01/05/2026  – 04/13/2026

10:30 am – 11:30 am
Kids Theater Program in partnership with Patel Conservatory Straz - Ages 5 - 9
Kids Theater Program in partnership with Patel Conservatory Straz - Ages 5 - 9
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 Mondays, Jan. 5 until April 13 from 10:30 – 11:30 am. Limited Space for ages 5 – 9. Free Programming provided by Patel Conservatory. Underwritten by The Straz.

01/08/2026  – 12/17/2026

9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Open Pottery Studio - A.M. Tuesday - Thursday
Open Pottery Studio - A.M. Tuesday - Thursday
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: 9:30 am – Noon, Adults. 4 session fee, each day is it’s own session. Book January 2026 – December 2026.

01/08/2026  – 05/21/2026

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Figure Drawing Group
Figure Drawing Group
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

New schedule. 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Age 18+, beginning January 8, 2026. Strengthen your skills in our monitored figure drawing session with a variety of timed poses. Bring your chalk, paint, charcoal or pencil, you choose the medium! Model varies by session. Please reserve online or by phone, 813-645-7651. Reservations are Limited. Your $15 cash tuition is due at the door.

01/08/2026  – 12/17/2026

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. 4 session fee, each day is it’s own session. Book from January 2026 – December 2026.

02/23/2026  – 03/30/2026

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Paint it Your Way: Watercolor Or Acrylic
Paint it Your Way: Watercolor Or Acrylic
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some painting experience, this class offers an enriching journey tailored to your pace and interests. Choose the medium that suits you—watercolor or acrylic—and unlock your creative potential. Instructor: Michael Parker. Mondays, Feb 23 – March 30, 2026, Six (6) week class. Time: 1:30 – 3:30 pm.

03/15/2026  – 03/29/2026

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Studio 55 | Jewelry Sampler | TMA@Firehouse
Studio 55 | Jewelry Sampler | TMA@Firehouse
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Adults 55+ | Beginner-Intermediate Level | Students will create mosaic pendants, transform artwork and photos into necklaces, and learn metal texturing and stamping. Each session will guide you in creating your own unique, wearable pieces of art!
Sundays | 1:00 – 4:00 PM Class Dates | Mar 15– 29 (3 classes).

03/26/2026  – 04/23/2026

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, 9:30 am until 12:00 pm, March 26 – April 23 (5 weeks).

03/26/2026  – 03/27/2026

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Figure Drawing
Figure Drawing
Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin FL

Strengthen your skills in our monitored figure drawing session with a variety of timed poses. Bring your chalk, paint, charcoal or pencil, you choose the medium. Model varies by session. Second and Fourth Thursday of the month in 2026, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Age 18+. Begins Thursday, January 8, 2026.

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Gasparilla International Film Festival
Thursday, March 20, 2014    
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Three exceptional films will be screened at the Firehouse showcasing talented independent filmmakers from around the world. The Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF), operated by the non-profit Tampa Film Institute, inspires, educates and entertains while supporting and cultivating the film industry of Tampa Bay.
Artists in Residence: CERO Design Mosaic Artists Celso Gonzalez & Roberto Biaggi
Monday, March 31, 2014 – Thursday, April 3, 2014    
All Day
Artists Celso Gonzalez & Roberto Biaggi lead a week-long workshop involving South Shore residents of all ages in the making of a community mosaic mural which will be installed on the exterior of the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin.
Jazz Straight Up
Saturday, April 5, 2014    
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
The Tom Hamilton Quartet is a straight ahead jazz band led by well-known accomplished bassist Tom Hamilton with the best jazz musicians in town: Dan Harris on guitar, Tom Becker on piano, and jazz drummer Fred Edinborgh.
Events on Thursday, March 20, 2014
Events on Saturday, April 5, 2014
Jazz Straight Up
5 Apr 14
Ruskin