Arts and Humanities
Celebrating the potential in every kid.
All kids have great potential. Arts and Humanities programs at the Y celebrate that potential, giving opportunities for kids to explore their creative side.
Arts and Humanities programs help youth understand others through their languages, histories and cultures, teach empathy, and help youth learn how to deal critically and logically with subjective, complex information.
Select a location to filter activities and programs.
Upcoming Arts and Humanities Programs
Art for Adults!
Art for Adults! at Birmingham Family YMCA
Art is for everyone! Join us for this class series, Art for Adults, and let your creativity flow…Students will work with a local teaching artist to explore a variety of art making tools and techniques in Drawing, Painting, Collage, and more! Each week participants will learn art & design techniques from the Teaching Artist and then have time to explore and create based off that technique, creating their very own unique pieces.
February 28th-March 20th
Member Price: $65Non-Member Price: $8555+ Member Price: $4555+ Non-Member Price: $65
February 28th-March 20th
Member Price: $65Non-Member Price: $8555+ Member Price: $4555+ Non-Member Price: $65
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Ceramics/Pottery-For Youth
Ceramics/Pottery-For Youth at South Oakland Family YMCA
Learn how to create and paint different ceramic pieces by hand, with air drying clay.
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Ceramics Class (Wheel-Throwing & Hand Building) 6 weeks
Ceramics Class (Wheel-Throwing & Hand Building) 6 weeks at Boll Family YMCA
Join us for this 6 session ceramics class! We will dive into the world of using the Pottery Wheel as well as learn Hand Building techniques. On average most students will leave the class having made at least 4 pieces (some may make more, some may make less, it matters on the size and details of the pieces.) Students will 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: $165Non-member Cost: $200
Dates: Wednesdays, 6:30pm – 8:30pm January 31st-March 6th
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: $165Non-member Cost: $200
Dates: Wednesdays, 6:30pm – 8:30pm January 31st-March 6th
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Creating Watercolor Landscapes
Creating Watercolor Landscapes at Birmingham 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 kitchen materials to achieve them.
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Creating Watercolor Landscapes at South Oakland 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 kitchen materials to achieve them.
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100Location: South Oakland Family Y
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100Location: South Oakland Family Y
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Curious Creations Art Class
Curious Creations Art Class at Farmington Family YMCA
This art class will bring participants together to make a new craft each week, using scissors, paint and paper to explorer their unique creativity with art! For ages 4 to 12 years old.
For details, contact our Welcome Center at 248-553-4020
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Family Game and Movie Night
Family Game and Movie Night at Downriver Family YMCA
Join us for an evening of games, food and a family friendly movie!
Pizza, popcorn, light snacks and drinks will be provided.
Pizza, popcorn, light snacks and drinks will be provided.
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Galentine’s Day Ceramics Workshop
Galentine’s Day Ceramics Workshop at Boll Family YMCA
Join us for this Ceramics Workshop in honor of Galentine’s Day! We will use clay to create a heart shaped masterpiece for your house.
6:30-8:00
Note: The pick up for project will be 2-3 weeks after the workshop. You will get sent information about pick up times.
YMCA Member Cost: $25Non-member Cost: $30
6:30-8:00
Note: The pick up for project will be 2-3 weeks after the workshop. You will get sent information about pick up times.
YMCA Member Cost: $25Non-member Cost: $30
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Illustrative Journaling Class
Illustrative Journaling Class at Farmington Family YMCA
Join us and let’s make some journals! This class will explore the art of journaling by using a combination of collage and words. In addition to doodling & drawing, you will have the opportunity to incorporate writing, photography, and anything you can glue down. Drawing and collage materials for the course will be provided, but you will have the opportunity to bring any personal materials such as a journal you would like to use, photos, paper, magazines, etc to expand your journal. There will be a lot of opportunities to explore and create.
Journals will be provided or you can choose to bring your own.
Member Price: $80Non-member Price: $100
Dates: Mondays 6-7:30 March 11th-April 1st
Journals will be provided or you can choose to bring your own.
Member Price: $80Non-member Price: $100
Dates: Mondays 6-7:30 March 11th-April 1st
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Intro to Traditional Rug Hooking
Intro to Traditional Rug Hooking at Carls Family YMCA
Spring Make and Take ProjectJoin the Wild Wooly Women who will guide you in making a small spring mat. We will supply the pattern, wool, equipment and teachers to get you started. This is a great way to find out if rug hooking is for you.
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Lab Ratz: Art-tastic Expressions
Lab Ratz: Art-tastic Expressions at Boll Family YMCA
Let your creativity loose! Possible projects include making playdough, torn paper collages, friendship bracelets, flip animations, and many other artistic expressions!
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Lab Ratz: Art-tastic Expressions (Preschool)
Lab Ratz: Art-tastic Expressions (Preschool) at Boll Family YMCA
Let your creativity loose! Possible projects include making playdough, torn paper collages, friendship bracelets, flip animations, and many other artistic expressions!
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Lab Ratz: Brain Matters
Lab Ratz: Brain Matters at Boll Family YMCA
Discover the wonders of the human body with an edible heart, a brain model, and a DNA bracelet!
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Lab Ratz: Brain Matters (Preschool)
Lab Ratz: Brain Matters (Preschool) at Boll Family YMCA
Discover the wonders of the human body with an edible heart, a brain model, and a DNA bracelet!
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Lab Ratz: Mad Science
Lab Ratz: Mad Science at Boll Family YMCA
Scientists will choose from a variety of experiments! Invisible ink? Bug Bots? Tornado in a Bottle? There’s so many options it might just drive you MAD!
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Lab Ratz: Mad Science (Preschool)
Lab Ratz: Mad Science (Preschool) at Boll Family YMCA
Scientists will choose from a variety of experiments! Invisible ink? Bug Bots? Tornado in a Bottle? There’s so many options it might just drive you MAD!
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Mosaic Class
Mosaic Class at Birmingham Family YMCA
Learn how to make your own mosaic piece for your home, garden, a gift, or anywhere! Students will learn the elements of design used to create a mosaic piece, layout techniques, and more. Learn about the various types of tesserae (mosaic pieces,) and techniques used for finishing the piece such as grouting.
Every student has the opportunity to leave with at least one mosaic piece.
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100
Every student has the opportunity to leave with at least one mosaic piece.
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Mosaic Class at Boll Family YMCA
Learn how to make your own mosaic piece for your home, garden, or for a gift. Students will learn the elements of design used to create a mosaic piece, layout techniques, and more. Learn about the various types of tesserae (mosaic pieces,) and techniques used for finishing the piece such as grouting.
Every student has the opportunity to leave with at least one mosaic piece.
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100
Every student has the opportunity to leave with at least one mosaic piece.
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Mosaic Class at Downriver Family YMCA
Learn how to make your own mosaic piece for your home, garden, or for a gift. Students will learn the elements of design used to create a mosaic piece, layout techniques, and more. Learn about the various types of tesserae (mosaic pieces,) and techniques used for finishing the piece such as grouting.
Every student has the opportunity to leave with at least one mosaic piece.
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100
Every student has the opportunity to leave with at least one mosaic piece.
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Mosaic Class at Farmington Family YMCA
Learn how to make your own mosaic piece for your home, garden, or for a gift. Students will learn the elements of design used to create a mosaic piece, layout techniques, and more. Learn about the various types of tesserae (mosaic pieces,) and techniques used for finishing the piece such as grouting.
Every student has the opportunity to leave with at least one mosaic piece.
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100
Every student has the opportunity to leave with at least one mosaic piece.
YMCA Member Cost: $80Non-member Cost: $100
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Photography and Movie Making
Photography and Movie Making at Downriver Family YMCA
Y Media Works Fall programFounded 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
STEAM Class
STEAM Class at Farmington Family YMCA
Whether you are looking to sharpen your skills, need a little more practice, do more projects, or just enjoy STEAM, then come join us! Each week will be a different STEAM activity/project to take home. Participants will combine science, technology, engineering, art and math into each activity along with problem solving and critical thinking skills based on their age group.
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Science on the Go
Science on the Go 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
Science on the Go – Preschool
Science on the Go – Preschool 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
Senior Art Class
Senior Art Class at Downriver Family YMCA
Come make some art with us! Work with a local teaching artist to explore a variety or art making tools and techniques and let your creativity flow!
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Senior Art Class at Farmington Family YMCA
Come make some art with us! Work with a local teaching artist to explore a variety or art making tools and techniques and let your creativity flow!
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Spring Make and Take – Easter Egg Candles
Spring Make and Take – Easter Egg Candles at Downriver Family YMCA
This is a 2.5 hour event where families will get to make a project and take it home with them. Each project during these events will be seasonally themed. Come join us for a time of fun, community and crafting!! Each family will be given 4 of the same project to create together.
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Summer Make and Take – Duct Tape Extravaganza
Summer Make and Take – Duct Tape Extravaganza at Downriver Family YMCA
This is a 2.5 hour event where families will get to make a project and take it home with them. Each project during these events will be seasonally themed. Come join us for a time of fun, community and crafting!! Each family will be given 4 of the same project to create together.
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register
Tiny Chefs – Level 1
Tiny Chefs – Level 1 at Downriver Family YMCA
Each week children will follow a simple “picture” 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 “picture” 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 Class
Tiny Chefs Cooking Class 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, contact our Welcome Center Team at 248-553-4020.
For more information, contact our Welcome Center Team at 248-553-4020.
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 Art Exploration
Youth Art Exploration at Birmingham 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 colored pencils, markers, watercolors, air dry clay, and more!
YMCA Member Cost: $65Non-member Cost: $85
YMCA Member Cost: $65Non-member Cost: $85
Age Group: Dates: Days & Times: Register