Centers of the Arts, Culture & Learning

If you’re a lover of the performing arts, you’ll love Washington County! Explore our variety of concert halls, theaters and venues to catch an unforgettable performance during your visit to this area of Upstate New York.

And, you can expand your own creative skill-set at one of these incredible local institutions! Check out these great places in Washington County to sign up for classes & workshops in a variety of subjects:

Salem Art Works in Salem, NY

Ever wanted to learn about glassblowing? Blacksmithing? At Salem Art Works, you can! Check out their variety of exciting creative classes & workshops throughout the year, for artists of all ages & skill levels.

They also offer a range of artist residencies that include housing, and hold periodic exhibitions of student work! Don’t forget to explore the nearby Cary Hill Sculpture Park, a free outdoor exhibit with unbeatable views of the valley surrounding Salem, NY.

Hubbard Hall in Cambridge, NY

Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education is the cultural heart of Cambridge, NY. Their organization is dedicated to the exploration and development of new and emerging work, and welcomes artist residencies, ensemble visits and more. Throughout the year, they offer a wide variety of courses, from Irish Step Dance and Yoga to Drawing.

Be sure to check out their calendar of classes & workshops, and don’t be shy – most classes accept a single drop-in! And, while you’re in town, catch one of their stunning performances. Buy your tickets now, because slots fill up fast!

Pember Library & Museum near Granville, NY

When it comes to the natural world, nothing in Washington County compares to The Pember! A dynamic combination of library, museum and nature preserve, the Pember also offers a range of events in every season, from guided walks in the woods to educational courses inside.

Gather 103 in Greenwich, NY

In the heart of Greenwich’s historic Main Street district lies Gather 103, an event venue and community space. Year-round, they offer pop-up markets, classes, and so much more in the hopes of building a vibrant and collaborative creative community, right here in Washington County! Stop by & see what they’ve got going on.

Farm-Focused Classes & Workshops

If you’re looking for classes & workshops centered around agriculture, there’s nowhere better than Washington County! You’ll find a number of interesting unique events year-round on our event calendar, as well as at some of these businesses!

Greens, Squash and Healthy Eating

Open from late April until Christmas Eve, Gardenworks Farm is a community hub for healthy eating. They hold monthly community potlucks, and host lectures and cooking classes featuring wholesome, healthy foods. Plus, their Pick Your Own Healthcare fields are a big hit with the local & visitors alike!

They’re also home to a seasonal greenhouse, cafe and marketplace, as well as blueberry picking, fresh produce and so much more!

Fibers, Felt and More

When it comes to Washington County, fiber is the name of the game! From the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival to the Washington County Fiber Tour, you could say we’re fiber fanatics here!

From alpaca and sheep wool to richly-dyed custom fibers, you’ll find it here. Plus, a wide variety of classes & workshops covering quintessential fiber skills, such as needle-felting, knitting, crocheting and more.

For everything you need to get started, visit Fiber Kingdom in Salem! Their farm is home to angora rabbits, whose incredibly soft fur is turned into some of the best wool around! From spinning wheels to luxury fibers & beyond, visit the Fiber Kingdom. Be sure to inquire about group workshops and one-on-one instruction!

Or, check out this area’s many other fiber-focused businesses. If you’d like to learn a variety of other useful skills, such as foraging wild apples or beehive keeping, you may want to sign up for our next Southern Adirondack Homesteading Festival in May!

Horseback Riding Lessons

Are you interested in getting a more hands-on experience with farm animals? Then you’re in luck! Washington County offers a number of farm experiences, from farm stays to goat yoga. And, of course: horseback riding lessons!

There are quite a few great instructional barns across Washington County! One local favorite, 4J Farmm, offers a variety of trail riding options for all levels. It’s a truly unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Washington County – from the back of a gorgeous animal!

Or, if you’re in the mood for more serious lessons, check out Riding Right Farm, who specialize in dressage lessons. If you’re lucky, you may even catch one of their dressage shows to see how some of their top students shape up!

Whatever route you choose, your visit to Washington County is sure to leave a lasting impression. So let our landscape inspire you to learn a new skill & explore new interests, from horseback riding to farming!

Explore Art & Spirituality in these Classes & Workshops:

Throughout history, art and spirituality have gone hand-in-hand. Many artists, craftspeople, writers and philosophers have found inspiration here in the Adirondacks, a stone’s throw from the Hudson River. Now, it’s your turn.

Join Radiance and Grit during one of their courses as they guide you in creating a unique, beautiful artwork while helping visitors see themselves in a new light, with clarity and love.

With many events such as full moon ceremonies and in-person customized retreats, Eland Ra Arts offers a space for renewal while encouraging personal growth and healing. Check back often for more updates.

If you’ve always been fascinated by hand-painted iconography, Washington County has the place for you. Hosted by the monks of New Skete, their occasional Iconography Workshop is ideal for students of all levels. It’s an intense 5-day workshop that teaches free-hand drawing and painting, so you can paint your own icons without tracing.

But if you’re seeking something more low-key or for the kids, check out Crawford Island Art. Artist Emily Crawford’s pottery classes are fun and accessible for all skill levels and ages! Course fee covers the full experience, including materials & kiln firing.

Community-Led Classes & Workshops Within Washington County

One should never discount the free programs available through local communities! And within Washington County, our support of the arts and education at all levels is unwavering!

Explore the wide range of programs for both adults and children at the Hudson Falls Free Library, including everything from classes on food canning to author visits and writing classes. Or, check out the Greenwich Free Library, who hosts many neat programs in all seasons, from concerts to classes & parades.

The Historic Salem Courthouse now serves as a community center of many purposes! With summer camps for children, art classes for adults, a community kitchen for up-and-coming businesses plus so much more, you’re sure to be impressed. Drop by to enjoy the building’s charming historic architecture, lovingly preserved and restored!

For something different, in the darkest days of winter, you’ll find the local-favorite Mud U! This special pop-up community “university” encourages locals to share their knowledge and learn new skills. Visitors are welcome to join, though these courses take place exclusively between February 18th and March 11th, 2024.

Specialty Classes & Workshops Around the Area

Of course, there are tons more options in this area when it comes to learning new skills! You could also learn to fly at the Chapin Field Airport with the Cambridge Valley Flying Club. They’re one of New York’s oldest clubs based on a classic American “grass strip!”

Or, explore your sense of self & community at Easton Mountain, a retreat center created as a gift to the world & a haven for the LGBT community.

Want more unique classes & workshops across Washington County? Check out our events calendar.