Unleash your creativity at CCAA’s Open Studio sessions! This is your chance to work on your personal projects and bring your unique visions to life. Enjoy the freedom of self-guided exploration in our vibrant, supportive environment—no instructor provided. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, our Open Studio offers the perfect space to experiment, create, and let your imagination run wild. Don’t miss this inspiring opportunity to turn your artistic dreams into reality!

Ceramics Open Studio

The Chester County Art Association offers Ceramic Open Studio sessions, providing artists of all levels with the opportunity to work on personal projects in a supportive, self-guided environment. These sessions are monitored but do not include formal instruction, allowing participants the freedom to explore and create at their own pace.

2025 Ceramic Open Studio Sessions:​
  • Monday's - 6 to 9 PM
  • Tuesday's - 10 AM to 1 PM
  • Wednesday's - 5 to 8 PM
  • Saturday's - 10 AM to 1 PM

To participate, registration is required for each session. You can register for individual sessions or purchase a bundle for recurring sessions on the same day.
**Please note that the studio offers a welcoming and creative environment for your projects. While participants are encouraged to bring their own tools and equipment, only clay purchased from CCAA is permitted for use in the studio.**
Meet our Ceramics Technician, Lily Petro!

Lily not only maintains the ceramics studio at the Chester County Art Association but also serves as the monitor for Open Studio sessions. Her expertise and support create an inviting space for artists to explore their creativity, work on projects, and develop their skills. Whether you’re a seasoned ceramicist or just starting out, Lily is there to help ensure a smooth and inspiring studio experience!

​Email Lily here with any questions about Open Studio!

Life Model Open Studio 

​Join us for Life Model Open Studio at the Chester County Art Association! This relaxed, self-guided session offers artists of all levels the opportunity to practice figure drawing from a live model. Bring your materials and work at your own pace in a supportive, creative environment. Whether you're refining your technique or exploring new approaches, Life Model Open Studio is the perfect place to enhance your skills and connect with fellow artists.

Spring 2025 Spring Open Studio Session:​
  • Friday's - 1 - 4 PM

To participate, registration is required for each session.
Meet our Life Model Monitor, Beth Clark!

Meet Beth Clark, our Life Model Open Studio Monitor at the Chester County Art Association! With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the artistic process, Beth ensures that every session runs smoothly. Her experience and passion for the arts create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, making her the perfect guide for artists as they work from the live model. Whether you’re new to figure drawing or a seasoned artist, Beth is there to assist and encourage you every step of the way!​

Second Saturday Photography Gathering

CCAA member, Gary Altoonian, will host a free gathering on the second Saturday of each month from March through November, except for no meetings in July and August, for like-minded people interested in photography. Photographers of all levels are encouraged to bring print and/or digital work to share and discuss. In the past, the host and facilitator had no agenda which resulted in no pressure, just a gathering of individuals interested in the art of photography. 
 
Individuals other than photographers are also welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
 
This event is free, but you must register so we have a headcount of who is coming. Thank you!
Hello Photography Enthusiasts:
 
Last Saturday, there were six (6) who attended and shared their photographs of people (posed and candid captures) and shadows.  There were many excellent examples in print and digital of current captures and those from many years ago that provided some great inspiration.  Thanks to all who shared their work.
 
Our next meeting will be on May 10th.  PLEASE NOTE THAT HENCEFORTH, WE WILL BE CHANGING OUR MEETING TIME TO NOON TO 2PM.  Our themes for next month's meeting will be:
  • Night Photography - Buildings, landscapes, stars, etc.
  • Environmental Portraits - Candid or posed people at work or hobby.
  • Lighting - I will bring my Godox V1 flash and softbox, which I use as part of my portable studio lighting setup.
To accommodate those who do not have access to a printer and wish to share their digital images, I will bring a laptop with me.  If you are sharing digital images, please place them on a thumb drive so I can plug it into my computer.
 
For future planning, here are the themes for our upcoming meetings:
  • June 7
    • City - Day or night, cityscape, streets, highways, etc.
    • Contrast - Color, light or anything that comes to your mind.
  • September 13
    • Silhouette - People, animals, buildings, sculptures, etc.
    • Nature - Animals, wildlife, insects, etc.
  • October 11
    • Antiques - Anything that has been around for a really long time, artifacts, furniture, cars, paintings, etc.
    • Series - Any number of photos of a subject that have a related theme.  For example, Boathouse Row at Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, 4th of July, etc.
  • November 8
    • HDR - Bracketed photographs that are merged into a single photograph
    • Looking Up - Looking up from below, an interesting structure such as the Eiffel Tower, a bridge, an atrium inside of a building, trees in a forest, etc.
If you are unable to share something that is part of a month's theme, that's okay, bring some examples of your work.  Having you there is more important.
We will NOT be meeting in July, August or December.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].
See you on May 10th.
Please, stay well and be safe.  Thank you.
 
PS …This event is FREE, but you must register so we can have a headcount of who will be coming.  Thank you.
 
Location:
CCAA Print Room (Downstairs)
Enter through the door nearest to the Print Room, it will be unlocked.
100 North Bradford Avenue, West Chester, PA  19382
ALL GATHERINGS WILL BE FROM NOON TO 2PM.
Meet our Photography Moderator, Gary Altoonian!

Gary Altoonian, a self-taught photographer and U.S. Navy veteran, turned his passion into Altoonian Photography in 2013. His Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business offers headshots, portraits, events, architectural shots, and fine art photography—including his signature Groupless Groupshots®.

​Known for capturing stunning images anywhere—on land, in the air, or underwater—Gary’s award-winning work has been featured in CIO Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. His studio was named West Chester’s Best Portrait Studio in 2022, 2023, and 2024. 
​
Please feel free to reach out to Gary with any comments or questions and feel encouraged to share this message with friends and colleagues.

Open Sculpture

Discover the art of sculpture in this Open Sculpture class, perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. This hands-on course allows you to explore your own creative vision, whether you’re interested in sculpting animals, portraits, or abstract forms. With a self-directed approach, you'll be guided through the design, composition, and execution of your sculpture while developing skills you can apply to future projects. The class is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, fostering creativity in a supportive studio environment.

All Levels Welcome!
   - Learn at your own pace with expert guidance
   - Work in water-based ceramic clay
   - Enjoy a creative and engaging studio atmosphere

Materials & Supplies A 25-pound bag of clay is included in your class fee.

Additional supplies you may need:
✔ Sketchpad & drawing tools
✔ Wood modeling board & armature
✔ Clay & modeling tools Most materials will be available for purchase at the first class.

Join us and experience the joy of sculpting while honing your artistic skills!

Meet our Open Sculpture Moderator,
George McMonigle!

George McMonigle is an accomplished sculptor and educator with a distinguished career spanning decades. A graduate of Temple University’s Tyler School of Fine Art (1970–1974), he further honed his skills at Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia College of Art, Cornell University, and the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.

As the former Director of Sculpture for the Franklin Mint, George has collaborated with artists worldwide to refine their craft. From 1990 to 1998, he served as a board member for the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, contributing to the advancement of fine art education.
A member of the National Sculpture Society (since 1989) and The Society of Animal Artists (since 1980), his work is celebrated globally, with pieces featured in prestigious public and private collections. His expertise and passion for teaching help students of all levels develop their skills and artistic confidence, ensuring a lasting impact on the next generation of sculptors.