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.
Thanks to our Camp BW sponsors!
Sahlaney, Dudeck & Hochfeld Law Office
At BW, our Teen Apprentices are an absolutely integral part of our summer youth programming. Your role is best described as “camp counselor”. You will be asked to be an example of a model camper at all times. Our students look to their apprentices as examples of how to behave, what their attitudes should be, and how they contribute to the community of camp.
Teen apprentices may be responsible for planning and implementing recreational activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of campers by supervising them during activities, providing guidance and support, and maintaining a positive camp environment; their duties may include leading or facilitating group games and enforcing camp rules while fostering a sense of community among campers.
Key responsibilities of Teen Apprentices:
- Supervision and Guidance
- Provide close supervision to campers, offering support and addressing individual needs
- Campers’ Safety
- Actively monitor campers during activities, ensuring their physical safety and addressing any potential hazards
- Activity Planning and Execution
- Design and lead various camp activities like morning welcome, ice breaker games, afternoon activities
- Group Dynamics
- Foster a positive group dynamic with assigned camper groups, encouraging cooperation and inclusivity
- Skill Development
- Guide campers through art activities, teaching them new skills and encouraging the development of acquired skills
- Classroom Maintenance
- Assist with the upkeep and maintenance of the classroom and shared Bottle Works spaces by helping to set up and clean up activities
Required skills and qualities:
- Must be entering 9th-12th grade in 2025-2026 school year
- Class of 2026 graduates are welcome to apply. Individuals who are 18 must obtain clearances
- Training Program Participation
- There is a required training program June 10th-12th from 10:00am-1:00pm.
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to build rapport with children of different ages and backgrounds, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere
- Leadership abilities
- Confidence in leading groups and making decisions in various situations
- Patience and empathy
- Ability to manage challenging behaviors and provide support to campers
What do you gain from being a Teen Apprentice?
- Community service hours
- We will sign for community service hours
- Recommendation letters
- If you ask, our staff can write recommendation letters for jobs, scholarships, or college applications
- Leadership experience
- Participating in Camp BW as a Teen Apprentice fosters and develops leadership skills that directly translate to other activities and responsibilities
- Resume building
- Acting as a camp counselor is an excellent way to build your resume for future jobs or to grow your experience in leadership
- Community
- At BW, we pride ourselves on forming a community that cares for each other. By being present in the space, you will build relationships with artists, professionals, and like-minded peers that you can use to network and build your community
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.