Get Crafty with these Women-Led Art Classes in the Finger Lakes
There’s something to be said about the comfort and coziness of crafting with like-minded creative folks. Fortunately there are several women who are leading crafting workshops throughout the Finger Lakes region, bringing out the artistic sides of their local communities. These classes allow people to mingle with other people, learn how to make new crafts, and take home something they’ve made with their own hands.
The Artist’s Lounge
In the heart of Seneca Falls is a family-owned business built around art. Owned by Jessi Pemberton and her husband Dale, The Artist’s Lounge is a place for the local community to come together and be creative. The Pembertons offer a variety of opportunities for folks to learn and build on their craft skills. A combination of classes, workshops, and drop-in studio hours provide a great deal of flexibility for their customers. Folks visiting the lounge can paint on canvas, pottery, or wooden signs. Additionally, the space features a store selling works from over 70 artists.
Community Arts of Elmira
Housed in a beautiful historic building, Community Arts of Elmira was established in 2005. President Lynne Rusinko now leads the board of directors that oversees the art galleries and classes taught onsite. The community center features dozens of local artists, both those whose work is on display and those who teach art classes in the “Made in the Galleries” event series. Classes range in variety, and have included painting, stained glass, ornament making, drawing, theater, and more.
Figgy Studios & Shop
Eleanor Rothfuss & Crystal Stanley first opened Figgy Studio & Shop in Rochester in April 2022. Serving as a brick and mortar store for over 60 local artisans, Eleanor and Crystal also host a multitude of craft workshops in their studio. Workshop options include making soap, candles, jewelry, resin coasters, and more. There are also classes for woodburning, needle felting, and multimedia collages.
Magpie Custom Creations
Located in Cortland, Magpie Custom Creations is owned and operated by Stacey Anne Goldyn-Moller. Stacey shares her love and expertise of sewing with the community, offering a variety of sewing classes. Over the past few years, she has offered classes for making mittens and beanies, patching clothing, and even creating bloomers during this year’s Brave Women Week. Stacey also hosts lessons on sewing for beginners as well as creating projects through upcycling.
Right Mind Syracuse
Based in Central New York, Right Mind Mind Syracuse is the brainchild of Claire McKenney and her team of crafty women. Claire partners with local venues to host a wide variety of crafting events. Guests are provided with all of the required materials, taught how to make the project, and get to take home a handmade creation. The team hosts several classes a week, year round, at locations across Syracuse. Previous and upcoming workshops include mosaic tiles, ornaments, scrabble coasters, potted plants, chunky blankets, painted signs, string art, jewelry, and many more. They also offer some of the workshops in conjunction with cocktail making demonstrations.
Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center
In addition to being a fantastic art museum with an array of artistic exhibitions, Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center also offers many opportunities for visitors to learn various art techniques as well. Participants in the art center’s programs will need to dedicate a bit more time to learning the crafts than in the other, more hobby-focused pursuits previously mentioned. At Schweinfurth, there are classes for both children and adults. In these sessions, participants meet weekly for a series of several lessons. Alternatively, adults may attend workshops that take place over 2-3 days. Schweinfurth is also renowned for their annual quilting event that happens every summer and includes a series of quilting workshops.
