What’s happening in February at the Athens Cultural Center

ATHENS―February invites reflection, creativity, and connection at Athens Cultural Center. This winter month brings an exhibition grounded in personal history, hands-on workshops for all ages, and a special film screening with conversation, offering moments to gather, create, and engage together.

Esperanza, Hope (Exhibition)

On View: December 20, 2025 - February 15

First Friday Reception: February 6 | 5-7 p.m.

Artist Talk: February 7 at 4 p.m.

Esperanza, Hope: Portraits of Migration and Change in Athens, NY is a photography exhibition by Thierry Casias exploring how migration, memory, and belonging have shaped the village’s evolving identity. Through intimate portraits, archival material, and images of the local landscape, the exhibition honors the individuals and communities whose stories are often overlooked. Together, the works form a quiet testament to resilience, connection, and the layered histories that continue to define Athens.

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First Sundays: Family Studio Hour

Sunday, February 1 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Athens Cultural Center

Join Monika Zarzeczna for an hour of family studio time. Children and caregivers will create mixed-media wooden sculptures while building balance, fine-motor skills, and early counting through playful, hands-on exploration.

Recommended for ages 7 and under.

Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome.

Please note: if there are no registrations 24 hours prior, the session will be canceled.

Parents and guardians are asked to bring food and drink for their children as needed.

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QiGong

Saturdays from 10-11:15 a.m.

With Carl Thomsen and Barbara Schofield Thomsen Developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong uses gentle, slow-moving exercises to cultivate energy and support health of the body, mind, and spirit. Accessible to all ages, and especially beneficial for mature adults or those with physical limitations, Qigong can be practiced seated in a chair. Each session concludes with a 15-minute meditation to encourage mindfulness, self-awareness, and relaxation.

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Artist Talk with Thierry Casias

Saturday, February 7 | 4 p.m. | Athens Cultural Center

Join us for an artist talk with Thierry Casias in conjunction with his exhibition Esperanza, Hope. Casias will discuss the stories, research, and personal histories that shape this deeply resonant body of work.

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Bluegrass Slow Jam

Sunday, February 8 | 2-4 p.m. | Athens Cultural Center

A slow jam is a welcoming and supportive, easy-tempo jam session aimed at beginning and intermediate players, but with plenty of room for relaxed experts. The group leader, mandolinist Peter Paden of the Wickers Creek Band, will distribute basic chord charts for well-known tunes and songs before the session, and guide all players, no matter their instrument.  Acoustic and stringed instruments only, please.

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Valentine Cards & Mobiles

Monday, February 9 | 2–3:30 p.m. | Rivertown Senior Apartments

Designed especially for seniors, this welcoming class with artist Chantal Van-Weirts explores the making of handmade Valentine cards and simple mobiles using accessible materials and techniques. Participants are invited to work at a comfortable pace while enjoying creative play, social connection, and the pleasure of giving through art.

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Messy Flowers

Saturday, February 15 | 1-4 p.m. | Athens Cultural Center

Learn to paint loose, expressive florals in acrylic with Tracy Loring. Participants will explore vibrant color mixing, textured brushwork, and layering techniques to create depth and harmony.

All supplies included. Open to adults and teens (13+).

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Collage Accordion Book

Sunday, February 22 | 1-3 p.m. | Athens Cultural Center

In this hands-on class, artist Ruby Silvious guides participants through the creation of a collage accordion book, combining image, text, and structure into an intimate, portable form. Drawing on experimentation and close observation, the workshop invites participants to explore sequencing, narrative, and material play in a supportive, process-oriented environment.

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Queer & Trans Connections Network

Wednesday, February 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Athens Cultural Center

The Queer & Trans Connection Network offers a welcoming peer-led space for LGBTQ+ community members and allies in Greene and Columbia Counties. Meeting monthly at the Athens Cultural Center, these gatherings provide connection, conversation, resource sharing, and support in a substance-free environment for ages 14+. Together, they share experiences, celebrate wins, and build an affirming, inclusive community close to home.

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Film Screening: Milk and Honey

Saturday, February 28 | 6 p.m. | Athens Cultural Center

Niva Dorell presents her critically acclaimed 24-minute short film Milk and Honey, produced for Showtime Networks. The film is set in Texas in 1953 and tells the poignant story of an Israeli woman and a Black man who meet and spend a single day together.

A brief welcoming program and community discussion will accompany the screening.

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Visit & Registration

Unless noted, all classes and events take place at 24 Second Street, Athens. Most events are free; some workshops require registration or ask for suggested donations. Please visit athensculturalcenter.org to register and view additional details.

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