The Creative Workshop offers art classes for everyone, from absolute beginners to advanced artists, in four sessions each year.
Registration for summer art classes, which will run in July and August 2025, begins at 10:00 am on Monday, June 16, for MAG Members, and at 10:00 am on Monday, June 23, for Not-Yet-Members!
Some intermediate and advanced classes require instructor approval to register. Please contact creativeworkshop@mag.rochester.edu if you’re interested in taking one of these classes.
Brief biographies for our faculty can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Classes
Do I need prior experience to take classes at the Creative Workshop?
No! We welcome students with all levels of experience, from first-timers to beginners to advanced! Each session we offer a range of classes for all experience levels. There is a filter for “class levels” on the class webpage. We recommend classes marked as beginning or all levels for first-time students.
How do I register for classes?
Browse the classes available on our Classes listing, and then register online by clicking the registration links. If you find that a course is SOLD OUT, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 585.276.8959 or creativeworkshop@mag.rochester.edu about being placed on a wait list.
When registering online, MAG Members must be SIGNED IN in order for discount to automatically apply!
Do I need to be a MAG Member to sign up?
No, you do not have to be a member of the MAG to register for classes. However, MAG Members that register for Creative Workshop classes do receive special benefits.
What benefits do MAG Members receive?
Creative Workshop students save when then they join the MAG (or renew their membership)! When you register for any class at the Creative Workshop, you can save $15 off the cost of an Individual or Family/Grandparent Membership. Please note: that Individual member benefits only apply to the membership holder and cannot be used to sign up others or children for classes or camps.
Active MAG Members receive:
- Discounts on classes and camps
- A full week of early, priority registration for classes
- Family/Grandparent Membership levels and above have discounts on our Birthday Parties for Kids
Reminder: that when registering online, MAG Members must be SIGNED IN to their account in order for their discount to automatically apply.
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
All registrations are non-refundable with the exception of classes that have been canceled. We cannot prorate class fees for any student not attending all class meetings.
The Creative Workshop reserves the right to make teacher changes or cancel any class. Classes with inadequate enrollment are cancelled one week before the first meeting of the class. All fees are refunded when the Workshop cancels a class if an alternative class is not available.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
The Creative Workshop has long strived to offer our classes at the lowest rates possible. If the price of a class is keeping you from considering it, please don’t hesitate to inquire about a need-based scholarship. Each year, we offer scholarships to numerous students (adults and youth) through the support of many generous endowment funds.
You may apply for a scholarship using our online form.
All scholarships are need-based and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where is the Creative Workshop located? Where do I park?
The Creative Workshop is located in the lower level of the MAG’s Cutler Union building (the big old building that looks like a church) and has its own handicap accessible entrance located on the North East corner of the building closest to parking lots B and D. You are welcome to park in any lot. For a map of parking lots and the MAG Campus, click here.
Do you provide materials?
YOUTH classes and camps: all materials are provided.
ADULT classes: Unless otherwise noted on the class listing, materials are NOT provided for adult classes. Material lists can be found on the class listing page—we encourage all adult students to review this list prior to the start of class and to call our office with any questions about what materials to purchase or recommendations for supplies. Adult student in ceramics classes will need to purchase clay for their own use during class. Clay in different varieties is available for purchase at the Creative Workshop at a cost of $18.00 for a 25lb bag.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, by request! Private lesson requests can be made by emailing creativeworkshop@mag.rochester.edu. Private lessons are coordinated on a case-by-case basis and are scheduled around instructor availability. Private lessons begin at $35.00/hour.
Will my class go into the galleries?
Depending on the class and medium being studied, instructors will build class visits to the gallery into their class curriculum. Some classes (i.e. Drawing in the Galleries) use the gallery weekly and others do not visit at all. If you’re interested in a class that uses the gallery more frequently, contact our team at creativeworkshop@mag.rochester.edu.
Can I attend classes with my child?
Youth classes at the Creative Workshop are designed as “drop-off” programs (with youth attending independently), unless otherwise noted. If your child needs extra assistance or a supporting adult to attend class with them, we are happy to accommodate that! Please make a note in the registration or call our main office at 585.276.8959 so we can ensure we share that with our instructors. Thank you!