Welcome to The Next Chapter guide to Bergen County Creative Classes & Workshops for Adults Aged 60 and Over.
Research shows that participating in arts and crafts can slow cognitive decline, sharpen fine motor skills, and reduce stress and anxiety. Equally important, small-group classes foster the social bonds that help combat isolation and bolster emotional well-being.
Whether you’re centering clay on a wheel for the first time, arranging colorful mosaic tiles, or crafting the opening lines of your memoir, the following hand-picked, year-round workshops in Bergen County will spark your imagination, introduce you to new friends, and give you a renewed sense of purpose.
Bergen County Creative Classes for 60+ Adults
If you’re ready to turn inspiration into action, scroll down. This guide breaks Bergen County’s best creative spots into five easy-to-navigate categories. You’ll quickly see where to sign up for wheel-throwing at Englewood’s hottest pottery studio, book a stained-glass class in Fair Lawn, join a Ridgewood mixed-media circle, pick up advanced camera techniques in Hackensack, or finally start that memoir at Bergen Community College.
We’ve done the homework. Most entries include addresses, phone numbers, and direct links so you can reserve your spot today and get straight to making, learning, and connecting with your fellow 60+ creatives.
2025 Directory of Bergen County Creative Classes & Workshops for Adults Aged 60 and Over
Pottery & Ceramics: Mold Your Masterpiece
Clayground Pottery Studio (Englewood)
At Clayground Pottery Studio, small classes (max six students) guide you through wheel-throwing, hand-building, glazing, and kiln firing. After class, socialize during “open studio” hours, swap techniques over coffee, and admire each other’s work.
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Where: 61 Grand Ave, 2nd Floor, Englewood, NJ
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When: Tuesday–Sunday (check website for current schedule)
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Register & Info:
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Phone: (201) 207-0568
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Painting Pottery Cafe (Englewood)
Prefer no-wheel painting? At Painting Pottery Cafe, pick from hundreds of bisque pieces including mugs, bowls, sculptures, and decorate with glazes, mosaics, or glass fusing. A $6 studio fee plus project costs covers all tools and firing.
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Where: 35 S Van Brunt St, 2nd Floor, Englewood, NJ
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When: Daily by reservation; walk-ins welcome if space allows
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Book a Slot:
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Phone: (917) 418-4049 or (201) 871-5958
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Multi-Discipline Studios: Explore Every Medium
The Art School at Old Church (Demarest)
Experience creativity under soaring 19th-century arches at The Art School at Old Church. Choose from painting, sculpture, printmaking, fiber arts, jewelry/metalsmithing, and basket weaving. Year-round classes culminate in student exhibitions in the on-site gallery.
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Where: 608 Piermont Rd, Demarest, NJ
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Register & Info:
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Phone: (201) 767-7160
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Web: https://tasoc.org/
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Ridgewood Community School (Ridgewood)
From calligraphy and watercolor to quilting and mixed-media collage, Ridgewood Community School offers semester-based adult-ed courses. Seniors enjoy discounted rates and small classes that transform into lasting “craft circles.”
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Where: 49 Cottage Pl, Ridgewood, NJ
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Register & Info:
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Phone: (201) 670-2777
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Mosaic & Stained Glass: Color Your World
Mosaic Workshops at KD Studio (Closter)
Learn Turkish lamp-making or tile mosaics at Mosaic Art Studio’s KD Studio pop-up in Closter. Materials, tools, and expert guidance are included. Just book a date and create your own candleholder, tabletop, or lamp.
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Where: 395 Closter Dock Rd, Closter, NJ
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Register & Info:
Photography & Digital Arts: Frame Your Vision
Bergen County Camera Workshops
Bergen County Camera hosts photography classes, free focus sessions, and more. Learn everything from DSLR basics to advanced composition in small, interactive groups.
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Where: Multiple locations
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Register & Calendar: https://bergencountycamera.com/classes-trips-event-calendar bergencountycamera.com
MarbleJam Digital Arts (Hackensack)
Step into the digital age with MarbleJam’s adult-learner courses in graphic design, film editing, and digital photography. Small groups ensure one-on-one attention as you learn industry-standard software and creative techniques.
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Where & Schedule: Contact for details
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Info: https://www.bergenresourcenet.org/search/digital-arts-program-marblejam-kids/ bergenresourcenet.org
Writing & Storytelling: Share Your Voice
Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), Bergen Community College (Paramus)
Write memoirs, poetry, or short fiction in ILR’s non-credit courses exclusively for learners 55+. Workshop with peers, receive college-level instruction, and learn self-publishing tips, all in a supportive environment.
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Where: Technology Education Center, Room 116, 400 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ
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Register & Info:
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Phone: (201) 447-7156
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BCCLS Memoir & Creative Writing (County-wide)
Free to BCCLS members, these monthly gatherings rotate through Palisades Park, Paramus, and Fair Lawn libraries. Share your chapters, poems, or essays, and get feedback in a friendly, communal setting.
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Main Office: 21-00 NJ-208, Suite 130, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 │ (201) 489-1904 │ http://www.bccls.org/
Why Creative Engagement Matters for 60+ Bergen Residents
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Cognitive Health: Arts activities can stimulate neural pathways and can potentially slow age-related decline
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Emotional Well-Being: Crafting, painting, and writing can potentially help to reduce stress, boost mood, and foster a sense of achievement.
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Social Connection: Group classes can potentially help build friendships, counteracting isolation common in later life.
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Physical Coordination: Hands-on projects, clay, glass, tile, can potentially help improve dexterity and motor planning.
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Lifelong Learning: Trying new mediums keeps curiosity alive and expands creative horizons.
Join the Conversation on Facebook!
When you’ve fired your first pot, finished your mosaic lamp, or polished that photo series—keep the conversation going in our Bergen County Active & Engaged Over 60: The Next Chapter Facebook community. Share your projects, swap studio tips, revisit Bergen’s ‘60s–’80s memories, and connect with fellow 60+ creatives:
Click here to join the Facebook group and become part of Bergen County’s fastest-growing, supportive, and inspiring 60+ network.
