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Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education



Our Classes

Ultimate Beginner Watercolor: Level 1

$25

with Catherine Scanlon

Calendar Next available session starts Feb 17, 2026 at 2:30 pm, runs for 1 week

In this 2 day class, you'll learn everything you need to know to get started with watercolor painting. We will have an in-depth conversation about paper and pads, paint, palettes, and brushes. After the materials lecture, we'll jump right in and make a color chart, practice mixing paint and our brush strokes. After a quick review on the second day, you'll have the opportunity to paint a custom illustration created by Catherine and printed on watercolor paper. You'll leave this short, but sweet class with enough experience and knowledge to know if investing in the materials to paint with watercolor is something you are interested in doing. All materials provided. *A $20 materials fee must be paid to instructor at first class.

February 17th will be a special all day session. We will meet from 2:30 to 5, take a half hour break and finish up between 5:30 to 7:30. 

Hand Stamped Cards: Beat the Winter Blues

$20

with Dawn Stevens

Calendar Next available session starts Feb 23, 2026 at 5:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Let’s have fun making two projects together! Project One will use flower stamps to make a layered card that you can customize for the intended recipient. For Project Two we will assemble a small die cut project to hang on the wall or from the ceiling. Precut kits and envelopes are provided. Participants need a pair of scissors and colored pencils or markers.

Botanical Illustration with Watercolor and Ink

$145

with Claire Loon Baldwin

Calendar Next available session starts Feb 24, 2026 at 5 pm, runs for 4 weeks

IMPORTANT NOTE: MARCH 24TH IS A SCHEDULED MAKE-UP DATE IN THE EVENT WE HAVE A SNOW DAY AND CLASS IS CANCELED. If we have no bad weather, this class will end on March 17th. 

This all-levels class explores botanical illustration with watercolor, pen and ink. Students will learn principles of scientific illustration through painting subjects ranging from mushrooms to wildflowers, focusing on observational drawing and precision watercolor painting techniques. Students can either buy themselves the required materials - the materials list is linked here - or they can buy material kits from the Mix, an art store in Brunswick (here is a link to a student-grade kit, and here is a link to an artist-grade kit).

Learn more about instructor Claire Loon Baldwin and see her illustrations for books and magazines on her website: CLICK HERE

THIS COURSE IS 4 WEEKS.

New Life for Old Books

$25

with Catherine Scanlon

Calendar Next available session starts Feb 25, 2026 at 3:30 pm, runs for 1 week

In this 1 night class I will show you how to create a custom art journal using a vintage book, waxed linen, watercolor paper, canvas and other decorative papers. Signatures will be saddle stitched to the spine of the old book and decorative papers will line the inside panels. All materials will be covered in the $35 kit fee, books will be between 5" x 8" and 6"x 9" each book will all be unique and different. A variety of papers will be available to choose from for the liner pages. Time permitting, we will talk about art journal techniques to use on the interior pages.

Introduction to Upholstery: Ottoman Edition

$175

with Kate Hedlund-Groden

Calendar Next session starts Feb 25, 2026 at 5:30 pm, runs for 2 weeks
1 additional session on Mar 5, 2026

Ottoman Edition! This hands-on workshop introduces students to some of the foundational skills of upholstery. Over the course of three classes, students will learn to transform a plain, wooden frame into a beautiful, custom ottoman. Through guided instruction, students will become familiar with a variety of upholstery tools and techniques. Students will also learn how to measure and cut cushioning materials, and properly assemble a finished ottoman. If you're looking to gain a new skill, this course provides a brief introduction to the art of upholstery. Course Highlights: + Learn how to transform a plain, wooden frame into usable furniture. + Hands-on practice with a variety of upholstery tools: pneumatic staple gun, rubber and wooden mallets, staple remover, pliers, and more. + Guidance on fabric selection, estimating, and manipulation. + Basic padding, assembly, and finishing. + Safety procedures and proper tool usage. Materials: Students will need to provide their own fabric. All other materials, including the ottoman frame, will be provided. Recommendations on where to purchase fabric can be found on my website: khgupholstery.com. Feel free to reach out should you prefer to discuss fabric options prior to purchasing. *Upholstery weight fabrics preferred.* All tools will be provided for use during the class. What to Bring: 2 yards of fabric *Be sure to have your fabric on hand for the first class* For additional comfort, feel free to bring a pair of gloves, safety glasses, and/or mask to wear while upholstering.

Full Course

Farming with Native Plants

$35

with David Spahr

Calendar Next available session starts Feb 26, 2026 at 5:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Author David Spahr has an extensive native farming project. In this class he will discuss and illustrate the hows and whys of farming with native plants, trees, and bushes.

Coastal Navigation Fundamentals (Level 1)

$50

with Alice Bean Andrenyak

Calendar Next available session starts Feb 26, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 2 weeks

Learn the basics of coastal navigation using local charts, parallel ruler, and dividers. Learn what the symbols mean, how to determine safe and dangerous routes, create courses, learn rules of the “road”, what aids to navigation look like and do, plan for emergencies and more. For kayakers, sailors, powerboaters, and future Registered Maine Guides. Students will need access to either a Casco Bay Chart or Penobscot Bay Chart, parallel ruler and dividers. This course is offered via Zoom over two sessions. This is a LEVEL 1 program.

Winter Outdoor Survival Skills

$100

with Alice Bean Andrenyak

Calendar Next available session starts Feb 28, 2026 at 8:15 am, runs for 1 week

During this one day outside workshop, you’ll be wearing snowshoes while improving your skills with: compasses (taking and following bearings), fire building, cooking using various techniques, shelter building, and how to search for a separated group member and handling some possible first aid issues. Designed for those with some knowledge who will be leading family members or small groups in the colder weather outdoors, or preparing to become a Registered Maine Guide.





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