Ekphrasis is a little-known word, but a well-known theme: Art inspires art. Join us for a discussion of ekphrasis, most often recognized as visual art (i.e., painting) which inspires writing (i.e., poetry). But let’s consider all the arts—painting, drawing, sculpture, music, poetry, essays, mixed media. The possibilities are endless. If you’re a writer, bring your laptop or paper and pen, and/or bring a piece you want to read. If you’re an artist, bring your materials and/or examples to share your work. If you are a musician, bring your music and/or instrument. Whoever you are, if you have an interest in the arts, this workshop will be fun and inspirational. Instructor Pat Casey will lead a discussion and bring examples of ekphrastic works. This is a great workshop if you’re interested in collaborating with another artist or writer, or if you have skills in multiple arts and want to see how you can bring them together. Email the instructor if you have questions: pcasey.maine@gmail.com. Please include the course title in the subject line. No discounts.

Featured photo was taken by Digital Photography student Robert Mooney.  Whether you’ve just purchased your first digital camera or you are an aspiring pro or semi-pro photographer, this crash course will give you the technical skills and creative inspiration to take your work to a new level. You will become progressively more confident handling your camera and choosing settings that will help you produce the quality of images you have always desired. Included will be a combination of very lively lectures, demos, handouts, slide shows, videos, and hands-on practice. Students are encouraged to study and practice on their own with the optional homework assignments. All students should bring a digital camera that has manual exposure mode with a fully-charged battery, at least one lens, a tripod and an extra memory card.

Move over bonsai trees! A handcrafted tabletop driftwood tree will add a touch of the Maine coast to your home decor. Join Chris for this fun, hands on craft activity using driftwood, beach stones, and recycled wire from political signs. Chris will supply all materials but feel free to bring your own supplies from your walks along the shore, battery powered drills, and garden clippers. Material fee of $5 included. No discounts.

Create your unique path with the help of a stepping-stone. Learn how to use mosaic tools while working with our extensive tile collection. Pour your cement and take the form home to be removed the next day. Workshop fee includes all materials to make one 9-inch stepping-stone. No discounts.

Coal-burning is an ancient method of using fire to shape wood. Learning basic knife safety and different fundamental carving techniques you will use a burning coal from the fire to make a spoon bowl. This is a simple, safe introduction to the wide world of wood carving. No required texts, books, special materials, etc. All tools and materials included. Everyone makes a spoon to take home. No discounts.

Beadwork is an art form expressed and practiced throughout Native American tribes. Each tribe has designs, colors, patterns and techniques which identify them. This one-night workshop will give a quick history of traditional beadwork of the Wabanaki people, color representation, and the difference between the traditional materials and the materials we use today. We will then dive into a beading project and produce a finished piece. No discounts.

If you've taken a beginner's course or have some previous painting experience, this course will help you continue to explore acrylics. Begin at your own skill level and work at your own pace. Review mixing colors, choosing and preparing supports, adding texture; then on to using acrylic gels and other mediums (including mixed media art), composing a still life, and painting landscapes/seascapes from photos. Optional project: painting BIG! We encourage experimentation and expanding your painting horizons.

White pine (Maine’s state flower) and Red pine are ubiquitous throughout the region and provide a vital pool of resources for human and nonhuman Mainers alike. Pine needles are beautiful, strong, and can be coiled and sewn together to make jewelry, hats, lovely usable baskets and/or adorably tiny ones. Learn to identify, regeneratively gather and harvest, properly store and process, and weave with pine needles. We'll cover the basics of coiled basketry, which is a global, ancient human skill, and create a wonderful pine- needle basket. Every participant will make a basket to take home. No required texts, books, special materials, etc. All tools and materials included. No discounts.