The Northwest Arts Center is known for its quality and unique programs for children, youth, teens and adults. We offer a wide range of programs including crafts, visual arts, dance and enrichment as well as adult fitness classes.
Northwest Arts Center January - March Programs
Northwest Arts Center is offering a variety of art and fitness programs in January through March 2023! Join us to learn new skills like watercolor painting, cartooning, and ceramics or come practice yoga and Tai Chi! Programs offered for all ages.
Midwinter and Spring Break Camps
Creative Kids School Break Camps (4 days)
Enhance your child's creativity with a variety of arts and crafts, pottery, drawing, painting, pastel, collage, and three-dimensional art. Activities compliment the season with some outdoor play time each day to get them moving. Bring a water bottle and lunch each day.
- Fee: $260 (R) | $312 (NR) (4 days)
- Grades: 2-5
Midwinter Break Camp
- Dates/Time: Tuesday-Friday, Feb 21-24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300337
Spring Break Camp
- Dates/Time: Monday–Thursday, April 10-13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300338
Chess Wizards Midwinter Break Camp ( 4 days )
Chess Wizards has been teaching the game of chess since 2002. Join us this winter for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You'll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle - your brain! Our camps include fun team chess games (like Corner Chess), recess time (of course), snacks, tournaments, and puzzles. Each camper receives a T-shirt, trophy, and puzzle folder. We include all the materials necessary for your child to participate, but full day kids should bring a lunch. Unleash your brain power and spend part of your vacation with Chess Wizards!
Grades: 2-5
- Fee: $400 (R) | $480 (NR) (4 days) all day
- Dates/Time: Tuesday-Friday, Feb 21-Feb 24, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300335
- Fee: $268 (R) | $288 (NR) (4 days) morning
- Dates/Time: Tuesday-Friday, Feb 21-Feb 24, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300336
- Fee: $268 (R) | $288 (NR) (4 days) afternoon
- Dates/Time: Tuesday-Friday, Feb 21-Feb 24, 12 p.m.- 3 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300334
Chess Wizards Spring Break Camp ( 4 days )
Chess Wizards has been teaching the game of chess since 2002. Join us this winter for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You'll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle - your brain! Our camps include fun team chess games (like Corner Chess), recess time (of course), snacks, tournaments, and puzzles. Each camper receives a T-shirt, trophy, and puzzle folder. We include all the materials necessary for your child to participate, but full day kids should bring a lunch. Unleash your brain power and spend part of your vacation with Chess Wizards!
Grades: 2-5
- Fee: $268 (R) | $288 (NR) (4 days) morning
- Dates/Time: Monday-Thursday, April 10-13, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300433
- Fee: $268 (R) | $288 (NR) (4 days) afternoon
- Dates/Time: Monday-Thursday, April 10-13, 12 p.m.- 3 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300434
- Fee: $400 (R) | $480 (NR) (4 days) all day
- Dates/Time: Monday-Thursday, April 10-13, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300435
Watercolor Painting Spring Break Camp
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. For more additional information contact aafawa.com
Grades: K-6
- Fee: $249 (R) | $298 (NR)
- Dates/Time: Monday-Friday, April 10-14, 9-11:30 a.m.
- Register Here: 2300683
Clay Figurine Spring Break Camp
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 additional information contact aafawa.com
Grades: K-6
- Fee: $249 (R) | $298 (NR)
- Dates/Time: Monday-Friday, April 10-Apr 14, 12:30-3 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300684
Youth Art Classes
Cartooning and Drawing
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: $ 150 (R) | $180 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 6-11Y
- Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Jan 10-Feb 14, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300085
- Fee: $ 125 (R) | $150 (NR) (5 classes) (no class 3/21)
- Ages: 6-11Y
- Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Feb 28-Apr 4, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300086
Art for Young Kids
This creative art class is an entry-level drawing class. Specially designed for 5-8 year old children, according to the child's age, characteristics, curiosity, and love of thinking. Uses a combination of materials to let children express themselves using painting, language, and without restricting their imagination. Stimulates children's drawing potential. A different painting theme will be chosen each week.
For more class information contact American Academy of Fine Arts: aafawa.com, E-mail yanz@aafa.info
- Fee: $240 (R) | $288 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 5-8Y
- Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Feb 28-Apr 4, 4:15-5:45p.m.
- Register Here: 2300385
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 class information contact: aafawa.com, e-mail: yanz@aafa.info
- Fee: $240 (R) | $288 (NR) (6 classes)
- Grades: 3-8
- Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Feb 28-Apr 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300388
Creative Kids Wednesday After School Program
Enhance your child’s creativity! Children explore a variety of arts and crafts, drawing, painting, paper collage and three-dimensional art. Projects compliment the season, and the course can be repeated throughout the school year. Staff provide walking transportation for kids attending Clyde Hill Elem.
- Fee: $225 (R) | $270 (NR) (6 classes)
- Grades: 2-5
- Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Jan 11-Feb 15, 12:30-3 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300056
- Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Mar 1-Apr 5, 12:30-3 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300057
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: $150 (R) | $180 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 6-11Y
- Dates/Time: Thursdays, Jan 12-Feb 16, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300060
- Dates/Time: Thursdays, Mar 2-Apr 6, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300061
Children's Pottery Studio
An introduction to pottery which includes hand and wheel building, sculpting, coil construction, glazing and more. All materials included.
- Fee: $ 180 (R) | $216 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 7-11Y
Wednesday Classes
- Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Jan 11-Feb 15, 4:30-6 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300031
- Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Mar 1-Apr 5, 4:30-6 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300034
Saturday Classes
- Dates/Time: Saturdays, Jan 14-Feb 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Register Here: 2300032
- Dates/Time: Saturdays, Jan 14-Feb 18, 12-1:30 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300033
- Dates/Time: Saturdays, Mar 4- Apr 8, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Register Here: 2300035
- Dates/Time: Saturdays, Mar 4- Apr 8, 12-1:30 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300036
Teen/Adult Pottery Studio
An introduction to pottery which includes hand and wheel building, sculpting, coil construction, glazing and more. All materials included. Shelley Vollstedt instructor.
- Fee: $180(R) | $216 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 12-Adults
Youth Enrichment Classes
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: $250 (R) | $300 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 6-12Y
- Dates/Time: Thursday, Mar 2-Apr 6, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300283
Spanish for Kids - The Purple School®
The Purple School uses games, singing, drawing, and FUN to teach children (and for the baby/toddler and preschool age groups, their caregiver as well) a second language. With a 20-year-history, the Purple School curriculum and teaching methods have been time-tested to appeal to kids. Classes teach colors, parts of the body, numbers, and action verbs (like jump, run, dance, stop!)
- Fee: $120 (R) | $148 (NR)
- Ages: 6 mo. - 3Y
- Dates/Time: Wednesday, Apr 19 - Jun 7, 11:15-11:45am
- Register Here: 2301379
- Fee: $120 (R) | $148 (NR)
- Ages: 3-6Y
- Dates/Time: Wednesday, Apr 19 - Jun 7, 11:45am-12:30pm
- Register Here: 2301380
- Fee: $224 (R) | $269 (NR)
- Ages: 6-11Y
- Dates/Time: Wednesday, Apr 19 - Jun 7, 12:30-2:30pm
- Register Here: 2301381
Fly Fishing - Basics and Beyond
Are you curious about the quiet sport of fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest? Join us for a series of sessions covering the basics of gear, casting, knots, tactics, regulations, catch & release, stream/lake biology, fly tying and local spots to fly fish. We will tie 4 common flies for local waters, (Adams dry fly, Woolly Bugger, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear nymph, and the Olive Willy wet fly). Discover where to find trout, bass, and salmon in our local rivers and lakes. We will practice fly casting on the lawn. Materials provided. Bring your gear if you have it. Fish on! Beginners welcome. Instructor: Brad Niemeyer. Brad has been fly fishing the waters of the PNW since 1984. He was trained by his father, a Master Fly Tyer.
- Fee: $120 (R) | $144 (NR)
- Ages: 10+
- Dates/Time: Saturday, Apr 29 - May 20, 10am-11:30am
- Register Here: 2301275
Youth / Preschool Music & Dance Classes
Music Together
This is the foundational Music Together class, one that a child can attend from birth to age five through 12 song collections. Each of these collections contain original and traditional songs from around the world. This unique musical experience of languages, tonalities, and rhythms, sets Music Together apart. The illustrated songbook and other print and online resources will help you continue the music-making fun at home and nurture your child's musical growth. No previous experience is necessary! This class is designed for parent/guardian/caretaker participation with child. For more information please visit www.musictogetherwithmrschrisi.com.
- Ages: 0-5 Y
- Fee: $185 (R) | $222 (NR) (10 classes) + $50 material fee to be paid directly to Music Together on or before the first day of class. Please visit www.musictogetherwithmrschrisi.com to pay material fee.
- Dates/Time: January 25-April 5, Wednesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. (no class 2/22)
- Register Here: 23001451
Pre-Ballet I by Emerald Ballet Theater
A joyful introduction to movement. Basic dance technique inspired by beautiful music, literature, and art in a developmentally appropriate way. Flexibility, coordination, strength, and creativity develop in the young dancer. Dancers will have the opportunity to participate in Emerald Ballet Theatre's "Petite Suite Nutcracker" at the theatre.
Note: Dancers in all Pre-Ballet levels will wear solid color leotard of any color, and pink ballet tights with pink ballet slippers with leather soles. dancers should have their hair secured away from their face.
- Fee: $120 (R) | $144 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 3-5Y
- Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Jan 10-Feb 14, 4-4:45p.m.
- Register Here: 2300130-1
- Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Feb 28-Apr 4, 4-4:45p.m.
- Register Here: 2300130-2
Pre-Ballet II by Emerald Ballet Theater
Dancing hearts are nurtured, and basic ballet technique, improvisation, and choreography are introduced in a developmentally appropriate way. Flexibility, coordination, strength, and creativity increase. Opportunities for creativity and performance are provided. Dancers will have the opportunity to participate in Emerald Ballet Theatre's "Petite Suite Nutcracker" at the theatre.
Note: Dancers in all Pre-ballet levels will wear a solid color leotard of any color, and pink ballet tights with pink ballet slippers with leather soles. Dancers should have their hair secured away from their face.
- Fee: $132 (R) | $158 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 6-9Y
- Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Jan 10-Feb 14, 4:50-5:50p.m.
- Register Here: 2300133-1
- Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Feb 28-Apr 4, 4:50-5:50p.m.
- Register Here: 2300133-2
Youth Ballet by City Opera Ballet
Learn the basic movements of classical ballet. Practice ballet vocabulary and etiquette, memorize combinations and rehearse for performance. Includes French for Dancers.
- Fee: $144 (R) / $173 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 7-12Y
- Dates/Time: Saturdays, Jan 14 - Feb 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300136-1
- Dates/Time: Saturdays, Mar 4 - Apr 8, 10:30am - 12pm
- Register Here: 2300136-2
- Fee: $168 (R) / $202 (NR) (7 classes)
- Ages: 7-12Y
- Dates/Time: Saturdays, Apr 22 - Jun 10, 10:30 a.m. - 12p.m.
- Register Here: 2300136-3
Story-Ballet for Boys & Girls by City Opera Ballet
Introductory ballet class with story time from classical ballets, dance games and performance practice. Includes French for Young Dancers.
- Fee: $96 (R) | $115 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 3-6Y
- Dates/Time: Saturdays, Jan 14-Feb 18, 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300142-1
- Dates/Time: Saturdays, Mar 4- Apr 8, 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300142-2
Adult Art Classes
Teen/Adult Pottery Studio
An introduction to pottery which includes hand and wheel building, sculpting, coil construction, glazing and more. All materials included. Shelley Vollstedt instructor.
- Fee: $180(R) | $216 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 12+
- Dates/Times: Wednesdays, Jan 11-Feb 15, 6:30-8 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300053
- Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Mar 1-Apr 5, 6:30-8 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300054
Acrylic Painting Class at Bellevue Main Club
This painting class will explore acrylic painting and is designed to include several different themes such as botanicals, landscape, still life etc. This class is suitable for beginners with little or no painting experience or for intermediate/advanced painters who are looking for a great space to socialize and paint with other creative individuals. Several in-class demonstrations on color theory and composition will be discussed. Basic materials provided. Feel free to bring your own easel and other art supplies. Rohini Mathur, Instructor.
- Fee: $180 (R) |$216 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 18+
- Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Feb 28-Apr 4, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300048
Painting Floral Still Life
In this workshop, we will be creating a vivid and colorful floral still life painting and participants will learn how to simplify shapes, apply color theory concepts, and create paintings that look fresh and joyful. Participants will also learn skills such underpainting, layering, composition basics and mixing a strong color palette – all the skills which they will be able to add to their own painting practice. Bring your creativity and enthusiasm. Materials included. Rohini Mathur, Instructor.
- Fee: $ 40 (R) | $48 (NR)
- Ages: 16+
- Dates/Time: Saturday, February 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300367
Painting Birch Tree Landscape
In this workshop, we will be creating a Spring inspired birch tree landscape painting full of colors and textures. Participants will learn about composition basics, color layering, adding texture and how to simplify shapes to incorporate depth and interest in landscape pieces. Let your creative spirit soar in this class. Materials included. Rohini Mathur, Instructor.
- Fee: $ 40 (R) | $48 (NR)
- Ages: 16+
- Dates/Time: Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300368
Painting Spring Colorful florals
Participants in this workshop will learn skills such as bold loose brushstrokes, underpainting, layering, composition basics and mixing a strong color palette – all the skills which they will be able to add to their own painting practice. We will also discuss how to paint loosely with bold expressive strokes, simplify shapes, push color, and add drama to your compositions. Bring your creative enthusiasm. Materials included. Rohini Mathur, Instructor.
- Fee: $ 40 (R) | $48 (NR)
- Ages: 16+
- Dates/Time: Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300369
Adult Yoga, Martial Arts and Fitness
Jazzercise
Jazzercise is the original dance-based group fitness program combining cardio with strength training and stretching to sculpt, tone, and lengthen muscles for a full-body workout and maximum fat burn. Choreographed to today's hottest music, Jazzercise is a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing. Tickets can be bought in class or online at www.jazzercise.com. Visit www.jazzercise.com for updates, pricing information and special offers. For more information contact, Annie Johnston at jazzercise425@gmail.com or 206-321-7811.
- Fees, and registration: visit www.jazzercise.com
- Ages: 18+
- Dates/Time: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturdays, Ongoing, 8 a.m.-9 a.m.
Yoga: Mixed Levels at Northwest Arts Center
This class welcomes all levels and all body types in a joyful practice that helps you build strength, flexibility, and balance. Beginners or anyone with a health condition will benefit from a strong, safe foundation in alignment yoga while intermediate students will receive expert guidance on deepening their practice. This Purna Yoga class guides you towards well-rounded sequences for your individual needs, and includes breathing and meditation techniques, and health and nutrition tips. Bring your own mat, towel, strap/belt, and block. Instructor, Lynne Aebi.
- Fee: $90 (R) | $108 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 18+Y
- Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Jan 10-Feb 14, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
- Register Here: 2300161
- Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Feb 28-Apr 4, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
- Register Here: 2300162
- Dates/Time: Thursdays, Mar 2-Apr 6, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
- Register Here: 2300216
Tai Chi & Mindful Movement at the Northwest Arts Center & Bellevue Main Club
Practice Chi Kung, Tai Chi and flowing movements to encourage proper posture, strength, stretching and flow of chi. Experience meditative practice through movement and stillness. Gain a sense of refreshed focus and relaxation. Postures and practice using mat or chair and standing. Non strenuous class appropriate for all ages 16+. Please call/ text the instructor Sabrina Mix at 206-498-5801 for more information or visit her website at mindfularts.us
Northwest Arts Center
- Fee: $60 (R) | $72 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 16+Y
- Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Jan 11-Feb 15, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Register Here: 2300146
- Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Mar 1-Apr 5, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Register Here: 2300147
- Fee: $ 80 (R) | $96 (NR) (8 classes)
- Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Apr 19-Jun 7 , 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Register Here: 2300148
Downtown Bellevue Main Club
- Fee: $60 (R) | $72 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 16+
- Dates/Time: Thursday, Jan 12-Feb 16, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Register Here: 2300155
- Dates/Time: Thursday, Mar 2-Apr 6, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Register Here: 2300156
Weight Training & Fitness at the Northwest Arts Center & Bellevue Main Club
Fun, flexibility, balance and strength. Enjoy a mixture of styles to stay fit and confident. Increase flexibility and range of motion through mat work and various movement styles with chair/seated options available. Use body weight and free weights. All fitness levels and ages welcome.
Northwest Arts Center
- Fee: $60 (R) | $72 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 16+
- Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Jan 11-Feb 15, 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300243-5
- Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Mar 1-Apr 5 , 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300243-3
Downtown Bellevue Main Club
- Fee: $60 (R) | $72 (NR) (6 classes)
- Ages: 16+
- Dates/Time: Thursday, Mar 2-Apr 6, 11:15 a.m.- 12 p.m.
- Register Here: 2300243-2
Video Fun at Home
Many additional virtual programs are now available through the Bellevue Parks & Community Services Department at: Bellevue At Home.
Check out these virtual art lessons created by some of our teaching staff. If you have questions or certain video learning you would like to see offered, please email us at nwac@bellevuewa.gov.
- 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. 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.
Inclement Weather
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.