classes at jcal
Led by practicing artists, JCAL arts classes inspire self-expression and skill-building at every level.
Fall Semester: September 26 to December 19 (Kids and Teens)
September 26 to October 25 (Adults)
Free Open House: September 12 (RSVP Here)
Questions? Contact Education@jcal.org
About jcal arts classes fall semester
This semester marks the return of acting classes at JCAL, and introduces new titles like songwriting to our lineup. Please note - adult classes are an hour and a half for 5 weeks, while kids and teens class are one hour, for 12 weeks.
Also, JCAL’s Membership program is back. Become a Member for deep discounts on classes, plus free events and more.
Drawing and Painting With Erica Purnell
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.
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Erica Purnell is a professional career artist from New York City whose work is centered around painting and exploring the endless possibilities of color.
Affectionately known as Ms. E, she is a visionary who inspires within her community serving as a visual arts teacher and facilitating art therapy sessions. As a teaching artist for the past 6 years of her career, Erica connects with her students allowing them the space to be expressive and encouraging raw talent while providing the instruction and guidance needed to advance it further.
As an intergenerational educator, she works with youth and elders building their confidence learning art fundamentals. Erica brings her creative light in her work through her paintings, murals, designs, in-house and virtual art instruction. Erica is an outgoing person who loves art and life while embracing all that comes her way with a positive attitude.
Erica studied at The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC traversing disciplines of painting, drawing, photography and digital to her main area of expertise in Communications Design. Erica's work would later evolve to large scale canvas paintings and murals to convey the stories she wanted to share. Erica has been featured in print and online publications for her story and her art. She has also presented work nationally at various galleries and group shows in NYC, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston and Philadelphia.
Cartooning with alex shapiro
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.
Cartooning, Comics, and Animation
A class that explores the creation of cartoons, comics, and stop-motion animation, while also supporting portfolio development for careers or personal enjoyment. Students will experiment with storytelling, character design, and visual techniques in a creative, hands-on environment, building both technical skills and a body of work they can be proud of.
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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. He has taught cartooning, graphic memoir, illustration, and animation for teaching clients that have included The Museum of the City of New York, The Queens Museum, The California College of the Arts, Marymount Manhattan College, and The DYCD Heroes Project, as well as a resident artist in the New York City public school system.
Piano and Music & Movements with Tony Curtis
Piano and Music & Movement:
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
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Tony Curtis is a dynamic jazz pianist, educator, bandleader, and CEO of Keys Of TreeHouse 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. Since 2011, he has shared his passion for piano through private teaching, inspiring students of all levels to find their voice. As the leader of the jazz trio The Professionals, he brings years of live performance energy and creativity to the stage while fostering a mission to make the joy of music accessible to everyone. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle
Acting with Lisa darden
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
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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.
Pricing and Refund Breakdown
- A 50% non-refundable down payment is required at the time of registration and checkout.
- The remaining 50% balance will be automatically charged to the card on file on Friday, October 16.
- If a student withdraws from the course before the third class, they are eligible for a 50% reimbursement of the total tuition paid.
By selecting the installment plan option, participants authorize JCAL to process the automatic payment on the scheduled date using the payment method provided at registration.
Get creative with jcal
Rooted in community and open to all, JCAL arts classes offer accessible, high-quality instruction in visual arts and performing arts from early childhood through seniors.
LED BY PROFESSIONAL TEACHING ARTISTS
BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE CLASSES
cartoonING and animation classes
Get a glimpse of JCAL’s cartooning and animation classes, which allow students to turn their drawings into dynamic stories and characters that leap off the page.
In Fall 2025, JCAL will offer classes in beginner and intermediate piano, drawing and painting, and cartooning and animation. Learn from professional teaching artists in a creative environment right in Southeast Queens.
To view more of our educational content, visit our YouTube page.
