Welcome to the Arts Academy at Bottle Works, where we inspire creativity in kids ages 3–18 through fun, age-appropriate art experiences! Guided by qualified instructors, our programs help young artists connect, express themselves, and grow—all in a safe, welcoming space. Below you will find listings of all of our art classes for ages 3-18.
To register for a class, you will be required to provide payment up front. Please click on the “Pay Now” button or apply for a scholarship by clicking on the “Scholarship Application” button. Once we have received your payment or application, you will be emailed an enrollment form that will collect all of your child’s information and finalize your registration. Your child is not officially registered until you have filled out the enrollment form in its entirety. You will be contacted one week before the start of the class with details you may need!
We look forward to seeing you and your young artist at Bottle Works! If you have any questions regarding the Arts Academy, please contact our Youth Arts Education Coordinator at nkearney@bottleworks.org.
Winter/Spring 2027 Classes will be open for registration on November 4th!
Scholarships available for all youth courses!
Instructors: Stormie Cannistraci, Kristina Marinkovich, Annie Parlock, Justine Walker
Ages: 3-6
Dates: February 3-April 28
Cost: $120
Embark on a creative journey with our engaging class designed for preschool kids ages 3-5 and their caregiver! This dynamic program combines visual art, music, and movement to inspire young minds and bodies. Through hands-on activities and interactive experiences, children will discover the joy of self-expression and unleash their artistic potential. From exploring colors and shapes to dancing to different rhythms, this class offers a holistic approach to early childhood development. Join us and watch your child’s imagination soar as they create, sing, and dance their way through a world of creativity and fun!
Calling all young artists and animal lovers! Step into the studio for an exciting mixed-media adventure that celebrates the world’s most fascinating and endangered creatures. In this hands-on course, students ages 7-12 will explore the beauty of wildlife while learning diverse art techniques—combining watercolor, collage, oil pastels, and textured materials to bring sea turtles, snow leopards, colorful macaws, and more to life.
Throughout the session, kids will build foundational skills, experiment with bold textures and layering, and discover how artists can use their creativity to speak up for nature. Every young artist will walk away with a stunning portfolio of vibrant, multi-layered animal masterpieces and a deeper appreciation for the wild world around them! All materials are provided.
Unwind, connect, and level up your drawing skills in this relaxed weekend workshop created exclusively for teens! Guided by teaching artist Norman Ed, Sketch & Sip offers a supportive studio vibe where you can practice foundational figure drawing techniques at your own pace—no pressure, just creative exploration.
Learn to capture proportion, gesture, and realistic form while hanging out with fellow young artists. We’ll supply the drawing materials, free snacks, and refreshing drinks—you just bring your creativity! Whether you’re building a portfolio or just looking for a fun, creative space to chill and chat, this is the ultimate weekend studio social. All materials, snacks, and drinks are provided.
Step into a world where art meets geometry in this hands-on, one-day workshop! In Tile Magic, young artists will discover the mesmerizing world of tessellations—repeating patterns of interlocking shapes that fit together like a puzzle with no gaps or overlaps.
Inspired by the brilliant mathematical art of M.C. Escher and cultural tile designs from around the globe, students will learn how to transform simple geometric shapes into clever, recognizable creatures and abstract motifs. Using cutting, tracing, and vibrant coloring techniques, kids will design, assemble, and print their own complex repeating tile masterpieces. Every student will leave with a stunning tessellation and a new appreciation for the connection between art and math! All materials are provided.
Unleash your imagination and bring legendary creatures to life! In this thrilling class, young artists will journey through mythology and folklore—from fiery dragons and majestic unicorns to elusive cryptids!
Students will learn essential canvas painting techniques, including brushwork, color mixing, shading, and atmospheric background blending, as they design their very own mythical beasts. Guided step-by-step, kids will sketch out their creature’s unique features before filling their canvases with bold acrylics and magical details. Every student will leave with a frame-worthy canvas masterpiece and the confidence to paint anything they can dream up! All materials are provided.
Unlock your creativity in this fun, action-packed, 2.5-hour workshop! In Treasure Trunks, young artists will take an ordinary box and transform it into a magical, one-of-a-kind keepsake chest.
Using a vibrant mix of collage materials, textured papers, acrylic paints, stamps, yarn, and found objects, students will design and decorate every inch of their very own “treasure trunk.” Along the way, they’ll experiment with layering, color composition, and texture to bring their unique creative vision to life. Whether they use it to store secret notes, special trinkets, or tiny works of art, every student will leave with a stunning, custom-crafted box ready to hold their most precious belongings! All materials are provided.
Break out of 2D and get totally outside the box! Taught by teaching artist Norman Ed, this teen-exclusive weekend workshop is all about experimenting with form, texture, and structural design—turning humble cardboard into extraordinary 3D sculptures.
Leave your expectations at the door and come ready to experiment with unexpected shapes, slot-building, and assemblage. We’re keeping the studio vibe completely relaxed and social: turn up, construct wild installations, chat with fellow creatives, and enjoy plenty of free snacks and drinks while you work. Whether you build an abstract centerpiece, architectural structure, or quirky creature, you’ll walk away with a bold custom sculpture and a great afternoon spent in the studio. All materials, snacks, and drinks are provided.
Dive into the exciting world of comic art and character design in this action-packed studio. Students will learn the step-by-step process of turning their ideas into dynamic comic strips—from dynamic sketching and expressive line work to bold inking techniques.
Throughout the session, kids will create original characters, craft compelling visual narratives, design dramatic action panels, and experiment with dialogue bubbles and sound effects. Whether they want to create superhero adventures, funny gag strips, or graphic novel pages, young artists will develop foundational drawing skills, learn visual pacing, and leave with their very own original mini-comic ready to share! All materials are provided.
Discover the exciting art of printmaking in this hands-on, 2.5-hour beginner workshop! In Carve & Print, young artists will step into the shoes of a real printmaker as they learn to translate their drawings into bold relief prints.
Students will begin by sketching simple, dynamic designs tailored specifically for block printing. Using kid-safe relief tools and soft linoleum blocks, kids will safely carve out their artwork, learn the step-by-step process of rolling ink onto their blocks, and hand-press their designs onto paper. Every student will leave with a custom carved block they can reuse at home and a fresh set of handmade, frame-worthy prints! All materials are provided.
Kulani – West African Dance Class
Stay tuned for upcoming dates
Ages 5+
Join Kulani for West African Dance fun! Ms Gwen and Ms Holly continue to bring West African Dance to the Johnstown Community. Your children ages 5 and up will learn the art of dance, and drumming, as passed down from generation to generation in Western Africa. These instructors traveled to Guinea and have been sharing what they learned from their amazing Guinean teachers since 2014.
All kids ages 5 and up are welcome, a $5 donation per session is recommended, but not required.
Watch the Camp BW Summer Camp students from 2022 perform “Unsinkable Johnstown” with the Molok!
Mindfulness and Arts
Making a difference in your classroom
Our Mindfulness and Arts Initiative seeks to engage youth within local schools and community organizations by employing the Mindful Schools curriculum coupled with arts. Through the application and practice of The Mindful School’s curriculum, we aim to provide an outlet for behavioral, emotional, academic, and social growth and support. Programming is held at your school/organization, or at the BOTTLE WORKS.
The Mindful Schools (mindfulschools.org)
What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the quality of deliberate attention, of bringing purposeful awareness to one’s experience.
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
Over thirty years of research demonstrates that mindfulness improves:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Decision-Making Skills
- Academic Achievement
- Body and Thought Awareness
- Impulse Control
- Stress Management
- Improved Focus
- Compassion towards others and self
Log on to http://www.mindfulschools.org in order to find out more. Mindfulness and Arts Program: This Mindfulness and Arts program teaches mindfulness tools while engaging students in the joy of arts. We use the Mindful School curriculum to teach youth how to improve decision-making skills, impulse control and stress management. Among others, the lessons include: mindfulness of breath, mindfulness of emotion, mindfulness of thought, mindful eating, compassion toward self and others, and body awareness. The art lessons will provide students with practice and applicability by utilizing the learned mindfulness skills. Students will engage in many various forms of art that may include drumming, creative writing, watercolor, zentangle, and clay. This programming can be tailored for any grade. We are looking to partner with schools and community organizations, as students would benefit.
The in-classroom Mindfulness and Arts Program is an eight- or sixteen-week program that occurs twice weekly.
For more information, contact Holly Lees, BOTTLE WORKS Mindfulness and Arts Facilitator, at hlees@bottleworks.org or 814.535.2020.
What are people saying?!?
“Students were made aware of ways to maintain self-control which is extremely important today. Also, it is quite beneficial for students to have the strategies presented to fight stress. I think students partially enjoyed the art lessons that related well to the mindfulness teachings.”Mr. Roberts 6th grade teacher at Conemaugh Valley Elementary“I definitely will use mindfulness tools for the rest of my life” ~ 6th-grade student“Thank you for teaching me how to keep my body calm. I especially like how we used mindful breathing.”
~ 5th-grade student“Mindfulness helps with situations. When I’m mad, I use mindful breathing”~6th-grade students
Please note that the Bottle Works engages in photography and recording of programs and events for its own print and online publication/promotional purposes. Staff and volunteers will make every effort to notify members of the public when filming and/or photography is taking place. Please notify a staff member/volunteer if you do not want to be photographed or filmed.