YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Arts and Humanities

youth in a YMCA photography class

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.

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 & Crafts Club – Youth

Kids experiment with drawing, painting, and crafts through fun, guided projects. A creative space to explore art and imagination—no experience needed.
Dates Days Times Location Ages Register
Jun 3–24, 2026 W 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Downriver Family YMCA Youth / 6–13 years Register

Bracelet Making – Youth

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!!

Dates Days Times Location Ages Register
Jul 9–30, 2026 Th 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Downriver Family YMCA Youth / 6–13 years Register

Diamond Painting – Youth

Let your creativity shine in our Youth Diamond Painting Class! In this relaxing and fun art program, kids will create sparkling works of art using colorful “diamond” gems placed onto adhesive canvases to form beautiful pictures.

Each week, participants will continue working on their diamond painting project, carefully placing gems to bring their image to life piece by piece. This class encourages patience, focus, and creativity while helping youth develop fine motor skills in a calm and supportive environment.

By the end of the session, each child will have completed a dazzling artwork they can proudly take home and display.

✨ No experience necessary — all supplies are provided!

Perfect for kids who enjoy crafts, art, and hands-on creative activities.

Dates Days Times Location Ages Register
May 4–25, 2026 M 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM Downriver Family YMCA Youth / 6–13 years Register

Drama – Teen

Step into the spotlight and build confidence through acting! In this 4-week class, teens will explore the fundamentals of drama, including trust-building, voice and expression, and improvisation. Participants will develop creativity, teamwork, and performance skills while working together to create and present a short scene. Perfect for beginners and those looking to grow their stage presence in a fun, supportive environment.
Dates Days Times Location Ages Register
May 5–26, 2026 Tu 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM Downriver Family YMCA Teen / 13–17 years Register

Home School Friends- Open Rock Climb

Besides increasing strength throughout the body, rock climbing helps develop balance and coordination. With the sport of climbing, you can improve endurance and feel an excitement that comes with this unique kind of challenge.


Open Rock Climb is a drop in program for everyone 3 and older!

Dates Days Times Location Ages Register
May 7–28, 2026 Th 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Downriver Family YMCA Youth / 3–17 years Register

Science You Can Eat – Preschool

Each week, participants will explore a new Science You Can Eat activity to take home. Through fun, hands-on experiences, they will learn scientific concepts using edible ingredients—blending science with creativity and discovery. Each project encourages problem-solving and critical thinking while allowing participants to experiment, create, and enjoy their tasty results, all tailored to their age group.
Dates Days Times Location Ages Register
Jul 8–29, 2026 W 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM Downriver Family YMCA Youth / 8–12 years Register

Science You Can Eat – Youth

Each week, participants will explore a new Science You Can Eat activity to take home. Through fun, hands-on experiences, they will learn scientific concepts using edible ingredients—blending science with creativity and discovery. Each project encourages problem-solving and critical thinking while allowing participants to experiment, create, and enjoy their tasty results, all tailored to their age group.
Dates Days Times Location Ages Register
May 7–28, 2026 Th 2:00 PM – 2:50 PM Downriver Family YMCA Youth / 8–12 years Register

Upcoming Adults Arts and Humanities Programs

Ceramics – Intro to Wheel-Throwing & Hand Building

Join us for this 6 session intro to 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 Days Times Location Ages Register
May 13 – Jun 17, 2026 W 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Boll Family YMCA Adult / 18+ years Register

Intermediate Ceramics Wheel-Throwing & Hand Building

This class is for students who have previously taken our 6 week intro course. We will dive into the world of playing with dirt!

The class will also offer at least 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

Dates Days Times Location Ages Register
May 4 – Jun 15, 2026 M 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Boll Family YMCA Adult / 18+ years Register

Upcoming Family Arts and Humanities Programs

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