Upcoming Events
Opportunities to Connect, Create, and Collaborate
Pocket to Picture: Cell Phone Photography
Ready to take better photos with your phone? This hands-on workshop will show you how to make the most of your camera settings, from focus and exposure to HDR and portrait mode, while introducing simple composition techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and creative framing.
We’ll also explore how lighting, perspective, and depth can turn everyday moments into striking images. No photography experience is needed, and all participants will receive a pocket-sized field guide to take with them for ongoing inspiration and tips. Whether you're shooting your surroundings or snapping portraits, you'll leave with practical tools to help your photos truly wow. Additionally, participants will be invited to submit images from this workshop to be included in a future exhibition at the Meadville Public Library.
The class will meet at the Ernest Trail Head, Beans Trailhead, on Tuesday, June 17th at 6:30 PM.
This workshop is led by Heather Brand, a local photographer and educator based in Meadville, PA. Heather is an associate professor of photography and digital art at Allegheny College and loves using the camera to explore the mix of natural and human-made spaces, think botanical gardens, museum displays, and everything in between. Whether she’s working with film or her phone, she’s always on the lookout for good light, interesting details, and new ways of seeing the world.
Crafternoons: Eraser Stamp Sketchbooks
A fun introduction to block printing for tweens and teens!
This is a perfect intro to the world of block printing — fun, relaxing, and accessible! During the class, we will carve stamps from pink erasers and mix and match to decorate a sketchbook cover.
We’ll walk step-by-step through the process of:
Sketching simple designs (no drawing experience needed!)
Transferring your image to an eraser
Safely carving with a linocut tool
Inking and printing your stamp onto paper
About the Artist
Emily Cicora is an illustrator and teaching artist at the Learning Center K-8 School in Meadville.
Workshop Details
Wednesday, June 17, 2025
Learning Center K-8 School, 275 Terrace St Ext., Meadville PA 16335
Open to ages 10-15
Workshop fee: $25
June Crafty Hour
Join us for our February Crafty Hour! Bring a project to work on (or just come to hang out!), grab a drink, and spend an afternoon in the company of other creatives.
Nature Illustrations in Gouache
Create a Nature Illustration!
Gouache is an opaque, water-based paint that has a matte finish. It is often used for illustrations due to its versatility, making it a great option for those who love the blending techniques of watercolors plus the layering capabilities of acrylics.
Join Brooke Brace to create and explore nature illustrations in gouache. You may bring a photo for reference or take inspiration from the beautiful setting of the Learning Center's Outdoor Classroom.
About the Artist
Born and raised in northwestern Pennsylvania, Brooke has always been invested and passionate about her artwork. Known for her colorful palette choices, Brooke specializes in Gouache and Acrylic paintings with an emphasis in animals, nature, and simple life settings. Taking inspiration from her personal life, Brooke loves to tell a story in all of her artwork.
Workshop Details
This three-hour workshop is for beginners and intermediate participants alike.
The cost is $35 per participant and covers all materials.
This workshop is limited to participants ages 12 and up. Participation will be limited to 20 attendees.
Urban Sketching
Explore the world of Urban Sketching!
This three-hour workshop will introduce the basics of urban sketching- exploring perspective, composition, and structure.
Participants will be led through the process of creating their own fully colored illustration.
All participants should bring a reference photo of a favorite building, house, or structure!
About the Instructor
Cruz Dragosavac is a graphic designer and illustrator. His collection of urban sketching from the Meadville area can be seen in his newly released book, Sketching.
Details
Open to Ages 16+, Limited to 12 participants
Tuesday, June 24, 5:30-8:30pm
FCAC Studio, 122 Cussewago St. Meadville, PA
Workshop Fee: $35
June Cookbook Club
June’s theme is Pop Culture Provisions: Bring a dish inspired by a tv show, movie, or video game!
Join the French Creek Arts Collective for their monthly cookbook club! Here's how it works: borrow a cookbook from the library, choose a recipe to try at home, then bring the dish and the cookbook to our potluck gathering. This is a great opportunity to try new foods, find new inspiration, and meet other cooking enthusiasts! Please bring dishes and flatware for yourself and your guests to reduce waste! No RSVP required.
Intro to Zines
Create and publish your own zine!
This two-hour workshop will introduce several types of zines and demonstrate how to create, bind, and edition them. Participants will have the opportunity to create and edition a one-page zine and bind a larger zine that can be used as a template, sketchbook, or notebook. One-page zines will be drawn or collaged during the workshop. Participants can bring their own collage materials if they like.
About the Artists
Jet Black Press is a collaboration between Lauren Lowery and Doug Eberhardt. They have been creating prints, zines, and other works together for over a decade.
Workshop Details
Sunday, June 29, 2025
FCAC Studio, 122 Cussewago Square, Meadville PA
Open to ages 10+, (10-13 should be accompanied by an adult)
Workshop fee: $25
Urban Sketching, On Location! w/ Cruz Dragosavac
Explore the world of Urban Sketching!
This three-hour, on-location workshop will introduce the basics of urban sketching- exploring perspective, composition, and structure while admiring historic architecture of downtown Meadville!
Participants will be led through the process of creating their own fully colored illustration using pencils, ink markers, and fineliner pens.
About the Instructor
Cruz Dragosavac is a graphic designer and illustrator. His collection of urban sketching from the Meadville area can be seen in his newly released book, Sketching.
Details
Open to Ages 16+, Limited to 12 participants
Tuesday, July 15, 5:30-8:30pm
Market House Patio, Meadville, PA
Workshop Fee: $25 (members)/ $35 (nonmembers)
Register here.
July Crafty Hour
Join us for our February Crafty Hour! Bring a project to work on (or just come to hang out!), grab a drink, and spend an afternoon in the company of other creatives.
July Cookbook Club
July’s theme is Celebrity Chef Concoctions- bring a recipe from a cookbook by a celebrity chef.
Join the French Creek Arts Collective for their monthly cookbook club! Here's how it works: borrow a cookbook from the library, choose a recipe to try at home, then bring the dish and the cookbook to our potluck gathering. This is a great opportunity to try new foods, find new inspiration, and meet other cooking enthusiasts! Please bring dishes and flatware for yourself and your guests to reduce waste! No RSVP required.
August Crafty Hour
Join us for our February Crafty Hour! Bring a project to work on (or just come to hang out!), grab a drink, and spend an afternoon in the company of other creatives.
August Cookbook Club
August’s theme is TBD.
Join the French Creek Arts Collective for their monthly cookbook club! Here's how it works: borrow a cookbook from the library, choose a recipe to try at home, then bring the dish and the cookbook to our potluck gathering. This is a great opportunity to try new foods, find new inspiration, and meet other cooking enthusiasts! Please bring dishes and flatware for yourself and your guests to reduce waste! No RSVP required.
September Crafty Hour
Join us for our February Crafty Hour! Bring a project to work on (or just come to hang out!), grab a drink, and spend an afternoon in the company of other creatives.
September Cookbook Club
September’s theme is TBD.
Join the French Creek Arts Collective for their monthly cookbook club! Here's how it works: borrow a cookbook from the library, choose a recipe to try at home, then bring the dish and the cookbook to our potluck gathering. This is a great opportunity to try new foods, find new inspiration, and meet other cooking enthusiasts! Please bring dishes and flatware for yourself and your guests to reduce waste! No RSVP required.
October Crafty Hour
Join us for our February Crafty Hour! Bring a project to work on (or just come to hang out!), grab a drink, and spend an afternoon in the company of other creatives.
October Cookbook Club
October’s theme is TBD.
Join the French Creek Arts Collective for their monthly cookbook club! Here's how it works: borrow a cookbook from the library, choose a recipe to try at home, then bring the dish and the cookbook to our potluck gathering. This is a great opportunity to try new foods, find new inspiration, and meet other cooking enthusiasts! Please bring dishes and flatware for yourself and your guests to reduce waste! No RSVP required.
November Crafty Hour
Join us for our February Crafty Hour! Bring a project to work on (or just come to hang out!), grab a drink, and spend an afternoon in the company of other creatives.
November Cookbook Club
November’s theme is TBD.
Join the French Creek Arts Collective for their monthly cookbook club! Here's how it works: borrow a cookbook from the library, choose a recipe to try at home, then bring the dish and the cookbook to our potluck gathering. This is a great opportunity to try new foods, find new inspiration, and meet other cooking enthusiasts! Please bring dishes and flatware for yourself and your guests to reduce waste! No RSVP required.
December Cookbook Club
December’s theme is TBD.
Join the French Creek Arts Collective for their monthly cookbook club! Here's how it works: borrow a cookbook from the library, choose a recipe to try at home, then bring the dish and the cookbook to our potluck gathering. This is a great opportunity to try new foods, find new inspiration, and meet other cooking enthusiasts! Please bring dishes and flatware for yourself and your guests to reduce waste! No RSVP required.
December Crafty Hour
Join us for our February Crafty Hour! Bring a project to work on (or just come to hang out!), grab a drink, and spend an afternoon in the company of other creatives.
June First Friday: Art Walk
Join us during the First Friday: Art Walk this Friday evening at the Trust Building to create your own custom color to add to our exhibit to help kick off the Meadville Public Library’s summer reading program- Color your World! Starting around 8, we’ll also have karaoke with 50 Miles to Empty. You can also stop by Meadville Distilling’s Vault Lounge for a drink off their new seasonal menu!
May Cookbook Club
May’s theme is TBD.
Join the French Creek Arts Collective for their monthly cookbook club! Here's how it works: borrow a cookbook from the library, choose a recipe to try at home, then bring the dish and the cookbook to our potluck gathering. This is a great opportunity to try new foods, find new inspiration, and meet other cooking enthusiasts! Please bring dishes and flatware for yourself and your guests to reduce waste! No RSVP required.
Sip 'n Stab - 2D Landscape
$35.00
Sunday, May 25, 2025
2pm - 4pm
Hatch Hollow, 941 Market St. Meadville, PA
Needle felting is a craft that uses a barbed needle to create shapes and designs out of wool.
Join artist Katie Wickert for a drink and some fun as she guides you through making your very own 2D wool scene!
This two hour workshop is for beginners and intermediate participants alike.
All materials are provided!
Art Lab: Nature Art! Week 4
Participants in our Art Lab: Nature Art class will experiment with a variety of media and techniques while completing projects that incorporate natural materials. Art Lab is open to ages 6-12.
This session takes place on Tuesdays, April 29-May 20 from 3:30-4:30.
Art Lab is held at the Learning Center K-8 School (275 Terrace St. Ext Meadville, PA).
$70/ 6 wk session (Community)
$60/ 6 wk session (LCk8 Families/ FCAC Members)
The registration form can be found here.
May Crafty Hour
Join us for our May Crafty Hour! Bring a project to work on (or just come to hang out!), grab a drink, and spend an afternoon in the company of other creatives.
Red Eye Theater Festival - Informational Meeting
Join us for a happy hour cocktail at Cussewago Creek Distillery from 6-7pm and learn all about our upcoming Red Eye Theatre Festival, how it works, and how easy it is to participate! This event is open to participants 18 years old and up.
Questions? Email frenchcreekartscollective@gmail.com
Art Lab: Nature Art! Week 3
Participants in our Art Lab: Nature Art class will experiment with a variety of media and techniques while completing projects that incorporate natural materials. Art Lab is open to ages 6-12.
This session takes place on Tuesdays, April 29-May 20 from 3:30-4:30.
Art Lab is held at the Learning Center K-8 School (275 Terrace St. Ext Meadville, PA).
$70/ 6 wk session (Community)
$60/ 6 wk session (LCk8 Families/ FCAC Members)
The registration form can be found here.
Art Lab: Nature Art! Week 2
Participants in our Art Lab: Nature Art class will experiment with a variety of media and techniques while completing projects that incorporate natural materials. Art Lab is open to ages 6-12.
This session takes place on Tuesdays, April 29-May 20 from 3:30-4:30.
Art Lab is held at the Learning Center K-8 School (275 Terrace St. Ext Meadville, PA).
$70/ 6 wk session (Community)
$60/ 6 wk session (LCk8 Families/ FCAC Members)
The registration form can be found here.
Art Lab: Nature Art! Week 1
Participants in our Art Lab: Nature Art class will experiment with a variety of media and techniques while completing projects that incorporate natural materials. Art Lab is open to ages 6-12.
This session takes place on Tuesdays, April 29-May 20 from 3:30-4:30.
Art Lab is held at the Learning Center K-8 School (275 Terrace St. Ext Meadville, PA).
$70/ 6 wk session (Community)
$60/ 6 wk session (LCk8 Families/ FCAC Members)
The registration form can be found here.
April Cookbook Club
April’s theme is TBD.
Join the French Creek Arts Collective for their monthly cookbook club! Here's how it works: borrow a cookbook from the library, choose a recipe to try at home, then bring the dish and the cookbook to our potluck gathering. This is a great opportunity to try new foods, find new inspiration, and meet other cooking enthusiasts! Please bring dishes and flatware for yourself and your guests to reduce waste! No RSVP required.
April Crafty Hour
Join us for our February Crafty Hour! Bring a project to work on (or just come to hang out!), grab a drink, and spend an afternoon in the company of other creatives.
Art Lab: Make It Big! Week 6
Participants will experiment with a variety of media and techniques in a series of large-scale guided projects and excercises with LCK8 teaching artist/FCAC Founder, Emily Cicora.
Art Lab will be held at The Learning Center K-8 School at 275 Terrace Street Extension, Meadville, PA 16335.
All materials will be provided.
Space is limited to 12 participants.
This workshop is full. Please consider follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on future Art Lab series.
Art Lab: Make It Big! Week 5
Participants will experiment with a variety of media and techniques in a series of large-scale guided projects and excercises with LCK8 teaching artist/FCAC Founder, Emily Cicora.
Art Lab will be held at The Learning Center K-8 School at 275 Terrace Street Extension, Meadville, PA 16335.
All materials will be provided.
Space is limited to 12 participants.
This workshop is full. Please consider follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on future Art Lab series.
March Cookbook Club
March’s theme is TBD.
Join the French Creek Arts Collective for their monthly cookbook club! Here's how it works: borrow a cookbook from the library, choose a recipe to try at home, then bring the dish and the cookbook to our potluck gathering. This is a great opportunity to try new foods, find new inspiration, and meet other cooking enthusiasts! Please bring dishes and flatware for yourself and your guests to reduce waste! No RSVP required.
Art Lab: Make It Big! Week 4
Participants will experiment with a variety of media and techniques in a series of large-scale guided projects and excercises with LCK8 teaching artist/FCAC Founder, Emily Cicora.
Art Lab will be held at The Learning Center K-8 School at 275 Terrace Street Extension, Meadville, PA 16335.
All materials will be provided.
Space is limited to 12 participants.
This workshop is full. Please consider follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on future Art Lab series.
Gouache Illustration Workshop
Time: Sunday, March 23, 2024 - 1pm - 4pm
Place: Hatch Hollow, 945 Market St, Meadville, PA
Duration: 3 Hours
Cost: $35
Gouache is an opaque, water-based paint that has a matte finish. It is often used for illustrations due to its versatility, making it a great option for those who love the blending techniques of watercolors plus the layering capabilities of acrylics.
Join Brooke Brace to create a detailed Gouache Illustration in your own style. You may bring a photo for reference, use examples provided, or freehand your painting.
This three hour workshop is for beginners and intermediate participants alike.
The cost is $35 per participant and can be paid via PayPal or in cash at the event.
This workshop is limited to participants ages 12 and up. Participation will be limited to 20 attendees.
*POSTPONED - Red Eye Theater Project
This event has been postponed. New date is TBD.
About the Red Eye Theater Project
Join us in the Trust Building as we kick off Meadville’s first 24-hour theater festival. Beginning at 8 pm on the initial day of this project, participants will have until 8am (12 hours) to write a brand new script for a skit. After the first 12 hours of work, rehearsals will start. At 8pm (24 hours into the project), the performance begins, and our audience witnesses the debut of the original skits our participants have created over the last 24 hours.
Groups of up to 6 people are welcome to sign up. You may divide your group any way that you'd like between writers, actors, and directors.
Art Lab: Make It Big! Week 3
Participants will experiment with a variety of media and techniques in a series of large-scale guided projects and excercises with LCK8 teaching artist/FCAC Founder, Emily Cicora.
Art Lab will be held at The Learning Center K-8 School at 275 Terrace Street Extension, Meadville, PA 16335.
All materials will be provided.
Space is limited to 12 participants.
This workshop is full. Please consider follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on future Art Lab series.
March Crafty Hour
Join us for our February Crafty Hour! Bring a project to work on (or just come to hang out!), grab a drink, and spend an afternoon in the company of other creatives.
Art Lab: Make It Big! Week 2
Participants will experiment with a variety of media and techniques in a series of large-scale guided projects and excercises with LCK8 teaching artist/FCAC Founder, Emily Cicora.
Art Lab will be held at The Learning Center K-8 School at 275 Terrace Street Extension, Meadville, PA 16335.
All materials will be provided.
Space is limited to 12 participants.
This workshop is full. Please consider follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on future Art Lab series.
Sip n' Stab!
Time: Sunday, March 9, 2024 - 1:30pm - 4pm
Place: Hatch Hollow, 945 Market St, Meadville, PA
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Cost: $35
Needle felting is a craft that uses a barbed needle to create shapes and designs out of wool.
Join artist Katie Wickert for a drink and some fun as she guides you through making your very own 3D wool mushroom terrarium.
This two and a half hour workshop is for beginners and intermediate participants alike.
The cost is $35 per participant and can be paid via PayPal or in cash at the event.
This workshop is limited to participants ages 18 and up. Participation will be limited to 20 attendees.
French Creek Arts Collective Launch Party & Organizational Meeting
You're Invited! 🎨✨ Join us for the French Creek Arts Collective Launch Party & Organizational Meeting on Saturday, March 8th at 1:00 PM at Cussewago Square. Celebrate our official launch, connect with fellow creatives, elect our board, and become member of the collective!
All are welcome to attend this free event.
Experience Meadville's First Friday Go Green! Golf Scramble
⛳ Putt your way through Downtown Meadville and experience the most unique mini-golf adventure of the year!
Experience Meadville (with generous support from Nick's Place) is holding the Go Green! Golf Scramble on March 7 from 5-8pm.
This is no ordinary putt putt course - participating businesses and community partners have crafted their own putting greens from cardboard and other recycled materials!
A map of the putting stations will be provided on your scorecard, which you’ll pick up when you check in at the Crawford Trust Building.
Bring your A-game and let’s see who can conquer the course! Each golfer gets 3 putts at each location. ️
️Turn in your completed scorecard with your vote for your favorite hole. The winning business will win the Go Green! trophy and bragging rights until next year! We'll draw one card to win a 4 pack of golf passes from Nick's Place!
️This event is free and open to all ages! No golf experience or equipment are required to attend.
Art Lab: Make It Big! Week 1
Participants will experiment with a variety of media and techniques in a series of large-scale guided projects and excercises with LCK8 teaching artist/FCAC Founder, Emily Cicora.
Art Lab will be held at The Learning Center K-8 School at 275 Terrace Street Extension, Meadville, PA 16335.
All materials will be provided.
Space is limited to 12 participants.
This workshop is full. Please consider follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on future Art Lab series.
Poetic Evenings at Hatch Hollow
Join in with the French Creek Arts Collective for a time for sharing of your own poetry, written word, original music or anything you love. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO BRING YOUR OWN ART. We will meet at Hatch Hollow 945 Market St, Meadville.
February Cookbook Club
February’s theme is Odd Couple. Bring a dish that combines an unusual pairing.
Join the French Creek Arts Collective for their monthly cookbook club! Here's how it works: borrow a cookbook from the library, choose a recipe to try at home, then bring the dish and the cookbook to our potluck gathering. This is a great opportunity to try new foods, find new inspiration, and meet other cooking enthusiasts! Please bring dishes and flatware for yourself and your guests to reduce waste! No RSVP required.
RESCHEDULED Reduction Linocut Print Workshop
Reduction linocut is a method of block printmaking using the same linoleum block to print multiple colors in an image. The artist carves away or “reduces” portions of a printing block, printing at intervals, one color at a time.
Join Ashley R Cloud to design, carve, print, and re-carve a linoleum block to achieve a finished set of prints.
This three-hour workshop is for beginners and intermediate participants alike will be held at the new Hatch Hollow location at 945 Market St, Meadville, PA 16335.
This workshop is limited to participants ages 18 and up. Participation will be limited to 20 attendees.
February Crafty Hour
Join us for our February Crafty Hour! Bring a project to work on (or just come to hang out!), grab a drink, and spend an afternoon in the company of other creatives.
Experience Meadville's First Friday: Sweets & Treats Walk
Join Experience Meadville and our many downtown businesses as we kick off our 2025 season of downtown events with our tasty Sweets and Treats Walk. Stay tuned to this event for more details on what to expect.