Portland Head Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses, with good reason–it’s such a stunning vista. Even if you’ve never tried painting before, we show you the steps to paint this iconic landmark. Express your creativity in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Workshop includes all materials to make one 11-by-14-inch painting. No discounts.

In this 4-week hands-on workshop you will create a beautiful and useful canoe paddle using hand tools. We will explore traditional designs and local woods. All tools and materials will be provided. $35 material fee is included in the price. Spooncarving (offered in this catalog) or some woodworking experience suggested prior to this class.

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.

Make a beautiful, rustic, leather covered sketchbook with Anna Low of Purplebean Bindery. You will work with reclaimed leather and some creative, heavy-weight paper to bind your very own blank book, perfect for a travel journal, sketchbook, or just to doodle in. We’ll cover some basic bookbinding techniques (no previous experience necessary!) and you’ll design your own book. We’ll bind it all together with the decorative and functional long stitch. You’ll leave class with instructions and a few tools to continue making books at home. $5 material fee included. No discounts.

Ready to try an "old" craft? Students will learn to draw their own pattern using templates transferred to a linen backing. The class will use strip cutters and wool provided by the instructor and learn to use wool fabric strips to create a small mat. Topics covered will include preparing new and recycled woolen clothing for hooking, mat finishing, and a bit of history on Maine hooked rugs. $45 material fee included.

A Native American medicine bag is a container for items believed to protect or give spiritual powers to its owner. Varying in size, it could be small enough to wear around the neck or it could be a large bag with a long strap called a “bandolier.” This one-night workshop will give a quick history of the traditional medicine bag of the Wabanaki people, color representation, and the difference between the traditional materials and the materials we often use today. Then we will dive into a medicine bag making project and produce a finished product. No discounts.

New at painting? Interested in expanding your artistic expression? Join us for a fun adventure by adding acrylics to your palette of mediums. In just 8 weeks, you will learn to mix colors, use basic tools and various acrylic mediums and painting supports (canvas, wood, etc.). Create appealing still life compositions and experiment with texture, color, and contrast. Work at your own pace in your own style with Pat Casey, an experienced teacher. Materials list available at merrymeeting.org.

This course is a basic introduction to printmaking and using a press. While drawing ability can certainly enhance your final projects, drawing and printmaking experience is not necessary. Using plastic plates, you will etch an image into plastic and be able to make multiple copies using a small press. We will also experiment with multi media, adding color and other elements to your work. This is a great way to make prints as gifts or even holiday cards. Come play and explore this intriguing technique! Studio fee $20 included in price of the class. No class on 4/21.