Upcoming Events

We are honored to join with these Museums from across the Country to present our Virtual Lecture Series. Book your spot to learn what makes each of these Rivers both unique and similar as part of the Great American River story. 

This class will explore a compilation of ideas, about letting go, loving imperfection and its allure in the world of the creatives----a place to make mistakes, explore freely and not worry about a finished piece of art. You will start by collecting odd bits of ephemera. ‘Go to places ‘ are junky antique stores filled with old ledgers, vintage music sheets, diaries, magazines, canceled postage stamps, etc. Then make marks, patterns, & symbols on the vintage ephemera, onion skin or deli …

This class will explore a compilation of ideas, about letting go, loving imperfection and its allure in the world of the creatives----a place to make mistakes, explore freely and not worry about a finished piece of art. You will start by collecting odd bits of ephemera. ‘Go to places ‘ are junky antique stores filled with old ledgers, vintage music sheets, diaries, magazines, canceled postage stamps, etc. Then make marks, patterns, & symbols on the vintage ephemera, onion skin or deli …

This Studio Class focuses on both the fundamentals of oil painting or can be a refresher course for those with some experience.  The class begins with techniques of brush work, color mixing and color theory painting Alla Prima primarily, (wet into wet) or by layering the paint. Participants learn to create form and depth through the use of color and values light thru dark.  Artists with some prior experience can refresh their knowledge while painting from their selected objects or…

This five week course is an introduction to basic drawing techniques and visual concepts, with a focus on translation of a three-dimensional form to a two-dimensional surface.  Fundamental issues of drawing will also be introduced, (line, value, space, and composition).  Objective, non-objective and intuitive approaches are covered as we explore mediums ranging from charcoal to pen and ink.  Material list available upon registration. Thursdays:  Sept. 30; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 4:30-6:30pm $150, Members save $15  

This workshop covers how to create closeup photography also known as Macro photography and will demonstrate best practices on how to use a zoom lens and macro settings available on the lens. The first hour and a half is dedicated to a lecture inside Spectrum Gallery with photo examples of different lenses with macro capabilities and zoom lenses shown on a laptop. The last hour and a half is dedicated to practical shooting with students’ cameras and lenses. Participants can…

The focus of this workshop is making cards and other larger pieces suitable for framing and gift giving.  All pieces made in the workshop will have fall themes using pressed petals and leaves.  Learn how to press the botanicals and apply them to a heavy cardstock.  Your creations will make a lovely gift for someone or to keep for yourself.   Supplies include an abundance of pressed botanicals, cards and paper. No experience necessary. $45 with a $10 material feel paid…

Producing, buying, and throwing away clothes, among many other things, has a huge impact the environment. Studies show the clothing and footwear industry alone is responsible for over 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the connections between the $2.5 trillion apparel industry and the environment might help us solve our climate crisis. Sustainable Essex and the Essex Library invite Connecticut residents to participate in two free online meetings of inspiring discussion with bestselling authors focused on the impacts…

In this this 5-session watercolor class open to all levels paint the beautiful colors of the Autumn leaves.  The focus for beginners will be on color mixing and basic watercolor techniques such as wet on wet, dry brush, methods for creating texture and using watercolor to make a nature print.  Complete a small painting at the first session. No drawing skills required.  More advanced painters can follow along with the day’s lesson, adding ideas and expertise or they may bring something…

This workshop is for beginners and practiced painters who want to learn the art of abstraction to express their own creativity. Our model set up will feature a medley of fruit, bowls, baskets, etc. The many colors and textures of the arrangement will inspire your imagination. We’ll discuss our observations and by exploring our thoughts and sharing ideas the class will gain insight into different ways of seeing and interpreting ordinary still life subjects. Although the class is focused on…

We’re all stressed these days, especially after a year of dealing with navigating life amid a global pandemic. Coloring has been a longtime popular outlet to creatively diffuse this stress and encourage creativity. We’re not talking about kiddie books and crayolas. We will work with beautifully detailed books filled with mandalas, floral images, fantastical creatures, enchanting women, entangled designs, and more. A wide variety of mediums are used in this workshop– colored pencils, markers, gel pens. Participants will select from…

In this workshop learn a meditative technique that allows you to discover the joy of stitching and the benefits of meditation. Slow stitching is a mindful, contemplative practice that uses the repetition of simple stitches on small squares of fabric to create a single piece or one part of a larger piece. You will learn five basic stitches and will create at least one small square that you can take with you. Examples of artist’s unique creations that grew from…

In this workshop, you will learn how to transfer your image onto scratchboard, the techniques of the tools to create different textures and effects, and the tricks to fix little mistakes.  You will leave with a finished piece and a kit to create your own beautiful scratchboard pieces! Bring two 5x 5 inch copies of the same photo of a favorite pet or animal’s face, and learn how to create a masterpiece.   If you are not sure of your photo…

Part of the The Rivers That Connect Us: Exploring America’s Great Rivers Series Ohio River Museum The Ohio River, Gateway to the West Presented by: William Reynolds, Ohio Historical Society- Campus Martius and the Ohio  River Museum. Currently serving as Historian at both museums.