Action Alert! Help Save Our Afterschool Grant Funding!
Arts and Humanities

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
Arts and Crafts Exploration
Arts and Crafts Exploration at Macomb Family YMCA
Creative Kids: Weekly Arts & Crafts Fun!For ages 4–7 | 4-week session | 1 class per weekLet your child’s imagination run wild in this fun and engaging arts and crafts class designed just for kids ages 4–7! Each week, young artists will explore a brand-new project using a variety of materials and techniques—from painting and gluing to cutting, coloring, and creating. With a focus on creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression, this class encourages kids to get hands-on while building confidence in their artistic abilities. Best of all, they’ll leave each session with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home!
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Board Game Club
Board Game Club at Boll Family YMCA
Join us for a night of board gaming fun! Each week, kids will play classics and modern favorites like Rival Restaurants, Ticket to Ride, Catan, and more. They’ll also learn new games to share and play at home with family and friends. All skill levels welcome – just bring your love of games!
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Bracelet Making
Bracelet Making at Downriver Family YMCA
Get creative and express your unique style in our Bracelet Making Art Class. Kids ages 6-13yrs will learn how to design and create their own custom bracelets using colorful beads, string and fun patterns. This hands-on class encourages creativity, fine motor skills and confidence – all while having fun with friends! All materials provided. No experience necessary – just bring your imagination!!
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Cooking for Kids- Level 1
Cooking for Kids- 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.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Cooking for Kids- Level 2
Cooking for Kids- Level 2 at Farmington Family YMCA
We’re cooking up fun for your kids! All kids ages 6-12 who have already taken Cooking for Kids (formerly Tiny Chefs) or already have basic 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.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Future Innovators Lab: STEM For Kids
Future Innovators Lab: STEM For Kids 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
Lego Builds
Lego Builds at Boll Family YMCA
Get ready for an epic building adventure! In this 4-week class, club members will work together and individually on a long-term LEGO project. Each week adds new pieces and challenges, leading up to a final build to show off at the end. Builders will practice creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork while having fun bringing their big ideas to life!
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
Pokémon & Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Club
Pokémon & Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Club at Boll Family YMCA
Love collecting cards? Bring your Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh! cards to share, trade, and play with friends! Show off your favorite cards, learn new tips, and have fun battling in a friendly space.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Age Group:
Youth Dates:
9/9/25–10/2/25 Days & Times:
Youth Dates:
9/9/25–10/2/25 Days & Times:
- Tue 4:30 pm-5:15 pm
- Thu 4:30 pm-5:15 pm
Preschool Lego Club
Preschool Lego Club at Boll Family YMCA
Build, create, and explore with LEGO bricks! In this 30-minute class, preschoolers will practice fine motor skills, use their imagination, and work together while building fun projects each week.
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Age Group:
Youth Dates:
9/9/25–9/30/25 Days & Times:
Youth Dates:
9/9/25–9/30/25 Days & Times:
- Tue 5:30 pm-6:00 pm
- Thu 4:30 pm-5:15 pm
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
Age Group:
Youth Dates:
11/6/25–11/20/25 Days & Times:
Youth Dates:
11/6/25–11/20/25 Days & Times:
- Thu 6:00 pm-6:45 pm
- Thu 4:30 pm-5:15 pm
Upcoming Adults Arts and Humanities Programs
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 using the pottery wheel. 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 option will given out during the class
YMCA Member Cost: $165
Non-member Cost: $200
Age Group:
Dates:
Days & Times:
Register
Mosaic Class
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