Creative Arts

Quilting Open Studio

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 | 10:00-2:00pm

Novice or experienced quilters are welcome each Wednesday for this social and creative group. Participants enjoy working on individual projects and sharing ideas. Drop-in any Wednesday and join the fun.

Palette and Brush Club

Thursday, December 25, 2025 | 9:30-12:30pm

This group of artists meets weekly to paint, with a focus on portraits and figures. Models are hired for each painting session. To join this group, you must be an accomplished artist and member of the Palette and Brush Club.

Advanced Pottery Studio

Thursday, December 25, 2025 | 9:30-12:30pm

This group of advance potters work independently in our studio.

Painting Open Studio

Thursday, December 25, 2025 | 1:00-4:00pm

Join fellow Next members for camaraderie and enjoy the creative synergies that come from being with other talented artists.

Knitting Open Studio

Monday, December 29, 2025 | 10:00-11:00am

Drop-in to enjoy lively discussions and laughs with this group. Work on your own project or use Next supplies to create items for donation to various charitable organizations in the area.

Drawing Workshop Part 2 - Gentle Shading for Faces

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 10:00-12:00pm

3 Week Series January 5 - 20th

If you have completed Drawing Workshop Part I- Faces, you now know the basic shapes and landmark locations for eyes, noses, and mouths; and you are ready for Part II-Gentle Shading. In this workshop you will begin the soft shading that is so important for the gentle contours of human faces. 

Photography Club

Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 10:00-12:00pm

Please note, the Photo Club meets on the second Thursday of each month 10:00- 12:00 pm  

The Next Photography Club is for people who are interested in photography, all ability levels welcome. We maintain our own website and take monthly photo field trips.  For more information, send an email to:  info@birminghamphotoclub.org

Watercolor Studio Art Class

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 1:00-3:00pm

This class is designed to broaden the knowledge and growth of each student’s skills in working with watercolors. The students and Karen work together to develop student’s subjects and carry the project forward to completion. Karen is excited to explore fresh ideas and viewpoints of the student’s various art backgrounds to recharge their creative juices. We look forward to sharing concepts to continue enriching our visual statements. Students are required to have prior basic watercolor instruction for this class. Bring your materials and what you plan to work on to class. If you work upright, plan to bring your own lightweight portable easel. 

Studio Art Class - Thursdays

Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 1:00-3:30pm

6 week session: Thursdays, January 13 - Febuary 19

Bring your own subject, reference material, and the supplies you typically work with. No assignments. Instructor Karen Halpern will foster critical thinking, and make suggestions to guide you, as you advance with your individualized project. Her goal is to broaden your viewpoint, and develop your skills and knowledge. Students generally use materials such as acrylics, oils, watercolor or collage. Bring your own lightweight portable easel, if you work upright. If you are a returning student, plan to start a fresh piece of work this semester! Not for beginning students.

Basket Making Classes

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 1:00-5:00pm

Join Deborah VanderLinde, PhD, aka “The Basketmak’r” in these fun classes where you will be introduced to or review basic weaving techniques.

VALENTINE BASKET Wednesday, January 28 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Square basket with a D-handle and lattice base in red accents, trimmed with a felt heart. Perfect for collecting Valentines or as a gift for someone special. 7.5” x 7.5” x 3”

WASTE BASKET Wednesday, February 25 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Weave this attractive waste basket with a unique French Randing accent. Would also be lovely as a planter basket. 8.5” x 8.5” x 9”

DIY Salt Scrub Session with Next Staff

Monday, February 2, 2026 | 11:00-12:30pm

Did you know that a salt scrub can help improve circulation and promote relaxation and muscle relief? Join us, as together we make a personalized scented salt scrub from natural ingredients. And we’ll decorate a jar that will help keep the salt scrub fresh. Keep this little gem for yourself or…give it to your favorite Valentine!