Equipment to bring: 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 and leave your rings, watches and bracelets at home.
Register by May 29 Minimum Registered: 3
Friday, June 13
Register by June 11
Saturday, June 149:00–11:00 am
Instructor: Rita Carpenter
Create, connect, and explore together in this joyful, nature-inspired art experience! This special anniversary-year workshop invites child-adult pairs to experiment with watercolor leaf printing and oil pastel techniques, turning natural textures into vibrant works of art. Parents, grandparents, even favorite aunts & uncles are invited. This program is about enjoying time and creating something special TOGETHER.
Take a refreshing break in the labyrinth, then return to finish your masterpiece. All supplies included. Enjoy cookies and lemonade as you make memories through creativity!
Minimum Registration: 5 pairs
Mondays, June 23, 30, July 7, 14
Register by June 21
Register by June 23
Tuesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5
Register by June 29
Thursdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7 6 weeks
Register by July 1
Mondays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11
Register by July 5
Tuesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug 5
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 July 6 Minimum Registrations: 3
Thursdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14 6 weeks
Register by July 8
Thursdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7
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 July 8 Minimum Registration: 3
Fridays, July 11, 18, 25, Aug 1, 8
Register by July 9
Saturdays, Jul 12, 19, 26, Aug 2
Register by July 10 Minimum Registered: 3
Saturday, July 12
Presenter: Stefi Kruger
[Prerequisite: basic sewing machine knowledge.] Do you want to reuse textiles in your clothing, but you’re just not sure on how to do it? In this class, students will learn how to re-create clothing by sewing with a pattern. This class is designed to take your sewing skills to the next level and teach you how to sew clothing with stretchy knit fabric. Must bring in your machine, manual, and knit clothing that you’d like to use for your re-creation.
A good basic tool kit to bring includes: sharp scissors, pins, thread, bobbin, needles for your machines that matches the fabric you're working with. If you have any specific questions regarding supplies, please email us.
Register by July 10
2:00–4:00p
In this fun workshop, we will take wine bottles and cut the bottoms off, decorate, and string with clappers to make recycled art wind chimes. Alternately, we can decorate, wire wrap, and fit the bottles with hummingbird feeders, if you prefer. Either way, you will have a great piece of recycled art to take home and share with your feathered friends! All materials including safety glasses and gloves are provided, closed toe shoes recommended.
Register by July 10 Minimum Registered: 4
Tuesdays, July 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19
Register by July 13
Wednesday, July 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20 6 weeks
Register by July 14
Saturday, July 19
1:00–5:00p
Instructor: Maggie Magnuson
A great photo can capture where we’ve been — a vacation or just a beautiful spot of nature. Take the next step and use your creativity and imagination along with watercolors and ink to transform your photo into art! Explore some watercolor and ink techniques for practice before embarking on your piece.
Supplies: a couple photos, preferably letter-sized, printed on paper (for tracing). Image suggestion: scenery, buildings and street scene choices work best. Reference material will be available. Watercolor paper, paints and brushes will be provided, but you may bring your own paints and brushes.
Register by July 17
Minimum Registered: 4
Sunday, July 20
Instructor: Cristi Hopp Kniess
Add a pop of color to your summer with this vibrant and playful art workshop featuring alcohol inks! In this session, you’ll discover how this fluid, free-flowing medium behaves in a whole new way on thick canvas tote bags. Unlike smooth surfaces like Yupo paper or ceramic tile, the textured, porous fabric absorbs the ink differently, creating unexpected patterns and blending effects. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just love to experiment, this workshop is all about fun, freedom, and creative exploration. No experience needed — just bring your imagination and leave with a one-of-a-kind, wearable masterpiece! Fee includes all supplies.
Register by July 18 Minimum Registration: 4
Register by July 21
Saturday, July 26
Learn about the spiritual and symbolic meanings of mandalas from our own Nicole Landreth, then use your newfound knowledge to make your own hanging mandala of fused glass. Pat will guide you through the placement and composition of your mandala, using a supplied 8-inch circle of glass as your base. Then, you will place pre-fired glass dots and embellishments to make your own design, which will then be fired in the kiln and ready for pick-up in a week. No previous experience necessary — no glass cutting will be required. All materials including safety glasses and gloves are provided, closed toe shoes recommended.
Register by July 24 Minimum Registered: 4
Friday, July 26
Register by July 24
Mondays, August 4, 11, 18, 25
Instructor: Kathy Rasmus
Register by Aug 2
Saturdays, Aug 9, 16, 23, 30
Register by August 7 Minimum Registered: 3
Saturday, August 9
10:00a–12:30p
Spend some time learning and experimenting with a few watercolor techniques, then design and create your own unique bookmark. We will be working on floral patterns to begin, but you are welcome to work from your own inspiration as well. This fun and relaxed class is great for any skill level, and a perfect opportunity to invite some friends along and enjoy a creative group outing!
All supplies are provided, including a the bookmark sleeve and cute tassel.
Register by Aug 7
Tuesdays, August 12, 19, 26, September 2, 9, 16
Register by Aug 10
Thursdays, August 14, 21, 28, September 4, 11, 18 6 weeks
Register by Aug 12
Fridays, August 15, 22, 29, September 5, 12
Register by Aug 13
Friday, August 15
Register by August 13
Mondays, August 18, 25, September 8, 15, 22, 29 (skip 9/1)
Register by Aug 16
Tuesdays, August 19, 26, September 2, 9, 16
Register by Aug 17 Minimum Registrations: 3
Register by Aug 18
Thursdays, August 21, 28, September 4, 11, 18, 25 6 weeks
Register by Aug 19
Thursdays, August 21, 28, September 4, 11, 18
Register by Aug 19 Minimum Registration: 3
Friday, August 22
Hose: Deb Rose
In the spirit of celebrating and honoring Dorothy & Elaine, and 50 years of Womanspace programming and community connection, this evening is designed to showcase the creativity, expression, and transformation that has grown from our shared journey. Through learning new skills, discovering inspiration, and finding encouragement, we’ll celebrate the decades of art and personal growth made possible through Womanspace.
Whether through a painting, pottery, poetry, dance, or memoir—we invite you to share the art you've created, the inspiration you've found, or simply come to witness the beauty of our community’s talent and spirit. Let’s celebrate where we’ve been—and help shape what’s next.
Register by August 20
Minimum registration: 10
Tuesdays, August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Register by Aug 24
Wednesday, Aug 27, Sep 3, 10, 17, 24, Oct 1 6 weeks
Register by Aug 25
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