Let the Sun Shine through with Summer "Stained Glass!"

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Illuminate Your Creativity with Faux Stained Glass!

Kiddos can create their own "stained glass" designs using clear plastic sheets and translucent paint!

Let's get messy!

Printmaking Open Studio Training with Nikki Ponce

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Excited about Printmaking Open Studio Sessions? Get Started Here!

Join Nikki Ponce for a 2-part Printmaking training course! This series is required for independent usage of the Printmaking Studio during Open Studio sessions.

Learn the proper practices for a variety of printmaking techniques, master press settings, get comfortable with setup and cleanup of the studio, and more!

Using fabric, wire, paper, and found objects, create one-of-a-kind statement beads! These are perfect for necklaces, earrings, keychains, bookmarks, and more! Each attendee will walk away with two boho beads and basic jewelry-making techniques.

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This class is suitable for all skill levels. All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own materials and pliers!

It can be difficult to create the exact colors you're looking for — Ana will cover the essentials of color mixing and matching to help you create a more intentional palette with confidence!

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This class is suitable for all skill levels. Only $15 per person.

Join fiber artist, Eboni Bellott, and learn the foundations and endless possibilities of weaving! REGISTER

All materials provided. All ages encouraged to participate.

Join us for a Friday Evening ArtBar!

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Stop in to string beads together for infinite possibilities! Create works of art, jewelry, keychains, and more! All supplies included, but feel free to bring your own materials and tools.

Grab a friend, get a drink, and let your inner artist out! 21+

Advanced Wheel Throwing

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Build on the foundations of wheel throwing in this hands-on intermediate-to-advanced class. With personalized, small-group instruction from Chris, you'll get comfortable with advanced techniques on the pottery wheel as you expand upon the basics (centering, pulling walls, and shaping), creating more complex forms like vases and mugs. You must have taken one Intro to Wheel class at the Arts Center or have prior experience on the wheel to be eligible for this class.

You will have the opportunity to throw as many pieces as you'd like, but you may only take 1 piece home. Each additional piece costs $10. All finished pieces that are not taken home will be donated to the Arts Center!

PLEASE NOTE:

• May 26th, 5-8pm — Throwing

• May 27th, 5-6pm — Trimming*

• June, TBD — Glazing**

*If you cannot attend the Trimming session, you will be charged $10 for staff to trim.

**We will provide more than 1 opportunity to glaze.

Part-Collage, Part-Printmaking, Collagraphs Bring Texture, Depth, and Surprise to Every Print!

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Collagraph plates create richly textured prints by layering—and even cutting into—materials like fabric, string, cardboard, and found objects. Explore how various surfaces hold ink to produce bold, dynamic images. This hands-on process is approachable for all skill levels and encourages playful experimentation with texture, composition, and printing techniques.

(The collagraph in the image is a GCAC Permanent Collection piece: Tejana by Roberto Torres)

Family Movement & Dance Day with Kathleen Ridlon

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Join Kathleen to create movement, shapes, patterns, gestures, and travel through space and time—using the body as a paintbrush, clay, or melody. Dance Improvisation invites playful exploration of how and why we move, engaging both body and mind.

Think Different, Move Different!

Please Note: Doors will close at 10:10am for this class. Please plan to arrive before then.

Open Movement Jam with Kathleen Ridlon

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Join Kathleen to create movement, shapes, patterns, gestures, and travel through space and time—using the body as a paintbrush, clay, or melody. Dance Improvisation invites playful exploration of how and why we move, engaging both body and mind.

Think Different, Move Different!

This session is intended for adults and young adults. Check out Kathleen's Family Movement & Dance Day on May 23rd for kids and parents!

Please Note: Doors will close at 12:10pm for this class. Please plan to arrive before then.

Let's Get Messy!

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Join us for our Homeschool Art Club! Students have the opportunity to learn techniques and instructions for specific projects—this month, students will create Junk Journals! We are here to provide arts education for the homeschool community and will supply all materials and directions. Bring your family and get ready to get creative at the Arts Center!

Intro to Wheel Throwing

Learn the foundations of wheel throwing in this hands-on beginner class. With personalized, small-group instruction from Chris, you'll get comfortable working on the pottery wheel as you practice centering clay, pulling walls, and shaping basic forms like bowls and cups. No experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and be ready to get messy!

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You will have the opportunity to throw as many pieces as you'd like, but you may only take 1 piece home. Each additional piece costs $10. All finished pieces that are not taken home will be donated to Great Bowls of Soup!

PLEASE NOTE:

• May 13th, 5-8pm — Throwing

• May 14th, 5-6pm — Trimming*

• June, TBD — Glazing**

*If you cannot attend the Trimming session, you will be charged $10 for staff to trim.

**We will provide more than 1 opportunity to glaze.

CritZ! Community Critique Session

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CritZ sessions are friendly, constructive discussions oriented around process + creativity. Bring a piece or two of your original artworks (finished or in-progress) for a group critique. No prior critiquing experience is necessary, and all skill levels are encouraged to join!

($5 to participate, free with student ID)

Paint Birds and Flowers with Karen Noble!

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Join Karen to create your own beautiful painting incorporating flowers and birds! Choose from various examples provided for inspiration, work from your imagination, or even reference your own experience. Basic guidance will be provided, as Karen paints her own abstract version live during the class. All materials provided.

*Canvas included. Add a frame for $5! While supplies last,

PILLARS of DEMOCRACY, artist Niki Johnson | May 1st - 13th, 2026

MAY 2nd, 10am-12pm | Workshop: Art & Civic Voice (FREE)

Please REGISTER here!

Designed for teens and adults, this interactive workshop invites participants to explore identity, voice, and civic engagement through art-making and conversation. Led by artist Niki Johnson, teens create expressive artwork while reflecting on what democracy means to them and their role in shaping the future.

Recommended for ages 12+

In partnership with the League of Women Voters of Illinois, Healing Illinois, and the Galesburg Community Arts Center.

Galesburg Public Library's Community Read 2026: Bite by Bite

In partnership with the Galesburg Public Library's Community Read, we are hosting 3 free activities that correspond with this year's book: Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. GCAC will host three free community activities in tandem with the Community Read. 

• Wed., Apr 1, 5:30-6:30: Feelings Feast

• Wed., Apr 15, 5:30-6:30: Ingredients of Identity

• Wed., Apr 29, 5:30-6:30: Veggie Printmaking

Join us for one or all! Learn more on the Galesburg Public Library's website. 

CritZ! Community Critique Session

REGISTER

CritZ sessions are friendly, constructive discussions oriented around process + creativity. Bring a piece or two of your original artworks (finished or in-progress) for a group critique. No prior critiquing experience is necessary, and all skill levels are encouraged to join!

($5 to participate, free with student ID)

Learn to Draw the Figure by Referencing a Live Model!

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Guided by artist and teacher Tina Browder, participants will work from a live model and explore techniques for drawing the figure. Tina will provide various approaches to interpret and record the human body dynamically. Regardless of your skill level, you'll find this class to be both encouraging and informative. All materials provided.

*Model will be clothed!

Join us for a Friday Evening ArtBar!

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Stop in to create works of art using tissue paper! Crumple it for a 3D effect, add water for a watercolor-esque final product, or make a tissue paper collage!

Grab a friend, get a drink, and let your inner artist out! 21+

Let's Get Messy!

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Join us for our Homeschool Art Club! Students have the opportunity to learn techniques and instructions for specific projects—this month, students will create 3-dimensional paintings made from tissue paper! We are here to provide arts education for the homeschool community and will supply all materials and directions. Bring your family and get ready to get creative at the Arts Center!

eARTh Fest is coming up on Saturday, April 18! 🌎 Drop in for artist-led workshops every hour, local artisan vendors, free all-day artmaking . . . plus, enjoy a discount on lunch from baked (pizzas)!

Register here!

🌿 SCHEDULE
10—11am: Mindful Morning with GCAC ($5)
11am—12pm: Tetrapak Printmaking with Tina Browder ($10)
1—2pm: DIY Botanical Booklets with Adrienne Hagen & Ana V. Fleming ($10)
2—3pm: Clay Charms with GCAC ($10)

🌿 ALL DAY FREE ACTIVITIES
10am—3pm: Painting in the Imagination Station (FREE)
10am—3pm: Community Landscape Nature Collage with Adrienne Hagen (FREE)

🌿 DAY PASS ($25) Includes all workshops: Mindful Morning, Tetra Pak Printmaking, DIY Botanical Booklets, and Clay Charms!

🛍 SHOP ARTIST VENDORS
Art by Aniteb
My Art Creations
SopervilleRoad
SecondArtt and Sew Mimish
Lone Wolf MGM Designs
Fine Art by BK Pullen

📸 PHOTO COMPETITION
Submit your favorite Earth Day-inspired photo by 3pm on April 18th to be considered! All photos submitted before the 18th will be on display throughout Earth Fest! Digital submissions can be sent to education@galesburgarts.org, and in-person submissions can be dropped off during our open hours leading up to the event.

See you there! 🌼

Galesburg Public Library's Community Read 2026: Bite by Bite

In partnership with the Galesburg Public Library's Community Read, we are hosting 3 free activities that correspond with this year's book: Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. GCAC will host three free community activities in tandem with the Community Read. 

• Wed., Apr 1, 5:30-6:30: Feelings Feast

• Wed., Apr 15, 5:30-6:30: Ingredients of Identity

• Wed., Apr 29, 5:30-6:30: Veggie Printmaking

Join us for one or all! Learn more on the Galesburg Public Library's website. 

Galesburg Public Library's Community Read 2026: Bite by Bite

In partnership with the Galesburg Public Library's Community Read, we are hosting 3 free activities that correspond with this year's book: Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. GCAC will host three free community activities in tandem with the Community Read. 

• Wed., Apr 1, 5:30-6:30: Feelings Feast

• Wed., Apr 15, 5:30-6:30: Ingredients of Identity

• Wed., Apr 29, 5:30-6:30: Veggie Printmaking

Join us for one or all! Learn more on the Galesburg Public Library's website. 

CRITZ! Community Art Critique

SAT, March 21| 1-3pm 

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Bring a piece or two of artwork to critique in a supportive, welcoming environment! No prior critique experience required.  

$5 per person, or FREE w/ Student ID

Create Beautiful Jewelry with Leslie Schenkel of Twisted Chicken Beads!

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Create a stunning pair of earrings using Twisted Chicken lampwork beads by Leslie Schenkel!

All materials provided.

PLEASE NOTE: There are two sessions on this date. Morning class runs 10am-12pm, and afternoon class runs 1-3pm (full/sold out).

Let's Get Messy!

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Join us for our Homeschool Art Club! Students have the opportunity to learn techniques and instructions for specific projects—this month, students will learn about mixed-media techniques! We are here to provide arts education for the homeschool community and will supply all materials and directions. Bring your family and get ready to get creative at the Arts Center!

Join us for the next meeting of GCAC Photo Club!

Saturday, March 14 from 1-3pm at the Galesburg Community Arts Center

FREE to attend, and all are welcome!

Weave YOUR Story!

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Story Quilting is a centuries-old practice in which fabric is used to tell of local, cultural, personal, and imagined narratives. Inspired by this, Eboni will guide you through a circular weaving, incorporating personal materials that tell your story. Bring in any clothing, yarn, curtains, tablecloths, towels, or any fabric that is meaningful to you (and that you're willing to cut up)!

All materials provided. All ages encouraged to participate. $25 per person.

ArtBar (Ages 21+): Painting

FRI, March 13 | 5:30-7:30pm
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Stop in to paint your masterpiece inspired by the artwork in GALEX 59! Join us before or after dinner, or feel free to bring your meal to the Arts Center.

$10 per person (all art materials provided) 

Paint Birds and Flowers with Karen Noble!

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Join Karen to create your own beautiful painting incorporating flowers and birds! Choose from various examples provided for inspiration, work from your imagination, or even reference your own experience. Basic guidance will be provided, as Karen paints her own abstract version live during the class. All materials provided. $20 per person.

*Canvas included. Add a frame for $5! While supplies last,