Wool, coiled in a spiral shape creates a simple pin cushion.Bring scissors. At The Keeping Room. 

Wednesday, January 15. 6-8:30 pmClass fee: $15. Complete kit : $10. (Payable to instructor).

Is there a story that you feel needs to be told? Perhaps you have an idea for a story that has been rattling around in the back of your mind for weeks, months, or even years and would love to get it out of your head and onto paper. Maybe you simply love reading and would like to start creating stories of your own. It is easy enough to say “just sit down and write,” but if you find yourself staring at the blank page in front of you and wondering “where do I start?” Or perhaps you are already working on a story but would like to polish your current writing style. Or maybe you are simply curious as to how writers craft their stories. No matter which category you fall into, this course is for you! Join your instructor, Stephanie Garrity, in learning the basic building blocks of writing short stories, including; setting, point of view, characterization, plot, dialogue, description and style. Bring pens and a notebook and a good dose of imagination. Can’t wait to see you there! *No Class: 2/19.

This course shows the difference between a Will and a Trust and how each is used as a tool in an estate plan. It covers the basics of a Will, Power of Attorney and Advanced Directive, as well as more complex topics such as trust use in Medicaid/MaineCare asset preservation, estate plans for blended families, and how to protect the inheritance of an adult child. Attendees will learn how estate planning techniques can be used to preserve assets and prevent family conflict. Taught with stories, this class shows attendees potential areas of loss in their own families.

This class is geared toward those who have had a bit of drawing experience, and would like to hone skills but aren’t starting from square one. If you have taken a beginning drawing class before with me, and want to further expand your skill set this class is for you! We’ll re- visit measuring and value, then dive into more complex drawing concepts. Gesture, narrative, and interior are among topics we’ll explore. We will, at times, abstract from nature and broaden ideas about what a drawing can be. Class work will be a combination of working from observation and springboarding into abstraction. *No Classes: 2/20.

Understanding value, aka light to dark, will catapult your artwork to the next level. In this class we will make a value scale, consider value range, and fine tune our ability to see light to dark relationships. In class studio time will focus on strengthening this aspect of your work through exercises and still life set-up’s. We will first look at value as light to dark with graphite and charcoal. Then we will explore value, as it applies to color, by using colored pencil. Ways to layer and get the most from your colored pencils will be addressed. *No Classes: 2/20.

This beginner-friendly class explores nature through a series of art exercises designed to spark creativity and mindfulness. We’ll use techniques for observing the outdoors with all our senses, and drawing landscapes using watercolor, ink, and 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 $30 fee).

Have a project you need to finish or need some help with one? This class is for you! Bring any sewing project and get hands-on help, or just use the time to join some fellow sewing friends.

This one day introduction course will provide an overview of beekeeping for those considering beekeeping or just wanting to learn more about honeybees. The course will cover equipment required, equipment sources, cost, level of effort required, basic bee biology and care, etc. The course is intended to provide basic background information and a general understanding of beekeeping, to help determine if beekeeping is for you. The course is not intended to function as a full beekeeping course; it is highly recommended that a full "Fundamentals of Beekeeping" course is completed if your goal is to become a beekeeper. Meets in Rm 160.