Participants will have an opportunity to paint 1 to 3 rocks using the circular Mandala Rock Painting method. From as far back as the 4th century, circular mandalas have been used to combine artwork and meditation. All materials provided including instructions.

BIO: As a retired educator with a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Bette Kersting Bell now teaches creative activities that have useful outcomes. These experiential workshops happen at schools, libraries, community settings or conferences. Wherever learning takes place, it will always be fun, hands-on, and have a useful product. She can be reached at francescalucia.com@gmail.com or 205-420-8938.

Learn and practice a variety of techniques and approaches  specific to watercolor painting. Whether a beginner or experienced, enjoy a relaxing and supportive environment to  paint from references, still life objects and observation. You  will receive feedback and see what others are working on.  Bring ideas for projects to class for instruction tailored to  your needs, or participate in guided exercises to gain a deeper  understanding of this medium. You may bring your own  supplies, if you prefer to purchase your own supplies, please  request a materials list at registration. 

INSTRUCTOR: Russel Whitten studied Fine Arts and Art Education at Heartwood College of Art, Maine College of Art and Art Student League in New York. He is a member and showing artist with the Ogunquit Arts Association/Barn Gallery and The Wright Gallery in Cape Porpoise. He currently teaches art in the OOB/Saco and Wells-Ogunquit Adult Community Education Programs. Portfolio: Instagram@whittenrussel or Facebook

Create Your Own Hammered Silver Jewelry!

Join Beth, a talented instructor with a wealth of experience and creativity, as she guides you through the process of making your very own hammered silver jewelry. Get ready to hammer, shape, and shine your way to a beautiful piece you’ll be proud to wear - or gift! Choose your project: earrings, pendants, or a ring - make it personal, make it shine! Please bring a hand towel to work on and any jewelry tools you already have.

A materials fee of $10 due to the instructor at the start of the class. Beth will also have additional jewelry kits available for purchase.

All participants will receive a $25.00 American Indian Beading Design kit in which instructions are included. Together, we will work through the directions for a beaded rosette over two class periods. Beaded rosettes were typically used as a decorative artform that symbolizes wealth and status. Rosettes were used as trade items. Now, native artisans attach these beaded forms to a wide variety of garments, from headdresses or bonnets to shirts, pants, moccasins, and gloves. Let’s Create for Useful Sake!

All participants will have an opportunity to learn knitting by making a winter hat out of yarn. Knitting is believed to have originated in the Middle East in the 5th century and traveled to Europe with wool traders soon afterwards. We will cast on, knit, knit two together, bind off and hand sew. All yarn materials are provided including instructions. All participants need to purchase a set of size US11 knitting needles. Let’s stay warm and Create for Useful’s Sake!

BIO: As a retired educator with a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Bette Kersting Bell now teaches creative activities that have useful outcomes. These experiential workshops happen at schools, libraries, community settings or conferences. Wherever learning takes place, it will always be fun, hands-on, and have a useful product. She can be reached at francescalucia.com@gmail.com or 205-420-8938.

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!”.

Escape to a Victorian Inn, the Harbor View House in Prospect Harbor on the coast of Maine, with an intimate group of artists, cooks and creatives! All meals are included in the workshop fee plus special activities to extend your learning from the day's workshops, including a private house concert by Grammy balloted singer-songwriter, storyteller, and author Gordan Ward. For more information about the workshop, call Mary at 207-632-2251. To book your stay at the inn call 207-963-9122 or visit https://harborviewhousellc.com

Feedback from recent participants: "I learned so much from Chris that I can use immediately at home in my own kitchen." "Great kitchen hints!"

Your instructor, Mary Laury, is an accomplished watercolorist and highly esteemed teacher. She encourages all her students to believe they can be successful. Painting is an exciting medium; it flows, moves, and does beautiful things. We will start at the beginning if you have never painted in watercolors. If you have painted before, you will also learn new tips and tricks. We all learn together! $595 includes the workshop fee, all meals, and special activities to extend your learning from the day's workshops. 

Recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants commented: "Great instructor! Mary acts as a guide to develop our own style. "Easy, no-stress instruction."

Escape to a Victorian Inn, the Harbor View House in Prospect Harbor on the coast of Maine, with an intimate group of artists, cooks and creatives! All meals are included in the workshop fee plus special activities to extend your learning from the day's workshops, including a private house concert by Grammy balloted singer-songwriter, storyteller, and author Gordan Ward. For more information about the workshop, call Mary at 207-632-2251. To book your stay at the inn call 207-963-9122 or visit https://harborviewhousellc.com

Feedback from recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants: 

“Mary is a wonderful guide and a gifted teacher.”  “Very helpful watercolor instruction."

Come join us as we explore the wonders of clay! You will develop and use it to create unique pieces of your own design through a variety of techniques. You will be encouraged to try the manual and electric wheels, roller, carving tools, and beautiful glazes to bring the pieces you imagine to life. Beginners to experts welcome.

Class scheduled as follows;
Classes 1-4: For creation
Class 5: Prepping pieces for firing
Class 6: Glazing pieces

Clay and glaze cost is $45 due to the instructor at the first class.

There is a max of 15 students per session.

No class: 10/13, 11/24, 2/16