This workshop will help you with some of the technical skills you will need as an artist to go from preparing your painting surfaces through matting and framing and hanging your artwork. Part open studio and part studiocraft, this course will help participants learn about the process of preparing for, developing & curating a group exhibition. This course will culminate in a small group show at Merrymeeting Arts Center Gallery in Bowdoinham. Participants are expected to bring artwork already in progress but not yet finished as the first few class sessions will be about finishing/preparing the work for the show. The last class will meet at the gallery for show setup. Contact Ed Higgins directly with any questions ed_higgins@icloud.com.

“Unboxed” is a dynamic and engaging art camp designed for tweens (ages 9-12) to unlock their creative potential through exploration of drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage. This isn't about rigid instruction or perfect results; it's about fostering self-expression, encouraging experimentation, and nurturing a sense of curiosity. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment where tweens can confidently try new techniques, collaborate with peers, and discover their unique artistic voices. The camp culminates in a student exhibition, celebrating their hard work and sharing their creations with family and friends. “Unboxed” is rooted in the belief that everyone is creative. We move away from the pressure of realistic representation and towards the joy of process, experimentation, and personal narrative. All materials included.

All levels welcome! Traditional techniques of application and blending will be emphasized. You will be surprised how easy it is to get impressive results right away, with a few simple pro tips and tricks. Express yourself with pastels in a relaxing, supportive, positive setting and unleash your inner pastel artist! Contact Ed Higgins directly with any questions ed_higgins@icloud.com.

If you’re the kind of artist who doesn’t want to limit your work to one medium, this is the class for you! Many people don’t realize how many conventional painting media play nice with each other. For example, pastel (or oil sticks) and oil paints, acrylic and pastel, watercolor and ink, and on and on. This class will emphasize experimentation and expressive mark making. Artists will be able to create visual depth and tactile appeal by combining diverse elements. Mixed Media Painting allows artists to build rich, three-dimensional textures and layers that traditional paintings cannot achieve. Contact Ed Higgins directly with any questions ed_higgins@icloud.com.

In this class you will learn what the difference between the Oracle and Tarot decks, what they are and which (or both) is right for you. We will discuss how to use both decks and what each has to offer you.

Oils are a very forgiving medium, great for learning because it’s easy to revise, repaint, wipe out and start over. Keeping an oil painting mobile and active throughout the process means that at any moment or any stage, your painting can surprise you and move you forward in a new direction. Sometimes one brushstroke allows you to see new possibilities. Ed has helped many artists power through their fear of starting, and gain confidence as oil painters. If you’ve never painted in oils before, don’t be afraid, contact Ed directly with any questions ed_higgins@icloud.com. *This class will focus on Expressive Brushwork.

Is your closet full of black-colored clothing? Would you like to learn what other colors look good on you? In this fun interactive class, you'll be draped in a variety of colors to learn about warmer and cooler tones to determine what types of colors look best on you. You'll also receive recommendations for eye shadows, blush and lipsticks, along with sunglasses colors and jewelry metals to flatter your coloring!! Please wear a lower neckline to class. Presented by Candace Sanborn of Radiant Image consulting services.

”I don’t think anyone can grow unless he’s loved exactly as he is now, appreciated for what he is rather than what he will be.” - Mr. Rogers

From an astrological perspective, Chiron is a small but meaningful asteroid that may describe qualities of one's 'inner child' archetype. Nurturing the archetypal quality of our own younger self might be helpful for self-care and healing. In this class we will unpack the mythology of Chiron and its placement by house, sign, and degree.

There are no prerequisites for the class. 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.