Learn about the eviction of a complete community living on Malaga Island in Casco Bay in 1912. Learn the prehistory of the island's use by our indigenous people and post history of the island after the eviction. Learn a bit about the mainland African American village in coastal Maine that no longer exists but predated the Malaga Island Colony. Visit the island remotely through a slide show created by Master Maine Guide, Alice. This course is offered via Zoom.

Your instructor, Chris Toy is the author of 6 popular cookbooks, a private chef, and has taught Asian-fusion cooking for several Maine community education programs. Cooking students will learn how to prepare a variety of recipes from Asia, Europe, and the Americas incorporating traditional and local ingredients. Each meal will actively engage cooks with the tools, techniques, and stories behind the dishes being created. *More about the retreat location: Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their “beautiful little island” in the Canadian Maritimes, Campobello Island. We will be exclusive guests of the international park, staying in historic Victorian cottages. Workshop participants will explore and paint the same coastal scenery enjoyed by the summer residents at the turn of the 20th century. All meals are included in the workshop fee as well as specially planned optional evening activities designed to extend your learning from the day’s workshops. Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight access to accommodations in the park. **Lodgings not included in price.

Your instructor, Mary Laury is an accomplished watercolorist and highly esteemed teacher. She encourages all her students to believe they can be successful. Painting is an exciting medium; it flows and moves and does beautiful things. If you have never painted in watercolors, we will start at the beginning. If you have painted before, you will pick up some new tips and tricks as well. We all learn together! *More about the retreat location: Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their “beautiful little island” in the Canadian Maritimes, Campobello Island. We will be exclusive guests of the international park, staying in historic Victorian cottages. Workshop participants will explore and paint the same coastal scenery enjoyed by the summer residents at the turn of the 20th century. All meals are included in the workshop fee as well as specially planned optional evening activities designed to extend your learning from the day’s workshops. Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight access to accommodations in the park. **Lodgings not included in price.

Sketching outdoors is one of the best things artists can do for themselves. This year, plein air sketching will be more about the act of sketching than the medium. Use whatever sketching media you prefer. Anything from pencil, to watercolor and ink, Conté crayons and pencils, colored pencils, ink or watercolor alone, watercolor and gouache, or watercolor pencils or sticks. Choose a hardbound sketch book, watercolor or mixed media journal, a collection of brushes (including water brushes) and pencils, erasers, and a watercolor field kit. You will want to wear old clothes, a hat, carry sunscreen and insect repellent; bring lunch and hydration. Recreational seating optional. Ed will email you prior to each class with a location where each class will meet. *No Class: 7/4. **Special note about art materials: Please do not call our office about materials. Come to the first class with your favorite sketchbook and drawing pencils & pens. Suggested materials will be discussed by the instructor on the first day of classes. Thank you.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice by honoring the light while making a joyful noise! Summer is such a wonderful time of year so let's ring it in with joy and music. Bring your rattles, drums. chimes, your voices and anything that you want to make a music with! We will call in the directions, dance, sing, and have FUN!! Bring water to drink, a chair or something comfortable to sit on, something to eat and enough to share, as well as an offering to the earth. An offering can be birdseed, cornmeal, flowers, nuts, lavender, a stone, a song. *There will be a potluck lunch hosted outside the classroom at the end of the program, so bring your favorite dish! Merrymeeting has a refrigerator that participants can use to store food.

Take an afternoon to recharge with this mini wellness retreat, blending gentle yoga with Thai massage assists, visual journaling, and mindful clay exploration. Embrace the healing power of creativity and movement in a calm, supportive space. Come dressed in comfortable clothes for yoga and bring a journal or drawing materials if you’d like—though paper and supplies will also be provided.

Explore the fundamentals of pottery in this beginner class! Dive into the basics of building with clay and glazing under the guidance of Janna, a professional potter and ceramics teacher of 10+ years. There will be an opportunity to explore wheel throwing, but the focus of this class will be handbuilding. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to get your hands dirty! Class size is limited to 6 people, so plenty of one-on-one instruction will be available. $65 materials fee payable to the instructor.

This is a whimsical class blending tumbled glass and pottery. We will have lots of glass and pottery to choose from, so come join us for a fun night out and create a keepsake and simply indulge in this therapeutic artistic process. Materials provided.