The bark of some trees, like pine and birch, is a special, very unique material that has been collected consciously by humans for thousands of years. Bark can be very strong, durable, water-resistant and flexible; it has been traditionally used to make baskets, canisters and even canoes! Birch bark is also very flammable and can be used to start campfires.Learn to identify, regeneratively gather, process, store and make a folded basket of birch or pine bark. We’ll use hand-gathered spruce roots and brown ash splints to sew a rim on our folded birch bark baskets, which will be beautiful. All required tools and materials provided.

Plein air oil painting. Artists will meet at various locations around the midcoast. Open to any of Ed’s continuing painting students, or newcomers willing to learn by doing, with instructor guidance and peer feedback. Some familiarity with the medium is recommended. *No Class: 8/19.

Embark on a hands-on basket-making journey in our workshop, focusing on the wrapped coiling technique using raffia. Learn sizing, shaping, and pattern creation, achieving a relaxing flow with repetitive motion. Please note that you may not finish your basket during the class unless you choose to make a tiny one. However, we will demonstrate how to complete the final steps when you are ready. You can apply these techniques in the future to create larger and differently shaped bowls, trays, and baskets. There is no experience required for this basket weaving class, and all supplies will be provided.

Cut it Out! is a class focusing on the art form of collage. We’ll cut, rip, tear, playfully arrange, piece together, tape, glue, and embellish unapologetically! We’ll give new life and context to cast off and/ or found objects. It is deeply gratifying to be able to change your composition by moving pieces around. Changes are swift and negotiable until you glue your pieces down, making for a very fluid and dynamic art experience. We’ll look at artists who have embraced this playful process, and consider its many possibilities. We’ll look at the role text can play in a collage piece, discuss composition, and enjoy a mellow introduction to color theory. Once you sign up for this class, start saving those environmental catalogs with pretty scenery, envelopes, and brown paper packages tied up with string…they are all fodder to be used! This is a great class for beginners, but helpful to students desiring a little more play in their work. *No Classes: 7/4, 8/22.

Interested in art, but not sure where to begin? This class is designed for artists with little to no training or experience. The approach is immersive, structured, but individually tailored to you, with an emphasis on free expression. You will work with the instructor to design a roadmap for a learn-by-doing experience that suits your needs. You are free to choose any media and subject matter that attracts you. Working alongside others who are just starting out, you’ll gain confidence and competence as you develop. Sharing these first steps with your peers will inform and inspire you on your journey. *No Class: 8/22.

Paint your pet in acrylic. After signing up for class, Email the teacher at least 5 high quality pictures of your pet, Dog cat rooster whatever you got to: (Shirl.art5050@gmail.com) your pet photo will be simply sketched onto a canvas, while you will take care of the painting. Use of fun colors and playfulness are a must in this class! Canvas and paints are supplied.

This is your chance to ditch the reference photos and give plein air pastels a try. Classes will meet at scenic spots around the midcoast. Aimed primarily at Ed’s previous pastel students, as well as his continuing sketching or painting students. However, intrepid artists willing to jump in with both feet and learn in the field with instructor and peer coaching are more than welcome. Some familiarity with the medium is recommended. *No Class: 8/23.

In this class we will start out drawing in black and white with graphite and/ or charcoal. We’ll look at measuring, size relationships, and object placement. Then we’ll segue to drawing with a brush and draw en grisaille whereby we use: just black, white, and gray paint. This will allow us to think about and get a firm grasp of value (our lights to darks). During the last weeks of class we’ll explore limited color palettes, but get maximum mileage out of the colors we are using, as we’ll continue to see color in terms of value. You'll come away having honed drawing skills, begun training your eye to see subtle shifts in light to dark, and gained color mixing knowledge. Join us as we draw, both traditionally and with a brush, and gradually move toward incorporating color. *No Class: 4/20, 5/18, 6/8.