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.

Session 1: February 25, 26, and March 4

Session 2: March 5, 11, and 12

Session 3: May 6, 7, and 13

Session 4: May 14, 20, and 21

Join Ed Higgins for a FREE Life Drawing class! Work from live (clothed) models to develop and reinforce drawing skills related to the human form.

Registration is required, attendees are encouraged to tip the model at the end of each class. *No Meetups on the following dates: 4/20 & 5/25.

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! Please note: There is a $60 cancellation fee for this program.

*More about the retreat location: 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 sing-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/. **Lodgings not included in price.

*More about the retreat location: 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 access to accommodations in the park. **Lodgings not included in price.

Learn how to sharpen knives, axes, pruners, scissors, and other blade tools. Bring your own dull tools that need to be touched up, or come to practice sharpening on some of our tools and stones. We'll cover the basic theory behind sharpening edge tools, and practice using a variety of sharpening stones. Whetstones will also be available for purchase. *Program includes all required tools and materials.

Gain a comprehensive overview of woodcarving knives and learn how to use them. Practice using metal and stone knives to carve some basic eating implements from wood: fine chopsticks and/or a jam spreader. Next, try to make a spinning top! We’ll cover safety, techniques, good form, and various basic carving projects. *Program includes all required tools and materials.

Illustrate Maine’s beautiful coastline with pen and ink and watercolor. This all-levels class begins with studio time to learn techniques, then heads outside to the Maine coast to capture the landscape. The process will be broken down into simple steps, and everyone will leave with their own unique study of the coastline. In the event of inclement weather, the workshop will be held inside. Students must plan to drive themselves to the second location. Students can purchase materials to use during the class for $23, or buy themselves the required materials - the materials list is linked here. Pre-made material kits are available 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 here.

Are you ready to take your pet portrait skills to the next level? This class begins with a pre-sketched pencil drawing, which you will then enhance with appropriate shading techniques. Next, you will create your own custom color palette to ensure a precise match for your pet's unique characteristics. Throughout the class we will focus on capturing the subtleties of real fur texture and expressive eyes, with the goal of producing a remarkably detailed and realistic portrait of your pet. Five clear photos of your pet must be emailed in before class to Shirl.art5050@gmail.com. Canvas and paints are supplied.

Welcome to 'Paint Your Partner Night,' where we take the phrase 'getting under someone's skin' to a whole new level! In this class, you'll learn the art of artistic collaboration and possibly a bit about your partner's hidden talents... or lack thereof. Get ready to brush away those relationship cobwebs as you and your significant other (or unwitting victim, depending on how you see it) embark on a colorful journey of mutual creation. No prior painting experience necessary—just a willingness to laugh at your mistakes and each other's questionable artistic choices. Whether you end up with a masterpiece or a mess, one thing's for sure: you'll have a hilarious story to tell and a canvas full of memories. Canvas and paints are supplied. *Price is per couple/pair.