We are a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire interest and maximum participation in the arts in Westchester + the surrounding region.
We are a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire interest and maximum participation in the arts in Westchester + the surrounding region.
The Rye Arts Center offers a wide range of arts opportunities for children, teens, and adults at all skill levels.
Explore our guide and find the perfect creative outlet for you and your family!
Drawing/Painting
Ceramics
Photography
Musical Theater
Private and Group Lessons
Ballet and Dance
3D Printing
Robotics
Coding
“Visiting The Rye Arts Center to view classes or attend performances has provided me with the opportunity to witness children engaged in the arts in a joyful and supportive setting. The Rye Arts Center provides students with highly qualified teachers who encourage them to be brave and curious and to actively participate in the creative process, not merely witness it. In music, art, and dance, the center has a well-conceived arts curriculum that teaches skills, provides tools that help children discover and release creative talent and supports freedom for fanciful thoughts.”
-Anonymous
We are proud to offer preschool students the chance to spend a morning or afternoon exploring the arts. Create a well-balanced extended day for your child by having The Rye Arts Center staff walk them to and from their local school. Students participate in classes in our Performing Arts Room, Gallery, Children’s Art Studio, Ceramics Studio and Dance Studio.
Students must be age 3.5 by September 1.
Learn piano, guitar, saxophone, flute, violin and much more!
We offer private and group lessons for all ages.
Learn piano, guitar, saxophone, flute, violin and much more!
We offer private and group lessons for all ages.
My daughters both got perfect scores at this year’s NYSSMA piano festival. Thanks for providing us such a pleasant learning experience at The Rye Arts Center. Anne, thanks for your efforts to make The Rye Arts Center music program better every day! Heather, you are an awesome teacher. You are patient, responsible and passionate! We love you.
Workshops, live music, artist talks, gallery tours, holiday specials, comedy shows, book signings, open mic nights & much more!
Workshops, live music, artist talks, gallery tours, holiday specials, comedy shows, book signings, open mic nights & much more!
On view: Thursday, January 24 - Saturday, March 2, 2019
Reception: Thursday, January 24, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Two unique artists, with two unique views of the world; Nestor Madalengoitia and Tova Snyder present their vision in this collaborative retrospective of their works.
February Break: Drawing and Painting Week
Instructor: Nicole Zahour
Ages 5 - 7, Monday - Friday, February 18 - 22, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Young artists experiment with color and texture through drawing and painting, and will be encouraged to develop their own approach while exploring a different medium each day (acrylics, pencil, watercolor, charcoal, and more.) With hands-on instruction by our teaching artist, students will explore concepts such as composition and color, as well as learn a little art history along the way. All supplies included.
Instructor: Terry Taylor
Ages 8 - 12, Monday - Friday, February 18 - 22, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
In this specialized week-long workshop, students learn to work with clay through hand building and pottery wheel techniques while focusing on independent projects. Students work at their own pace, creating pieces that interest them, while receiving individual attention in a small class environment. Please have students dress appropriately or bring a smock to protect their clothing.
Instructor: Nicole Zahour
Ages 8 - 12, Monday - Friday, February 18 - 22, 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Young artists experiment with color and texture through drawing and painting, and will be encouraged to develop their own approach while exploring a different medium each day (acrylics, pencil, watercolor, charcoal, and more). With hands-on instruction by our teaching artist, students will explore concepts such as composition and color, as well as learn a little art history along the way. All supplies included.
Instructor: Christine Germani
21 & over, Thursday, February 21, 6:15 - 9:00 pm
Zentangles are unplanned, abstract, black & white works of art that are made up of beautiful patterns. The process of creating a Zentangle is considered a form of "artistic meditation." Students don't need special tools or technology - just pen and paper. In this BYOB evening, Christine Germani (student of The Zentangle Method creators, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas) will teach you the tools you need to begin your own Zentangle journey.
Thursday Night Out: Loosen Up and Paint
Instructor: TBA
21 & over
Thursday, March 7, 6:15 - 9:00 pm
BYOB and join us for an evening of self expression through paint! No paint-by-numbers, no pressure to be perfect – workshop will start with a simple still-life and progress from there. Participants will be encouraged to work at their own pace, and in their own style. No experience necessary; if you've never picked up a paintbrush, make this the first time! All supplies included. (remember, BYOB!)
NEW! Boost Your Creativity
Instructor: Emi Meulbroek
Adults, Saturday, March 9, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Do you think of yourself as a creative person? Most people don’t, but everyone IS. In this two-hour workshop, explore Creative Writing and Improv games and exercises that will get your creative juices flowing, no matter how else you spend your time at home, at work, with friends and family. This is a relaxed, non-judgmental environment where we’ll have some fun and try new avenues to unlock your creativity. You’re bound to discover a side of yourself you didn’t even know existed!
Fiber Now: Textile Artists on the Cutting Edge
On view: Thursday, March 14 - Saturday, April 27, 2019
Reception: Thursday, March 14 , 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Artists from a wide-range of backgrounds will gather together to exhibit works that feature a common "thread" - fiber! Curated by Jill Parry.
Instructor: Terry Taylor
21 & over, Thursday, March 14 & 21, 6:15 - 9:00 pm
BYOB and join us for two evenings of self expression through clay! In this two-session workshop we will be making a whimsical planter pot. The first session will be working with wet clay creating the ceramic planter. The second session will focus on glazing the pieces made in the first workshop. No experience necessary; enjoy the experience in a relaxed setting. If you've never touched a lump of clay before, make this your first time! All supplies and firing included. (Remember, BYOB!)
Instructor: Keith Levenson
Ages 10 - 13, Saturdays, March 16, 23, & 30, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Keith Levenson, Broadway’s Musical Director of “Annie”, “Dreamgirls”, and “Grease”, will lead each student in developing a Musical Theatre piece for a special presentation on the last Saturday of the 3 sessions.
Instructor: Natalya Aikens
21 & over, Thursday, March 21, 6:15 - 9:00 pm
Additional date: Thursday, March 28, 6:15 - 9:00 pm
Go green and recycle your plastic bags into a work of art! Bring a bunch of bags and learn to stitch with this "unusual" material, utilizing the colors and patterns that are unique to each bag. All supplies included (but bring bags if you would like). Instructor, Natalya Aikens, will be featured in Fiber Arts: Textile Artists on the Cutting Edge (see inside cover for more information).
Instructor: Terry Taylor
Ages 5 - 8, Saturday, March 23, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Ages 9 - 12, Saturday, March 23, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Celebrate the arrival of spring with happy polymer clay unicorns! Terry Taylor shows students how to make a unicorn by transforming balls, coils and cones of polymer clay into a one-of-a kind sculpture. All supplies included.
Friday, April 5, 7:00 pm
Enjoy an evening of entertainment presented by area high school students.
Performances include a range of music, theater, poetry, and more. Light refreshments will be served.
FEE: $5.00
Saturday, April 6, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
The Rye Arts Center’s Free Arts Day will provide you and your family with an afternoon filled with fun and creativity!
Both children and adults can enjoy hands-on opportunities to dabble in painting, drawing, ceramics, and more. You can also discover The Rye Arts Center’s cutting-edge S.T.E.A.M. programs that include everything from 3D Printing to Creative Building, and more. Meet music instructors and learn about a range of instruments.
For the hundreds of families who enjoy The Rye Arts Center’s popular Maker Day, expect a similar vibe of festivity but embracing the full spectrum of the arts presented at The Rye Arts Center.
More details to follow!
Ages 21 & over
• Thursday, April 25, 6:15 - 9:00 pm
• Additional Date: Thursday, May 16, 6:15 - 9:00 pm
BYOB and join us for an evening of self expression through paint! No paint-by-numbers, no pressure to be perfect – workshop will start with a simple still-life and progress from there. Participants will be encouraged to work at their own pace, and in their own style. No experience necessary;
So You Wanna Be A Songwriter?!
Ages 9 - 12 • Saturday, April 27, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
This workshop is designed for songwriters of all levels that want to learn how to harness their melodies and lyrics into a great song! Writers will be encouraged to bring in finished work or ideas for critique and discussion. In addition song forms in all genres will be analyzed for greater insight.
GARDEN ANIMALS
Ages 21 & over
Thursdays, May 2 & 9, 6:15 - 9:00 pm
BYOB and join the fun in the clay studio for two evenings of self expression through clay! In this two-session workshop we will be making whimsical garden animals to jazz up your garden or flowerbed. The first session will be working with wet clay creating the animals. The second workshop will focus on glazing the pieces created in the first workshop. No experience necessary; enjoy the experience in a relaxed setting. If you've never touched a lump of clay before, make this your first time! All supplies and firing included.
On view: Thursday, May 9 - Saturday, May 25, 2019
Reception: Thursday, May 9, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Since 2001, The Rye Arts Center has presented the ever-popular community favorite, Painters on Location. Join us for this special exhibit, featuring works from the private collections of previous year’s attendees, as we celebrate this Rye institution and look forward to POL 2019 in September.
Friday, May 10, 7:00 pm
Coveleigh Club
Join us for a party supporting The Rye Arts Center and celebrating the music of our community. Featuring performances by Juice, Urban Coyotes, and more! Don't miss this evening of music, dancing, delicious food, and an open bar. Last year's party sold out - tickets will be available shortly!
Adults (Ages 18 & up)
Saturday, May 11, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Enjoy a day of painting outside with Larry D'Amico, whose many years of plein-air painting experience will guide you through a successful outdoor session. Colors abound in the springtime, with a multitude of locations to paint; gather your supplies and head outdoors! See our website for a supply list. Students will be notified of Rye location in advance.
Wednesday, May 15, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm • New Canaan, CT
We will explore the renowned River building, designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architectural firm SANAA, and experience three of the 80 acres of Grace Farms, along with its expansive vistas and permanent art installations by Beatriz Milhazes, Teresita Fernandez, Thomas Demand and Olafur Eliasson. Boxed lunches to follow tour.
Ages 21 & over
• Thursday, May 16, 6:15 - 9:00 pm
BYOB and join us for an evening of self expression through paint! No paint-by-numbers, no pressure to be perfect – workshop will start with a simple still-life and progress from there. Participants will be encouraged to work at their own pace, and in their own style. No experience necessary; if you've never picked up a paintbrush, make this the first time! All supplies included. (remember, BYOB!)
Ages 11 & up • Saturday, May 18, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Join instructor, Lauren Rubino, for a one day workshop based on our popular summer program! Working from nature is a wonderful way to connect with your surroundings while learning composition, form, and light. Students will sketch on the grounds of the RAC, then set up their easel to complete their masterpiece. All supplies included.
Ages 5 - 8 • Saturday, May 18, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Ages 9 - 12 • Saturday, May 18, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Learn how to transform a block of polymer clay into a friendly alligator using simple shapes! Includes all materials.
On view: Thursday, May 30 - Saturday, June 22, 2019
Reception: Thursday, May 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Celebrate the works of the talented instructors and students at The Rye Arts Center. This community favorite is a culmination of works by young and old, novice, and accomplished.
Saturday, June 8, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, & 5:00 pm
Sunday, June 9, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, & 5:00 pm
Join us for our year-end culmination of performances by students and instructors.
FREE
Summer Warm Up Weeks (Ages 3.5 - 5)
June 10 - 14 and June 17 - 21
9:15 am - 12:00 pm
This morning program is an educational, multi-disciplinary creative arts immersion program designed specifically for your Pre-K child. Your child will explore the arts while developing cognitive, social, creative and motor skills through drawing, painting, music and creative movement. Please pack a nut free morning snack.
Summer Warm Up Weeks (Ages 3.5 - 5)
June 10 - 14 and June 17 - 21
9:15 am - 12:00 pm
This morning program is an educational, multi-disciplinary creative arts immersion program designed specifically for your Pre-K child. Your child will explore the arts while developing cognitive, social, creative and motor skills through drawing, painting, music and creative movement. Please pack a nut free morning snack.
The Rye Arts Center Gallery is a professional space known for its exhibitions of works by local, regional, and internationally-recognized artists. Artists enjoy networking with their peers, collectors get to meet new artists, and art students find inspiration in the diversity of styles and techniques on display.
The Rye Arts Center Gallery is a professional space known for its exhibitions of works by local, regional, and internationally-recognized artists. Artists enjoy networking with their peers, collectors get to meet new artists, and art students find inspiration in the diversity of styles and techniques on display.
On view: Thursday, January 24 - Saturday, March 2, 2019
Two unique artists, with two unique views of the world; Nestor Madalengoitia and Tova Snyder present their vision in this collaborative retrospective of their works.
Fiber Now: Textile Artists on the Cutting Edge
On view: Thursday, March 14 - Saturday, April 27, 2019
Reception: Thursday, March 14 , 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Artists from a wide-range of backgrounds will gather together to exhibit works that feature a common "thread" - fiber! Curated by Jill Parry.
On view: Thursday, May 9 - Saturday, May 25, 2019
Reception: Thursday, May 9, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Since 2001, The Rye Arts Center has presented the ever-popular community favorite, Painters on Location. Join us for this special exhibit, featuring works from the private collections of previous year’s attendees, as we celebrate this Rye institution and look forward to POL 2019 in September.
On view: Thursday, May 30 - Saturday, June 22, 2019
Reception: Thursday, May 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Celebrate the works of the talented instructors and students at The Rye Arts Center. This community favorite is a culmination of works by young and old, novice, and accomplished.
A recent addition to The Rye Arts Center is this wonderful vintage vending machine, called the Art-o-mat, that has been refurbished and filled with original art for sale.