Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts

06/17/2026

The Nigra Arts Center’s Summer Kids’ Art Programs are starting up soon!

Spots are still available for kids ages 5-12 who want to spend the summer learning, creating and exploring the outdoors. We have eight themed weeks scheduled that focus on cooking, STEAM, international cultures, the environment, animals, fine arts, performing arts and getting active!

Programs run weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in July and August. Discounts are available for arts center members and multiple children from the same family. All kids are welcome!

For more information and to register for any of the program weeks, please visit pncreativeartscenter.org/kidsartprograms or call (518) 661-9932.

06/16/2026

Thank you to Simply Saratoga Magazine and Saratoga TODAY Newspaper for including a fantastic article about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts in their Home & Garden 2026 issue!

This writeup covers all the amazing things the arts center has to offer, from classes and events to art shows to our school break Kids’ Art Programs. It also highlights our rental opportunities, our partnerships with Transitions and FLAME The Band, and our mission to offer an inclusive space where people of all ages and abilities can explore their creativity.

Read the article now at the link below or pick up a print copy of Simply Saratoga at a local retailer!

https://simplysaratoga.com/a-good-read?view=article&id=1011:paul-nigra-center-for-creative-arts&catid=11

06/15/2026

Instructor Cheryl Bielli has a variety of Patriotic and Father’s Day-themed evening classes coming up this month! Join her at 6 p.m. for any of the following Tuesday and Thursday workshops:

💼 June 16 – Father’s Day Leather Pouch | $45
🗽 June 18 – Patriotic Serving Tray | $45
⭐ June 23 – Patriotic Star Basket | $45
👨‍🌾 June 25 – Ink and Watercolor Colonial Drawing | $40
🇺🇸 June 30 – Patriotic “250” Design | $45

All classes are beginner-friendly and everyone is welcome. Learn more and sign up at https://bit.ly/PNCCAEvents or by calling (518) 661-9932!

06/13/2026

🀄 Our first Beginner Mahjong series is in the books!

Over the past few weeks, a wonderful group of new players gathered at the Arts Center to learn the game, build their confidence, and discover why so many people love mahjong.

Some had never touched a mahjong tile before their first class. By the end of the series, they were reading the card, building hands, making strategic decisions, and most importantly, having fun.

Here’s what a few participants had to say:

❤️ “Loved the camaraderie.”

❤️ “I feel like I learned a lot.”

❤️ “Loved that I met a group that was also interested.”

❤️ “Had a great time learning so much.”

❤️ “I will continue to play.”

❤️ “It was fantastic.”

❤️ “Wonderful environment.”

What we loved most wasn’t just teaching the game. It was watching friendships form, confidence grow, and seeing people excited to come back each week.

Interested in learning American Mahjong?

We’re already planning our next beginner series and additional opportunities for guided play and open play.

We’d love to save you a seat at the table.

🀄❤️

06/12/2026

🚌 The Nigra Arts Center and BROWN Coach, Tours, and Travel are excited to offer a bus trip to Niagara Falls on Saturday, August 8!

Join us for an unforgettable daylong excursion to one of the USA’s most stunning landmarks, with the stress of driving and parking removed! We will drop you off at the Niagara Falls Visitor Center and the full day will be yours to enjoy the sights, experiences and attractions of Niagara.

The $75 ticket fee includes transportation only – attendees are responsible for their own food and excursions. Seats on the bus are limited and we sold out quickly last year, so don’t wait to secure yours! Call us at (518) 661-9932 or scan the QR code to sign up.

06/11/2026

🖼️ Discover the joy of painting on a small scale at Jake Willwerth’s relaxing and creative Mini Summer Acrylic Landscape class on Friday, June 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m.!

In this class, students will learn how to work with smaller brushes and explore techniques for building depth and texture while capturing intricate details in a tiny format. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter looking to try something new, everyone will go home with beautiful, summery mini landscapes and a new understanding of composition, color and detail!

To sign up for this class, please call (518) 661-9932 or visit https://bit.ly/43NVaMz.

06/10/2026

The virtual tour for the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts’ 11th annual New York State Summer Art Show is now live!

Click through to view more than 120 pieces in a variety of media by 62 artists from across New York State. This special exhibition perfectly encapsulates the diverse talent in our home state, and the people, landscapes and animals that make it so beautiful!

This show will be on display until July 16. There is no fee to browse the gallery. Come see it in person weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.!

Thank you to our Arts Champion sponsors, NFP, an Aon company, and CDPHP, for generously supporting this exhibition.

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

🌊 Local artist Charles Felder is returning to the Nigra Arts Center on Thursday, June 18, for another session of his Oil Painting Seascapes workshop from 4-5:30 p.m.!

This class covers all the basics in painting with oils, from composition and color mixing to techniques for capturing movement, light and atmosphere on the canvas. At the end, each student will go home with a beautiful and moody seascape scene of their own creation. Both beginners and experienced painters looking to hone their skills are welcome!

Call (518) 661-9932 to sign up for this class. Spots are limited, so don’t wait!

06/08/2026

💐 Celebrate the beauty of spring blooms by learning the Japanese art of ikebana flower arranging with instructor Brenda Dwyer on Friday, June 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.!

In this class, students will learn basic techniques of Japanese floral design and create a simple, balanced and elegant arrangement using seasonal flowers and a shallow container. Go home with a unique centerpiece for your table!

Learn more about this class and sign up by calling (518) 661-9932. We hope to see you there!