Illustrate the abstract beauty of Maine’s beautiful fall foliage with dip pens, ink, and watercolor. This all-levels class begins with a nature walk to gather specimens and soak up inspiration. Then, back at the studio, we’ll learn techniques for drawing with pen and ink, and create exciting watercolor textures with salt, soap, ink, and more. Everyone will leave with their own unique study of autumn leaves. Students can either buy themselves the required materials or they can buy material kits from the Mix, an art store in Brunswick.

Student Grade Kit

Professional Artist Grade Kit

*This is a two-day weekend workshop: Saturday & Sunday October 17-18. Have you ever wanted to try tapestry weaving, but didn’t know where to begin? Perhaps you’ve tried it on your own and are ready for some help. In this intensive, two day workshop you’ll learn some of the fundamentals of tapestry weaving. You’ll be guided step-by-step through various techniques while exploring the creative possibilities. Beginner and intermediate levels are welcome, but no previous weaving experience is necessary. Even an experienced weaver can benefit from a refresher and Barbara’s artistry offers something for everyone. There is a maximum of ten students to allow for plenty of individual attention. Participants will be guided step by step through the process of warping a loom as well as weaving a design that practices a mix of skills. You’ll create a tapestry sampler that will be a reference for the future. Cost includes use of a loom and tapestry bobbins during class as well as all necessary yarns and extensive handouts. Please feel free to bring additional yarns for weft if you'd like.

*A materials fee of $20 is due to the instructor on the first day of the workshop. **There is a cancellation fee of $20 if you register and need to cancel for whatever reason. 

Please bring lunch each day as we'll take a 30 minute break to recharge! We have a fridge that can be used to store perishable items.

Instructor, Barbara Burns, studied tapestry at West Dean College in Sussex, England as well as here in the US, most notably with Archie Brennan and Susan Martin Maffei. She has taught private students and workshops in New England, Ireland and England. Barbara has exhibited and won numerous awards for her tapestries both nationally and internationally.

Achieve your dream of getting your children’s book published. You will learn the traditional book publishing and self book publishing routes, getting your book published on Amazon, how to get your book formatted, design your cover, upload your book to Amazon, get printed copies, and more. This class does not teach you how to write your children’s book. It teaches you how to get it published- online or in printed format, and how to get your book into the market for others to access your book. Preethi Fernando is the author of fifteen books. She is the winner of Stephen King’s Haven Foundation Award. Visit preethifernando.com. Objectives: How to design your book cover and format your book; How to find a publisher for your children’s book; How to publish your children’s book on your own; How to upload your children’s book to Amazon.

Designed for beginners but open to all levels, we will use our pastels in a loose, expressive way to create several quick drawings, with the goal of finding new approaches to a very traditional medium. Using expressive mark-making and bold color choices, we will work from a selection of reference photos from our beautiful state of Maine. An array of mats will be provided, with the goal of everyone leaving with something matted that they would consider worthy of display! With this longer workshop format, participants should feel free to bring in a photo they'd like to sketch from as well, but all materials and reference materials are provided. If you have your own pastels you've been meaning to use, please bring them along.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get outside with your fellow artists and enjoy fall colors as we work en plein air across midcoast Maine. You may work in any media you prefer. There will be a mix of oil, acrylic, and pastel painters; watercolor, gouache and ink sketchbook artists, and more. Last year the weather held up through November, and we had a wonderful time enjoying and capturing the fall colors. Register for one or both sessions. Artists of all experience and confidence levels are welcome. If you need extra one-on-one instruction while working in the field, it’s recommended that you set up within eye shot of the instructor so he can get to you easily should you need help. We also found at certain sites that staying in touch via phone and text was a good way to summon Ed to where you are working. Meet up locations will be emailed to everyone prior to each class. Contact Ed Higgins directly with any questions ed_higgins@icloud.com.

Yin yoga is a style of yoga where passive yoga posture(poses) are held for extended periods of time. Typically 3-5 min., sometimes longer. In these passive postures, muscle activity is minimized, with a focus on stretching connective tissues, such as fascia, ligaments and tendons. We will gently settle into postures, supported by yoga props, while deeply connecting to breath. These longer holds allow the muscles to lengthen passively and for physical releases under the skin to occur. This practice supports overall flexibility, circulation, and range of motion in the joints and ligaments. It also is a practice in mindfulness, as conscious breathing occurs, quieting the mind and supporting nervous system health. This class is for those new to yoga, as well as seasoned yogis looking for a deep stretch. Yoga blocks/bolster are encouraged if you have them, otherwise the teacher has props to use during class. *No Class: 11/23.

Get creative in this whimsical class, blending tumbled glass and pottery. We have lots of glass and pottery to choose from, come join us for a fun night out and create a keepsake and simply indulge in this therapeutic artistic process. All materials provided.

Create luminous watercolors with vitality, atmosphere, and presence. In this course, we focus on the expressive power of water, layering, and transparency so you can build paintings that feel alive. What we’ll explore: Using water intentionally to create light, clarity, and glow; Layering and timing for clean, luminous passages; Value and edge control for atmosphere and depth; Color decisions that support mood and structure. We will study master watercolorists such as Sargent, Ruskin, and Turner, alongside contemporary painters including Alvaro Castagnet, Herman Pekel, Andy Evansen and others. We will work to translate what we learn into practical exercises and paintings. Class format: Group critique of homework; Short demo and focused lesson (often with art history); Targeted exercises to explore the day’s topic; Studio time to apply ideas to a painting. Who is this course for? This course is best for adult students who have prior watercolor instruction, solid basic drawing skills, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone in order to grow and create more dynamic, compelling work. *No Class: 11/2.