The ArtWorks program offers a variety of classes in the visual arts, including ceramics, stained glass, drawing, and water-color. We have been offering craft classes to the Upper West Side community for over 30 years.
The diversity of classes includes all levels of handbuilding and wheel as well as photo ceramics, majolica and other specialized techniques. This is a friendly, supportive studio with ample open time for you to practice as well as learn from others.
Practicing a craft is focusing for the body, calming for the mind, and enriching for the spirit…all part of the YMCA mission!
Our Mission The YMCA of Greater New York is a community service organization which promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people, with a focus on youth.
Our Values All YMCA programs teach the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility and continue our 158-year tradition of emphasis upon youth, health and wellness, adult education, and community collaboration and problem solving. The YMCA has always grown from within its community and is a reflection of the community itself in diversity and values. The YMCA is an open and inclusive organization and welcomes all without discrimination to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship, creed, religion, age, abilities, sexual orientation or income.
ArtWorks at West Side YMCA
Upper West Side, Manhattan 5 W 63rd St Btwn Central Park West & Broadway New York, New York 10023
Reviews of ArtWorks at West Side YMCA
(4.6-star rating across
114 reviews)
Stained Glass
Anonymous review on 12/21/2023
Great class, excellent teacher. My one suggestion is that certain safety measures (wearing a mask while soldering, for example, or wearing gloves when applying patina) should at least be discussed, even if the teacher chooses not to follow them herself.
Stained Glass
Reviewed by Helena F. on 10/26/2023
Great class, with a relaxed, friendly vibe.
Beaded Jewelry
Reviewed by helene r. on 10/25/2023
This was an out standing beading course. The teacher, Mrs carol Horn, is an expert teacher. She presented projects for the class to do that were not only beautiful but of her own design.
She explained the process clearly and was always available for help.
Stained Glass
Anonymous review on 8/9/2023
The class did not at all match the description. Materials sub-standard.
Stained Glass
Reviewed by Helena F. on 8/3/2023
Loved this class. The instructor was very helpful and gave everyone individual attention as needed. Lots of materials to choose from, and the class had a good vibe.
Drawing and Watercolor (Beginner/Intermediate)
Anonymous review on 3/1/2020
Instructor was very supportive and positive with students abilities.
Mugs and More: Wheel (Beginner/Intermediate)
Reviewed by justin u. on 8/16/2019
Really inviting space! Great space to work in and very helpful staff members! Overall I took away a lot from the 6 weeks!
Mugs and More: Wheel (Beginner/Intermediate)
Reviewed by Cate P. on 8/16/2019
A great community of people and I loved my instructor!
Wheel: Beginner
Anonymous review on 8/14/2019
As a true beginner, I needed more 1 on 1 with the instructor.
Stained Glass
Anonymous review on 6/23/2019
Terrific teacher and classmates.
Explorations with Clay: Wheel (Beginner/Intermediate)
Anonymous review on 4/27/2019
It would have been great to have more communication up front about the expectations that it was required that I purchase my own tools (where to get them and what they should be).
Explorations with Clay: Wheel (Beginner/Intermediate)
Reviewed by Cioty T. on 3/7/2019
great class
Mugs and More: Wheel (Beginner/Intermediate)
Anonymous review on 10/26/2018
Janet is awesome, so helpful. The best part is not just the class, but the open studio pottery hours. You can come whenever there isn't a different class happening and throw pottery, glaze, or do whatever you need/want to do! The only extra cost is firing but I've made multiple mugs, steins, vases, and bowls and it was only about $25!
Paper Clay
Anonymous review on 8/1/2018
Lisa is great!
Stained Glass
Reviewed by Lauren F. on 6/27/2018
Laurie is a wonderful teacher!! I made two hangable pieces in the 8 sessions of this course. She shows you how to do things, step by step, and then lets you run with it. I grew so much under her guidance. I’ll be returning in September to create more beautiful things.
Drawing and Watercolor (Beginner/Intermediate)
Anonymous review on 5/5/2018
Fun class! Very chill, and a walk through from basic technique to full paintings.
I was glad I'd already taken a separate drawing class, though -- very much used those skills, and it's focus is on watercolor.
Zen of Pottery: Wheel (Beginner/Intermediate)
Anonymous review on 2/27/2018
It should be noted that you must either buy tools or come to class with some. The ones they sell are reasonably priced but it would have been nice to know ahead of time that we needed them. Additionally, you should have emailed us when the instructor was changed as the person originally listed when I signed up was not the instructor when I got there and she was the main reason I selected this class. I will go back to the studio as it is a great spot but would have appreciated more info and updates on the coursehorse side.
Stained Glass
Reviewed by Michele M. on 2/22/2018
I missed numerous classes and I still can do it the teacher was the best
Explorations with Clay: Wheel (Beginner/Intermediate)
Anonymous review on 12/24/2017
It’s great!!
Explorations with Clay: Wheel (Beginner/Intermediate)
The classes at ArtWorks at West Side YMCA have positive reviews from students. Overall, students seem to appreciate the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the classes. Many students praised the instructors for their knowledge and support, with some mentioning that the teachers explained the process clearly and were always available for help. Students also enjoyed the selection of materials and the opportunity to work in a great space. Students expressed that they learned a lot and had a positive experience overall.
1. "The teacher, Mrs. Carol Horn, is an expert teacher. She presented projects for the class to do that were not only beautiful but of her own design."
2. "The instructor was very supportive and positive with students' abilities."
3. "Laurie is a wonderful teacher! I made two hangable pieces in the eight sessions of this course. She shows you how to do things, step by step, and then lets you run with it. I grew so much under her guidance."
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