Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education
Topsham, ME
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Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education Classes
Message Circle with Jeannie Sullivan
with Jeannie Sullivan, Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education
Come hear what Spirit has to say to you. Get your questions answered and learn what your family and friends have to say in Spirit. This is a fun and interactive way to get introduced to psychic readings. You may be surprised who you hear from. Led by Jeannie Sullivan from HeartFelt Energies. Makeup date Feb. 3
Will run
Chinese Culture & Conversation
with Shufang Liao, Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education
This course introduces students (Beginning learners) to basic Chinese language and culture through engaging, hands-on activities. Students will learn Pinyin, tones, simple vocabulary, greetings, numbers, and expressions such as “How are you?” and “I like to….” Cultural topics include Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, zodiac signs, traditional festivals like the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, and creative projects such as designing Chinese names, making fans, mooncakes, and red pockets. Through conversation, art, and cultural exploration, students develop an appreciation for Chinese traditions while gaining foundational speaking and writing skills in Mandarin. All the materials are included.
Botanical Illustration with Watercolor and Ink
with Claire Loon Baldwin, Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education
IMPORTANT NOTE: MARCH 24TH IS A SCHEDULED MAKE-UP DATE IN THE EVENT WE HAVE A SNOW DAY AND CLASS IS CANCELED. If we have no bad weather, this class will end on March 17th.
This all-levels class explores botanical illustration with watercolor, pen and ink. Students will learn principles of scientific illustration through painting subjects ranging from mushrooms to wildflowers, focusing on observational drawing and precision watercolor painting techniques. Students can either buy themselves the required materials - the materials list is linked here - or they can buy material kits from the Mix, an art store in Brunswick (here is a link to a student-grade kit, and here is a link to an artist-grade kit).
Learn more about instructor Claire Loon Baldwin and see her illustrations for books and magazines on her website: CLICK HERE
THIS COURSE IS 4 WEEKS.
New Life for Old Books
with Catherine Scanlon, Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education
In this 1 night class I will show you how to create a custom art journal using a vintage book, waxed linen, watercolor paper, canvas and other decorative papers. Signatures will be saddle stitched to the spine of the old book and decorative papers will line the inside panels. All materials will be covered in the $35 kit fee, books will be between 5" x 8" and 6"x 9" each book will all be unique and different. A variety of papers will be available to choose from for the liner pages. Time permitting, we will talk about art journal techniques to use on the interior pages.
Introduction to Upholstery: Ottoman Edition
with Kate Hedlund-Groden, Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education
Ottoman Edition! This hands-on workshop introduces students to some of the foundational skills of upholstery. Over the course of three classes, students will learn to transform a plain, wooden frame into a beautiful, custom ottoman. Through guided instruction, students will become familiar with a variety of upholstery tools and techniques. Students will also learn how to measure and cut cushioning materials, and properly assemble a finished ottoman. If you're looking to gain a new skill, this course provides a brief introduction to the art of upholstery. Course Highlights: + Learn how to transform a plain, wooden frame into usable furniture. + Hands-on practice with a variety of upholstery tools: pneumatic staple gun, rubber and wooden mallets, staple remover, pliers, and more. + Guidance on fabric selection, estimating, and manipulation. + Basic padding, assembly, and finishing. + Safety procedures and proper tool usage. Materials: Students will need to provide their own fabric. All other materials, including the ottoman frame, will be provided. Recommendations on where to purchase fabric can be found on my website: khgupholstery.com. Feel free to reach out should you prefer to discuss fabric options prior to purchasing. *Upholstery weight fabrics preferred.* All tools will be provided for use during the class. What to Bring: 2 yards of fabric *Be sure to have your fabric on hand for the first class* For additional comfort, feel free to bring a pair of gloves, safety glasses, and/or mask to wear while upholstering.
Chinese Cuisine: Beginner's Course
with Shufang Liao, Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education
In this class, you will make some iconic traditional dishes— including Fried Rice, Handmade Noodles, and Zongzi (Rice puddings). Each recipe highlights its cultural significance, traditional symbolism, and regional variations while guiding learners through authentic preparation methods and essential cooking techniques. The course emphasizes both culinary skills and cultural appreciation, allowing students to explore Chinese traditions through hands-on experience. From wrapping dumplings to shaping mooncakes, participants will gain practical understanding of the artistry, history, and values embedded in Chinese food culture, fostering deeper connections between cuisine and cultural identity.
Farming with Native Plants
with David Spahr, Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education
Author David Spahr has an extensive native farming project. In this class he will discuss and illustrate the hows and whys of farming with native plants, trees, and bushes.
Coastal Navigation Fundamentals (Level 1)
with Alice Bean Andrenyak, Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education
Learn the basics of coastal navigation using local charts, parallel ruler, and dividers. Learn what the symbols mean, how to determine safe and dangerous routes, create courses, learn rules of the “road”, what aids to navigation look like and do, plan for emergencies and more. For kayakers, sailors, powerboaters, and future Registered Maine Guides. Students will need access to either a Casco Bay Chart or Penobscot Bay Chart, parallel ruler and dividers. This course is offered via Zoom over two sessions. This is a LEVEL 1 program.
Will run