Everyone! Classes and workshops are opened to all individuals; adults, seniors, high school students regardless of age, locale, income, and ethnicity.

Yes! An after school program is being offered and includes, watercolors, drawing, arts and crafts, masks (mascaras). Sewing classes, oil painting, and cross stitch classes are also offered for students 10 years and over.

8 years and over with the exception of sewing, oil painting, and cross stitch - 10 years and over

Yes! The Center is a regional center and opened to all individuals regardless of locale.

You may register: by telephone (413) 532-0465, fax (413) 532-2278, by mail - Holyoke Creative Arts Center, P.O. Box 4998, Holyoke, MA 01041, or by visiting the Center.

The Center is located in the South Street Plaza, Holyoke, 400 South Elm Street. Main entrance and parking located at rear of Plaza and is handicap accessible.

From I-91 North or South: Take Exit 16 to Route 202. Go North on Route 202 on Cherry Street (continue onto Beech Street). At the fifth set of lights (Maple Street) take a right, then another right onto Parenteau Drive. Proceed up hill and take second left behind South Street Plaza.

From the South:I-391; At end of 391 (High Street) go to 2 sets of lights and take left, go through next light taking first right at Parenteau Drive. Proceed up hill and take second left behind Plaza into parking lot.

Take the Bus! - The Center is conveniently located on the PVTA bus line. Route: Purple #20

Payment for classes and workshops can be made by personal check, money orders or cash. Use of credit cards is not currently available.

Students are responsible for bringing in their own supplies. Some classes will be structured with instructors preparing kits and students will pay instructor for kits.

All classes and workshops offered by the Center are non-credit classes.

Yes, gift certificates are available and may be purchased throughout the year for classes offered at the Center and may be purchased in varied amounts. They have an expiration date of one year form purchase.

The Center is under the jurisdiction and is governed by its own Board of Directors.

Presently all classes offered are held at the Center located at 400 South Elm Street.

The Center applies yearly for a grant through the Holyoke Community Development Office for free scholarships for low income residents. The Center has been fortunate over the years to receive funding for free scholarships. Student must be low-income, a resident of Holyoke and complete a financial application. Print our on-line application form, or call or stop by the Center's office for more details!

A scholarship "The Shirley Burke Scholarship" is available for a 10 week watercolor class for a first time student in watercolors. Applications are available at the office.

The Center offers three (10-12 week) sessions, Sept.-Dec., Jan. - mid-March, mid-March-June day and evening classes plus a summer day session plus one-night (Thursdays) 4-6 week session.

Students in class are given the option first to reregister for classes and have a time frame to do so. If current students don't sign within the time frame, classes are opened to the public. The purpose of allowing students to sign up first, is because we want everyone to have a finished product.

Paid advertisement is done by display ads in the newspapers, the Holyoke Community College's Catalog, brochures, releases, cable TV, students, and word of mouth.

The Center is very fortunate to have such highly qualified and skilled instructors to teach classes. our instructors are constantly updating their skills by enrolling in various classes and workshops with students reaping educational, economic, social and therapeutic values and benefits.

Call the Center at (413) 532-0465 and ask the Director to set up an appointment and bring in samples of products you wish to teach.

Sorry, no discounts for Seniors. However, financial aid is available for qualified individuals residing in Holyoke. (See FAQ #14, above).