Acrylics Made Easy - A Step-by-Step Paint Night!

Grab your friends for a fun and creative night out! Paint a gorgeous design on canvas - no stress and no experience needed. You will be guided step-by-step through the process and leave with a beautiful, painted masterpiece! All materials are provided. Make it a night to remember- full of laughter, color and creativity! (All ages welcome)

JULY 30: DRAGONFLY DREAMS  6:00-8:00pm

Pet photography is more than just snapping pictures; it’s about capturing the unique personalities and heartfelt moments of our beloved animal companions.

This course is designed to teach you everything you need to know to take professional-quality pet portraits.

ONLINE AUGUST 6-13 7-8:30pm $65

UPDATE: OOB/Saco Adult Education no longer takes registrations through CourseStorm. Please visit our new registration page: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/OOBSacoAdultEd?season=3655639 through Active Network.

Note: You will need to create a new student account with Active Network in order to register for all classes going forward. For more information, check out our registration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIitlb9OeHQ.

If you have any additional questions, please call us at 207-934-7922 or email us at adultedinfo@rsu23.org.

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.

Join me for this one-of-a-kind paint party where we turn ordinary wine bottles into beautiful, hand-painted décor! Angie will guide you step-by-step through this fun and easy design, with plenty of room for personal flair. No experience needed and all materials are provided. Come for the painting, stay for the good vibes!

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 13 • 6-8pm $35

Whether you're hiking through a lush forest or exploring the corners of your own backyard, there’s something special about having a charming basket to gather mushrooms, flowers, or herbs.

In this class, you'll create a beautifully unique gathering basket, perfectly sized for your foraged treasures. The finished basket features a 10” x 10” base, 8" weaving height, and a wooden swing handle that reaches 14” high.

The class fee includes all materials (premium reed and swing handle) and expert instruction. Not only will you take home a handcrafted basket, but you'll also gain skills you can continue to use in future weaving projects.

Join us and create a functional piece of art — and a skill for life!

Meet Your Instructor: Jessica Steele, M.Ed.

Jessica Steele brings over 30 years of experience in Adventure and Environmental Education and a deep passion for both the wilderness and teaching. Her journey is now centered on fostering meaningful connections—with herself, with others, and with the natural world.

Join Jessica for a program designed around connection, learning, and growth, led by a highly experienced and credentialed guide.

Credentials & Certifications:

• B.A. in Ecopsychology & Outdoor Education – Prescott College, AZ
• M.Ed. in Adventure Education – Plymouth State University, NH
• Registered Maine Recreational Guide
• National Registered EMT
• SOLO Wilderness First Aid & First Responder Instructor
• American Red Cross First Aid, CPR Instructor & Lifeguard
• American Canoe Association Level 1 & 2 Instructor
• Leave No Trace Master Educator

All materials are included in the course fee.

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. 

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 and moves and does beautiful things. If you have never painted in watercolors, we will start at the beginning. If you have painted before, you will pick up some new tips and tricks as well. We all learn together! Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their “beautiful little island” in the Canadian Maritimes, Campobello Island. 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. All meals are included in the workshop fee as well as specially planned optional evening activities designed to extend your learning from the day’s workshops. Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight accommodations in the park. Feedback from recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants: “Mary is a wonderful guide and a gifted teacher.” “Very helpful watercolor instruction."

Acadian Arts Retreat Watercolor Painting at Roosevelt Campobello International Park, New Brunswick, Canada with Mary Laury

August 15 - 18, 2025

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 and moves and does beautiful things. If you have never painted in watercolors, we will start at the beginning. If you have painted before, you will pick up some new tips and tricks as well. We all learn together!

Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their “beautiful little island” in the Canadian Maritimes, Campobello Island. 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. All meals are included in the workshop fee as well as specially planned optional evening activities designed to extend your learning from the day’s workshops. Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight accommodations in the park. 

Feedback from recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants: 

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