New Art Center open at the Y

While the Fairgrounds Y had its Art Center open house Sunday, art classes have been held in the building since September 2010.

“This is the first time we’ve had a room,” said Claire C. Ames, art teacher at the Y.

The room was unveiled in December as a part of the Watertown Y’s capital project.

Parents were invited to bring their children to participate in free demonstrations, including throwing clay on one of the five new pottery wheels and making showy hats from paper bags and pipe cleaners.

Holding art classes there for a year and a half has helped Leslie D. Renzi, Y art director, determine the classes that will be held at the center starting Jan. 15.

“When we started a year ago, we just saw what classes filled and what didn’t and just went from there,” she said.

Art students can range from 4-year-olds to seniors. Mrs. Renzi said the Y’s focus is toward youth. However, she said, she hopes to see people of all ages sign up for classes.

“We just don’t have enough senior programs in our community,” she said.

The open house had a full table of children painting Georgia O’Keefe-inspired works. Parents huddled on one side of the room to socialize.

“I think it’s a fantastic asset for people in the community,” said Heather L. Clement. “There are so many requirements in school for testing these days. My daughter is very interested in art. She’s constantly drawing and sketching.”

She said she was not aware the Y had art classes before Sunday.

Barbara L. Clement said the multitude of classes, from acrylic painting to pottery, provides a good selection to help children learn how much variety there is in the art world.

“I don’t even think they know they are talented until they start dabbling,” she said. “Art is a creative outlet. There are no mistakes in the piece when it’s done.”

Another parent brought her two children to entertain them on a Sunday afternoon.

“It’s something to do,” said Rochelle P. Wainberg. “I get the e-mail from the Y.”

She said she was not sure if she was going to sign up for the classes yet but was trying to encourage her son, Hayes Z., 7, to draw more, something she said he loves to do.

Her younger daughter, Leah M., 5, said she wanted to do the “paint facing,” like the flower and glitter designs Ms. Ames had done on her own face.

Registration for the classes can be done at www.watertownymca.org or at any of the Watertown area Ys. Scholarships are available.

For those who do not want sign up for classes but are interested in using the studio, open hours are from 12:30 to 3:20 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Y members can use the space for $5 and nonmembers for $9. Military discounts are available.