Celebrating everyone’s creative potential.
Arts and Humanities programs at the Y celebrate that potential, giving opportunities for people of all ages to explore their creative side.
Select a location to filter activities and programs.
Arts and Humanities programs help us understand others through their languages, histories and cultures, teach empathy, and help everyone learn how to deal critically and logically with subjective, complex information. Encouraging creativity in childhood is a playful and fun way to develop the informed, critical citizens of tomorrow.
Upcoming Early Childhood & Youth Arts and Humanities Programs
Art Explorers
Art Explorers at Carls Family YMCA
Youth ages 7-12 will get to explore fun and creative art projects each week while developing new skills in our Art Explorers Club. Participants will learn about drawing, painting, sculpting, and more to express themselves through art and create their own mixed media pieces.
Please Note: This Class will not meet the week of March 23rd – 29th
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Art Explorers at Farmington Family YMCA
Explore fun and creative art projects each week while developing new skills. Students will learn about drawing, painting, sculpting, and more to express themselves through art and create their own mixed media pieces.
For more information, please contact our Youth & Family Program Director:
mallory.kasper@ymcadetroit.org
(248) 488-7482
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Crafty Kids Club
Crafty Kids Club at Birmingham Family YMCA
Join our weekly craft class, where creativity knows no bounds! Each session, we explore a different art style, from painting and sketching to mixed media and sculpture. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned artist, you’ll have the chance to experiment with new techniques, learn foundational skills, and discover your unique artistic voice. Come for the fun, stay for the inspiration!
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Photography and Movie Making
Photography and Movie Making at Downriver Family YMCA
Y Media Works Fall program
Founded in 2008, Y Media Works is a fun and engaging program that provides youth the opportunity to learn photography, content creation, and video production while making friends and working with experienced media arts professionals.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Preschool Art
Preschool Art at Downriver Family YMCA
Each week your preschooler will make a beautiful piece of art. We will use different mediums to allow our little ones the opportunities to express themselves through art.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Tiny Chefs
Tiny Chefs at Downriver Family YMCA
Each week children will follow a simple recipe to create a new healthy snack or food dish. Recipes change with each new session to introduce youth to new foods and to provide opportunity to practice and learn new skills.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Tiny Chefs – Preschool
Tiny Chefs – Preschool at Downriver Family YMCA
Each week children will follow a simple recipe to create a new healthy snack or food dish. Recipes change with each new session to introduce youth to new foods and to provide opportunity to practice and learn new skills.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Tiny Chefs Cooking- Level 1
Tiny Chefs Cooking- Level 1 at Farmington Family YMCA
We’re cooking up fun for your kids! All kids ages 6-12 are invited to join us to create a new snack or food dish. Recipes change weekly to introduce youth to new foods and provide learning opportunities to practice new skills. Participants will learn how to use basic kitchen gadgets, small appliances (hand mixer, blender), practice measuring, blending, rolling, cutting, and layering. Participants will practice safe use of equipment, proper sanitary procedures, and will be encouraged to use manners.
For more information, please contact our Youth & Family Program Director:
mallory.kasper@ymcadetroit.org
(248) 488-7482
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Tiny Chefs Cooking – Level 2
Tiny Chefs Cooking – Level 2 at Farmington Family YMCA
We’re cooking up fun for your kids! All kids ages 6-12 who have taken Tiny Chef’s Level 1 (or have advanced cooking skills) will be learning more advanced cooking skills and complex dishes. Participants will practice safe use of equipment, proper sanitary procedures, and will be encouraged to use manners.
For more information, contact our Youth & Family Program Director:
mallory.kasper@ymcadetroit.org
(248) 488-7482
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Tiny Chefs Cooking- Level 2
Tiny Chefs Cooking- Level 2 at Farmington Family YMCA
We’re cooking up fun for your kids! All kids ages 6-12 are invited to join us to create a new snack or food dish. Recipes change weekly to introduce youth to new foods and provide learning opportunities to practice new skills. Participants will learn how to use basic kitchen gadgets, small appliances (hand mixer, blender), practice measuring, blending, rolling, cutting, and layering. Participants will practice safe use of equipment, proper sanitary procedures, and will be encouraged to use manners.
For more information, please contact our Youth & Family Program Director:
mallory.kasper@ymcadetroit.org
(248) 488-7482
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Youth Art
Youth Art at Downriver Family YMCA
Each week your young person will make a beautiful piece of art. We will use different mediums to allow our young ones the opportunities to express themselves through art.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Youth Science
Youth Science at Downriver Family YMCA
Each week will be a different STEAM activity/project to take home. Participants will combine science, technology, engineering, math and art into each activity along with problem solving and critical thinking skills based on their age group.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Upcoming Adults Arts and Humanities Programs
Art for Adults: 2D Exploration
Art for Adults: 2D Exploration at Farmington Family YMCA
Remember going to art class as a kid? The fun it was to make a mess, explore, and create, so, why not take an art class again now. This class is for those with or without any art experience to come create and explore. Each week the teaching artist will show students a variety of 2D materials and techniques. Every session students will explore different mediums including printmaking techniques, painting, and abstract ways of drawing. The teaching artist will work with students and gear lessons towards their interests along the way. So join us to come play with art materials, maybe get a little messy, and create with others!
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Ceramics – Lindsey G
Ceramics – Lindsey G at Boll Family YMCA
This is a private link for Lindsey G to sign up for Wheel Throwing and Hand-building Feb 3-Mar 3 and will include one private lesson in lieu of class 1 of 6. This will also include Open Studio times. This also reflects a 10% discount due to the pushback/cancelation of the Wednesday class sessions.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Ceramics – Open Studio Feb 22nd, 2025
Ceramics – Open Studio Feb 22nd, 2025 at Boll Family YMCA
This is for current or former Y Arts Ceramics/Pottery Students only.
If you have taken our 6 week Hand-building & Wheel Throwing class and you want to get back in the studio to create again you are invited to attend an open studio session! For $25/$30 (Y Member/Non-Member) you can get up to 5lbs of clay to work with (on the wheel or hand building) or glaze 2 pieces between 12pm-2:30pm! (If there is something else you have in mind email jessica.cooper@ymcadetroit.org and we can work something out)
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Ceramics – Wheel-Throwing & Hand Building
Ceramics – Wheel-Throwing & Hand Building at Boll Family YMCA
Join us for this 6 session ceramics class! We will dive into the world of playing with dirt! Student will learn learn 3 major Hand Building techniques, and learn the basics of wheel throwing. Students will also have plenty of options to curate what they make to their own interests!
The class will also offer two opportunities to come to Open Studio Time on Saturdays from 12-2:30 at no charge during the class.
*Some pieces may need to be picked up after the last class, pick up will be arranged at that time.
YMCA Member Cost: $165
Non-member Cost: $200
Dates: Wednesdays, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Ceramics Workshop – Flower Vase
Ceramics Workshop – Flower Vase at Boll Family YMCA
We’re making a flower vase! Students will learn several ceramic hand building techniques to create their vase and have options for the decoration of the piece.
Pieces will be available for pick up 3-4 weeks after the works, details for pick up will be emailed to participants
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Ceramics Workshop – Tic Tac Toe Boards!
Ceramics Workshop – Tic Tac Toe Boards! at Boll Family YMCA
In this workshop students will create their very own ceramic tic tac toe board. There will be several ideas to choose from (or students can bring their own as well!)
Pick Up will be 3-4 weeks after workshop, details will be emailed to workshop participants
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Knitting & Crocheting
Knitting & Crocheting at Downriver Family YMCA
Have you ever thought about making your own accessories, or other useful pieces for around the home? Join us to learn more about knitting and crocheting. In this class series local Fiber Artists Sicily McRaven will lead students in learning about knitting and crocheting techniques. All materials will be supplied.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Mosaic Class
Mosaic Class at Downriver Family YMCA
Learn how to make your own mosaic piece for your home, garden, or for a gift. Teaching Artist Rebecca Berdy will teach students the elements of design used to create a mosaic piece, layout techniques, and more! Learn about the various types of tesserae (mosaic pieces,) and how to grout your piece to finish it. See our instagram @yartsdetroit to see some former mosaic student creations
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Mosaic Class at South Oakland Family YMCA
Learn how to make your own mosaic piece for your home, garden, or for a gift. Teaching Artist Rebecca Berdy will teach students the elements of design used to create a mosaic piece, layout techniques, and more! Learn about the various types of tesserae (mosaic pieces,) and how to grout your piece to finish it. See our instagram @yartsdetroit to see some former mosaic student creations
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Painting with Watercolors
Painting with Watercolors at South Oakland Family YMCA
Learn to paint your very own watercolor paintings. Classes will explore various watercolor techniques such as creating a wash, glazing, lifting color and more. Each week will build upon the skills learned in the weeks before, leading up to creating a final piece.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Watercolor Landscapes
Watercolor Landscapes at Boll Family YMCA
Learn to paint your very own landscape. In this class you will be shown how to paint different elements of a landscape. It will begin by going over the basics such as essential supplies and how to manage the materials. The class will then explore various watercolor techniques such as creating a wash, glazing, lifting color and more. You will then learn stand along landscape elements such as skies, trees, grasses, and rocks. You will learn about the textures in a terrain and even how to use every day materials to achieve them.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Watercolor Landscapes at Downriver Family YMCA
Learn to paint your very own landscape with the amazing artist Marceline Mason. In this class you will be shown how to paint different elements of a landscape. It will begin by going over the basics such as essential supplies and how to manage the materials. The class will then explore various watercolor techniques such as creating a wash, glazing, lifting color and more. You will then learn stand along landscape elements such as skies, trees, grasses, and rocks. You will learn about the textures in a terrain and even how to use every day materials to achieve them.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Watercolor Landscapes at Farmington Family YMCA
Learn to paint your very own landscape with the amazing artist Marceline Mason. In this class you will be shown how to paint different elements of a landscape. It will begin by going over the basics such as essential supplies and how to manage the materials. The class will then explore various watercolor techniques such as creating a wash, glazing, lifting color and more. You will then learn stand along landscape elements such as skies, trees, grasses, and rocks. You will learn about the textures in a terrain and even how to use every day materials to achieve them.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Youth Art Exploration
Youth Art Exploration at Downriver Family YMCA
Over 6 weeks students will explore a wide variety of art techniques and mediums to show off their creativity. A local Teaching Artist will guide students through creative processes to explore the wide world of art using various materials which may include colored pencils, markers, watercolors, air dry clay, and more!
YMCA Member Cost: $65
Non-member Cost: $85
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Upcoming Family Arts and Humanities Programs
Ceramic Workshop (Ages 6-Adult) – Shamrock Dish
Ceramic Workshop (Ages 6-Adult) – Shamrock Dish at South Oakland Family YMCA
Welcome to our Family Ceramics Saturday workshop! This is for family members, friends, or individuals to come learn how to create a ceramic piece alongside a teaching artist. No experience is necessary, but those with experience are invite to join as well!* This months project will be creating a shamrock dish. Workshop attendees will create a piece from start to finish.
*All artists under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a REGISTERED adult enrolled in the class
Note: Pick up for project will be 3-4 weeks after the workshop. You will be notified via the email you register with when items can be picked up from the front desk
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Ceramics Saturdays (all ages) Workshop – St. Pats Rainbow
Ceramics Saturdays (all ages) Workshop – St. Pats Rainbow at Boll Family YMCA
Welcome to our Monthly Family Ceramics Saturday workshop! This is for family members, friends, or individuals to come learn how to create a ceramic piece alongside a teaching artist. No experience is necessary, but those with experience are invite to join as well!* This months project will be to create a piece inspired by The Leprechauns rainbow! Workshop attendees will create a piece from start to finish.
*All artists under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a REGISTERED adult enrolled in the class
*Those under 5 are welcome to attend for free to create alongside an adult registered in the class
Note: Pick up for project will be 3-4 weeks after the workshop. You will be emailed a list of times you can pick up your piece, or if those time don’t work for you other pick up arrangements can be made.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Ceramics Saturdays (for all ages) Workshop – Flower Dish
Ceramics Saturdays (for all ages) Workshop – Flower Dish at Boll Family YMCA
Welcome to our Monthly Family Ceramics Saturday workshop! This is for family members, friends, or individuals to come learn how to create a ceramic piece alongside a teaching artist. No experience is necessary, but those with experience are invite to join as well!* This months project will be to create a heart shaped bowl. Workshop attendees will create a piece from start to finish.
*All artists under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a REGISTERED adult enrolled in the class
Note: Pick up for project will be 3-4 weeks after the workshop. You will be emailed a list of times you can pick up your piece, or if those time don’t work for you other pick up arrangements can be made.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Ceramics Saturdays Workshop – Animal Pinch Pot
Ceramics Saturdays Workshop – Animal Pinch Pot at Boll Family YMCA
Welcome to our Monthly Family Ceramics Saturday workshop! This is for family members, friends, or individuals to come learn how to create a ceramic piece alongside a teaching artist.
No experience is necessary, but those with experience are invite to join as well!*
This months project will be to create a pinch pot in the shape of a fish. Workshop attendees will create a piece from start to finish.
*All artists under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a REGISTERED adult enrolled in the class
Note: Pick up for project will be 3-4 weeks after the workshop. You will be emailed a list of times you can pick up your piece, or if those time don’t work for you other pick up arrangements can be made.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Ceramics Workshop – Flower Dish (Ages 6-Adult)
Ceramics Workshop – Flower Dish (Ages 6-Adult) at Farmington Family YMCA
Welcome to our Monthly Family Ceramics Saturday workshop! This is for family members, friends, or individuals to come learn how to create a ceramic piece alongside a teaching artist.
No experience is necessary, but those with experience are invite to join as well!*
This project will be to create a Flower Dish. Workshop attendees will create a piece from start to finish.
*All artists under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a REGISTERED adult enrolled in the class
Note: Pick up for project will be 3-4 weeks after the workshop. You will be emailed a list of times you can pick up your piece, or if those time don’t work for you other pick up arrangements can be made.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Creative Connections
Creative Connections at Boll Family YMCA
Welcome to our Monthly Creative Connections Workshop! This is for adult family members and their young artists (Ages 3-6) to create pieces of art together! Bring your young artist and create something together!
Member (Adult) $15*
Member (Youth) $5
Non-Member (Adult)$20
Non-Member (Youth) $10
*Every young artist 3-6 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is also registered in the workshop
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Creative Connections at Downriver Family YMCA
Welcome to our Monthly Creative Connections Workshop! This is for adult family members and their young artists (Ages 3-6) to create pieces of art together! This month’s piece will feature a March favorite! So bring your young artist and create together!
Member (Adult) $15*
Member (Youth) $5
Non-Member (Adult)$20
Non-Member (Youth) $10
*Every young artist 3-6 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is also registered in the workshop
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Creative Connections at Farmington Family YMCA
Welcome to our Monthly Creative Connections Workshop! This is for adult family members and their young artists (Ages 3-6) to create pieces of art together! This month’s piece will feature a March favorite! So bring your young artist and create together!
Member (Adult) $15*
Member (Youth) $5
Non-Member (Adult)$20
Non-Member (Youth) $10
*Every young artist 3-6 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is also registered in the workshop
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Creative Connections at South Oakland Family YMCA
Welcome to our Monthly Creative Connections Workshop! This is for adult family members and their young artists (Ages 3-6) to create pieces of art together! This month’s piece will feature a spring favorite! So bring your young artist and create together!
Member (Adult) $15*
Member (Youth) $5
Non-Member (Adult)$20
Non-Member (Youth) $10
*Every young artist 3-6 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is also registered in the workshop
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Creative Connections (Ages 3-6 + Parent/Guardian)
Creative Connections (Ages 3-6 + Parent/Guardian) at Boll Family YMCA
Welcome to our Monthly Creative Connections Workshop! This is for adult family members and their young artists (Ages 3-6) to create pieces of art together! Bring your young artist and create together!
Member (Adult) $15*
Member (Youth) $5
Non-Member (Adult)$20
Non-Member (Youth) $10
*Every young artist 3-6 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is also registered in the workshop
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Creative Connections (Ages 3-6 + Parent/Guardian) at South Oakland Family YMCA
Welcome to our Monthly Creative Connections Workshop! This is for adult family members and their young artists (Ages 3-6) to create pieces of art together! Bring your young artist and create together!
Member (Adult) $15*
Member (Youth) $5
Non-Member (Adult)$20
Non-Member (Youth) $10
*Every young artist 3-6 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is also registered in the workshop
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Theatre Games Workshop
Theatre Games Workshop at Boll Family YMCA
The whole family can join us to learn and play theatre games together! You will meet with a Professional performing artist who will guide everyone in a night of theatre games aimed to get the creativity, mind, (and laughter) flowing!
Ages 6-Adult*
*All minor participants must be accompanied by an adult
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Theatre Games Workshop at Farmington Family YMCA
The whole family can join us to learn and play theatre games together! You will meet with a Professional performing artist who will guide everyone in a night of theatre games aimed to get the creativity, mind, (and laughter) flowing!
Ages 6-Adult*
Member (Adult) $15
Member (Youth) $5
Non-Member (Adult)$20
Non-Member (Youth) $10
*All minor participants must be accompanied by an adult
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Theatre Games Workshop at South Oakland Family YMCA
The whole family can join us to learn and play theatre games together! You will meet with a Professional performing artist who will guide everyone in a night of theatre games aimed to get the creativity, mind, (and laughter) flowing!
Ages 6-Adult*
Member (Adult) $15
Member (Youth) $5
Non-Member (Adult)$20
Non-Member (Youth) $10
*All minor participants must be accompanied by an adult
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register