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.

Join instructor Ed Higgins at the Chocolate Church in Bath for a very special 3-day artist’s retreat. You will not only have full access to the Chocolate Church’s new “Maker’s Space” to experiment, work, and evolve your process; but you’ll also learn some nuts and bolts studio skills to make your working experience better. Good StudioCraft gets you prepared for wherever your creativity might take you. Organization of tools, media, and surfaces helps put you in a state of readiness, and prevents the inertia that often plagues artists when facing the prospect of beginning a work session. So we’ll highlight things like stretching canvases, toning and preparing surfaces, brush organization, care and maintenance, mixing colors and saving them in empty tubes, assembling a field kit for your plein air work, and much more. Limited space available. Retreat schedule is WED 9-12pm, THU 1-4pm, & FRI 9-12pm.

This class is designed to accommodate those that are new to acrylic pouring and those that would like to fine tune their pouring techniques or learn a new technique. It is not crucial that you have drawing or painting skills, but we will discuss composition and color theory in the first class. Students will learn how to do a Dirty Flip Cup Pour, Ring Pour, Dutch Pour and Pearl Pour in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Developing a painting after it is dry, varnishing and preparing a piece for hanging will also be demonstrated at the end of the class. This class is not one of control, but rather letting go. If you love color and texture you will enjoy this class. Students are responsible for purchasing their own materials for this class and will be given a materials list upon enrollment. *Please note: Materials cost vary depending on market value and personal preferences. A materials list can be provided upon request before registration. Class is 6 sessions.

Embark on a creative art and crafting journey with Catherine to design your own image transfer on a wood panel. Delve into collage on the first night, crafting a captivating background with vintage papers and paint. Then, unleash your creativity on the second night, revealing the vibrant design. Add finishing touches with a variety of mixed media tools and techniques. Seal your masterpiece with matte varnish for longevity or take it home and continue to work on the details. Don't miss this chance to let your creativity flourish! Kit fee of $25 payable on the first night. *2nd night is 530-730pm.

This class focuses on how to brighten our homes with hand decorated paper. On the first evening we will learn to make our paste papers for the following classes. The second night we will create our pendant lights, and learn how to hang them, or set them on a desk top light fixture. Finally we will assemble our cone flower wreaths, which can be hung on any wall. A materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor is due on the first night. Tools will also be provided.

Are you curious about how to do oil painting but are terrified about how to start? We can help! We can help you understand how oil painting works and the necessary tools needed to start your own art journey. No supplies necessary. Merrymeeting provides all materials. Note: This class is ONLY for novices and beginners. If you have any level of experience in oil painting, this class is not for you. *All materials included.

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!

THERE IS A $50 CANCELLATION FEE (no exceptions).

More about the Prospect Harbor location: Escape to a Victorian Inn, the Harbor View House in Prospect Harbor on the coast of Maine, with an intimate group of artists, cooks and creatives! All meals are included in the workshop fee plus special activities to extend your learning from the day’s workshops, including a private house concert by Grammy-balloted sing-songwriter, storyteller, and author Gordan Ward. For more information about the workshop, call Mary at 207-632-2251. To book your stay at the inn call 207-963-9122 or visit https://harborviewhousellc.com/. **Lodgings not included in price.

More about the Campobello 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.

Bring a sketchbook and pencil and join us for an afternoon of drawing in one of Maine's fabulous museums. Forge an intimate connection with museum collections, while improving your own work by studying the techniques of the masters. Guidance and critical feedback are provided as needed. At the end of our visit, we will meet up to share our results with the group. Museum admission is included in fee. Location: Bowdoin College Museum of Art in Brunswick. Participants will meet at the museum.