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. You will be contacted again 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.
Ages 3-6
Ages 7-12
Saturdays Jan 31, Feb 7 & 14, 2026 from 9:30 am – Noon
Thursdays Feb 5-26, 2026 from 5:30-7pm
Saturdays Feb 21, 28 & March 7, 2026 from 9:30 am – Noon
Thursdays March 5-26, 2026 from 5:30-7 pm
Saturdays March 14-28, 2026 from 9:30 am – Noon
Thursdays April 9 – 30, 2026 from 5:30-7 pm
Ages 13-18
Saturdays Jan 31, Feb 7 & 14, 2026 from 1-3:30 pm
Saturdays Feb 21, 28 & March 7, 2026 from 1-3:30 pm
Saturdays March 14-28, 2026 from 1-3:30 pm
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.
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.