09/04/2025  – 12/10/2025

10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Kids Theater Program in partnership with Patel Conservatory Straz
Kids Theater Program in partnership with Patel Conservatory Straz
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Firehouse Cultural Center in partnership with Patel Conservatory @Straz Center presents a Kids Theater Program.
This Free program will start Thursday, Sept. 4 through Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 10:30 – 5:00 pm. Schedule follows Hillsborough School Calendar. This program will conclude with “Show Off Production” for all to see. Limited Space for ages 7 – 15. Free Programming provided by Patel Conservatory. Underwritten by The Straz.

09/25/2025  – 10/23/2025

9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Intro to the Pottery Wheel
Intro to the Pottery Wheel
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

You’ll discover the joy of working with clay in this hands-on, beginner to intermediate course focused on the fundamentals of wheel throwing. In 5 weeks, you’ll learn how to center clay, pull walls, and shape basic forms like bowls, mugs, and cylinders. We’ll also cover trimming, surface decoration, and glazing techniques so you can finish and fire your own unique pieces. No experience necessary – just bring your curiosity and willingness to get your hands dirty! Includes 25 lbs. of clay, glaze and firing.
Thursdays, 9:30am until 12:00pm Sept. 25th – Oct. 23

10/02/2025  – 11/02/2025

9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Open Pottery Studio - A.M. Thursdays
Open Pottery Studio - A.M. Thursdays
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Thursdays: 9:30am – Noon. Adults. Book March 2025 – December 2025.

10/02/2025  – 11/02/2025

6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Open Pottery Studio - Thursday Evening
Open Pottery Studio - Thursday Evening
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Thursdays: 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Adults. Book from April 2025 – Dec 2025.

10/07/2025  – 11/07/2025

9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Open Pottery Studio - A.M. Tuesdays
Open Pottery Studio - A.M. Tuesdays
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Welcome to our Open Pottery Studio – a supervised, creative space where potters of all skill levels can explore, practice, and perfect their craft. This monitored environment ensures safety and support while offering access to professional-grade tools, wheels, and kilns. Whether you are hand-building, throwing, or glazing, our staff is available during all open studio hours to assist, answer questions, and maintain a safe, respectful studio atmosphere. Must have class experience to attend. Tuesdays: 9:30am – Noon. Adults. March 2025 – December 2025.

10/17/2025  – 10/31/2025

9:30 am – 11:30 am
Homeschool Teen Clay Creators
Homeschool Teen Clay Creators
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Teen Pottery Class – 3-Session Series (Ages 12 – 16). Session Length: 1  1/2 hours per session. 3 Fridays in October. Get your hands dirty and your creativity flowing in this fun and interactive 3-session pottery series designed just for teens! In this beginner-friendly class, young artists will explore the basics of working with clay through hand-building techniques and get an introduction to the pottery wheel. Create multiple works of art. All materials, tools, and kiln firings are included.

10/17/2025

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Try Your Hand – A One-Time Art Experience
Try Your Hand – A One-Time Art Experience
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

INTRODUCTION TO CLAY! Learn about basic clay types, tools, and techniques. Hand-build a piece using techniques like pinching or slab work. Form Your Piece: Shape your item with help from an instructor. Don’t worry about perfection—the charm is in the handmade feel. Surface decoration techniques like textures or carving & glazing.
Friday, October 17 at 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

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5:00 PM - Gala 2015
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Manuscript Consultation with Laura Lee Smith
Monday, March 2, 2015 – Friday, March 6, 2015    
12:00 am
During the Firehouse Cultural Center’s “Spring Forward” Writers Week, novelist Laura Lee Smith will meet with TEN (10) aspiring writers to discuss excerpts from their work. Private manuscript consultations will offer writers of any skill level the opportunity to connect with an experienced reader, writer, and teacher, and to receive Smith’s feedback on strengths and opportunities for improvement in their work.
Spring Forward Writers Week with Laura Lee Smith
Monday, March 2, 2015 – Sunday, March 8, 2015    
12:00 am
A call to all aspiring writers out there. Laura Lee Smith will be at the Firehouse for a full week of writing events. Including manuscript consultations and Free book signing with Q & A. Teacher Institute: Creative Writing & Publication workshop will help with ideas and help on your path to publication. Celebration Reading will allow a consultation with Ms. Smith to identify strong segments from your work.
07 Mar
Saturday, March 7, 2015    
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Support the Firehouse Cultural Center, while honoring Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra L. Murman, Under the Stars, Beside the Little Manatee River and Among the Azaleas. Gala Chairs and Hosts, Vicki and Ross Elsberry invite you for Live Entertainment, Silent & Live Auctions, Open Bar, and Valet Parking. Limousine Service from Tampa Available Upon Request. Cocktail Attire. Garden Seating.
Ken Loomer Quartet
Friday, March 20, 2015    
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Swing into Spring with the Ken Loomer Quartet laying down the groove will be great bass player, John Lamb who played for Duke Ellington during the 1960`s.
Irish Music • Mike Donahue
Friday, March 27, 2015    
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
St. Patrick’s Day continues with Mike Donahue and his fellow musicians playing joyful & nostalgic Irish & Celtic melodies.
Events on Monday, March 2, 2015
Events on Saturday, March 7, 2015
07 Mar
7 Mar 15
Ruskin
Events on Friday, March 20, 2015
Ken Loomer Quartet
20 Mar 15
Ruskin
Events on Friday, March 27, 2015
Irish Music • Mike Donahue
27 Mar 15
Ruskin