Arts, Robotics & More
We offer art classes for ages 6 to 14. Check our catalog for specific classes offered in upcoming sessions.
A & H Extras
Crochet For Beginners (Ages 13+)
Join us for a fun and relaxed introduction to the basics of crochet! Learn essential crochet stitches and skills while receiving helpful tips and guidance from an experienced instructor. Work at your own pace and build confidence as you practice. Yarn and one crochet hook will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. By the end of the session, you’ll have learned enough basic techniques to begin a small project that you can continue working on independently.
Register Online ›Friday Kid Connect (Ages 5 - 7)
Need a little time to yourself? Drop your kids off at the YMCA Meyer Center for 90 minutes of supervised fun with our Arts & Humanities staff! Kids will enjoy creative craft projects, exciting games, and plenty of time to play, laugh, and make new friends in a safe, welcoming environment. Kids are welcome to bring a favorite game from home to share (no digital gaming devices please). Whether you’re running errands, enjoying a date night, or simply taking a well-earned break, you can relax knowing your child is engaged in a fun-filled evening of creativity, active play, and friendship. It’s the perfect win-win for kids and parents alike!
Register Online ›P.I. Friday (Ages 7 - 12)
Calling all junior detectives! Join Chief Inspector Maddie G. on select Fridays each month for an exciting new mystery-solving adventure! Young sleuths will put their detective skills to the test as they follow clues, examine evidence, sharpen their observation skills, and use critical thinking to crack a brand-new case. Working together under Inspector Maddie G‘s command junior detectives will race to uncover the truth and solve the mystery before the case goes cold! Each meeting brings a new kid-friendly mystery to solve. Can you earn your detective badge?
Register Online ›Y Kid Friday (Ages 7 - 12)
Need a night out? We’ve got the kids covered! Drop the kids off for an evening of fun at The Loft at the Meyer Center! This supervised hangout gives kids the freedom to choose how they spend their evening while parents enjoy some well-deserved time to themselves. From creative crafts and fun board games to music, singing, dancing, and making new friends, there’s something for everyone. Kids are welcome to bring a favorite board game to share with the group. (Please leave digital gaming devices at home.) Our YMCA Arts & Humanities staff will provide
a safe, welcoming environment where kids can relax, play, and have fun.
P.I. Y Kid Friday Combo (Ages 7 - 12)
Planning a longer evening out? Register your child for P.I. Y Kid Friday Combo!
This combo includes a built-in discount for registering for both programs.
Art Classes
3D Art (Ages 7 - 10)
Get ready to think outside the flat page! In this hands-on class, students will explore the exciting world of 3D art using a variety of materials such as paper, cardboard, wire and clay. From sculpture and mixed-media builds, each project encourages creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative design.
Register Online ›Fantasy Art (Ages 11 - 14)
Enter a world of dragons, mythical creatures, and enchanted landscapes in this fantasy art class that combines drawing and sculpting! Students will bring their imaginative ideas to life. From sketching magical beasts to shaping fantastical figures and terrain, participants will explore different art forms. With a focus on creativity, design, and storytelling, this class is perfect for young artists who love to dream big and build the worlds they imagine.
Register Online ›Educational Offerings
Safe Sitter (Ages 11+)
Calling all baby-sitters 11 and up! This nationally recognized, medically accurate, hands-on class teaches boys and girls how to handle emergencies such as injury management and choking rescue while caring for children. Students will learn the basics of childcare through games, activities and role play. Course includes a Safe Sitters tote bag starter kit and manual ($30 value). Class size is limited. Pizza will be provided for lunch.
One Day Class! Class size limited.
Members $95 • Non-Members $145
YMCA Robotics (7 - 14)
This basic robotics class will challenge students’ thinking by introducing block programming and building with specified Legos. Students will be exposed to all of the benefits of STEM including building bonds with their peers and learning more about our world.
Ages 7 – 10
Meyer Center
Ages 10 – 14
Meyer Center
Youth Ambassadors
If you enjoy helping people and would like an opportunity to share your ideas for making your community better for all, we invite you to be a part of this community supporting team. We welcome all young people who can be art loving, sports minded, bookish, extroverted, introverted and those of all interests to join us once a week, for 3 Tuesdays out of each month to participate in planning and participating in projects that lift us all up!
View Our Catalog ›Edwardsville Arts Center Classes
Every summer, the Edwardsville Y collaborates with the Edwardsville Arts Center to offer Specialty Camps taught by professionally educated working artists from the community.
The camps are offered in EAC’s well-equipped space at 340 Montclaire Ave.
(the former Edwardsville Fire Station)
Learn More ›