Community Classes

"Summerween" Broom Making
Summerween Broom Making with Shannon Halligan
If you love Halloween and crafting, this one’s for you. Join us for a magical Summerween broom making class.
We’ll be creating decorative brooms using natural materials—think branches, dried florals, herbs, twine, and a little sparkle if you're into that. Whether you’re going for cottage witch, spooky chic, or just want something cool to hang on your door, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind broomstick.
✨ All the supplies are provided (but feel free to bring anything personal you’d like to add!)
You don’t need to be “crafty” to come—just curious and ready to have some fun.
Space is limited, so snag your broomstick now. 🧹
This is best for ages 13+.

Craft Night: Decoupage Flower Pots
Join us for a low-cost craft evening where we’ll be making beautiful decoupage flower pots using just paper napkins, Mod Podge, and a bit of creativity! This beginner-friendly activity is accessible for all skill levels—including those with hand dexterity challenges—and requires no prior art experience.
Bring your own pot (any size works!) or use one provided, and let your imagination do the rest. We’ll guide you through the process and share inspiration to make your pot uniquely yours. A relaxed, social space to create, connect, and take home something special.
This workshop will be led by a local community member who’s just as enthusiastic about creative projects as we are.
Part of our Local DIY Low-Cost Workshop Series, this event is designed to be affordable, welcoming, and fun for everyone.
Tickets are $20 all supplies included, or $18 and you must provide your OWN pot (of any size).No experience needed—just come ready to craft and connect with us! See below for examples.
*This is best suited for ages 13+ and adults! No refunds are available.

Painted Pottery with Sis Ceramics
Join us for an evening of creativity at a Painted Pottery Class with Sis Ceramics, and hosted by Halligan Creative Arts! You will choose from 3 sizes of stoneware bowls to paint a beautiful Pride inspired piece. Once you’re finished, our friends at Sis Ceramics will take your creation to be professionally fired in their kiln — sealing your design with a glossy, lasting finish. Your finished piece will be ready for pick-up directly at Sis Ceramics.
Your registration supports a local small business and includes the cost of materials, studio time, glazing, and kiln firing. Thank you for helping keep creative spaces like this alive in our community!
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! 🎨
*Refunds are not available. Materials are pre-purchased.

Create Your Own Terrarium Class
Join us for a hands-on terrarium-making experience with Renee Bailey, founder of joiFUL! A retired visual art teacher with 33 years of experience, Renee is passionate about nurturing creativity and self-expression. She believes in transforming vintage treasures into unique everyday art and providing engaging, hands-on experiences that deepen the appreciation for art and nature.
This is best for ages 10+!
In this workshop, you’ll choose a glass vessel and create a one-of-a-kind, self-sustaining ecosystem. Layer pebbles, charcoal, soil, and plants, then personalize your terrarium with rocks, hardscape, and a fun character of your choice.

Painted Pottery with Sis Ceramics
Join us for an evening of creativity at our Painted Pottery Class! You’ll choose a beautiful ceramic piece to paint and make your own. Once you’re finished, our friends at Sis Ceramics will take your creation to be professionally fired in their kiln — sealing your design with a glossy, lasting finish. Your finished piece will be ready for pick-up directly at Sis Ceramics.

Altered Book Floral Workshop
Come join us for a creative, hands-on workshop where we transform old books into beautiful floral art! Using folded pages, artificial flowers, butterflies, and other whimsical touches, you’ll create your own stunning altered book sculpture, perfect as a centerpiece, gift, or personal keepsake.
No art experience needed — just bring your imagination and a playful spirit! We’ll provide all materials and guide you step by step. Leave with a one-of-a-kind piece and a sense of creative joy.
We have tea and coffee available for you during the workshop!
*Option- you can bring anything sentimental, etc that you would want to include in your artwork!
Cost: $30 per person
To register for this event, please email community@halliganarts.com with your name and phone number.
Payment for this workshop is accepted via Venmo. Payment must be received to confirm registration!
Venmo: @Halliganarts
**You can register via Evenbrite, however please know they add a ticket fee to it.

Watercolors & Community
Come relax, create, and connect at Halligan Creative Arts in the heart of the NOTA neighborhood!
Whether you’re brand new to watercolor or have dabbled before, this class is for everyone who wants to play with art in a welcoming, no-pressure space.
Guest artist Simmi will guide you through fun observation exercises and simple techniques using watercolor pencils and paints. Together, we’ll capture the beauty around us and turn it into colorful, expressive artwork.
During this class, we'll explore how to create more saturated or diluted hues of color, apply different pigment applications to your canvas, observe techniques for wax resists in your artwork, and reinforce observational drawings with line.
We will provide all the materials you need. Sip on coffee or tea from our cozy refreshment table!
• Enjoy a creative evening with others in your community
• Learn playful techniques, no experience needed
• Walk away with your own one-of-a-kind watercolor piece
• Feel supported, relaxed, and inspired
Ages 13+ and adults are welcome. Come solo or bring a friend! We can’t wait to create with you.

Painted Pottery with Sis Ceramics
Join us for an evening of creativity at our Painted Pottery Class! You’ll choose a beautiful ceramic piece to paint and make your own. Once you’re finished, our friends at Sis Ceramics will take your creation to be professionally fired in their kiln — sealing your design with a glossy, lasting finish. Your finished piece will be ready for pick-up directly at Sis Ceramics.

Social Music Group
Are you a young adult or adult looking to socialize and have fun through music? Join us for an exciting and inclusive experience where everyone is welcome!
Here’s what you can expect:
Fun Adapted Music Experiences: participation tailored to all skill levels and abilities.
Group Music Making: Collaborate and create beautiful music together.
Song-Writing: Express yourself and share your stories through songwriting.
Music Games: Engage in fun and interactive music-based games.
Movement: Get moving with music and rhythm activities.
Lots of Fun: Laughter and joy guaranteed!
To register, email: creativeexpressionswithsher@gmail.com

Two-Part ClayMation Class
THIS IS A TWO PART CLASS!
Part one of this class will focus on working with clay: mixing colors, building armatures, prop making, and storytelling. The following class will dive into recording: camera work, movement basics, sound effects and voice overs, and leaving with a finished claymation piece sample to share with your friends!
Part two class will be held on April 13th! This one ticket gets you into both classes!
Simmi is a Rochester-native and teaching artist, with a specialty in puppetry. His work includes art and primary education in partnership with RSCD, teaching children and adult class at the MAG, summer work with traveling circus Bread and Puppet, and visiting art lessons

Peacock Prints & Painted Pottery
Welcome spring with a creative workshop at Sis Ceramics! 🌿✨ Paint your own Peacock Design Bowl, choosing from a serving, salad, or dessert size. Inspired by the rich colors and elegance of peacock feathers, this guided session is open to everyone—no experience needed. Come relax, have fun, and create a beautiful ceramic piece to bring home! 🎨🦚

Spring into March: Terrarium Workshop
Join us for a hands-on terrarium-making experience with Renee Bailey, founder of joiFUL! A retired visual art teacher with 33 years of experience, Renee is passionate about nurturing creativity and self-expression. She believes in transforming vintage treasures into unique everyday art and providing engaging, hands-on experiences that deepen the appreciation for art and nature.
This is best for ages 10+!
In this workshop, you’ll choose a glass vessel and create a one-of-a-kind, self-sustaining ecosystem. Layer pebbles, charcoal, soil, and plants, then personalize your terrarium with rocks, hardscape, and a fun character of your choice.

Foster and Adopt in Monroe County
This is a FREE event via Zoom! Join Todd Ranous for an engaging conversation about fostering and adopting in Monroe County. With nearly 30 years at the Department of Human Services, Todd has dedicated his career to supporting children and families. As the Senior Matcher in the Homefinding Department and the leader of the Foster Care After Hours program, Todd has a wealth of knowledge to share.
He’s also the founder of the Queer Collaboration, a group that connects LGBTQIA2S+ families and children with vital resources and services. One of the group’s most celebrated achievements is bringing back the Big Queer Prom—a free, inclusive event for high school students.
During this session, Todd will share his experiences, insights, and the steps to becoming certified to foster or adopt. You’ll also hear about how LGBTQ+ families can navigate the system and learn about exciting changes on the horizon. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and connect with someone who’s truly passionate about creating loving, supportive homes for kids in our community.

Your Body, Your Boundaries: A Self-Defense Experience
Join us for a 3-hour WenDo Women’s Self-Defense intro course! Learn verbal + physical strategies for women/girls ages 10 plus.

Pour Your Heart Into It: Valentine’s Mug-Making Class ❤️☕
Join us for a fun and creative Valentine’s event! Decorate your own ceramic mug with love and style. Perfect for couples, friends, or solo creatives! All materials provided—no experience needed! After you design your mug, Sis' Ceramic Shop will handle the firing and finishing process to make it oven-ready and food-safe. You’ll need to pick up your completed mug once it’s been fired—they'll notify you when it’s ready!
Hosted by:
Sis’ Ceramic Shop, a beloved family-owned business in Rochester’s North Winton Village, founded by Phillis Oliver in 1988. What began as Phillis’s personal hobby during her pregnancy with her oldest daughter, Margaret, has since flourished into a thriving community hub for ceramic enthusiasts.

Practical Queer Privacy for Dystopian Times
Practical Queer Privacy for Dystopian Times
Gain practical information about digital security problems posed to queer people
Learn about secure communications, protecting data, and helping peers
Understand basic concepts of threat modeling

Type 1 Diabetes Parent Support Group
We understand that parenting a child with Type 1 Diabetes comes with unique challenges, and we want you to know you’re not alone. That’s why we host a friendly and informal parent group every Thursday, designed to offer support, share strategies, and address concerns in a welcoming space. This group is all about connecting with others who truly understand what you’re going through and providing the support you need as your child navigates their journey with Type 1 Diabetes. Please email Shannon@halliganarts.com directly if you are interested in joining. The cost is $35/ group.
Interested in hosting an event with us?
Please email community@halliganarts.com and our team will connect with you!





