***LOCATION CHANGE: This class will now be held at the Topsham Adult Ed building.

Learning to see like an artist, and becoming confident with drawing what you see, is easier than you think. You just have to be willing to start focusing on the right things, and it all begins with learning to sketch. This course will benefit both beginning and experienced artists. You’ll gain practice learning how to start a sketch, how to avoid rushing the details, plus techniques for creating drama, contrast, movement and “life” in your work. In addition to the classroom we’ll occasionally meet somewhere nearby to work outdoors if there’s enough student interest. Instructor: Ed Higgins

No class: 7/14, 7/21, 8/25

***LOCATION CHANGE: This class will now be held at the Topsham Adult Ed building.

This summer installment of Ed Higgins' Abstract workshop will center around each student planning and executing an original series of related small works. Media, size, and aspect ratio are up to you. You may decide to fill a wall with small 6” x 6” canvases of abstracted botanicals, or do a series of stylized figure drawings ranging from 4” x 5” to 11” x 16”. Whatever you decide, however, your series should be related by the theme, subject matter, or motif of your choosing. You will develop the series in class, as if you were preparing for a gallery exhibit, and at the end of the term we will have a final display and critique where the whole class will give you feedback.

No class: 7/14, 7/21, 8/25

Join instructor Penny Hartwell and create designs on glass with a frosted look. These designs will be permanent on the glass. Bring your own wine glasses, vases, etc, to personalize. Some glass items will be provided as well. Quick, fun, easy projects with beautiful results. Lab fee: $5.

DATE CHANGE NOTICE: Due to unforseen circumstances at the PMA, Saturday group visits to the Winslow Studio are no longer available. The new date for this day trip is FRIDAY JULY 7th, 9am-3pm.

Join us for a special day trip to the Portland Museum of Art (PMA), and experience the New Winslow Homer Studio Tour!

First, we’ll leave together from Merrymeeting to the PMA at 9am. Second, we’ll arrive at the PMA and get ready to board another van that will take us all to the Studio. Once we are back at the PMA (around 130pm), we will have until 3pm to either explore the PMA or grab some lunch in Portalnd. The bus back to Merrymeeting will depart at 3pm sharp from the PMA.

Winslow Homer Studio Tours include transportation to and from the PMA to the Homer Studio and is a 2.5 hour guided experience. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable and tours will run regardless of the weather. Tickets also include complimentary admission to the PMA before and after your trip to the studio.

Tour Leader: Jennifer Linskey

This course is an investigation into the medium of watercolor. We will look at contemporary and historical watercolor artists and how they each utilized the same specific techniques in unique ways. Students will experiment with these processes and are encouraged to push the boundaries of the medium. A materials list will be provided, however students are encouraged to bring any watercolor supplies they may have. Instructor: Megan Franasiak

Advanced Silver Jewelry will take you to the next step in the precious metal clay process! In this 3 week class you will learn how to create bezels and other types of stone settings -- to include how to calculate how much your clay will shrink, stone setting techniques, and when to use each style. On the second night of class, Penny will demonstrate 2 types of enameling, resin, and glass, and how to use it on your fired pieces. A materials fee of $90, payable to Penny Hartwell is due on the first night of class and includes silver clay and other tools/materials that will be available to use. Please bring a small container to store and protect your work in progress between the 1st and 2nd night of class.

Paint in and around Bath’s historic downtown in this plein-air adventure. We’ll paint outdoors rain, or shine (hopefully shine). If inclement weather, I will text you the morning of class to cancel. One rain date is added to class length, in case we do need to cancel. Instructor: Jennifer Linskey

In this unique class with Jing Jing Haven, you will explore a variety of authentic Chinese calligraphy fundamentals and styles through hands-on and weekly practice experience, discussion, and reflection. Class is open to all levels of interest and experience and could be particularly beneficial for Chinese language learners, graphic designers, and artists who want to forge a stronger connection between typography on a screen and handwritten characters on paper. The class also covers the rich contents of Chinese ancient and contemporary cultures.