Part Two: The Sketchbook Habit. Art the old school way means habituating to working in your sketchbook. There is no better repository for inspiration, nor quicker way to mastering the basics of drawing. Sadly, in the modern age, the simple joy of recording your visual ideas on paper in a bound sketchbook is becoming a lost art. With the focus nowadays on influencers, results, clicks and likes, it appears as though individual artistic development and process is taking a back seat to group consensus. Instructor Ed Higgins will help you prepare for your artistic journey by helping you discover and record your experiences through practice and persistence with real media in your sketchbook. *No Class: 7/28.

The plein air sketching class this summer is not media dependent. Working in your field journal or sketchbook, you may use pencil, ink, watercolor, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, or all of the above. We will meet at various scenic locations and parks in and around the Midcoast. The instructor will send the group an email with the meet up location prior to each class. In case of bad weather, we will meet at an indoor location. There is no set materials list. If you have any questions, contact the instructor directly at ed_higgins@icloud.com.

In the summer of 2026, the abstract atelier will be exploring collage and frottage. Collage is a process of applying cut or torn paper, text, or imagery to a surface; and frottage is a technique of rubbing media on top of paper which has been placed over an uneven surface. There is no set materials list. If you have any questions, contact the instructor directly at ed_higgins@icloud.com. *No Class: 7/31.

Bring your favorite art supplies and join us to draw or paint the view at one of Maine's fabulous state parks. Pack a lunch, bring your sunblock and bugspray, and spend a day communing with nature and fellow artists. All experience levels encouraged. Guidance and feedback are provided as needed. At the end of our visit we meet up to share results with the group. Participants meet at the park (admission is NOT included in fee).

Attention rainbow lovers! Design and string your own crystal suncatchers using glass beads, metal charms and faceted glass. All materials provided. Materials included are: 3 faceted crystals, and enough beads, wire, charms and hooks to create three, foot long suncatchers.

Come spend a relaxing Saturday morning making beautiful beeswax candles. We will be hand-dipping taper candles of your chosen shape and color design. Join us for this slow yet oh-so rewarding traditional craft! A $10 materials fee, payable to the instructor, must be paid the night of class.

Please bring a photo of a natural landscape special to you to class. We will use the photos to create 8x12” mosaics by simplifying the landscape and highlighting its most prominent features. Although this is a great beginner class, all experience levels are welcome. We will learn how to score, break, and snip glass down to shape and glue to our substrate. On the last day of class we will finish with grout. No experience required! All Materials/Tools provided. A material fee of $35 must be paid to the instructor on the first night of class.

In this class, open to all levels, students will learn to paint rocks as expressive elements within a landscape. We’ll explore structure, texture, light, and shadow to capture their weight and character. Open to all paint mediums. Upon registration a simple list of materials will be sent out.

This is an introductory hands-on class designed to learn the “ins and outs” of the Japanese running stitch technique called Sashiko. We’ll discuss the history of this beautiful and utilitarian stitching; types of fabrics, threads & needles; learn basic traditional patterns and how to transfer them, and use some of the tools that help make this a mindful and enjoyable pastime. We’ll create a small sampler of stitches and patterns, which can then be made into a potholder, a small quilt. Fabric, thread and tools are supplied, along with many handouts that will help you continue your journey long after class is over. *A materials fee of $25 is due to the instructor on the first night of class.

Keep the creativity flowing with Catherine in this laid-back, paint-night–style watercolor workshop! Each session brings a fresh mix of color experiments, playful techniques, and mixed media magic — think watercolor with a twist of ink, pencil, or other fun materials. You’ll start with a quick color-mixing sheet to get those creative juices going, then dive into a new technique designed to expand your skills and spark inspiration. It’s all about relaxing, learning something new, and enjoying the creative process together! All materials included — just show up ready to paint and play! Each session is a standalone workshop, with a $20 materials fee due to the instructor for each session. The materials fee covers everything you’ll need.