Yorklyn Center Brings Out Your Inner Artist
Published Apr 16, 2005
Classes in mask making are among the many offerings of the Center for the Creative Arts in Yorklyn. It was founded in 1979.
New Castle County has a creative outlet for just about any kind of talent: the Center for the Creative Arts in Yorklyn, which offers classes in everything from painting and mask making to dance, music and theater.
“We have classes for every age range – seniors, kids and adults,” says Catherine Coin, director of marketing and development for the Center for the Creative Arts.
And if the center doesn’t have what you’re looking for, just ask for it. “We’re always looking for new opportunities in class offerings, and we’re open to suggestions,” Coin says.
Even people who love art but don’t have a specific area of interest can find a class to satisfy their tastes. The center offers an exploratory art class that allows students to experiment in sketching, painting and sculpting to discover what artistic techniques spark their interests.
Quilting, papermaking, clay art, photography and writing are more popular classes.
The center got its start in 1979 with a group of local weavers. “They were looking for a place to pursue the arts,” Coin says. “They moved into our current facility in 1981, and we have grown into a full-service arts center.”
In addition to regular classes, the Center for the Creative Arts hosts a 10-week camp – Summer Arts to Grow On – each year. “Children get to choose their own courses out of all the art forms we offer,” Coin says, “and they can come for one week or the full 10.”
Some people who attended the camp as children are now instructors at the arts center. “Some (instructors) have been here for 25 years,” she says.
Teens and young adults can volunteer at the center as summer interns and earn community service and volunteer hours.
The Center for the Creative Arts will celebrate its 25th birthday as a full-service arts facility in 2006. “We’re planning a black-tie and blue-jeans event, which will be a lot of fun and something different,” Coin says.
The center has come a long way since its inception – today it has more than 800 members.
Membership is not required to take classes, though members do receive special pricing and invitations to attend exclusive events. Members also can participate in the center’s annual local and regional art shows.
The center is housed in a renovated 1930s school, and Coin says the building itself seems to inspire artistic expression. “It’s wonderful to walk down the hallway and sense all the creativity here.”
Story by Jessica Mozo
Photo by Stephen Cherry
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