Creative Arts   

Immerse yourself in the enchanting and meditative art of Suminagashi, the traditional Japanese technique of paper marbling. In this class, you will learn to surrender control and delight in the process as colors dance on water and imprint onto paper, resulting in beautiful, unpredictable designs. You will produce custom-designed and uniquely marbled papers that reflect the beauty and spontaneity of this ancient art form and are suitable for stationery, decorative purposes, or collage materials.

You may also use your newly-created papers to make a sketchbook or journal in Bookbinding: Create Your Own Journal.

This workshop will cover basic color drawing and painting techniques, exploring the beauty of creating your own personal greeting cards for friends and family, for holidays, birthdays, and/or special occasions. Together, with demonstration and instruction, we will paint a variety of subjects, such as still lifes, animals, flowers, and more. Students will work at their own pace, and over the course of the session, they can expect to complete approximately 3-4 cards. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced artist, come get colorful and creative! We hope you leave each class with the feeling that “art inspires wellness.”

Learn the art of long-stitch bookbinding by making your very own small sketchbook or journal with a wrap-around cover. In this hands-on class, you'll make a 4x6” book featuring a wrap-around paper cover and a distinctive long stitch binding pattern, creating a unique and durable book structure. Personalize your sketchbook or journal, making it a one-of-a-kind piece. You may use the paper you create in Suminagashi Paper Marbling or choose from those the instructor brings. Your journal could make a beautiful one-of-a-kind holiday gift for someone special.

Watercolor is a luminous and versatile medium that invites creativity and discovery. In this course, students will explore foundational watercolor techniques, including wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, color mixing, and composition. Through hands-on practice, students will build the skills to create vibrant, dynamic paintings. We’ll focus on both technique and artistic planning, ensuring that each student feels confident in approaching their watercolor projects. Designed for both beginners and those with prior experience, this course fosters a supportive and inspiring environment where students can experiment, grow, and unlock their creative potential. Join us and spark your imagination as you bring your watercolor visions to life!

Watercolor is a luminous and versatile medium that invites creativity and discovery. In this course, students will explore foundational watercolor techniques, including wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, color mixing, and composition. Through hands-on practice, students will build the skills to create vibrant, dynamic paintings. We’ll focus on both technique and artistic planning, ensuring that each student feels confident in approaching their watercolor projects. Designed for both beginners and those with prior experience, this course fosters a supportive and inspiring environment where students can experiment, grow, and unlock their creative potential. Join us and spark your imagination as you bring your watercolor visions to life!

This course will begin with the basics of drawing, using charcoal and paper, as the instructor guides you to explore your unique artistic potential. Key aspects such as composition, light, and values will be covered, with a focus on both still life and figure drawing. As the class progresses, students will be introduced to color through pastel work, specifically within still life studies. By the midpoint of the course, students will have completed a charcoal study and by the end of the class, students will have created several pastel pieces and a collection of artwork to be proud of. The ultimate goal of this course is to foster a meaningful connection with art, encouraging each participant to view the world through an artistic lens, empowering everyone to integrate more beauty into their everyday lives. This course is thoughtfully crafted for both beginners and those with some art experience, aiming to nurture and advance your artistic skills. Whether you are just starting with drawing or already have a foundation, this class is designed to help you grow and refine your abilities.

This course provides beginners with a comprehensive start to the world of digital photography through classroom lectures, demonstrations, and instructor-led photo shoots. See what your camera is capable of! Topics include camera operation, exposure controls, shutter, aperture, ISO, white balance, depth of field, composition, portraiture and landscape photography.

Explore your talents with acrylic paint. In each class, students will transform a blank canvas into a finished masterpiece. With step-by-step instructions, you will be guided to create your one-of-a-kind work. Students will learn and use techniques such as blending, layering, splattering, and dry brushing to add texture and detail to their work. The subjects will be different from the previous session. All levels are welcome, and no experience is required. 

This semester will feature all new paintings and will not repeat paintings from previous semesters. 

Take a look at some pictures from Cherilyn Santiago's past classes here.

Experienced or lapsed knitters are welcome, as well as those who have completed a beginner class. Bring a project you'd like to start or one that's been sitting in the closet for years, as well as pesky problems and... let's knit! No group projects, no plan, just enjoy the simple act of knitting.

This course provides beginners with a comprehensive start to the world of digital photography through classroom lectures, demonstrations, and instructor-led photo shoots. See what your camera is capable of! Topics include camera operation, exposure controls, shutter, aperture, ISO, white balance, depth of field, composition, portraiture and landscape photography.

Colored pencils are the perfect medium to bring the extraordinary offerings of winter nature to paper in vibrant deep tones. We will draw tender green twigs; buds and berries in red and blue; and seedpods like acorns, nuts, and other quirky shapes that excite the imagination, in rich browns. Always we will find an abundance of beautiful evergreens to inspire. Join us to draw botanical subjects with colored pencil, focusing on lines and tones. Whether new to the medium or already on your journey, we will take fresh and/or dried, easy-to-draw subjects and develop them by layering, blending, and burnishing, creating beautiful frameable works of art. All skill levels are welcome as we support and enjoy our drawing experience together.

Beginners, experienced or lapsed knitters are welcome.  Learn to knit from the first stitch, master new stitches like lace and cables, or receive help with a project. Beginner patterns will be available, such as fingerless gloves, cowls and a toy stuffed rabbit.  If you are beyond beginner, please bring your supplies and a pattern on which you will work and receive help in class.

Bead weaving involves weaving seed beads together with needle and thread to create colorful and unique pieces of jewelry. The peyote stitch, in its many variations, is one of the most common and versatile stitches and a perfect start for beginning bead weavers. An in-depth discussion of techniques, materials, and terminology combined with hands-on beading is all that's needed to create beautiful jewelry.

Make two snowflakes (16” and 12”) by weaving with flat reed and using a bit of glue. We’ll also look at possibilities for adapting these patterns to other materials and sizes. If time permits, we will create a Valentine's heart as well.

Calligraphy can be a meditation as well as an art form if you slow down and enjoy the beautiful process stroke by stroke. Students will learn the fundamentals of calligraphy by working with three different calligraphy tools. First, we work with a broad edge marker and learn the Italic alphabet, a versatile 15th-century calligraphy style. Then, we'll use a pointed pen and ink and learn a copperplate alphabet, a beautiful, elegant 18th-century script style. Finally, we will learn modern calligraphy techniques and flourishes. Beginner students will progress from learning the basic letter forms to writing sentences. This class is for both beginners and more experienced students who want to fine-tune their skills.

 

Take a look at some pictures from Nancy Favorito's past classes here.

Are you a candle lover? Did you ever want to learn how to make your own candles? Then this class is for you! Each participant will create two container candles (approximately 4 oz each) - with your choice of vessel, fragrance, and color. Learn about the different types of candle container waxes, how to wick your candles, and important candle safety. Be prepared to be creative and have fun. No experience necessary.

Learn how to draw Zentangle patterns on 3.5" round and colored Zendala tiles. Using colored gelly roll and micron pens, we will create designs that are inspired by winter snowflakes and stars. For those new to Zentangle®, it is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns called tangles. It can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of skill, experience, or artistic training. This beautiful, artistic, mindfulness practice increases focus and creativity and provides artistic satisfaction, along with an increased sense of personal well-being. This class is suitable for beginner and experienced tanglers alike

Discover the relaxing and creative world of needle felting as you craft adorable animal baubles! In this workshop, you’ll learn the techniques to make charming a seal, bear, owl, or maybe even a fox, penguin, cat or another animal, depending on how creative you want to get. Baubles are perfect as decorations, ornaments, keychain charms, or backpack buddies. Each student will complete two 2-inch baubles in their choice of animal design. Whether you’re new to felting or already a fan, this class is a delightful way to unwind and express your creativity!

Winter is instructor Ginny’s very favorite time to journal in line and wash. There are hidden treasures, clinging golden leaves that hang from the trees like ornaments, berries in bright scarlet reds and royal purples, all inspiring her to walk in the parks, preserves, ponds, or just around the neighborhood. It is truly the most captivating time of year. Using a fine-liner pen, we will create botanical journals with simple lines and mark-making techniques, beautifully enhanced with transparent watercolor. Known as “line and wash,” it is a wonderful way to record your walks and adventures in nature, and your journals will become a lasting visual record to treasure. Prepared templates can be used to create our compositions as you grow in skill. All are welcome in this comfortable place to learn.

A perfect introduction to using macrame knots to create jewelry. A button and loop closure complete this custom leather and Czech Picasso bead bracelet. Beginner-level class.

Unwind your day with a mindful meditative approach to making art. Neurographica was developed as an art therapy practice to help individuals process emotions and reduce stress. This class will use this technique to ease stress while making a beautiful abstract work of art. Students begin with random, spontaneous lines and incorporate circles into their design, later rounding off intersections and adding color with a choice of media. Students of all artistic levels are welcome.

Short video introducing neurographica: https://youtu.be/Yr810CevfFs?si=7uT_KHr5ZtuGwQ_r

Create beautiful, one-of-a-kind shell decorations that make perfect hostess gifts, Mother's Day presents, or elegant accents for your own home. In this one-night workshop, you'll learn the art of decoupage, which involves gluing paper onto an object to create a painted or stenciled look, to transform large scallop shells (approximately 4-5 in.) into stunning decorative pieces. Students will choose from a variety of designs for the decoration and then finish the shells by painting the edges with gold or silver, creating a timeless, polished look. Each student will take home two completed shells. No prior experience needed.

A nearly 2,000-year old decorative artform, Celtic knotwork consists of intricately woven ribbons and knots. Constructed using a grid method with graph paper and pencil, the ornamental knotted elements and borders are typically closed loops without a beginning or end. Initially mainly decorative, over time the designs were interpreted as the interweaving of physical and spiritual paths, symbolizing eternity and endurance of life, love, and faith. During this two-session course, students will learn how to construct and draw the basic basket-weave patterns from which more complex designs can be developed. We will also cover how to create different types of frame corners, as well as medallions.

In this new, 2-part seminar, you will learn how to use and control your iPhone camera so you take great photos. Deborah Tual, a professional photographer, will take you through the camera features and settings: what they are, how they work, and when to use them. For all skill levels.

Celebrate the beauty of spring with a creative exploration of mixed media. In this class, you'll draw a simple still life featuring March botanicals, then bring it to life by layering it with patterns, painting techniques, and collage. Artists of all levels are welcome.

Learn the art of wet felting by making a reversible bowl. You will be led in a step-by-step process to transform wool fiber using the popular wet felt technique. Wet felting uses wool, water, soap, and agitation to create fabric. This technique is used throughout the world to make hats, coats, scarves, rugs, tapestries, vessels, purses, and much more.