West Side YMCA - Community Arts
Classes in NYC
West Side YMCA focuses on developing healthy bodies, minds, and spirits through various learning activities and arts programs. They provide opportunities for self-expression, arts education, and professional performing arts training, while also teaching life skills and fostering creativity.
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Ceramic Open Studio: Wheel (Ages 18+)
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Refine your ceramic skills with confidence in our Open Studio program. Designed for experienced individuals, enjoy independent work with the support of a studio monitor. With flexible makeup options, continue your artistic journey at your own pace while honing your craft.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Ceramic Open Studio: Hand building (Ages 18+)
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Refine your ceramic skills with confidence in our Open Studio program. Designed for experienced individuals, enjoy independent work with the support of a studio monitor. With flexible makeup options, continue your artistic journey at your own pace while honing your craft.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Image Transfer on Clay - Wheel or Handbuilding
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
An introduction to transferring imagery by photographic processes onto a ceramic surface. This class will explore several techniques including exposing your images onto photo sensitized fabric for multiple prints, and laser transfers that can be hand colored.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Stained Glass
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Unleash your creativity and master the art of crafting stunning stained glass pieces. From candle holders to light catchers, learn the intricate techniques of pattern-making, foiling, and soldering. Join us to explore the timeless beauty of this ancient craft and bring your artistic visions to life.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Life Stories
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
For people who have lived and worked and want to write about their childhood as well as their more recent past. Whether you are a published writer or last wrote in a childhood diary, you are welcome in this class. Mark Twain said, “The difference between the almost right word & the right word is the difference between lightning and lightning bug.” Finding the right word is the goal of this workshop. Suggested weekly assignments will...
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
The Art of Personal Narrative
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
This open-level class is for anyone interested in writing personal narrative in any form: memoir, creative nonfiction, or personal essay. Through insightful critique and focused discussion, we hone the tools of strong writing: distinctive voice, precise language, resonant imagery, vivid sensory description, dramatic scene and dialogue, and inventive form. Location Instructions: Students will need to check in with reception, and on their first visit...
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Shaping the Stories in Our Lives
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Every life has stories worth writing. This class provides tools to overcome fear of the blank page and writing prompts to jump-start the creative process. Inspired by collaborative discussion and examples of great writing, participants will hone in on their stories and explore elements of craft. No pre-registration requirement. Open to writers of all levels. Location Note: All classes are located at the West Side YMCA at 5 West 63rd Street....
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Intro to Fiction
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
In this class, beginning and intermediate-level fiction students work toward building short stories and novel chapters by learning the elements of craft, which include conflict, tension, characterization, voice, setting, dialogue, and scene vs. summary. Class sessions will be devoted to craft lessons, studying excellent published works, and student exercises. In the final weeks of class, students will present a longer piece. Whether...
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Writing for Stage and Screen
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Bring your story to life on stage or screen with a workshop at the West Side YMCA - Community Arts. Learn the fundamentals of dramatic writing, including story development, character creation, and dialogue, while receiving constructive feedback to inspire you towards completion. Whether you have a script in progress or simply want to be inspired, this course is perfect for all levels.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Filling the Well
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
This is the perfect class for fiction writers who want to be writing but aren't, or those who feel stuck on a current project. This is a generating class in which students write new material or advance pre-existing short stories or novel chapters. The class provides weekly deadlines, through fun and challenging prompts, that serve as pricks to the imagination to get you off and racing. Each class session is reserved for workshopping student work....
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Going Deeper: Fiction Workshop
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
This fiction workshop is for experienced writers looking for feedback on their short stories and novel chapters. In a warm environment, students will receive honest, detailed feedback and learn techniques to improve craft, deepen fiction, and identify and tackle common storytelling problems. Each student will get to submit two pieces for workshopping over the six weeks and must have work ready to present. Prerequisite: This is...
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Telling Great Stories
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Discover the art of storytelling as you explore the elements of creative prose writing in this workshop. From plot and character to voice and beginnings, participants will receive one-on-one attention in a supportive environment. No manuscript submission is required.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Memoir Splash!
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Take the plunge into the refreshing waters of memoir writing. Dip your toes, paddle in the shallows, observe the ripples on the surface, and dive into the depths. As we share and discuss short pieces, we'll explore elements of craft, tackle obstacles to creativity, and inspire one another. Whether a novice or experienced writer, you’ll enjoy the company of fellow swimmers, and emerge renewed. Location Note: All classes are located at the West...
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
The Writing Room
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
There’s a reason why writers gravitate to cafes and libraries, where it can help just to be surrounded by others doing the same thing. The challenge of persevering through the long and lonely process of writing a full-length work can be daunting. The Writing Room is here to help. Whether you’re putting off starting a novel, memoir or narrative non-fiction; slogging through the middle of one; or slaving over the zillionth draft, this class aims...
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Poetry Workshop: Let's Lose The Muse
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Cut through the myths: get the tools to help you find and sculpt the poem you want to make. Write, Read, and Revise. Bring your imagination! Maximum enrollment is 15 students. Open to all levels of writers.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Reader's Theatre 55+
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
A great class for theater enthusiasts to learn, explore, and experience dynamic new plays. Each week, the class reads a contemporary play cold from start to finish, developing character spontaneously. With the instructor's creative guidance, students learn to accumulate circumstances and make creative choices about character. At the conclusion of the cold reading, the class has a thoughtful discussion of the play, its cultural context, impact, and...
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Hand Building: Advanced
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Refine your pottery mastery in an environment that nurtures your unique artistic vision. Delve into advanced hand-building techniques while drawing inspiration from contemporary clay work showcased through engaging slide talks and demonstrations. Join a community of artists dedicated to pushing boundaries and fostering creativity.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Ceramic Wheel: Intermediate
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Refine your ceramic craftsmanship in a supportive community setting. Elevate your skills through personalized projects, guided demonstrations, and constructive critiques. Join us to hone your expertise and unleash your creative potential on the pottery wheel.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Ceramic Wheel: Intermediate/Advanced
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Refine your ceramic craftsmanship alongside experienced peers. Elevate your skills through personalized projects, guided demonstrations, and constructive critiques tailored to intermediate and advanced levels. Join us to expand your artistic horizons on the pottery wheel.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Hand Building: Intermediate
West Side YMCA - Community Arts See all classes by this school @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Unlock the secrets of advanced hand-building techniques in a vibrant community setting. Elevate your pottery craftsmanship with immersive projects and intricate surface designs under expert guidance. Join us for an enriching journey in sculpting with clay.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Reviews of West Side YMCA - Community Arts
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Stained Glass
had a great time. loved our teacher. lot of fun -
Stained Glass
Great class, as usual! -
Stained Glass
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Stained Glass
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Writing for Stage and Screen
I couldn't have taken a better workshop with a better group of writers. Trying a new genre or anything new comes with challenges. (That's my case!) Our leader and the group of writers with varying interests and levels of professionalism are insightful, encouraging and a lot of fun! The exercises and takeaways will serve me in other forms of writing. I prefer the insider tips and guidance to the academic approach. If you learn by doing, this is for you. These few weeks went by too quickly. I'm signing up again! -
Filling the Well
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Life Stories
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The Art of Personal Narrative
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The Heart of the Matter
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Memoir Splash!
Excellent feedback from class instructor and fellow attendees (Mindy Lewis maintains good class structure and an encouraging environment for all participants. It's apparent from her notes and comments that she takes time to evaluate student submissions.) Good and thoughtful reading recommendations for further development Supportive class environment Small class size for individualized attention Class targeted at the right level Scheduled time convenient -
Telling Great Stories
I have taken part in a number of workshops over the years. In the capable hands of Thad Rutkowski, this one ranked among the very best. We had a half dozen writers of various skill levels, styles, and interests. Despite our differences, with guidance from Thad, we worked together beautifully as a team in improving our story-telling. Over the course of the class, the improvement in the quality of our work became something for all of us to marvel at and take pride in. In a fairly short time, we formed an effective team feeding off each other's comments. I found the experience highly productive as well as fun. -
Memoir Splash!
Mindy was knowledgeable about the craft of writing and, at the same time, responsive to the needs and wishes of the class. She provided extensive feedback to each student and led the class in high-level discussion of writing. This was a wonderful course! -
Telling Great Stories
Thad Rutkowski, a talented writer and teacher, offers insight, inspiration, and encouragement. He, and fellow classmates, gave me the courage and confidence to believe in myself and write. -
Memoir Splash!
I loved the small group atmosphere of the class. Mindy Lewis is a gifted teacher and had insightful teaching moments that allowed me to expand my writing in a more meaningful way. -
Telling Great Stories
This class really helped me develop as a writer. The structure of the workshop encourages people to write small works, or take steps at completing longer work. I can see a significant difference between my writing quality from my first session and now. The participants are great to work with, and Thad really helped guide me to better performance than I thought possible. I would say this class is worth the investment, even if you don't have a novel in mind to write, you may find the inspiration for one out of the many prompts. I don't even live in NYC, and it's still worth the trip from upstate NY to attend. -
Telling Great Stories
Thad creates a warm, supportive, and inclusive environment for both beginners and experienced writers. He encourages participation and provides constructive feedback. His policy on how much of their own (non-class assignment) work each writer is allowed to submit is liberal. I believe everyone in his class comes away a better writer for it. -
Filling the Well
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Going Deeper: Fiction Workshop
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Filling the Well
Beth gives a number of options as your prompts for each class, and then an additional fun activity is assigned as part of an effort to get you to think creatively and expose yourself to new ideas. Beth is a kind, thoughtful teacher who has very insightful critiques and suggestions on what direction you should go in and how you can strengthen each piece. This was my second time taking this course and I've already signed up for it again! -
Filling the Well
This is the second class of Beth's that I've taken at the YMCA and I really enjoyed it. Each class, each student reads their 300-word work aloud, based on the prompt assigned the last week. This format allows for students to experiment with one-off pieces or continue working on longer works throughout the course. Beth's critiques are thoughtful and helpful. I would absolutely take this class again, and I suggest you do too!
