Debbi Zvanut passes out lengths of rattan reed to students in her class at the Tamaqua Arts Center, and soon, they’ll be woven into colorful Easter baskets.

While they work, others gather in the lower level of the 125 Pine St. center to put the finishing touches on pottery pieces they have shaped and fired.

And there’s an Easter egg pysanky class going on in the gallery, where a local artist’s work hangs for a month-long exhibit.

It’s another busy evening at the nonprofit center.

The center is in its 12th year, and continues to offer art classes, children’s programs and live performances.

The center recognizes that “everyone is an artist,” just like those who were on hand to weave.

“It’s a simple little basket that you’ll be able to take home this evening,” said instructor Zvanut, of Baskets in the Woods, New Tripoli.

She worked with her class, showing them how to find the center of the reeds, then arrange and put them together.

“This is a nice thing to start with,” Zvanut said to her class of mostly beginners. “The rattan is flexible so we don’t get splinters.”

After some coaching, the students found their pace, and the reeds began to take shape.

“You’re going to get out of here with a basket,” Zvanut promised.

She will return May 11 for an “Easy Green Bowl Basket Weaving Workshop.”

Students in Abby Shumgart’s pottery class at the center’s Clay Works Pottery Studio would also be taking home their creations.

Shumgart recently wrapped up “Introduction to the Wheel” classes where students shape slabs of clay into bowls or cups.

It’s a process that she said is both messy and fun.

Shumgart, a Tamaqua Area School District art teacher, will also instruct during a summer kids’ camp.

Amanda Mincavage, the center’s events coordinator, mentioned a number of upcoming events.

For starters, she said, weekly free kids’ crafts classes are held Wednesdays beginning at 5 p.m. They’re recommended for ages 2-8 but all are welcome. The classes are popular so preregistration is a must.

New classes include “Paint Like Bob Ross,” which complements a host of other painting classes offered on a frequent basis.

There are mosaics, stained glass and jewelry making classes, too.

“Our tai chi classes are starting back up next month as well,” Mincavage said. “Our yoga teacher, Jennifer Betz, is a local nurse who teaches weekly (chair and regular mat) yoga here at the arts center, but she also volunteers to teach teen yoga at the Tamaqua Public Library.”

Live entertainment is typically held on weekends, and can range from comedy to dances to tribute bands.

Upcoming shows include Tom Petty, Elton John, Stevie Nicks and The Eagles tributes, along with bands that play selections of favorite tunes.

A “big benefit” concert featuring “Micah and the Loose Threads” is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 26. Proceeds will help support the center and keep its mission alive.

The gallery changes each month, and features the work of local artists. It has hosted painting, drawings, sculptures and photography shows.

The schedule is updated frequently. To see more, register for classes or purchase tickets, visit https://www.tamaquaarts.org/