Classes for all age groups this fall will include creative movement, visual arts, improv, hip-hop dance, ballet, writing, music and more.Learn a new creative skill with arts classes presented by ArtPlay Community Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Registration is open now for new fall classes for all ages.
ArtPlay makes the arts accessible to a broad audience and cultivates an understanding of and appreciation for the arts. Classes are available from preschool to adult. Most classes meet weekly. Read more about ArtPlay’s classes online at alysstephens.org/classes. For information on sold-out classes, call ArtPlay at 205-975-4769. A discount is available for UAB students and employees when registering by phone.
Preschool
Confidence Through Creativity for parent and child ages 4-5, from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 28 to Nov. 9. Led by teaching artist Jenny-Rebecca Lewis. Through painting, poetry, stories and games, this class will create trust through cooperation and support and give time and space to imagination. At the end, students will have a beautiful journal of their works of personal expression. $150.
Elementary and middle school
Creative Movement for Kids for kindergarten through second grade, from 10-11 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 21-Nov. 16. Led by teaching artist Lisa Gibbs, Ed.D. Wiggly, squiggly, curious and fun, this dance class explores movement using the concepts of space, time and energy in a fun, creative way. $144.
Creative Movement for Kids for third through fifth grades, from 11 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Sept. 21-Nov. 16. Led by teaching artist Lisa Gibbs, Ed.D. Wiggly, squiggly, curious and fun, this dance class explores movement using the concepts of space, time and energy in a fun, creative way. $144.
Drawing Exploration & Mixed Media for third through fifth grades, from 5-6 p.m., Mondays, Sept. 16 to Nov. 4. Led by teaching artist Sam Roberts. Kids will have a blast trying out lots of different art activities. Students get to express themselves, make choices, play, discover new things, and learn about materials and how to create. $140.
Children’s Introduction to Improv for third through fifth grades, from 5-6 p.m., Mondays, Sept. 16 to Nov. 4. Led by teaching artist Kendall Wakefield. Unlock the world of improvisational theater with Intro to Improv, which introduces the concept of improvisational theater to students, involving elements of basic acting, creativity, confidence and story building. $100.
Ballet Basics for third through fifth grades, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 18 to Nov. 6. Led by teaching artist Lisa Gibbs, Ed.D. Bend, stretch, turn — these are the basics of ballet. Learn how these movements connect to create the timeless dance technique of ballet. $144.
Hip-Hop Hump Day for third through sixth grades, from 4-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 18 to Nov. 6. Led by teaching artist Jessica Bostany. Designed for young dancers, this class combines energetic music with fun, age-appropriate dance moves. Experienced instructors will guide students through basic hip-hop techniques, choreography and freestyle, all while promoting creativity, coordination and confidence for a high-energy experience that will have kids dancing their way to fitness and fun. $144.
Intro to Logo Design for fifth through eighth grades, from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12. Led by teaching artist Maya Logue. Learn to design your own logo. $60.
Group Keyboard Classes, led by teaching artist Ahmun Miles. These fun and engaging small group keyboard classes have only four students per class, so each child receives personalized attention. Students will learn keyboard layout, basic music theory and simple songs, and be introduced to reading sheet music and developing proper techniques while participating in interactive activities and performance opportunities. Perfect for young beginners eager to explore the world of music in a friendly and supportive setting.
Group Keyboard Class for third through fifth grades, from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 28 to Nov. 9. $140.
Group Keyboard Class for sixth through eighth grades, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 25 to Oct. 30. $150.
High school and adults
Sculpting Mermaids, Dragons and Fantastical Creatures for sixth through 12th grades, from 4:45-6 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 23 to Nov. 4. Led by teaching artist Cindy Free. This course will guide students through the essential techniques of constructing and sculpting figurine-size characters in polymer clay. Students will explore methods and approaches to bring their imaginative designs to life and complete at least two unique pieces, ready for their personal touch with paint and surface treatments. Materials and tools provided. $180.
Group Keyboard Class for ninth through 12th grades, from 5:45-6:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 25 to Oct. 30. Led by teaching artist Ahmun Miles. This fun and engaging small group keyboard class has only four students per class, so each child receives personalized attention. Students will learn the keyboard layout, basic music theory and simple songs, and be introduced to reading sheet music and developing proper techniques while participating in interactive activities and performance opportunities. Perfect for young beginners eager to explore the world of music in a friendly and supportive setting. $150.
Playwriting 101 for adults, from noon-1:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 21 to Nov. 9. Led by teaching artist David Strickland. Discover the basics of playwriting in a fun, low-pressure workshop that will cover everything necessary to start writing. By the final session, students will have a polished scene or short one-act play. $150.
Playwriting 102 for adults, from 2:30-4 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 21 to Nov. 9. Led by teaching artist David Strickland. Dive deeper into the art and craft of playwriting in this class, which will refine your tools and help develop your unique voice. All are welcome, but this class will most benefit more experienced writers or those who already grasp the basics of playwriting. $120.
First Person: Personal Narrative Writing for adults, from 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 23 to Oct. 28. Led by teaching artist Javacia Bowser. This class will cover the basics of creative nonfiction with a focus on memoir. Participants will learn how to turn their life experiences into captivating stories and get the narratives published. $200.
Sculpting Figures 101: In Polymer Clay for adults, from 6:15-7:45 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 23 to Nov. 4. Led by teaching artist Cindy Free. This course covers the basics of anatomy and form that artists need to understand to begin sculpting human and animal figures. Students will learn essential techniques for constructing, sculpting and detailing characters and creating both realistic and fantastical figures. Working with polymer clay allows students to create completed sculptures without firing clay or mold making. $200.
Creating Your Own Children’s Book for adults, from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 24 to Oct. 29. Led by teaching artist Jenny-Rebecca Lewis. This class will open a creative space for the creation of the book you have always wanted to write. Not only will inspiration flow, but the class will also talk about the step-by-step process of getting from idea to print, self-publishing and publishing. $190.
Sculpting the Human Figure Workshop for adults, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 28 to Oct. 12. Led by teaching artist Cindy Free. In this intensive workshop, students will work in plasticine clay to sculpt a 1/4-scale standing human figure using a life-size 3D model as a reference. Instruction will focus on understanding body proportions, basic anatomy and techniques for sculpting various parts of the body. The teacher offers a combination of group and individualized instruction making this workshop perfect for beginners and artists with experience. Materials provided. $200.