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Community Arts News

Post Date:09/02/2026 11:12 AM

This month we are shifting to the fall - cooler weather, shorter days, and of course, more classes! We're excited to welcome you back into our studio to continue where you left off - or jump into something new! Read on below to see our highlighted classes and teaching artist. Take a look at all of our classes online in our Fall Guide or browse our classes online.

Homeschool art classes are back! Our Artist Studio classes are designed with our homeschool families in mind. Got a Visions voucher? Reach out and we'll get you set up! Learn more here.

Join us for our upcoming Preschool Art Pop-Up on Saturday, September 19! This free, family event is perfect for families with young children. Enjoy a morning of art making, sensory play, and more! Learn more here.

Book your next party with us! We are excited to offer youth art parties on Saturdays at our Shadelands and Civic Park locations. Art parties are great for birthdays, graduations, team parties, and more! Learn more.

Trunk-or-Treat is just around the corner and we're looking for a few more trunk vendors to join us! Be a part of Walnut Creek's biggest Halloween event with Arts & Rec! Learn more here.

View our upcoming classes and programs here for participants of all ages. Questions about our upcoming events and classes? Reach out to us at artsrec@walnut-creek.org or by calling (925) 295-1490.


View Fall Classes Here


Meet Community Arts Teaching Artist, Ann Ledo-Lane
Ann Ledo‑Lane is a Bay Area–born interdisciplinary artist, educator, and joycrafter. Living among the redwoods in Marin, she cultivates joy through daily creative practices rooted in nature, memory, and everyday life. A longtime educator in arts‑focused public schools and community programs, Ann brings playful, accessible creative experiences to people of all ages, championing the arts as a tool for equity, wellness, and connection. Ann's advice to students looking to expand their art practice is to "look for little joys and tiny adventures in your everyday life, and actively use those moments to fuel your creative work." She shares her love of making and outdoor adventuring with her family. Ann will be teaching Adaptive Art - Painting and Drawing / Adaptive Art - Painting and Drawing (RCEB) this fall quarter.


 Pop‑in Playdates (Parent-Child)
Mondays - Thursdays, September 8 - November 12 (9:30 - 11:30 am)
Drop in and join us for our Pop-In Playdates —available Monday through Thursday! This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to engage with peers through play, art, and hands-on activities that encourage cooperation, communication, and creativity. While your child builds social skills and explores new experiences, you’ll also have the chance to connect with other caregivers in a warm, welcoming environment.

NEW! Intro to String Ensemble - BEG (Youth)
Tuesdays, September 8 - November 17 (4:00 - 4:45 pm)
This beginner class builds foundational playing skills and introduces core ensemble techniques like listening, coordination, and simple orchestral principles. Students receive guided support as they gain confidence playing alongside others. 

Drawing & Painting - BEG/INT (Youth)
Tuesdays, September 8 - November 10 (5:30 - 6:45 pm)
Engage in the world of visual arts, discovering the significance of self-expression. This course enhances your grasp of art's elements and principles, fostering growth in drawing, acrylic, and watercolor painting. Explore innovative ways to infuse your personal artistry into diverse mediums!

 Jazz Ballet Tap - BEG (Youth)
Thursdays, September 10 - November 12 (4:15 - 5:00 pm)
Explore the energy and excitement of dance as you try out jazz, ballet, and tap in a fun and supportive environment. Students will be introduced to jazz, ballet, and tap while building a strong foundation in coordination and rhythm. Students will explore movement through structured lessons that support skill development and creative learning.

Dungeons and Dragons - BEG (Youth)
Mondays, September 14 - October 26 (4:15 - 6:15 pm)
Dive into a Dungeons & Dragons adventure where your choices shape the story! Learn the basics—character creation, core rules, and collaborative role‑playing—while building confidence in teamwork and creative problem‑solving. No experience needed. Join the quest!

Theater Arts 1 - BEG (Youth)
Mondays, September 14 - November 11 (5:00 - 6:00 pm)
Our theater class brings laughter, learning, and limelight! Through theater games, acting exercises, and scene work, students explore voice, body, and imagination while learning real stage skills and building confidence. The session ends with a free showcase for family and friends.

Ukulele for Kids! - BEG (Youth)
Wednesdays, September 16 - October 21 (4:00 - 4:50 pm)
Start your musical journey with the cheerful, versatile ukulele! Learn basic chords, strumming, and beginner‑friendly songs while building confidence through guided practice. Instruments can be borrowed or you’re welcome to bring your own. The class ends with a fun, in‑class performance

Ecoprinting and California Native Botanical Dyes – ALL LEVELS (Adult)
Sunday, September 6 (9:30 am - 3:30 pm)
Explore the art and science of natural dyeing using California native plants in this beginner‑friendly workshop. Learn to prep fibers, use mordants and modifiers, and try botanical ecoprinting. Participants will leave with dye samples and two finished scarves. All materials provided or bring your own.

Intro to Singing – BEG (Adult)
Sundays, September 6 - October 25 (2:00 - 3:00 pm)
Learn the essentials of healthy, confident singing in a supportive class. Explore breath, posture, vocal mechanics, and sound production through both solo and group songs. Perfect for new singers, those returning after a break, or anyone preparing to join a choir.

Low Fire Handbuilt Ceramics at Shadelands - BEG (Adult)
Wednesdays, September 9 - November 4 (4:30 - 6:30 pm)
Explore low‑fire ceramics as you shape and handbuild creative pieces. Learn core techniques and terminology while making decorative or sculptural work (low‑fire pieces aren’t food‑safe). Guided demos support skill‑building and open‑ended creativity, helping you gain confidence and develop your personal style.

Mixed Media Collage - ALL LEVELS (Adult) 
Tuesdays, September 8 - November 10 (6:00 - 9:00 pm)
Learn mixed media collage using papers, magazines, paint, and drawing tools. Explore layering and composition while creating cohesive works. Students leave with finished collages and the skills to continue independently.

Choir - ALL LEVELS (Adult)
Wednesdays, September 9 - October 28 (7:00 - 9:00 pm)
Join our non‑auditioned choir and discover the joy of singing together! Explore music from classical to musical theater while building confidence, tone, and blend. All voice types are welcome!

Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving Workshop – BEG (Adult)
Sunday, September 20 (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)
Discover the portable, versatile world of rigid heddle weaving! Using the simple Cricket Loom, learn direct warping and create a beautiful scarf with a mix of yarns. Perfect for newcomers or returning students—come weave with us!

Shibori & Indigo Dyeing – ALL LEVELS (Adult)
Sunday, October 4 (9:30 am - 1:30 pm)
Learn traditional Japanese resist‑dyeing and create bold blue‑and‑white designs using indigo. Explore folding, binding, stitching, and clamping techniques, then prepare an indigo vat and dye your own pieces. Leave with several samples and a finished item like a tote, bandana, or scarf.


 View All Classes

 



NEW! Artist Studio for Homeschool Families
Mondays, September 14 - November 9 (10:00 - 11:30 am)

Community Arts offers inspiring, hands-on art classes created just for our homeschool community! Students explore visual and performing arts while building creativity, confidence, problem‑solving skills, and critical thinking. Join us for a fun and enriching arts experience! Visions vouchers are accepted for classes.

Learn More

 


 Join Us for a Morning of Creativity!
Saturday, September 19 (9:30 - 11:30 am)
Drop by Shadelands Art Center for our preschool-age art pop-up event! This is a free, family-friendly event that is designed for our youngest learners (children ages 0-5) and their families. Explore hands-on art and sensory activities with Center for Community Arts and community partners. 

Learn More


Sign Up for a Preschool Tour!

Families interested in learning more about our preschool classes for the upcoming School Year 2026-27 can join us for a virtual and in-person tour. Space is available in our preschool classes for students ages 2-4 years. Classes begin in mid August with rolling registration as space is available.

Learn More

 


Celebrate Your Next Party With Us!

We are excited to share that Center for Community Arts is now available for art parties! Our art parties are perfect for any occasion - birthdays, graduations, team parties, and more! We offer three creative art party packages for you to choose from. Each party includes supplies, hands-on activities, set-up, clean-up, and a Party Captain to assist you and your guests throughout your event. 

Learn More 

Apply to be a Trunk or Park Vendor at Trunk or Treat!
Calling all sponsors and community partners ready for a fun spooktacular time! Trunk or Treat will be returning to Civic Park on Friday, October 23, 2026. Want to be part of the magic? Bring your creativity, decorations, and Halloween spirit to this beloved community event!⁠

Learn More

 

On View at the Bedford Gallery: CALeidoscope
Through September 13


Bedford's annual juried exhibition returns with CALeidoscope: Evolving Reflections of California, a vibrant celebration of our Golden State. From the Mexican border to Oregon, California stretches nearly 900 miles along the Pacific Ocean and is home to sundrenched beaches, verdant farmlands, majestic mountains, dramatic deserts, and monumental redwood forests. With all this natural beauty, it’s no wonder California serves as a source of inspiration and promise for dreamers, makers, and visionaries across the US. CALeidoscope honors the breathtaking geography of our great state and reflects its esteemed position as a cultural leader and hotbed for creativity and innovation. 

Learn More

Coming Up at CenterREP: The Glass Menagerie
September 6 - 27

This American classic opens Center REP’s 26–27 season with Tennessee Williams’ powerful look at family, memory, and longing. Tom revisits the choices that led him to leave his mother and sister in 1930s St. Louis, uncovering truths about freedom, guilt, and love. Directed by Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow, this new Legacy Revival brings fresh insight to a timeless masterpiece.

Learn More 

Host Your Next Event at Center for Community Arts!
Whether you're hosting a meeting, celebration, or community gathering, Walnut Creek has beautiful indoor and outdoor venues ready to reserve. Plan your next events with us!

Learn More


Arts and Rec Class Withdrawals/Refunds/Transfers 

If you wish to withdraw or transfer, request this at least fourteen (14) calendar days before the start date for a credit or refund. A $12 fee per person, per program will be charged. No refunds or credits after this time. Refunds are processed within three (3) weeks. No refunds for non-attendance or lack of student participation. Withdrawals may be done online. Transfers must be done in person or over the phone.


 

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