Activities and Registration

Preschool/Children’s - Workshops

Holiday Houses

Let's gather to welcome the holidays! Listen to a story with festive holiday music and make your very own gingerbread house to fit your favorite holiday traditions! Happiness and laughter optional! Pre-registration required. Materials included.

• Fee: $9.50/resident and $12/non-resident
• Ages: 5-7Y
• Dates/Time: Saturday, November 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Register Here: 2110257

Art Classes - Pre-School / Young Child

Creative Art for Young Kids

Youth Art Classes with the American Academy of Fine Arts. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CONTACT: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS: http://aafawa.com/art-classes-at-northwest-arts-center/, e-mail yanz@aafa.info

• Fee: $240
• Age: 4-6 years
• Dates/Time: Wednesdays, November 3 to December 15, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. (no class 11/24) 

After-school Arts Classes – Youth

Cartooning and Drawing With Mr. Brad

Drawing and cartooning skills unleash a child’s creativity. Fledgling cartoonists will learn the basics of expression drawing, line quality, constructing from imagination and exaggerating from life,, while exploring moods and animating actors. Materials provided.

Instructor:  Brad Niemeyer

• Fee: $90 resident and $108/non-resident
• Ages: 6-10
• Dates/Time: Tuesdays, November 2 to December 14, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (6 classes)
• Register Here: 2198882

Creative Kids – Wednesday Early Release

Enhance your child’s creativity with a variety of arts and crafts, drawing, painting, and outdoor play to get them moving. Activities take place in both indoor and outdoor settings.  

• Fee: $210/resident and $252/non-resident (7 classes)
• Grades: 2nd-5th’
• Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Nov 3 to Dec 15, 12:30 to 3 p.m.   
• Register Here: 2110032

Funtastic Art Mission!

Artists will boost the fun into orbit with this rocket powered art mission. We will mix and match different art media including, but not limited to pencil, charcoal, watercolor acrylics, pastel, markers, collage and ink. We will paint on paper, cardboard and canvas. The art could go 3-dimensional with pop-ups, cut-outs and layers. We will test and grow young design skills, drawing skills and assembly skills. This will be a creator space where the traditional art rules are bent and broken. Bring all your creativity! Materials included. Brad Niemeyer, Instructor.

• Fee: $75 resident and $90/non-resident
• Ages: 6-10Y
• Dates/Time: Thursday, November 4 to December 16, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (5 classes, no class 11/11 & 11/25)
• Register Here: 21098862

Watercolor Painting

This class introduces classic watercolor techniques and builds slowly from the simple to the more complex. Topics include use of value, control of the medium, color mixing, and composition. Demonstrations are part of the class, but painting from still life and photographs is emphasized. Experienced students will focus on assignments to improve color handling, composition, and specific painting challenges. This class offered by the American Academy of Fine Arts. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CONTACT: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS: http://aafawa.com/art-classes-at-northwest-arts-center/, e-mail yanz@aafa.info

• Fee: $ 240 + Material fee $25 
• Grade: K-8
• Dates/Time: Wednesdays, November to December 15, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (no class 11/24)

Drawing

What will your kids discover when they explore drawing? With this class, your kiddos can take their curiosity and creativity even further, exploring how to draw with step-by-step drawing for kids and sketching tutorials. Whether you’re looking for easy drawing ideas for kids, or you want to help your little ones learn to draw their favorite animals and characters, we will help them reach their goals. As your youngsters learn to draw, they’ll find opportunities to stretch their creativity with various tools like pencils, chalks and ink. This class offered by the American Academy of Fine Arts. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CONTACT: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS: http://aafawa.com/art-classes-at-northwest-arts-center/, e-mail yanz@aafa.info

• Fee: $ 240 + Material fee $15 
• Grade: K-8
• Dates/Time: Thursdays, November 4 to December 16, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. (no class 11/11, 11/25)

Ceramic Classes – Youth

Clay Figurine

The course will take you through the entire process of sculpting a figurine to a very high finish, with an emphasis on getting the anatomical structure correct at the beginning. This is key to achieving a likeness. We will show you how to train your eye to see objectively, so you can learn to trust your own judgment. This class offered by the American Academy of Fine Arts. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CONTACT: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS: http://aafawa.com/art-classes-at-northwest-arts-center/, e-mail yanz@aafa.info

• Fee: $240 + Material fee $40
• Grade: K-8
• Dates/Time: Tuesdays, November 2 to December 14, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. (no class 11/23)

• Fee: $ 240 + Material fee $40        
• Grade: K-8
• Dates/Time: Wednesdays, November 3 to December 15, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. (no class 11/24)

Children’s Pottery Studio

An introduction to pottery which includes hand and wheel building, sculpting, coil construction, glazing and more. All materials included.

• Fee: $135/resident and $162/non-resident
• Ages: 7-11Y
• Dates/Time: Saturdays, November 6 to December 18, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ( 6 classes no class 11/27)
• Register Here: 2110152

Youth Enrichment

Chess Wizards

Chess Wizards is a premier chess education company providing fun, informative and challenging chess lessons to students. Chess Wizards teaches children many important life concepts, such as learning the ability to win graciously and accept defeat with dignity and sportsmanship. Students will be divided into groups according to their chess experience. At the end of this session, each student will have had the chance to participate in a mini-chess tournament.

• Fee: $135 resident and $162/non-resident
• Ages: 6-12Y
• Dates/Time: Thursday, November 4 to December 16, 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. (5 classes, no class 11/11, 11/25)
• Register Here: 21099312

Dance – Youth

Emerald Ballet Theater: Pre-Ballet 1

A joyful introduction to movement.  Basic dance technique is inspired by beautiful music, literature, and art in a developmentally appropriate way.  Flexibility, coordination, strength, and creativity develop in the young dancer. Instructor: Emerald Ballet Theater.

• Fee: $120/resident and $144/non-resident
• Ages: 3 to 5 Y
• Dates/Time: Tuesdays, November 2 to December 14, 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. (6 classes, no class 11/23)
• Register Here: 2110062

City Opera Ballet: Pre-Ballet

Learn basic Ballet and tap movements and memorizing routines. Includes French for Young Dancers.

Instructor: City Opera Ballet

• Fee: $47 (R) and $57 (N)
• Ages: 3-4Y
• Dates/Time: Thursdays, November 4-December 16, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. (5 classes, no class 11/11 & 11/25)
• Register Here: 2110152

City Opera Ballet: Youth Ballet

Learning basic ballet movements at barre, center and across the floor. Pronouncing vocabulary and memorizing routines. Instructor: City Opera Ballet.

• Fee: $143/resident and $172/non-resident
• Ages: 8 to 10 Y
• Dates/Time: Saturdays, November 6 to December 18, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. (6 classes no class 11/27)
• Register Here: 2110092

City Opera Ballet: Story Ballet

Introductory ballet class with story time from classical ballets, dance games and performance practice.  Includes French for Young Dancers. Ballet Bellevue Instructor.

• Fee: $95/resident and $114/non-resident
• Ages: 5 to 7Y
• Dates/Time: Saturdays, November 6 to December 18, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (6 classes no class 11/27)
• Register Here: 2110102

Art Classes

Watercolor Painting

This class introduces classic watercolor techniques and builds slowly from the simple to the more complex. Topics include use of value, control of the medium, color mixing and composition. Demonstrations are part of the class but painting from still life and photographs is emphasized. Experienced students will focus on assignments to improve color handling, composition, and specific painting challenges. This class offered by the American Academy of Fine Arts. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CONTACT: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS: http://aafawa.com/art-classes-at-northwest-arts-center/, e-mail yanz@aafa.info

• Fee: $210      
• Ages: 16+
• Dates/Time: Tuesdays, November 2 to December 14, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (no class 11/23)

Cartoon Express for Grownups

De-stress from your workday with cartooning! Constructing from the imagination and exaggerating from life, while exploring moods and animating actions. Materials provided. Brad Niemeyer, Instructor.

• Ages: 16+
• Dates/Time: Tuesdays, November 2 to December 14, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.
• Register Here: 21010202

Body & Mind Classes

Mindful Movement - Tai Chi Exercise

Guided movement based on Chi Kung and soft style martial arts. Flowing movements encourage proper posture for effective stretching, combined with easy strengthening exercise. Feel an immediate sense of refreshed focus and relaxation. Tai Chi Short Form (Mindful Movement Advanced) class following the Wednesday class from 11:10 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.. Instructor permission required to register for the Advanced class. Please call/text the instructor Sabrina Mix at 206-498-5801 for more information or visit her website at www.mindfularts.us

• Dates/Time: Wednesdays, November 3 to December 15, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Fees: $60/resident and $72/non-resident (6 weeks, no class 11/10)
• Register Here: 21100621

Tai Chi Form - Mindful Movement Advanced

This class is by instructor permission only and follows the Mindful Movement Tai Chi Exercise class held on Wednesdays from 10-11a.m. The class focus is on smooth movement, balance, breath, and proper stances as you learn and do the Yang Family Style Short Form, Chi Kung forms, and meditation techniques. Please call/text the instructor Sabrina Mix at 206-498-5801 for more information or visit her website at www.mindfularts.us

• Dates/Time: Wednesdays, November 3 to December 15, 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.
• Fees: $30/resident and $35/non-resident (6 weeks, no class 11/10)
• Register Here: 21100621

Yoga                                                                                   

Increase your strength and flexibility through this gentle Hatha Yoga class. During class you practice balancing poses, deep stretching, and gain a calm mind and body through breath work. This class uses props such as blocks and straps to work on proper alignment and to help make poses accessible to all levels of experience. Please bring water, a yoga mat and other props as needed. Wear comfortable clothing.  Instructor:  Julie

• Dates/Time: Mondays, November 1 to December 13, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Fees: $90/resident and $108/non-resident (6 weeks, no class 11/22)
• Register Here:  2110083

• Dates/Time: Wednesdays, November 3 to December 15, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Fees: $90/resident and $108/non-resident (6 weeks, no class 11/24)
• Register Here: 2110084

Yoga Level 1

This in-person class is for beginners who want a strong, safe foundation in alignment yoga. You will learn body awareness and develop flexibility, balance and strength, plus be given tips for creating your own personalized yoga practice! Students with injuries or health conditions will learn modifications to practice safely. The class joyfully integrates other aspects of a well-rounded practice, such as breathing, meditation and health and nutrition tips. Pre-registration required prior to class start date. Lynne Aebi, Instructor.

• Fee: $78/resident and $94/non-resident (6 classes)
• Fee:  $65/resident and $78/non-resident (5 classes)
• Ages: 16+
• Dates/Time: Tuesdays, November 2 to December 14, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (No class 11/23)
• Register Here: 21099432

Yoga Level 1

This fun, gentle class adapts yoga postures so that they are done primarily seated in a chair.  It makes yoga accessible to people who cannot stand, have difficulty moving from the floor to standing or who want a practice they can do from a chair during their workday!  This class will benefit your spine, shoulders, and hips and builds strength as well as flexibility.  More mobile students will be given options to include some standing postures.  This class is appropriate for all levels and for beginners who want a strong, safe foundation in alignment Yoga. You will learn body awareness, develop flexibility, balance and strength plus be given tips for creating your own personalized yoga practice! Students with injuries or health conditions will learn modifications to practice safely. The class joyfully integrates other aspects of a well-rounded practice, such as breathing, meditation and health and nutrition tips. Pre-registration required prior to class start date. Lynne Aebi, Instructor.

• Dates/Time: Thursdays, November 4 to December 16, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. (5 Classes, no class 11/11, 11/25)
• Register Here: 21099442

Many additional virtual programs are now available through the Bellevue Parks & Community Services Department at: Bellevue At Home.

As we all stay well and stay home, we thought you would enjoy some video interaction with some of our teaching staff. Learning, keeping connected, and staying active will help us all stay stronger and together during this historical time.  A special thank you to our wonderful teachers who have worked hard to create these videos for you to enjoy!  I know they miss their students and hope to get back to sharing their talents with you soon!  If you have questions or certain video learning you would like to see offered, please email us at nwac@bellevuewa.gov.  Hope to see you all back at the Northwest Arts Center soon! 

• Art at Home – Drawing the Amabie 
• Mindful Movement-Tai chi exercise – Free online class 
  Mindful Movement – Tai Chi Exercise is a popular adult class offered by Bellevue Parks at the Downtown Bellevue Main Club. At this time while our classes are suspended, you can watch and follow along with this free instructional video made by the instructor, Sabrina Mix.  Sabrina has over 20 years of experience in martial arts.  Visit her Mindful Arts & Fitness web site for additional videos and information. 

ON HOLD - Please check back when we are able to offer Birthday Parties in a future phase of re-opening. 

Let us take care of the details so you can enjoy a stress-free party! Our parties provide an hour of fun-filled activity and an hour in our party room. We provide the friendly and enthusiastic party staff, ample space for your gathering, and a special party gift for the birthday child.

You bring the cake, decorations and the birthday guests. Maximum number varies, depending on facility size and instructor availability.

Value Parties - $180.00
10 kids/$15 for each additional child

• Playzone Party - Indoor playground/games
  • Ages: 2 to 5 years old 
  • Location:  NWAC 
• Themed parties - Superhero, fairy princess, dinosaur, etc.
  • Ages: 2 to 8 years old 
  • Locations:  NWAC and Robinswood Barn 
• Art Party - create and take home age-appropriate, fun art pieces 
  • Ages:  3 years to adult 
  • Locations:  NWAC and Robinswood Barn 

Specialty Party Packages - $210
10 kids/$15 for each additional child

• Tae Kwon Do Party - enjoy an active learning experience in a fun-focused environment. 
  • Ages:  5 to 9 years old 
  • Location:  NWAC 
• Junior Chef Party - create a birthday treat and decorate an apron to take home.
  • Ages: 5 to 12 years old 
  • Locations:  NWAC and Robinswood Barn

Pottery Party - $230 
Ages:  6 years to adult, 10 guest limit

• Guests make a small bowl, vase or other item that they can cherish or give to someone.
• Items will be glazed and fired at NWAC; party host will return to NWAC to pick up pieces and distribute to guests. 
• Location:  NWAC

Call our Party Coordinator at 425-452-4106 to arrange your event! Parties take place at Northwest Arts Center and Robinswood Barn. Bellevue resident rates are listed above; non-resident rates are an additional twenty percent.  Please note:  Helium balloons are NOT allowed at NWAC. 

Northwest Arts Center 
9825 NE 24th St 
Bellevue WA 98004 

Robinswood Barn 
2432 148th Avenue SE 
Bellevue WA 98007 

In the event of inclement weather,the Parks & Community Services Department will make every effort to clearly communicate the status of facilities and programs, scheduled special events and rentals. Administration will make an operational decision based upon the safety of participants and employees, and the ability to appropriately staff programs and facilities.

NOTICE: If the Bellevue School District is closed due to inclement weather, all Parks classes and programs are cancelled. However, select facilities may be open for drop-in activities at a modified level. Please call the facility or program area for additional information and weekend program information.