Education
the place to learn together
The 2026 Spring Semester has arrived!
The Gathering Places hosts a variety of classes & lectures each semester. These classes are offered at low costs thanks to the generosity of our donors, sponsors, & grants. There is a class for everyone at the Gathering Place.
Art
Create a one-of-a-kind, functional mug using slab clay with potter Sharin Fisher of Abington Art Studio. All experience levels welcome. Create a one-of-a-kind journal using found papers, ephemera, and mixed media elements. In this relaxed, creative class, you’ll explore collage, layering, and simple binding techniques while turning everyday scraps into a personal, expressive keepsake. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity. A four-hour immersive experience blending meditation, music, and hands-on clay work. Guided by artist and musician Joe Statuto and teaching artist Virginia Sosik, participants create sculptural forms inspired by stillness and sound. No experience needed. Limited to 8 participants. Part 2: Tuesday, April 15 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Explore the history of ancient cave art, then create your own cave paintings using pigments and traditional techniques. This two-day lecture and hands-on workshop is open to all experience levels. Part 2: Thursday, April 30 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Create a one-of-a-kind collage in this one-day workshop. Using traditional collage techniques, participants will explore layering, composition, and imagery in a fun, hands- on environment. Open to all experience levels. Join us for a free community bouquet-making workshop with floral designer Raisa Statuto. Create a beautiful bouquet to celebrate Mother’s Day, perfect to enjoy solo, with a friend, or with your mom. All flowers and materials are included; please bring your own vase. Learn to stretch your own artwork like a pro! Join local artist Brooke Wandall to master techniques, tips, and tricks for a gallery-ready finish—plus skills in measuring, stapling, and corner folding. Perfect for artists of all levels ready to showcase their creations with confidence. Part 2: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Create a one-of-a-kind felted bowl in this two-day workshop. Participants will learn the basics of wet felting, explore color and texture, and leave with a beautiful decorative piece. Beginners welcome. Part 2: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Learn the fundamentals of still life painting with local artist Cadee Rockwell. This two- part class focuses on observing objects in space, positive and negative shape relationships, and creating strong compositions. Open to all levels and suitable for oil orEvents
Mug Making Workshop with Sharin Fisher
Junk Journaling Workshop with Lisa Lewis
Meditation Art with Joe Statuto & Virginia Sosik
Two-Day Cave Painting Lecture & Art Workshop with Pam Parsons
Two-Part Abstract Mixed Media Landscape Workshop with Brooke Wandall
Create an abstract mixed media landscape while learning layering, texture, mark making, and collage techniques. Open to all experience levels.
Collage Workshop with Pam Parsons
Free Community Bouquet-Making Workshop with Raisa Statuto
Canvas Stretching Workshop with Brooke Wandall
Two-Day Felting Workshop with Leslie Rhoades: Decorative Felted Bowl
Two-Part Still Life Painting with Cadee Rockwell
acrylic painters.
Cooking
A welcoming, hands-on culinary experience designed for adults of diverse abilities to build confidence in the kitchen, develop foundational cooking skills, and explore their creativity through food. Participants will learn, […] Discover how cauliflower can shine as the star of a delicious vegetarian meal, paired with tofu, coconut milk, lemon rice, spiced tomatoes, and yellow lentils, and served alongside warm, crisp puri for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy perfectly grilled yellowfin tuna paired with fragrant Indian spiced rice and a savory potato and onion curry, served with a refreshing cucumber yogurt raita to balance the warm, vibrant flavors. Learn the basics of quick breads while making scones, banana bread, and biscuits from scratch. Participants will take home all three baked good Learn the basics of quick breads while making scones, banana bread, and biscuits from scratch. Participants will take home all three baked good Learn how to make a quick chicken entrée and side, plus a simple dessert, all designed to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Explore seasonal wild edibles and learn how to safely and creatively incorporate spring’s fresh flavors into everyday cooking. Savor South India’s Sambar, a spiced lentil soup with vegetables, served with eggplant curry, coconut rice, and cucumber chutney. Discover easy seafood cooking with a fast main dish, a simple side, and an effortless dessert perfect for busy weeknights. Decorate your own cake using buttercream frosting while learning simple piping and decorating techniques. Each participant leaves with their finished cake. Create a flavorful vegetarian main, an easy side, and a simple dessert, all ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight meals. Kids will cook up a special Mother’s Day brunch in this fun, hands-on class. Expect taste testing, kitchen tips, and plenty of creativity as young chefs learn while having fun.Events
Cooking with Friends
Vegetarian with Lakshmi Mizen
Yellowfin Tuna with Lakshmi Mizen
Quick Breads: Scones, Banana Bread & Biscuits with Sisile Maruzzelli
Quick Breads: Scones, Banana Bread & Biscuits with Sisile Maruzzelli
Dinner Tonight: Chicken Breast with Paula Lamberton
Spring Wild Edible Ingredients with James Bolus
Sambar with Lakshmi Mizen
Dinner Tonight: Seafood with Paula Lamberton
Cake Decorating: Cake & Buttercream with Sisile Maruzzelli
Dinner Tonight: Vegetarian with Paula Lamberton
Kids Cooking Class: Preparing Mother’s Day Brunch with Erica Bailey
Health & Wellness
A gentle chair yoga series focused on improving flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation through accessible movements and mindful breathing. Suitable for all levels. A gentle chair yoga series focused on improving flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation through accessible movements and mindful breathing. Suitable for all levels. A gentle chair yoga series focused on improving flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation through accessible movements and mindful breathing. Suitable for all levels. A gentle chair yoga series focused on improving flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation through accessible movements and mindful breathing. Suitable for all levels.Events
4 Week Chair Yoga for Adults with Beth Nichols Session 1 of 4
4 Week Chair Yoga for Adults with Beth Nichols Session 2 of 4
4 Week Chair Yoga for Adults with Beth Nichols Session 3 of 4
4 Week Chair Yoga for Adults with Beth Nichols Session 4 of 4
Lectures
Get one-on-one help with phones, tablets, or computers. Learn the basics, troubleshoot issues, and gain confidence using your devices in a friendly, supportive setting. Join Christopher Stokum from the Anthracite Museum for an artifacts-based program at the, exploring tools, personal items, and photographs that reveal the lives, culture, and history of northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal region. Explore how the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island became enduring symbols of freedom and hope, and discover their place in American history. Discover how jazz spread from the United States to every corner of the globe, and enjoy listening to world-class jazz from countries around the world. Join educator Carol Rubel for a two-part discussion of Hamnet, exploring its themes of love, loss, and creativity. The series concludes with a screening of the film adaptation at The Gathering Place. Discover the stories behind downtown Clarks Summit during this engaging historic presentation with genealogist Julie Manwarren. Through photographs, records, and local history, explore the people and places that shaped the community we know today. Perfect for history lovers and the simply curious alike. Discover how jazz spread from the United States to every corner of the globe, and enjoy listening to world-class jazz from countries around the world. Join educator Carol Rubel for a two-part discussion of Hamnet, exploring its themes of love, loss, and creativity. The series concludes with a screening of the film adaptation at The Gathering Place. Discover how jazz spread from the United States to every corner of the globe, and enjoy listening to world-class jazz from countries around the world. Join the Penn State Master Gardeners for an engaging lecture on the life, migration, and conservation of monarch butterflies. Learn why these iconic pollinators are vital to our ecosystem and discover practical […] Get one-on-one help with phones, tablets, or computers. Learn the basics, troubleshoot issues, and gain confidence using your devices in a friendly, supportive setting. Through historical cases, modern sightings, and government investigations you will discover and explore possible explanations. Join a lively discussion facilitated by Kevin Creegan, Ph.D.Events
Tech Tutors: Help with Your Devices with the Abington High School Tech Club
Artifacts of Anthracite History: Stories from the Past with Christopher Stokum
How the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Came to Be with Anne Armezzani
Three-Part Lecture Jazz Around the World with David Elliot Day 1 of 3
The Gathering Place
304 S. State Street, Clarks Summit, PA, United States
Two-Part Lecture & Discussion with Carol Rubel: Hamnet Day 1 of 2
The Gathering Place
304 S. State Street, Clarks Summit, PA, United States
Downtown Clarks Summit History Lecture with Julie Manwarren
Three-Part Lecture Jazz Around the World with David Elliot Day 2 of 3
The Gathering Place
304 S. State Street, Clarks Summit, PA, United States
Two-Part Lecture & Discussion with Carol Rubel: Hamnet Day 2 of 2
The Gathering Place
304 S. State Street, Clarks Summit, PA, United States
Three-Part Lecture Jazz Around the World with David Elliot Day 3 of 3
The Gathering Place
304 S. State Street, Clarks Summit, PA, United States
Monarch Butterflies: Conservation and Gardening Tips with the Penn State Master Gardeners
Tech Tutors: Help with Your Devices with the CLEO
Explore the Mystery of UFOs with Kevin Creegan, Ph.D.
Kids
Kids will cook up a special Mother’s Day brunch in this fun, hands-on class. Expect taste testing, kitchen tips, and plenty of creativity as young chefs learn while having fun.Events
Kids Cooking Class: Preparing Mother’s Day Brunch with Erica Bailey
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for a class?
Registering for a class can be done online at http://www.gatheringplacecs.org/education, over the phone at (570) 575-8352, in person at The Gathering Place during normal business hors or by mail download the form here.
How do I become an instructor?
We are always looking to add to our educational resources. Feel free to complete an application and we will be in touch. Instructor Application
Where do I park?
There is metered parking available all along state street.
Thank You to Our Patrons
Hal & Paula Baillie
Dorrance & Susan Belin
1st Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary Fund
Mike & Nancy Dennen
Francine Gallagher
Honesdale National Bank Foundation
Beth Kaplan
Debbie K. McBride
Lee & Emily Rancier
The Waters Family