This winter we’ll be taking a deep dive into studying domestic pets, particularly cats and dogs. To really learn about any subject, you have to draw it. We’ll begin every class with speed sketching warm up drills, followed by working from reference images and videos that will focus us on constructive anatomy and capturing the moods, aspects, and expressions of our subjects. You may work in any media you prefer. There is no set materials list, but a hardbound sketchbook or mixed media journal is recommended for your studies. Contact Ed Higgins directly with any questions ed_higgins@icloud.com.

So-called “Oriental” or round-leafed bittersweet is a creeping vine with inedible berries that is considered invasive in North America. Frustrating to gardners and arborists, and not readily favored by birds, bittersweet is a largely useless bane on wild land. We can use traditional harvesting techniques to tend Asian bittersweet in the wild: harvesting material for baskets while controlling and suppressing future damaging growth. We will cover identification, responsible collection, materials processing and storage, and creation, including the basics of stake-and-strand twining and weaving. We will shoot for a basket about 8-inches wide and 4-inches deep. Price includes all required tools and materials.

Learn skills for capturing nature in your sketchbook with watercolor pencils, paint, and ink. We’ll start with exercises on capturing landscapes with both accuracy and efficiency, then work on techniques for illustrating natural specimens. Along the way, we’ll explore approaches for building a powerful composition. Along the way, we’ll cover ways to capture light, shadow, and color with precision. You’ll finish the class with a unique sketchbook spread, and the techniques and skills needed for continuing a nature sketchbook practice. Students can either buy themselves the required materials or they can buy material kits from the Mix, an art store in Brunswick. *Snow Date: 1/23.

Student Grade Kit

Professional Artist Grade Kit

Program-specific Add-on Kit

Train to become a working Registered Maine Guide not just a test taker. Learn the skills that guides use daily including: map & compass, coastal navigation, shelter building, separated client searches, cooking, advanced first aid, weather predicting, trip planning, canoeing, snowshoeing, SUP’ng, id’s, plus specialty skills for future guides for these specialties: Recreation, Sea kayaking, Tidewater Fishing, Inland Fishing, and Hunting. This ten-session hybrid program includes Zoom, optional all-day skill workshops, and homework assignments. Optional skills workshops are at an additional cost. Those thinking of becoming a Registered Maine Guide will need to take a first aid and CPR course, not included. This 10-wk course is taught online over Zoom. *No Class: 2/16.

Create an heirloom you'll treasure for years to come in this classic Double Wedding Ring Quilt class. If curved piecing has always intimidated you, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a try! You'll learn simple techniques for sewing the beautiful interlocking ring design and gain confidence working with gentle curves. Templates will be provided on the first night of class.

No class: 2/17

Minimum: 4   |   Maximum: 10

”In this great future, you cannot forget your past.” -Bob Marley

Continuing from what was learned in Evolutionary Astrology I, we will look at planetary aspects to the South Node.  We will focus on the hard aspects including the conjunction, square, and opposition. From the perspective of astrology, these aspects suggest what types of external archetypal influences and situations we may have faced in the past - and insight on how to move beyond them with compassion and wisdom.

It is highly suggested that participants have taken Past-Life Astrology I.  Participants have the option to email their birth information (date, place, time) to the instructor prior to the start of the class (rob@innercenterastrology.com) and he will provide a copy of your birth chart. It would be optimal to have your exact birth time available (documented on your birth certificate) but is not necessary.

Minimum: 4   |   Maximum: 10

Join me for a two-part workshop that blends meditation and creative weaving as you bring your own Spirit Doll to life. We’ll begin by connecting with your older, wiser self to explore a matter of personal importance, allowing insight and intuition to gently guide your process. From this place of inner wisdom, you will weave a Spirit Doll that is uniquely yours. Over time, you may find a special relationship forming. As you gaze upon your doll during moments of reflection, they become a reminder that your own inner guidance is always present, always available, and always with you. Participants will have the use of a loom throughout the two-part workshop. The loom must be returned at the end of the second class. Please note that a bit of additional weaving at home will be necessary before attending the second class. *A $25 material fee which includes the loom rental, payable to the instructor, must be paid on the first day of the class. Led by Diane Doiron of Wise Women Sacred Art.

Create a beautiful chunky blanket like you see in the expensive shops. Using soft jumbo yarn in the color of your choice, you will learn a simple weaving technique. No experience is necessary! A $55 materials fee is due immediately following registration and is non-refundable after yarn orders are placed.