Challenging your mind to work on subjects you’re unfamiliar with has been proven to increase both productivity and problem-solving abilities. For those looking to train their brain while picking up a new activity outside of the workday, Westchester is flush with options. Whether it’s expanding your gardening repertoire, exploring local wildlife, or deepening your appreciation for music, these classes will make you sharper at the office—and more interesting at dinner parties.
Become a Bird Artist in Bedford
The Bedford Audubon Society offers classes on drawing and painting, with the only prerequisite being an interest in birds and wildlife. “We welcome everyone, from a first-time birder to a seasoned ornithologist. We believe there’s always room to learn and grow together,” says Susan Sloan, the program registrar. The workshops are taught by Charlotte Holden, an award-winning artist whose scientific illustrations have been featured in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Living Bird magazine as well as publications from the New York Botanical Garden. The society’s bird walks are also a superb opportunity to get outside and experience the beauty of the Hudson Valley, learn from an expert naturalist, and connect with new people at the same time.
What to know: Both the drawing and watercolor art series programs cost $135 (members), $185 (non-members; fee covers an annual membership) and includes art supplies for the three 2-hour workshops. Bird walks are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Create Pottery in Port Chester
The Clay Art Center offers a wide range of weekly classes for every skill level. Dive into lessons such as sculpting, introduction to wheel throwing, and even practical pottery, a class that involves throwing, shaping, and trimming pieces into vessels meant for use rather than mere display. If you want to dabble in clay before committing to a weeks-long program, there are also one-time classes for families and friends to get play with clay together. The center frequently invites renowned guest artists to lead workshops, such as Japanese style and techniques and advanced wheel throwing for larger scale creations.
What to know: Registration is required in advance and fees vary according to the course length, instructor, and materials required for the class. The fee for the one-time pottery wheel for beginners class (for ages 17 and up) is $70. Clay Arts Center members have early access to registration.
Learn to Garden in Katonah
Lasdon Park and Arboretum offers opportunities to learn from gardening experts while getting your hands dirty. The massive park property offers classes on topics like pollination, gardening for beginners, and medicinal plants. There’s also a community garden that welcomes volunteers of all experience levels. Park Director Jess Shuler says that residents who attend these programs make lasting connections within the community while learning how to cultivate biodiversity in their own backyards.
What to know: Garden tours are free, but registration is required. Classes range from $10-$35. Community gardening hours are open to the public and take place rain or shine.
Master Music in Mamaroneck
The Music School of Westchester provides lessons for adults looking to learn an instrument. Students have a choice to either study instruments like piano, guitar, violin, or drums in a group setting or simply deepen their musical appreciation, learning the basics of music history, terminology, tempo, rhythm, and meter. “Discovering the basics of theory helps enrich the enjoyment of music listening,” says Dominique Riviere, co-founder and proprietor of the music school. For those who want more high energy, the school offers an adult rock and jazz ensemble for players and singers who would like to get together and perform in a low-pressure situation. In all the classes, students play under the guidance of a professional artist and member of the faculty.
What to know: Group classes are 45 minutes in length and registration is ongoing. Pricing is available upon request. Parents and grandparents of students already enrolled in the music school receive a 20% discount on any programing.
