June 2026 at ACC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Athens Cultural Center: June 2026 Highlights
Athens NY, May 23, 2026

Summer is almost here, and Athens Cultural Center is bursting with creativity. June brings an exciting new exhibition, hands-on workshops for all ages and skill levels, live music, and plenty of opportunities to gather, create, and connect. Whether you're picking up a paintbrush for the first time, joining neighbors for a slow bluegrass jam, or simply stopping by to take in some extraordinary art, there's something waiting for you at ACC this month. We hope to see you soon.

Animal Bodies: The Works of Elana Herzog, Jean Shin, and Brigitta Váradi
On View: 6/5/26 - 8/16/26
First Fridays: June 5, July 3, August 7, 5-7pm
Gallery Hours: 12-5pm Saturday & Sunday
Artist & Curator Talk: June 26, 5-7pm
Upstate Art Weekend Hours: June 27 & 28, 11-6pm
Curated by Yasmeen Siddiqui of Minerva Projects, Animal Bodies brings together three artists whose practices are rooted in materials, textile design and manufacturing, as well as in deep relationships between wild and settled worlds. Though each artist is known for expansive, panoramic work, this exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to encounter their approaches at an intimate scale.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/exhibitions

Introduction to Plein Air Painting
Saturday, June 6, 2026 9:00 AM 11:00 PM
Athens Riverfront Park
1 South Water Street, Athens, NY, 12015
Enjoy a relaxing morning of watercolor painting outdoors with Wendy Doney at the beautiful Athens Riverfront Park. In this beginner-friendly plein air class, participants will learn basic watercolor techniques and explore painting from observation in a welcoming, creative environment. Whether you’re new to painting or looking to reconnect with your creativity, you’ll leave with new skills and a finished work of art inspired by the Hudson River landscape. All painting materials will be provided.Registration required. Ages 9–99
https://athensculturalcenter.org/acc-classes/introduction-to-plein-air-painting

QiGong
Saturdays | 10-11:15 AM
With Carl Thomsen and Barbara Schofield Thomsen
Developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong uses gentle, slow-moving exercises to cultivate energy and support health of the body, mind, and spirit. Accessible to all ages, and especially beneficial for mature adults or those with physical limitations, Qigong can be practiced seated in a chair. Each session concludes with a 15-minute meditation to encourage mindfulness, self-awareness, and relaxation.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/qigong

The Know-How Workshop
Saturday, June 6, 2026 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Led by Carl Thomsen, a lifelong carpenter and educator, the workshop will cover: essential safety practices for protecting your eyes, ears, lungs, and hands,essential tools to keep on hand, what, when, & how to use power tools, and how to recognize when it’s time to call a professional. Q&A for your own home repair questions. Some tools will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own toolbox if they have one. Registration required.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/acc-classes/know-how-workshop

Family Studio Hour: Watercolor Spirit Animal
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 10:30 AM 11:30 AM
Join Tracy Loring in this imaginative watercolor workshop where children will explore the idea of a “spirit animal” by choosing an animal they love or feel connected to—such as a wolf, owl, fox, bunny, bear, butterfly, or tiger. Using simple watercolor techniques, kids will create colorful, expressive paintings while learning about shapes, textures, and color blending. Recommended Ages 7 & under. Free but registration requested.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/acc-classes/7sfto9bos1jbfh80k85y6b2jftux4p-73c5k-dstxr

Charcoal Portraits on the Gel Plate
Sunday, June 7th, 2026 | 1:00-3:00 PM
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Create beautiful, expressive portraits with no drawing skills required! Join local mixed-media artist and instructor, Tracy Loring, as she walks you through a process that combines charcoal, pastel, and acrylic paint with a gel plate to create one-of-a-kind portraits. You'll learn the basics of printmaking including layering, registration, and the role of paint opacity/transparency in your final creation.Please bring 5" x 7" black and white paper printout or photocopy of the subject you would like to paint. All other supplies included! Adults and teens 13+. Registration required.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/acc-classes/hhdy7jivlt9tixvyge8xkqor00re1i

Bluegrass Slow Jam
Sunday, June 14th, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM
A slow jam is a welcoming and supportive, easy-tempo jam session aimed at beginning and intermediate players, but with plenty of room for relaxed experts. The group leader, mandolinist Peter Paden of the Wickers Creek Band, will distribute basic chord charts for well-known tunes and songs before the session, and guide all players, no matter their instrument. (Acoustic and stringed instruments only, please).
https://athensculturalcenter.org/bluegrass-slow-jam

Everyday Sketching: Gestures & Movements
Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 1:00 PM 4:00 PM
In this relaxed, hands-on workshop, participants will explore the art of capturing people through quick watercolor and ink sketches with Ottavia Huang. We’ll practice observing gestures, posture, and movement to bring everyday moments to life on paper. Perfect for beginners and experienced sketchers alike, this session encourages loose, expressive drawing and the joy of sketching people in the moment. Registration required.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/acc-classes/68okkgaiyja2qmxoq9k886xmgc2zd0

Martha Elizabeth Miller Live In Concert
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 6:00 PM 7:00 PM
ACC welcomes renowned vocalist and composer Martha Elizabeth Miller to perform songs from her new album What Lies Within, praised by Tunite Music as, “a thoughtfully constructed listening experience that rewards attention from beginning to end.” Following the performance, we will open the floor for an intimate Q&A conversation with the artist. All ages, donations welcome.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/up-next/odaxuntb2zqunvqghyxzzcmvjelxsm

Open Studio Sessions
June 28th, 2026 | 1:00-3:00 PM
Join us on the fourth Sunday of each month, April through October, for Open Studio sessions, a relaxed space where artists of all ages can create, share skills, and connect. Bring your supplies and a project to work on! Pull up a chair and share a table as you create alongside fellow artists. Water-based media, fiber arts, writing, collage, and more are welcome! Please note that oil paints and spray materials are not permitted in the building. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
https://athensculturalcenter.org/open-studio
**Registration page? Looks like she hasn’t made one yet.

VISIT & REGISTRATION

Unless noted, all classes and events take place at 24 Second Street, Athens, NY. Most events are free; some workshops require registration or suggest a donation. Please visit athensculturalcenter.org for details and to register.

ABOUT ATHENS CULTURAL CENTER

The Athens Cultural Center is a gathering place where art, learning, and community meet. We believe creativity is for everyone—every age, every level, every voice. Our programs are designed to inspire, connect, and cultivate belonging.

For More Info & Photos
Athens Cultural Center
24 Second Street, Athens, NY 12015
📧 info@athensculturalcenter.org
🌐 athensculturalcenter.org