Fall Semester Arts Classes at JCAL
Our Fall semester of JCAL Arts Classes is open for registration, and an early-bird discount is in effect! Along with favorites like piano and painting, this semester marks the return of acting classes at JCAL, and introduces new titles like songwriting to our lineup.
Finally, we are pleased to announce the relaunch of our Membership. Become a member today for free access to JCAL events, and deep discounts on classes and workshops!
JCAL Arts Classes Open House
September 12
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Join us as we kick off our Arts Classes summer semester.
This event will feature open studios with JCAL's Teaching Artists, where attendees will get a feel for classes through demos, hands-on activities, and an opportunity to chat with teaching artists and staff.
We're offering the following classes this semester: Piano, Music Improvisation & Expression, Songwriting, Drawing and Painting, Figure Drawing, Cartooning, Comics and Animation and Acting.
FALL CLASS SEMESTER
Drawing and Painting With Erica Purnell
Classes Begin September 26
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Drawing and Painting
Students will dive into fun, hands-on projects that spark their imaginations while learning essential art skills like color mixing, composition, and creating their own masterpieces. Whether painting bold strokes or sketching fine details, every student will discover the joy of self-expression through art.
This engaging class is perfect for budding artists ready to explore, experiment, and bring their ideas to life!
Figure Drawing
Explore the fundamentals of figure drawing in this beginner-friendly class for adults. Learn how to observe and capture the human form through simple techniques focused on proportion, gesture, and line. Whether you’re new to figure drawing or looking to build your skills and confidence, this relaxed and supportive environment is the perfect place to start.
Meet The Teaching Artist
Erica Purnell is a professional career artist from New York City whose work is centered around painting and exploring the endless possibilities of color.
Cartooning with Alex Shapiro
Classes Begin September 26
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Cartooning
Turn your drawings into dynamic stories and characters that leap off the page! This engaging and creative class invites artists to explore the exciting worlds of cartooning and comic book creation.
The ultimate goal of this course is for students to create a complete, original comic book utilizing text and sequential artwork to either tell a story or visually address a theme.
Meet The Teaching Artist
Alexander Shapiro is a professional cartoonist and illustrator whose work has appeared in various publications and websites, and whose clients have included CBS-TV, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Central Park Conservancy, and the Department of Environmental Protection.
Piano with Tony Curtis
Classes Begin September 26
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Piano and Music & Movement with Tony Curtis:
This fun, interactive course is tailored to music enthusiasts with little to no prior piano experience. Through games, hands-on practice, and playful exploration of music theory, students will build confidence and start their journey to becoming little maestros! Each session is packed with engaging activities and is just the right length (1 hour) to keep students focused and inspired.
Songwriting:
Explore the essential elements of crafting original songs through melody, lyrics, chord progressions, and harmonic structure. Students will develop creative techniques for writing compelling music while learning how harmony enhances emotion, movement, and musical storytelling. Through hands-on composition, analysis, and collaboration, participants will build the skills and confidence to create songs in a variety of contemporary and traditional styles
Meet the Teaching Artist:
Tony Curtis is a dynamic jazz pianist, educator, bandleader, and CEO of Keys Of Tree House LLC, a music program dedicated to teaching children with disabilities. Studying under acclaimed pianist Mark Adams since 2008, Tony blends tradition with innovation, delivering soulful melodies and improvisational brilliance.
Acting with Lisa Darden
Classes Begin September 26
161-04 Jamaica Avenue
Acting With Lisa Darden:
Students will build confidence, creativity, and communication skills through fun acting games, improvisation, and monologue/scene work while learning the fundamentals of theatre performance. Whether stepping into a new character, creating original stories, or working as an ensemble, every student will discover the joy of self-expression on stage while learning practical performance skills. This engaging class is perfect for kids and teens ready to explore their imaginations, develop their talents, and shine in a supportive, creative and inclusive environment. All level are welcomed!
Acting and Storytelling with Lisa Darden:
Actors will build confidence, strengthen their performance skills, and explore character development through engaging acting exercises, improvisation, and monologue/scene study. Whether you're stepping onto the stage for the first time or returning to sharpen your craft, you'll discover the power of authentic storytelling in a supportive, creative, and inclusive environment. This dynamic class, taught by a professional actor, is perfect for adults looking to grow as performers, express themselves creatively, and connect with others through the art of acting. All levels are welcome.
Meet the Teaching Artist:
Lisa is an American actress that comes from a large Haitian family on her mother's side. She enjoys being branded as 'the hottest auntie in the place' wearing clothes that are too tight and a keeping a curse word tripping off her tongue. Lisa relishes playing characters that bring comic relief but also serve as the voice of reason. She is a Sag-AFTRA and Equity actor based in New York.