Four women view art in a gallery.As the leaves continue to change and the air gets cooler with each passing week, Mother Nature is beckoning us inside for more cozy, introspective activities. Personally, I am grateful for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the summer months. 


Reading under a cozy blanket (hot tea in hand), watching a scary or lighthearted movie with a friend or loved one, or creating something with the hands all sound like valuable “quiet time” during this slower, more reflective time of year. 


Fall and winter are ideal seasons to expand upon a creative passion or discover a new craft like painting or crocheting, taking some time for self-reflection and self-expression. 

Be Your Own Artist


Group of people holding their paintings after a class at STEAM Innovation LabsRegardless of age or skill level, we all have a creative side and thanks to local organizations like the STEAM Innovation Labs in Sunbury, the YMCA Arts Center in Sunbury, and the Screen Arts Institute in Shamokin, you can be your own artist – in your own way and at your own speed. 


First up: STEAM Innovation Labs in Sunbury. The brainchild of Meghan Beck, Northumberland County Commissioner and local entrepreneur, STEAM Innovation Labs prides itself in serving, “Makers, Nerds, Techies, Creators, Artists, Designers, Builders, Innovators, and Mad Scientists!” They provide the tools, technology, events, and classes for community membersPicture of hands making glass art. One hand placing glass and the other hand holding a soldering iron at a STEAM Innovation Lads Art Glass Class. and members of any skill level. 


They offer a structured calendar of classes from fluid art to wreath making, welding, and pottery, to name a few. Check out their website to learn more about their Lab spaces, too, including: Chemistry, Pottery Wheel, Textiles, Technology, 3D Design and Printing, Photography and even Wood, Metal and Glass. 


Here, the creative possibilities – and guidance – are endless. They also offer monthly memberships, making their offerings even more affordable and accessible based on your interests and time commitments.

Picture of two people sitting at pottery wheels making pots at the YMCA Arts Center

Located just down the street, the YMCA Arts Center, also in Sunbury, offers monthly classes in drawing and painting, fiber arts, pottery, jewelry, and even family art workshops and kids cooking classes. Many of the classes are offered in an after-school setting, providing creative projects and a safe space for local kids. Check out their Facebook page for updates and pics of recent events and classes. 

Picture of tablet with graphic art drawing and computer screen with digital art drawing at the Screen Arts Institute.

If you’re like me, the Screen Arts Institute in Shamokin might be new to you. This nonprofit organization offer classes in animation, mobile game building, art/illustration, and 3D printing. This October, they launched a new program called the Broadcast Arts Initiative, a 9-month course that teaches digital illustration, graphic design, mobile game building and art entrepreneurship. If you’re curious about their history, check out this page of their website.

Meet and Support Local Makers and Artisans

If you’re not feeling the creative vibes yourself, consider checking out the work of other local artists and artisans in the Susquehanna River Valley.

Artists & Artisans, Lewisburg
A co-op of fourteen artists offering a variety of works offered including ceramics, fiber art, jewelry, paintings, photos, prints and woodturning. Rotating exhibits are offered in their space and items are for sale.

Artisan Corner Co-Op, Mifflinburg
Find handmade, quality creations such as baskets, candles, jewelry, pottery, blacksmithing, Alpaca products, 3-D custom photos, art in a variety of mediums, cane-rush-woven chairs, wreaths and more.

Cold Run Crafts, Gifts, and Home Store, Millmont
A family-owned gift shop featuring craft supplies, home goods, toys for children 12 and under, Amish built furniture, and a huge selection of farmhouse decor.

Colonial Candlecrafters, Lewisburg
Colonial Candlecrafters is a family-owned candle shop featuring hand-poured jar candles, pillar candles, and more.

Penns Creek Pottery, Penn’s Creek
Penns Creek Pottery has been crafting beautiful stoneware and porcelain since 1978 under the artistry of Bill Lynch.

Rise & Design Art Studio
Rise and Design Art Studio creates vibrant, handmade pottery that blends traditional techniques with a modern, playful aesthetic. They also offer off-site workshops.

St. Joseph Fine Art Studio
Saint Joseph's Fine Art Studio specializes in fine art, commission art, murals and art restoration including paintings, sculpture, religious paintings and icons. Artist Mark Sassani’s fine art expression consists mainly of colorful landscapes of east-central and northern-tier Pennsylvania.

Woman standing at an easel painting outside with a street view and trees in the background as part of the Selinsgrove Plein Air Painting Competition

Each SRV community has a thriving art scene, thanks in part to these local organizations: