Curiosity Series
The Cranston Arts Commission is excited to launch the Curiosity Series—a collection of free, hands-on workshops designed to help Cranstonians explore new crafts and art forms in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. Led by local arts professionals, these beginner-friendly classes are all about trying something new and having fun. New sessions will be added regularly, so be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop!
All workshops are free, but space is limited and registration is required. Spots will fill quickly!
Questions? Contact us!
Curious about: crochet - February Workshop
When: February 7, 2026, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Cranston Central Library
Facilitated by: Sarina Lake
Who can attend: Anyone ages 10 and up (children under fourteen must be accompanied by guardian)
Join us for a 1.5-hour crochet class designed for all skill levels—from absolute beginners to experienced crocheters. Whether you’re picking up a hook for the first time or looking to refresh your skills, this hands-on class is a great way to learn and connect. Learn basic stitches, pick up new techniques, and enjoy a relaxing, creative time with others in the community.
Curious about: Theatre - March Workshop
When: March 28 , 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Cranston Central Library
Facilitated by: Nancy Vitulli
Who can attend: Anyone ages 12 and up (children under fourteen must be accompanied by guardian)
Join us for a 1.5-hour theater workshop designed to introduce fun theater games, activities, and skills for the stage and life. This introduction workshop will include a warm-up, activities, and a wrap up that focuses on:
team building
collaboration
and improvisation
If interested, the workshops may continue with additional and more advanced activities.
Curious about: Lace Making - April Workshop
When: April 11, 2026, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Cranston Central Library
Facilitated by: Chris Spidell
Who can attend: Anyone ages 10 and up (children under fourteen must be accompanied by guardian)
Learn the beautiful and unique art of tatting!
Tatting is a type of lace using a shuttle, thread and crochet hook. In this beginner class, you will learn:
the history and about the different types of threads used in making tatting lace
how to hold your shuttle and thread first, and then practice making knots, rings and picots using your shuttle thread
How to make chains and work with two threads
Attendees will learn how to make a butterfly keepsake using just shuttle thread.
Curious about: Watercolor - May Workshop
Date: 5/9/2026
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Cranston Central Library
Facilitator: Blue Door Studio
Who can attend: All ages (children under must be accompanied by guardian)
Explore the vibrant world of watercolor painting in this hands-on workshop! Learn techniques like blending, layering, and creating unique brushstroke textures while experimenting with watercolor’s transparent qualities.
Finish by designing a fun, colorful graphic name piece to showcase your creativity. Perfect for all skill levels!
Curious about: Revolutionary Textiles- June Workshop
Date: 6/23/2026
Time: 6-7:30 pm
Location: Cranston Central Library
Facilitator: Dirty Blue Shirts
Who can attend: Anyone ages 10 and up (children under fourteen must be accompanied by guardian)
Underpinning the sensationalism of battle reports & broadsides is the often silent steadiness of women’s work with textiles. The choices they made every day about fashion and fabric consumption & creation drove the course of Revolution just as determinedly as any congress. As southern New England commemorates the 250th anniversary (semi-quincentennial) of the War for Independence, it is these local lives dressed in full wool or spun silk that continue to inspire creativity, resilience, and empathy in us today. From the mythology of homespun to legends of midnight rides in red cloaks & calashes, the Dirty Blue Shirts share stories of women who waged war on multiple fronts as well as a look at what they wore as their worlds turn’d upside down.
This program is presented by costumed historians and includes reproduction clothing pieces & fabric samples as well as a PowerPoint presentation with images of extant originals
Curious about: Visual Journaling
Date: 9/12/2026
Time: 11am-12:30pm
Location: Cranston Central Library
Facilitator: Carolyn Jayne
Who can attend: Anyone ages 16 and up
Visual journals are a uniquely creative art form that combine written words with images . In our workshop we will explore how to work with various materials and mediums to best inspire your own creativity and expression.
This workshop is designed for all levels of art-making experience .
Feel free to bring a blank journal or notebook !
Your facilitator is Carolyn Jayne , MA. . Carolyn is a local mixed - media artist , teacher and Expressive Arts Counselor who loves inspiring others to engage in their own creative work!
Curious about: World Percussion &
Drum Circles
explore the power of rhythm to develop creativity, create connection increase well being
Date: 10/17/2026
Time: 11am-1pm
Location: Cranston Central Library
Facilitator: Thomas Terceira
Who can attend: Anyone ages 16 and up
Explore hand drums and percussion instruments from around the world is this hands-on event. Learn the basics of how to play hand drums and other percussion instruments, how drumming can positively impact yourmental, and emotional wellbeing and experience the community and connection drumming together creates
No drumming or musical experience needed If your heart is beating, you’ve got a sense of rhythm and if you can clap your hands, you can play a drum!
All Instruments are provided
Instructor: Thomas Terceira had been drumming for over 30 years. He has taught people of all ages to play drums. He has been an instructor for the Young Fish school of World drumming, All that Matters, the Brittany Spears performing art camp and other places as well as facilitating and creating drum and dance circles