Youth Learning

Youth Learning offers art and media classes for ages 6-18, including Trace Monotypes, Go Retro with Film: Introduction to Photography, Intro to the Wheel, Intermediate Wheel, Fine Arts: Fundamentals of Drawing, Intro to Linoleum Block Printing, Intro to Video Editing, and Friday Fling: Book Arts. The offerings also include Mudslingers Shorts Course: Pumpkin Patch! for kids, which is listed for ages 6-12, and it is a two-session class for making pumpkins and fall-based art. Several classes note that no prior experience is required, including photography, drawing, and the kids' clay class.

Programs

• Trace Monotypes — Kids only; ages 6-12 · Trace Monoprinting is a simple, low-tech process that can be done without a printing press. It has a fuzzy line quality and can be quick ...
• Go Retro with Film: Introduction to Photography — Take this introductory film photography class to build a strong foundation in photography and gain hands-on experience in the darkroom. No prior experience is required.
• Mudslingers Shorts Course: Pumpkin Patch! for kids — 6-12 · In this two-session class Caitlin will work with young artists to make pumpkins and fall-based art. No clay experience is necessary.
• Fine Arts: Fundamentals of Drawing — In this class students focus on developing observational skills and drawing techniques, using a variety of drawing media. No prior experience with drawing is required.
• Intro to the Wheel — For beginners, this 8-week Introduction class covers the basics of wheel-thrown, functional work.
• Intermediate Wheel — For those with clay experience, the Intermediate class will broaden your knowledge base with more complicated projects, lidded forms, plates, and handles.
• Independent Study on the Wheel — For those with wheel experience, this independent study session allows you to focus on independent projects and personal growth.
• Intro to Wheel II — This class is for those who have taken a wheel class previously and are ready for the next step to enhance your skill-set.
• Intro to Linoleum Block Printing — Learn the basics of linoleum block printing to create cards, fine art prints, or add new imagery to your letterpress work.
• Essentials for Better Images — Learn to take better pictures using your camera and improve the impact of your photographs.
• Intro to Video Editing — This class teaches how to import footage, structure an edit, and match up sync.
• Friday Fling: Book Arts — Participants will cycle through three introductory book arts activities.

At a glance

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Current session: Go Retro with Film: Introduction to Photography (Sep 8–Oct 20, 2026); Intro to the Wheel (Sep 8–Oct 27, 2026); Intro to the Wheel (Sep 13–Nov 8, 2026); Intro to the Wheel (Sep 14–Nov 9, 2026); Intermediate Wheel (Sep 8–Oct 27, 2026); Intermediate Wheel (Sep 11–Nov 6, 2026); Fine Arts: Fundamentals of Drawing (Sep 8–Oct 13, 2026)
• Facility hours: Printmaking & Book Arts: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 12pm-5pm. Ceramics: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm; Thursday extended hours 9am-9:30pm; Saturday 12pm-5pm. Photography, Digital Arts, & Community Darkroom: Monday-Friday 10am-7pm; Saturday 12pm-5pm. Admin: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday closed. Closed Sundays and holidays listed on the page.

About the provider

Flower City Arts Center was established in 1970 and incorporated in 1974 as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit educational institution. It is an Institutional Member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. The center describes its mission as providing education, support, and access for people to create and enjoy art. Its youth programs include Studio 678 Photo & Writing Club for city middle school students and Expanding The Field for urban high school students.

Flower City Arts Center offers class tuition assistance for youth and adults. Tuition assistance is generally reserved for households meeting NYS criteria listed on the page. Apply at least one week before the class start date. Individuals may apply once per year. If approved student is unable to participate or class is canceled, the student has one year to transfer to another class of equal value at the discretion of the department director(s).

What families say

““[Flower City] Arts Center was a great venue for our management team retreat. There were a variety of activities available which allowed our management team to have a fun time together AND create a closer team.”” — Alice Calabrese, CAWA President and CEO, Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester

Last updated August 27, 2026.