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Art for all: Make painting, pottery and other crafts your own


Maybe you've always harbored a secret desire to be an artist, but a blank canvas intimidates you.

Or maybe, you and some pals just need a different source of entertainment on a Friday night.

Whatever the reason, studios around York County offer plenty of opportunities to make your own art. From painting to pottery, they have you covered and all skill levels are welcome.

A Splash of Art

Become a painter in one of the New Freedom studio's "paint and sip" nights.

The artist-led sessions are typically two hours long and walk visitors through a painting, step by step. Those interested can look through the calendar online and choose a session based on what painting is planned — whether they're looking for a beach scene, wildflowers or something else.

Stacey McConnell, owner of the studio, which has a Maryland location, too, said she frequently hears from people who think they won't be able to do it.

"The way we break it down step by step, we can teach anybody," she said.

What's next? The studio typically posts events online two weeks in advance.

Where: 105 W. Main St., New Freedom

For more:www.asplashofart.net; 759-8387; @asplashofart

Prancing Pig

This studio allows budding artists to work in three mediums: pottery, warm glass fusing and mosaics.

Ladies' Night events that include a meal have proven popular, said Margaret Testa, owner, but there's no need for a special event. The studio is open for walk-ins who can pick a project to work on.

"Couples come in quite a bit on a Friday and Saturday night for a date night," Testa said, adding that she's had engaged couples come to make something for their home and a mom make a birthday plate for her child.

What's next? Prancing Pig lists special events and workshops online.

Where: 2021 Springwood Road, York Township

For more:www.prancingpigpottery.com; 244-8000; Prancing Pig Paint Your Own Pottery on Facebook

Clay Path Studio

This pottery studio in York offers a few ways to get your hands dirty.

Classes — a single session or four- and eight-week packages — are available for students of any skill level, said Kirsten Firlick, co-owner. Most students are beginners.

The studio also hosts Wine and Wheel nights as well as frequent BYOB special events, where students learn the basics of pottery and make a piece to keep.

"It's our laid back way to get to experience wheel throwing," Firlick said.

What's next? Classes are offered on a rolling basis, and a Wine and Wheel night will be scheduled in September.

Where: 33 W. Market St., York

For more:www.claypathstudio.com; 559-0223; Clay Path Studio on Facebook

Catch and Release Press

Inside Marketview Arts, York College graphic design professor Troy Patterson helps students get away from their computers to get their hands dirty with a different kind of design: letterpress.

And community members can give it a try, too. Patterson has led SkillSwap classes on the art form and is planning workshops. When people pack the downtown York streets on First Fridays, Patterson has opened his studio, filled with platen presses and a ton of letters in metal and wood type, to let community members try their hand at print-making. He usually offers a prompt visitors can fill in with words of their choosing, trying different type faces to make it their own.

What's next? September's First Friday will be held Sept. 4, and Patterson will have a make-your-own opportunity. Marketview Arts will also have Drive By Press on site demonstrating how to make T-shirts.

Where: 37 W. Philadelphia St., York

For more: Visit www.downtownyorkpa.com for information on First Friday.

Related

Be the maker

Sept. 3 is Maker's Night as part of York City's Boutique Week.

Some shops will give visitors a chance to "Be the Maker," with do-it-yourself demonstrations. This Little Light of Mine will offer make-your-own soy candles for $10, or you can make your own wooden tassel bracelet at Indigo Bleu.

Other shops will offer a chance to meet the makers — the designers or artisans behind their goods.

Find other "Be the Maker" opportunities at www.downtownyorkpa.com in the York City Boutique Week section.

Yorkfest

The 2015 Yorkfest Fine Arts Festival will show the work of 100 fine artists along with hands-on activities to let you get in on the fun.

The festival is held in downtown York, in the area surrounding the Colonial Court House Complex and along the Heritage Rail Trail and nearby streets.

Check out sidewalk creations in the YorkArts Chalk Walk, tour the York murals or take in the free jazz concert Saturday night.

A grant from the Cultural Alliance of York County has helped expand the Hands-On Art Activity Area for Youth and Families. Children will have more chances to make art and every family that participates will take home either a book or a gift certificate to Prime Art Supply Co., according to Mary Yeaple, coordinator for York City special events.

Yorkfest runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30.

Visit www.yorkcity.org/yorkfest for more details, including a map, or find the event on Facebook.