From pottery, sculpture and drawing to ballet, crochet, playwriting and more, discover your new passion with an ArtPlay class. New art classes for all ages have been announced for fall, presented by ArtPlay Community Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

ArtPlay makes the arts accessible to a broader audience and helps students cultivate an understanding of and appreciation for the arts. Classes are available from preschool to adult. Most classes meet weekly and are led by community artists. Read more about ArtPlay’s classes online at alysstephens.org/classes.

A discount is available for UAB students and employees when registering by phone. Call ArtPlay at 205-975-4769.

Children and teens

Stories in Clay: Keepsake Relief Sculptures, for third through fifth grade, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 15-Oct. 13. In this hands-on sculpture class with Cindy Free, students will explore storytelling through texture, shape and personal meaning. Participants will create a relief sculpture by pressing handprints and meaningful objects, like charms, small toys, nature finds or keepsakes, into soft clay, then cast their impression in plaster for a lasting work of art to take home and treasure.

Little Artists: Drawing and Painting, for kindergarten through second grade, 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 16-Oct. 14. Young artists will explore their creativity through hands-on art projects led by Sam Roberts using a variety of drawing and painting materials. From bold brushstrokes to playful mark-making, each session introduces new techniques to help students experiment and express themselves through color, shape and texture.

Intro to Dance Styles: Ballet, Jazz and Musical Theater, for third through fifth grade, 5-6:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 15-Nov. 3. In this energetic and welcoming class, students will explore the foundational dance styles of musical theater, including classic Broadway-inspired movement. Led by teaching artist Darion Dewhirst, young performers will learn basic technique, dance terminology and the unique qualities of each style through movement, guided videos and fun choreography. The session will end with a special audition-style masterclass, giving students a chance to put their new skills into action. Whether students are new to dance or ready to grow in their performance journey, this class builds confidence and coordination.

Intro to Improv with Rechelle Davis, for kindergarten through second grade, 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 16-Nov. 4. In this fun and engaging theater class, young performers will explore the basics of improv through games, storytelling and imaginative play. Students will be introduced to cold reading and simple audition techniques in a supportive and energetic environment. This class helps build confidence, creativity and quick thinking — perfect for kids who enjoy pretending, expressing themselves, and working together in fun and playful ways.

Ballet Basics, for third through fifth grade, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 13-Nov. 8, with no class Oct. 25. Looking for a fun and enriching way for your child to stay active and build confidence? In this beginner-friendly ballet class, Lisa Gibbs, Ed.D., introduces students to the foundational movements of ballet through a supportive and upbeat approach that encourages creativity and physical expression in a positive and welcoming environment. Your child will explore core techniques like bends, stretches and turns while developing coordination, focus and a love for movement.

Creative Movement, for kindergarten through second grade, 10-11 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 13-Nov. 8, with no class Oct. 25. This joyful class is perfect for young students who love to explore and create. Under the guidance of Lisa Gibbs, Ed.D., children will learn the fundamentals of movement by playing with concepts like space, time and energy through storytelling, games and creative activities. It is a fun and supportive way to encourage physical development, creativity and confidence.

Adults

Bookbinding BasicsA discount is available for UAB students and employees when registering by phone. Call ArtPlay at 205-975-4769., 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Join artist Victoria Finley for a hands-on introduction to bookbinding using the long stitch with a slit cover. This beginner-friendly structure is a great way to build skills while creating a beautiful handmade journal or sketchbook. Learn how to fold and trim pages, measure and mark with precision, and stitch a book together from start to finish. All materials are provided. 

Intro to Concrete Pottery, two-part workshop, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 13 and Sept. 20. Join artist Astrid Jerez for a hands-on introduction and explore the basics of mixing, molding and shaping concrete to create beautiful and functional pieces. This class offers a welcoming space to experiment and bring ideas to life whether crafting a planter, tray or decorative object. No prior experience is needed, just creativity and curiosity.

Beginners Crochet Workshop, with three sessions, 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Sept. 27, Oct. 4 and Oct. 11. In this beginner-friendly class with artist Rachel Brockwell, start with the basics and explore the timeless granny square, along with fun variations like the daisy and sunburst motifs. By the end of the session, students will have created a cozy and colorful collection of squares that can be built out into a one-of-a-kind scarf or shawl. All materials provided, no experience necessary.

Intentional Journaling, 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27. Elevate your journaling practice with this six-week course led by award-winning writer and journaling enthusiast Javacia Harris Bowser. Participants will explore different journaling techniques and learn how to use their journaling entries as inspiration for compelling stories to be shared with others. 

Sculpting the Human Figure 101, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 27, Oct. 4 and Oct. 11. Discover the fundamentals of figure sculpture in this hands-on class with Cindy Free designed for adult beginners and intermediate artists. Working with Plastiline clay and using a life-size 3D model for reference, you’ll sculpt a 1/4 scale human figure from start to finish. Learn how to build an armature and stand, study body proportions, and apply basic anatomy as you sculpt each section of the figure. Explore how gesture and balance can bring your work to life. With both group instruction and personalized feedback, this workshop offers a supportive space to grow your skills. All materials are included.

Advanced Playwriting Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 15-Nov. 3. What makes a play truly work on the page and the stage? This advanced-level workshop led by David Strickland invites writers to dive deeper into the craft of playwriting through focused writing prompts, peer feedback and meaningful discussion. Each session offers new tools and perspectives to sharpen dialogue, structure and character development. Writers will build a portfolio of original short plays developed through in-class exercises and take-home assignments. Designed for those with prior playwriting experience and a strong grasp of foundational techniques.