ADULT PROGRAMS
Here at GAC, we believe that Art is not a luxury; it is a vital part of a healthy, connected, and resilient community.
Which is why the GAC classroom will always be a creative community space for all. So, whether you’re a seasoned artist keeping your skills sharp, just starting your artistic journey, or just looking for your creative community, we have just the thing for you.
Welcome to YOUR classroom, we can’t wait to see what you create :)
Craft Club
Grab your friends, grab some treats, then grab a seat ;)
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it's a cozy little monthly crafting night in the GAC classroom with friends! We will have a guided craft you may participate in, or you may bring your own creative project you are working on and have full use of the GAC classroom space, supplies, and machinery. With the added bonus of being creatively productive with friends!
Looking for a particular tool or supplies for your project? Ask in advance by emailing Kellie Rooks, Director of Education, at kellie@galvestonartscenter.org
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Regular: $30
Members: $24
Service Industry Discount: $25.50
(for Service Industry workers only -while tickets last)
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All supplies for the guided craft & access to the GAC classroom’s supplies & machinery
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Attendees are welcome bring and enjoy their own snacks and adult beverages responsibly. GAC cannot be held liable for the monitoring or consumption of these beverages. We reserve the right to ask students to leave at any time if their behavior is no longer respectful.
Keep it classy and crafty, but never trashy!
Upcoming Classes!
Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience
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Date: November 11, 2026
Time: 6:30pm- 8:00pm
Ages: All are welcome (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a guardian)
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Discover the Story Behind Every Bowl of Matcha
Matcha is enjoyed around the world, but its deeper cultural meaning is often left untold.
This interactive experience introduces participants to the history, philosophy, and etiquette of Japanese tea culture while providing the opportunity to prepare and enjoy matcha using authentic tea utensils.
Participants will explore the values of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility that have shaped Japanese tea traditions for centuries. Guided by family traditions passed down through generations, the session offers practical skills that participants can continue using long after the workshop.
Participants will enjoy carefully selected matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets while learning:
* The history and cultural significance of matcha
* How to properly prepare matcha
* Tea etiquette and traditional customs
* How to choose quality matcha
* Practical techniques for preparing matcha at home
Workshop fee includes premium matcha, Japanese sweets, and all tea utensils! -
Nina Shimaguchi is a Japanese cultural educator, producer, and founder of JapaNina. Originally from Osaka, Japan, Nina was raised in a family deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture. Her grandmother was an instructor of Tea Ceremony, Kimono Dressing, and Kado (Japanese flower arrangement), and Nina began practicing Japanese calligraphy at the age of three. These early experiences inspired her lifelong passion for preserving and sharing Japan's cultural heritage.
Since beginning her work in Houston in 2018, Nina has designed and led more than 400 Japanese cultural programs, engaging over 24,000 participants through museums, libraries, schools, and community organizations.
As a cultural producer and presenter, Nina designs educational experiences that connect history, traditions, craftsmanship, and hands-on learning. Rather than simply demonstrating cultural practices, she helps audiences discover the stories, values, and human connections behind Japanese traditions, creating meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity and cross-cultural understanding.
Lantern-Making Workshop Sessions
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We are offering 2 sessions for this class!
Dates
November 10th
November 12th
Times
6:30pm -8:30pm
Ages
Ages: All are welcome (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a guardian)
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Lanterns have long played an important role in Japanese culture, especially during seasonal celebrations and festivals.
One of the unique traditions of our sister city, Niigata, Japan, is Taiguruma, a traditional lantern-shaped float resembling a sea bream. During the Obon season, it symbolizes the gathering of family members and honoring ancestors. (Learn more about Taiguruma: URL)
In this hands-on workshop, a Taiguruma artisan will guide you through a simplified version of the traditional lantern-making process. Using techniques inspired by Taiguruma craftsmanship, you’ll create your own mini lantern to take home and display as a beautiful reminder of Japanese culture and tradition.
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Motoyuki Noguchi
Founder & Leader, Taiguruma Revival Project Founded the "Taiguruma Revival Project" in 2005, leading workshops in Japan and worldwide. Honored by Tiffany & Co. in 2011 for his cultural contributions. He actively promotes the tradition of Taiguruma—a traditional Japanese toy made of bamboo and washi (Japanese paper)—globally through annual workshops in Galveston, Texas (since 2013), a 2017 installation at the Galveston Arts Center, workshops in Paris, France (2018), and a lecture and workshop at an international forum in Cheongju, South Korea (2026).
A little sneak peek at some future fun
(Please note: Registration prices for all GAC classes include all materials needed to complete the class.)
