Bring a sketchbook and pencil and join us for an afternoon of drawing in one of Maine's fabulous art museums. Forge an intimate connection with museum collections, while improving your own work by studying the techniques of the masters. Guidance and critical feedback are provided as needed. At the end of our visit, we will meet up to share our results with the group. Museum admission is included in fee. Location: Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland. Participants will meet at the museum.

All levels welcome! Engage curiosity about the natural world using drawing and discussion. The first class will be held at the Saco Learning Center and class locations to various nature-rich areas will be discussed weekly and includes Clifford Park and Blandings Park Wildlife Sanctuary. Beverly will call by 9am IF the class is moved indoors (to the Saco Learning Center) due to inclement weather.

Bring a 5.5- X 8.5-inch spiral multimedia sketchbook, mechanical pencil with eraser, several gel or ballpoint pens with fine or medium points as well as a container to hold your materials when traveling to different sites. Optional: Watercolor pencil set (instructor recommends Pentel Arts Aquash water brushes available on Amazon - materials approx. $35).

Beverly Thorpe is a Maine Master Naturalist and artist working with various forms of art including metalsmithing, drawing, painting and creating artist books. She leads nature walks on local trails focused on native plants & trees, and loves to share the awe-inspiring beauty of nature with others.

Embark on a culinary adventure at our exciting Kids Cooking Camp! We will explore the world of international flavors like Swedish meatballs, Mexican enchiladas, English scones, Greek spinach pie, Asian Stir fry and American ice cream! The young chefs will learn about basic kitchen tool use, oven safety, measuring, sequencing in food preparation, teamwork and aesthetic presentation of dishes. They will also learn about spices relative to each cuisine. Participants should bring containers daily to take home samples of what we make to share with family. Instructor Debra Arter, a former teacher, has been a camp cook and teaching adult ed. baking classes for a decade. For ages 10-13 years old. *All materials/ingredients will be provided.

NOTICE OF DATE CHANGE: This program will now run the week of 8/11-8/15.

This camp experience will allow kids to create and tell their own stories over the course of a week. We will learn and use improv theater techniques and exercises to explore and express ourselves and flex our imagination, culminating in a showcase performance on the final day for friends and family. No experience necessary, just the courage to be on stage and skills for being silly. Elise Voigt is a trained actress and theater educator who has been working in the midcoast area for the last 15 years. Her love of theater and children perfectly combines to make meaningful and memorable moments for students and audiences alike. ***Ages 9-14.

This Leaf Book class will explore modern creativity within a historical book structure from ancient India. Come with your favorite memories of Summer in Maine to create a simple & elegant book of decorative pages laced onto a single cord and protected by covers. Materials & tools will be provided.

Have you ever thought about fabricating with metals? Maybe as a craft/hobby, or the start of a new business venture down the road? If you answered yes, then our new Basic Beginner Welding class is the right fit for you! The class will cover stick (SMAW) welding including learning how to weld different types of joints together, how to use the large range of supporting equipment (brushes, sanders, grinders, etc.), and the various welding processes with a focus on safety first.

Instructor: Quinn Gerrish

The class will meet for 8 consecutive Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 pm beginning on August 14 running to October 2nd.

Location: Maranacook High School

Industrial Arts Shop

Class is limited to 6 students! 

All needed ppe will be supplied to the students while in class. It is recommended to have leather boots and to wear all cotton jeans. (no light or torn fabrics)

What happens if you get a flat? How do you take off your wheel?  What if your chain falls off when you’re out on a ride? What should you do if your brakes are rubbing? Don’t be caught walking your bike home! The Local Gear is offering a class to teach you the skills needed to get home safely from common mishaps on a ride and how to address problems with your bike before they happen. Please pre-register as space is limited to 10 participants per session. To register email Dave at dave@thelocalgear.com or call 207-625-9400.

Your instructor, Chris Toy, is the author of 6 popular cookbooks, a private chef, and has taught Asian fusion cooking for several Maine community education programs. Cooking students will learn how to prepare a variety of recipes from Asia, Europe, and the Americas, incorporating traditional and local ingredients. Each meal will actively engage cooks with the tools, techniques, and stories behind the dishes being created. $595 includes a workshop fee, all meals, and special activities to extend your learning from the day’s workshops. 

Recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants commented: “I learned so much from Chris that I can use immediately at home in my own kitchen.”  “Great kitchen hints!”.

Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their "beautiful little island" in the Canadian Maritimes. We will be exclusive guests of the international park, staying in historic Victorian cottages. Workshop participants will explore and paint the same coastal scenery enjoyed by the summer residents at the turn of the 20th century. Register for the retreat, and then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight accommodations in the park.