The New York Public Library is offering a unique opportunity for those 50 and older. Several neighborhood branches will be offering classes in a variety of art forms. The program series is called Art For a Lifetime.

Art For a Lifetime consists of eight sessions, each session will last for two hours. Each program series will end with a culminating celebration. Registration is recommended. Here’s our line-up!

Spring Into Art at the Port Richmond Library, Staten Island, Fridays at 12:00 PM starting March 9th. Learn how to get started in Art Journaling by using the techniques of painting, collage, and writing. An art journal is an illustrated creative diary or notebook. Using the techniques of painting, collage, and writing, it can be a visual token of your everyday life, thoughts, travels, or events. Learn how to become inspired and create the first basic beautiful pages in a visual journal.​

Art of Mixed Media at the Pelham Parkway-Van Nest Library, Bronx, Saturdays at 11:00 AM starting March 10th. Discover, explore, and create contemporary art with different colors, tools, and materials (both conventional and unconventional). Participants will combine different techniques and materials to create an exciting range of artwork. This kind of artwork is called mixed media. Participants will use acrylics, pastels, watercolor, and other mixed media materials and techniques throughout this artistic experience.

Self-Expression in Art with Acrylics and Watercolor at the Edenwald Library, the Bronx, Tuesdays at 1:30 PM starting March 13th. Learn the theoretical and practical tools about how to paint and draw with acrylics and watercolor. Participants are encouraged to develop their creative talent and make art an everyday act.

Watercolor Painting at the Tottenville Library, Staten Island, Wednesdays at 1:00 PM starting March 14th. This transparent water-based painting medium has been enjoyed and used for centuries. Regardless of your experience level, you will learn the basic watercolor brushing techniques while painting single elements of nature each week (trees-foliage, bark, tree branches, rock, water, and waves). At the conclusion of the 8-week course, participants will get the opportunity to showcase their artwork in the library.  

Jewelry Making at the Seward Park Library, Manhattan, Wednesdays at 1:00 PM starting March 21st. Learn various tips and techniques for jewelry making while adding your own personal touches. Learn wire wrapping, to use metal findings and chains to create one of a kind elegant earrings, chains, and necklaces for birthdays, holidays, gifts, favors, special events, etc...leave with custom-made jewelry to share with your friends and family.

Painting at the Allerton Library, the Bronx, Tuesdays at 10:30 AM starting April 3rd. Unleash your creative expression and create a beautiful painting. Learn a variety of painting techniques, color mixing, brushwork, composition, texture and more. At the conclusion of the 8-week course, participants will display their artwork in the library.  

Exploring Traditional Art Media and Techniques at the Inwood Library, Manhattan, Wednesdays at 11:00 AM starting April 11th.  A series of workshops to explore watercolor techniques. Participants will learn different mark-making techniques to create an original watercolor painting on paper.  In addition, learn how to use drawing, painting, and collaging as well as library resources to make a work of art that answers the question - how do you know when its springtime in the Bronx? This course will culminate in an event presenting the participant's creative work.

Art Journaling with Mixed Media at the Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library, Staten Island, Wednesdays at 1:00 PM starting April 18th. Participants will be introduced to and instructed in the use of mixed media materials to express "What are you thinking about today?" Participants will also be guided through the process of journaling which incorporates the written word and visuals as a form of three-dimensional or book arts. Exploration and experimentation will be encouraged to produce works that class participants will be proud to share!

The Art of Drawing at the Tremont Library, the Bronx, Wednesdays at 1:00 PM starting April 18th. From the first pencil stroke, your drawing undergoes constant growth and development.  Discover your artistic talents by combining various methods of pencil drawing techniques with a multitude of values and detailed textures.  Professional illustrator Jamie Ross will teach participants how to find their potential to improve drawing skills and develop a sketch into a powerful finished pencil drawing.  

Introduction to Quilting at the Muhlenberg Library, Manhattan, Fridays at 12:00 PM starting April 20th. Quilting is a traditional folk art that has evolved into much more in the last several decades. Learn basic hand-sewing and machine technique, quilt design and finish by participating in a group project. Explore different embellishment techniques including embroidery, free-motion stitching, drawing and dimensional decoration. Each participant will have the opportunity to make a small self-portrait or portrait art quilt to take home after a brief installation at the library.  Participants not interested in making a self-portrait can bring a portrait photo of a loved one for their project to the first class. No previous sewing experience is necessary.