Exploring the Arts at The Friedman JCC

Everyone  is invited to embrace your creativity, reflection, and connection at our  Exploring the Arts programs. Featuring an enriching Art Appreciation- Art History lecture series’ a lineup of soulful Paint ‘n Sip workshops led by Artist, Nina Davidowitz, whose warm, engaging teaching style makes art accessible and inspiring for all.  The series offers something for everyone—from curious beginners to seasoned art lovers.

More classes and experiences—like stained glass, weaving, creative writing, poetry, musical performances, and a wide range of educational arts programs—are in the works and are all designed to enrich and energize the cultural life of our community.

“These programs are designed to inspire, connect, and uplift. Whether you’re learning about ancient cave paintings or setting intentions through collage, you’ll find a welcoming space to explore your creativity.”

Jane Messinger, Friedman JCC President

Modern World - Exploring the Arts | Friedman JCC

Art Appreciation Lecture Series:

Twentieth Century Modernism

The Story of Art continues in the 20th century with this season’s series exploring movements such as Op Art, Pop Art, and other innovative artists such as David Hockney, Alex Katz, and more. Please note that class will meet twice a month on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Join us for beautiful slide shows and interesting conversations about art in this inspirational class!

Class meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 6:15 – 7:45 pm. (Unless we are closed for a holiday.)

Modern Era, Session One: February 9 and 23, March 9 and 13, April 13 and 27.

Modern Era, Session Two: May 11 and 27*, June 8 and 24* (*5/27 & 6/24 are Wednesdays), July 13 and 27.

$85 per 6-class series (…$75 for JCC members)
$15 for walk-ins (single class fee)

Payment and enrollment options:

Full session: $170 ($150 for JCC members)

Half sessions: $85 ($75 for members)

Drop-in: $15 per class

PURCHASE CLASS

MARCH Paint ‘n Sip Workshop:

Sunday, March 8th 11am-1pm

“Landscape with Rolling Hills” by Wassily Kandinsky

Paint ‘n Sip Workshops are a great way to get creative and connect with fun people. At these one-day, two-hour long workshops participants will complete a finished painting to take home. No experience is necessary: follow along step-by-step with me, or go in your own direction…everyone can do it!

March is the month that “comes in like a lion, and out like a lamb”, and this lovely landscape by master artist Wassily Kandinsky seems to fit the bill! Even though you can feel the wind blowing the trees and scattering the clouds, there’s a sense of Spring in the air with the colors he used: fresh greens, blues and pinks. This painting will inspire us to create our own pretty March landscape using acrylic paints on canvas. No experience necessary: the main elements of this painting will be pre-drawn on the canvas for you, so just follow along with me!

Date: Sunday, March 8th, from 11:00am – 1:00pm. 

All art supplies are included.

Price: $45 per person ($40 for JCC members).

Food & Beverages: We’ll have bottled water, paper cups, plates, and napkins, and a few simple snacks. Please feel free to bring your choice of beverage and extra snacks.  Sharing encouraged!

Deadline to Register: Please sign up early to save your spot, and so we have enough time to get supplies for everyone.

PURCHASE CLASS

APRIL Paint ‘n Sip Workshop:

 Wednesday, April 15th: 6- 8pm

“Odalisque in Red Jacket” by Henri Matisse, 1927
Henri Matisse is known for his colorful and whimsical paintings, and I love the series he did of women dressed in exotic clothing! For this painting we’ll be working with acrylic paints. The scene will be pre-drawn onto the canvas so we can have fun mixing colors and filling in the details. Feel free to change the colors to suit your mood. No experience necessary; I’ll guide you step-by-step!

 

All art supplies are included.

Price: $45 per person ($40 for JCC members).

Food & Beverages: We’ll have bottled water, paper cups, plates, and napkins, and a few simple snacks. Please feel free to bring your choice of beverage and extra snacks.  Sharing encouraged!

Deadline to Register: Please sign up early to save your spot, and so we have enough time to get supplies for everyone.

PURCHASE CLASS

MAY Paint ‘n Sip Workshop:

Sunday, May 3rd, 11am-1pm

“Your Favorite Person”, silhouette collage
This arts and crafts project was picked in honor of Mother’s Day, but is well suited for you to honor your favorite person: daughter, son, spouse, friend, or even yourself! Participants will be required to email Nina a photo of your person in a profile pose. Your photo image must be recieved a week in advance – by April 24th. Nina will make a drawing of your photo to fit the canvas and will provide you with a tracing of the silhouette that we’ll fill in with magazine cuttings of words and images that reflect their personality. This makes a unique and creative gift!

All art supplies are included.

Price: $45 per person ($40 for JCC members).

Food & Beverages: We’ll have bottled water, paper cups, plates, and napkins, and a few simple snacks. Please feel free to bring your choice of beverage and extra snacks.  Sharing encouraged!

Deadline to Register: Please sign up early to save your spot, and so we have enough time to get supplies for everyone.

PURCHASE CLASS

JUNE Paint ‘n Sip Workshop:

Selection TBD – Wednesday, June 10th

Paint ‘n Sip Workshops are a great way to get creative and connect with fun people. At these one-day, two-hour long workshops participants will complete a finished painting to take home. No experience is necessary: follow along step-by-step with me, or go in your own direction…everyone can do it!

Date: Wednesday night, June 10th, from 6:00 – 8:00pm.

All art supplies are included.

Price: $45 per person ($40 for JCC members).

Food & Beverages: We’ll have bottled water, paper cups, plates, and napkins, and a few simple snacks. Please feel free to bring your choice of beverage and extra snacks.  Sharing encouraged!

Deadline to Register: Please sign up early to save your spot, and so we have enough time to get supplies for everyone.

PURCHASE CLASS

JULY Paint ‘n Sip Workshop:

Selection TBD – Sunday, July 12 11am-1pm

Paint ‘n Sip Workshops are a great way to get creative and connect with fun people. At these one-day, two-hour long workshops participants will complete a finished painting to take home. No experience is necessary: follow along step-by-step with me, or go in your own direction…everyone can do it!

Date:  Sunday, July 12 11am-1pm

All art supplies are included.

Price: $45 per person ($40 for JCC members).

Food & Beverages: We’ll have bottled water, paper cups, plates, and napkins, and a few simple snacks. Please feel free to bring your choice of beverage and extra snacks.  Sharing encouraged!

Deadline to Register: Please sign up early to save your spot, and so we have enough time to get supplies for everyone.

PURCHASE CLASS

If you’d like to be added to our email list exclusively for announcements and notifications about our EXPLORING THE ARTS classes

please email frontdesk@nepajca.org or call 570-824-4646.

From the Artist

“I’m excited to be leading this series of art classes and workshops at the Friedman Jewish Community Center. As an artist and teacher with many years of experience, I believe in the power of Art to uplift, heal and energize the soul. I look forward to sharing my passion for the arts with you and hope these classes will spark your own creative journey!

Feel free to email me if you have any further questions.”

 ~ Nina