Spend your day painting a dramatically lit still life. In a step-by-step manner, students will design the still life, create an effective composition, and select a color and value palette. The workshop will detail techniques for creating luminous darks, managing edges, texturing, and maintaining color harmony. By the end, students will not only gain new technical skills, but also appreciate the use of dramatic lighting in still life painting. Please note: This is a one day 7-hour workshop with a brief break for lunch. Bring your own lunch/snacks. Students should bring their own watercolor supplies which should be of professional grade, all cotton 300 lb watercolor paper, large excellent brushes and professional grade tube watercolors. In addition, please bring several small jars for mixing pouring options.

Explore nature through a series of art exercises designed to spark creativity and mindfulness. This all-levels class begins with a nature walk to gather inspiration and draw what we see in our sketchbooks, and finishes with longer art exercises in the studio. We’ll explore techniques for exploring the outdoors with all our senses, and drawing landscapes using watercolor pencils. Students will gain a variety of techniques for working quickly, accurately, and creatively, all while connecting to nature. Students can either buy themselves the required materials - a materials list will be provided - or they can buy material kits from the instructor (additional $23 fee). *Special Note: Meet at a nearby trailhead then go to Topsham location.

Nearing or entering retirement? Join us to learn the power of having a customized strategy to make the most of your benefits and assets, identify considerable risks, and plan for a comfortable, financially secure retirement.

Come learn more about Tarot and Oracle cards. When to use either, why you would want to use them, and what they can tell you. Each type has a different purpose and both can give you the messages you are looking for. Beginners are welcome and you don't have to have cards to attend. Instructor: Jeannie Sullivan from HeartFelt Energies.

We will discuss basic design aspects of European Geomancy and ancient Feng Shui. Why do we feel comfortable with some houses and awkward with others? How can our living space improve prosperity? Learn how to interpret visual signs in the environment, such as cul-de-sacs, hidden entrances, ceiling beams or slanted roof lines. We will cover Feng Shui tips for House Hunting whether you are buying, selling, or re-modelling. This will be a fun class. Bring your questions and home or office pictures to share. Werner Brandmaier is Austrian and has worked as an Electrical Engineer in the high-tech medical field for more than a decade before he founded the Institute of Feng Shui & Geopathology in Portland, Maine in 1999.

EMS response in rural areas like Maine is too long to save a life of someone who is bleeding out! The ABC’s learned in first aid classes do NOT cover what to do when there is a major bleed. Hands on learning for: effective bleeding control, estimating blood loss, compression bandage use, tourniquets, wound packing, penetrating injuries, treatment for shock and emergency transfer. A supplies list will be provided in advance.

Ed Higgins’ sketching classes are designed to help artists out of the “outlining and shading in” box that many are trapped in. The number one problem facing people who self-identify as not being able to draw what they see, is a persistent belief that concentrating on outlining and focusing on the details first, followed by shading inside the lines leads to great finished drawings. Nothing could be further from the truth. In this class you’ll learn the things that are more important than identifying edges. You’ll give life, depth, character, and movement to your sketches by learning to lead the eye with your marks; and by using pressure and speed changes to truly represent what you are seeing. You’ll replace uninformed contours (aka “coloring book line”) and mindless shading (aka “dead shading”) with graceful, fluid sketching that not only helps you learn to draw, but will give you a deeper understanding of your subjects through sketching. This is what Ed calls “thinking with a pencil,” and is your key to a lifetime of sketching enjoyment. *No Class: 12/23, 12/30, 1/20, 2/17. **Special note about art materials: Please do not call our office about materials. Come to the first class with your favorite sketchbook and drawing pencils & pens. Suggested materials will be discussed by the instructor on the first day of classes. Thank you.

Join us for a lively discussion about a book that talks about the afterlife. Billy finds a way to communicate to his sister after his untimely death. He not only gives her signs but talks with her about heaven and what he is experiencing. Book not included in the class but you can get it through your local library. Instructor: Jeannie Sullivan from HeartFelt Energies.