EAST LONGMEADOW — After receiving a grant from the from the East Longmeadow Cultural Council, the Norcross Center at the Norcross House are bringing back their art classes as well as offering new drumming classes starting June 23 through Aug. 11.

Vice President Erin Beck of the Norcross Board said, “We want to offer as many different kinds of art and music classes that we can using the grant money we received from the East Longmeadow Cultural Council. Our hope for these classes is for people to do something fun, relaxing and cultural as well as learning new skill sets or refining existing ones.”

She continued, “We’re trying to make this a bigger focal point for the Norcross House going forward. That’s why we applied for the grant, so that we could offer classes such as these and we’ll continue to look for more opportunities in the future as well.”

The Norcross House was built in the 1880s as a summer home for the family of J. Franklin Norcross. The architectural style is a late Victorian version of the Greek Revival period. With its three gabled wings, scrolled posts and bay window, the house reflects gracious family living of the Victorian age. A carriage house, one of the few remaining in town, stands northeast of the house. The Norcross Center is a nonprofit organization focused on the preservation of this historic home as well as bringing arts and culture to the community. They host a craft fair each spring and summer and offer art and music classes periodically. They also rent out the space for various other types of events such as showers, weddings, and celebrations of life.

“This nonprofit organization is not only to preserve the actual Norcross House from a historical perspective, but also to utilize the Carriage House and property for cultural type events involving arts, crafts and music,” Beck responded. “We’re focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. We want people from all walks of life to be able to enjoy the house, enjoy the property and come together with the arts.”
Upcoming programming is as follows:

Art Classes with Debbie

• Introduction to Needle Felting (adults only), June 23 from 6 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Learn the basics of needle felting. Learn about materials needed for needle felting, such as different needles, wool, and techniques. Learn about great resources available for beginners. Students will leave the class with knowledge of how to needle felt and with a felted animal figure they have started/finished. Cost is $30. All materials are supplied except for a needle felting pad that must be purchased by students, which can be ordered on Amazon by typing in “needle felting pad” and any one between $10 and $15 is sufficient. Class size will be no more than five students.
• Sketchbook Experience for Kids (ages 8 to 12), July 10 and 11 from 12-2 p.m.
• Join the fun learning how to sketch. Learn how to find paper in order to create your very own sketchbook. Explore different ways you can utilize that Sketchbook using different art mediums! Take that sketchbook along your adventures. Materials are included in the fee. Cost is $20. Class size will be no more than eight students.
• Introduction to Colored Pencil Sketching (adults only), July 11 from 6-8:30 p.m. An introduction into the wonderful and versatile art medium of colored pencils. This instruction is designed to teach the basics of creating art that appears to be painted by using colored pencils. Students will be taught basic strokes, pressures and techniques that will enable them to create their own works of art using this medium. Some drawing experience is needed but students will learn to utilize a graph method when drawing from a photograph which makes the drawing experience much easier. Cost is $20. Class size will be no more than five students
• Pine Needle Basket Weaving (adults only), Aug. 11 from 6-8:30 p.m. Learn how to weave a small basket using long leaf pine needles. East student will learn how to start, weave, and complete a small basket. Cost is $40. Materials are included in the class fee. Class size will be no more than five students.

Drumming with Donna

• Kids Beginner Drumming Class (ages 8 to 12), June 26 from 2-3 p.m. or June 28 from 10-11 a.m. Beginning drummers will learn basic drum rhythms by using various types of drums such as Djembes, frame drums and percussion instruments to create a fun, creative, and self-expressive orchestrated music experience. Rhythmic games and activities guide the beginner drummer to develop confidence in creating music through drumming, and contributing in a group environment. No experience needed, just the intention to have fun and explore rhythm in a group setting, where all contribute to getting the groove on. Cost is $10. Drums and percussion instruments provided. Class size id no more than 15 students.
• Family Drum Circles, July 12 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Families will explore rhythm basics together using drums and percussion instruments in a group setting. Joining in, listening to and contributing to creating awesome, and fun rhythms that will engage everyone. Rhythmic games and activities guide the beginning drummers to explore & develop confidence in creating a unified rhythm within the group. No experience needed, just the intention to have fun and explore rhythm in a group setting, where all contribute to getting the groove on. Cost for this class varies: children ages 4-12 — $5; children ages 12 and up — $8; adults — $12. Drums & percussion instruments provided. Class size will be no more than 20 students.
• Adult Drum Circles, June 26 and 28 from 7-8 p.m. This drum circle is for beginners and those familiar with playing in drum circles. This event is for those who want to learn, explore or simply enjoy drumming and using percussion instruments to create unified group rhythms. Come to relax, de-stress, and have fun. All levels welcome. Cost is $10. Drums and percussion instruments provided. Participants may bring their own drums.
• Class size will be no more than 15 students.

For registration, go to www.norcrosscenter.org. For questions call 413-525-1122.