Designed for beginners but open to all levels, we will use our pastels in a loose, expressive way to create several quick drawings, with the goal of finding new approaches to a very traditional medium. Using expressive mark-making and bold color choices, we will work from a selection of reference photos from our beautiful state of Maine. An array of mats will be provided, with the goal of everyone leaving with something matted that they would consider worthy of display!

Learn to identify, regeneratively gather and harvest, properly store and process, and weave with pine needles. We'll cover the basics of coiled basketry, which is a global, ancient human skill, and create a wonderful pine-needle basket. All tools and materials will be provided. *Program includes all required tools and materials.

Have you always wanted to find out what a Tarot Reading was like but never felt it was the right place and time? Devanna Wolf has been reading Tarot for 35 years, teaching Tarot fundamentals for a decade, designed her own deck, and would love to introduce you to the magic of the cards! Sign up for a 15-minute reading and get a glimpse into the art of Tarot and how it can offer a unique perspective on your life and circumstances. *Registration limited to one session per person.

Learn the Zentangle method for mindful drawing and create your own art even if you don’t think you are an artist. Using the Zentangle motto of “anything is possible one stroke at a time,” you’ll learn simple pen strokes that will open up doors to creative pattern-making for relaxation, creativity, and focus. In this introduction, Irene Burgess, certified Zentangle teacher, will provide you the basics of the method in a stress-reducing atmosphere designed to make you appreciate your own creativity. All supplies needed will be provided.

This class is a watercolor with pen and ink class for beginners, or people who need a space to pull out the watercolors that are collecting dust. Students will leave with a matted, abstract botanical/nature-based piece. We will start with a free painting approach with an emphasis on colors and patterns in nature, creating two different pieces. Working from an array of photos, art books and bouquets of fresh flowers, students will be encouraged to paint, draw, or even transfer some abstract botanical shapes and images onto their watercolors. With a supply of different sized mats, we will mix and match our pieces with the goal of everyone finding a mat for one of their pieces.

In this class we will discuss what the other side (heaven) might look like. You will learn about the dimensions between heaven and earth. We will also talk about what we do as souls while we are on the other side. Near the end of class, there will be a meditation where you will have the chance to meet an ancestor, angel. spirit guide, or spirit animal.

Merrymeeting Bay is an amazing wetland area right in our backyards, yet unknown to many because of limited access. This in-person class will acquaint you with the Bay in two ways: first, during six weekly class meetings you’ll learn about the nature and ecology of the Bay. Second, you’ll be introduced each week to a different nature preserve that touches on the Bay, with complete directions for exploring the trails at your own pace and time. *This class does not involve any outdoor excursions.

Part One: Learning to See. Instructor Ed Higgins has helped many local artists of all experience levels gain confidence in their drawing simply by refusing to reinforce many common misconceptions about art which abound in the social media milieu. We learn art by actively doing it, not by passively watching. Understanding how to see like an artist is the first, essential step upon which all subsequent fine art skills depend. Simple, careful observation. Paying attention. It’s not mysterious, it’s not magic. But there are no shortcuts, and it does take practice. The trick is making the practice of observation itself fun, and that requires a willingness to stop telling yourself that you can’t do something. Focusing on results rather than learning, and product instead of process leads to impediments in development which effectively blinds artists rather than actually helping them improve their ability to see. The materials list for this class are: 1) your eyes, in reasonably good working order, 2) a sketchbook, and 3) a pencil and eraser. *No Class: 4/21.