Arts at the Center

Welcome to Arts at the Center! Unleash your inner artist and explore new creative passions at the Uptown JCC! Join us for engaging sessions led by experienced instructors in a welcoming and supportive environment. Classes are currently held at the JCC Uptown location. To register for a class, click on the "Register" button on each class page, or call the JCC Uptown (504-897-0143).  If you have questions about the classes, please email Creative Arts Program Coordinator Joanna Russo at joanna@nojcc.org.

Reading and Writing Poetry

Have you ever written a poem? Has a poem ever moved you, ever made you laugh or spoke to your soul?  Join us for the joy of speaking poetry out loud, of sharing some of your favorite poems with the group, and being introduced to poems that may just make your life richer for knowing them.  Join us to challenge yourself to pick up that pen once again and see what arises.  Part poetry appreciation, part writing workshop, this class welcomes readers and writers of all stripes.

September 16 - November 4
Wednesdays | 1:15 - 2:45 PM
Members $160 | Non-members $200

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Clay Tile-Making

In this class, you will learn to create ceramic tiles using the technique of low relief sculpture. The heart of this workshop is learning to trust your own judgment. As you work with your clay tile, you will decide which areas should rise from the surface and which should remain untouched. Every decision becomes part of the story your tile tells. Throughout the class, Horton will introduce simple techniques and guiding principles for creating depth, balance, texture, and composition, while encouraging each participant to follow their own creative instincts.

Working in clay teaches us patience. It asks us to slow down, observe carefully, and make thoughtful decisions. Confidence is built one mark at a time.

September 16 - October 21
Wednesdays | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Members $160 | Non-members $200

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Make Your Own Earrings

Join artist Emma Fick to make one-of-a-kind earrings! Emma provides earring-making supplies (including her hand-made acrylic earring components), personalized creative guidance, and assembly how-to; you bring a sense of play and design sensibilities. After a couple of hours of design, play, and assembly, you'll take home your ready-to-wear earrings (and bragging rights).

Sunday, September 27 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM
$70 Members | $87.50 Non-members

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Community Choir

All voices welcome! Experience the joy of lifting your voice in song with others. Join us as we sing a variety of repertoire, including pop, oldies, traditional music, and more! This choir will introduce the concepts of proper breath support, essentials of music theory, ear training and somatic awareness. We will close with a concert on Dec. 7th.

September 27 - December 6
Sundays | 3:00 - 4:00 PM
$110 Members | $137.50 Non-members

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Card-Making

Each hands-on class in this beginner-friendly course will focus on aspects of cardmaking fundamentals. These include selecting tools, materials, and color palettes; designing effective layouts; using layering techniques; and adding embellishments and sentiments. Students will build skills step by step in a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages them to explore their creative style and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something uniquely their own.

October 1 - November 5
Thursdays | 12:30 - 2:30 PM
150 Members | $187.50 Non-members

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Improv

In Improv class, students will learn how to create comedic improvisational scenes with their classmates as they harness and expand the power of their imagination and creativity. The curriculum focuses on interactive, collaborative play as well as heightened listening skills. Each class consists of improv warm-ups, exercises, games, and scene work. Beginners and veteran improvisers are both welcome! All will learn something new.

October 1 - November 19
Thursdays | 12:30 - 2:30 PM
$170 Members | $200 Non-members

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Painting: Watercolors

Join local artist Jane Brewster to create original watercolor paintings with watercolor medium. Jane will guide you through a four step process, demonstrating each step with visual examples. Please wear an old shirt or an apron that you don’t mind getting paint on. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this course offers a fun, encouraging space to explore watercolor and build confidence in your painting practice.

October 13 - December 1
Tuesdays | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
$190 Members | $237.50 Non-members

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Writing as Resistance: Journaling on the Journey

We are all overwhelmed by the constant news from around the country and around the world. The writer Ursula K. Le Guin said, "Resistance and change often begin in art, and very often in our art, the art of words.”  Creativity can restore our spirit. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a writer, you can journal. Journaling helps you process thoughts and feelings. Journaling can help you see into your very soul. Join writer Harriet Riley for a two-hour workshop on writing as resistance.

Monday, November 2 | 12:30 - 2:30 PM
$40 Members | $50 Non-members 

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EVENTS

Parenting While Stressed

Stressed? If you're feeling it, chances are your child is feeling it too. You know the signs; when your mind starts racing and your heartbeat starts racing, your tendency is to get louder and faster. But what you and your body and your child need is for things to slow down and start making sense.

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Download the New Orleans JCC App

Members can now access Online Member Services on mobile devices by downloading the New Orleans JCC app in the App Store or Google Play.

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