Upcoming Events

Sculpting with Spirit for Ages 9-11 Learn how to create fun 3 Dimensional objects using paper maché, mixed media, and found objects. In this class we will explore form, structure, techniques and applications relevant to sculpture. From giant 3D pencils using found objects and paint, to giant paint tubes using paper maché and mixed media, this class is sure to be exciting! Sculptures will be put on display for a short time following completion of class and then returned to…

Sculpting with Spirit for Ages 9-11 Learn how to create fun 3 Dimensional objects using paper maché, mixed media, and found objects. In this class we will explore form, structure, techniques and applications relevant to sculpture. From giant 3D pencils using found objects and paint, to giant paint tubes using paper maché and mixed media, this class is sure to be exciting! Sculptures will be put on display for a short time following completion of class and then returned to…

Spectrum Gallery Exhibit Opens with LOL – Laugh Out Loud   March 29 – May 19, 2019 Spectrum Gallery and Artisans Store of Centerbrook presents its newest show: LOL – Laugh Out Loud (Mar 29-May 19) with new and original artwork from artists and fine artisans that will make us laugh and show the humorous aspects of life. The exhibit opens Friday, March 29 (6:30-9pm) and includes wine and refreshments. Artists from throughout Connecticut, New York and New England are…

NATIVES WITH A TWIST " BY ADAM WHEELER FROM BROKEN ARROW NURSERY The Essex Library continues its gardening programs this spring with Horticulture Manager Adam Wheeler of Broken Arrow Nursery for this informative and educational lecture that explores the unique and exceptional side of our native flora. On Wednesday, April 24 at 7 p.m., Adam will present his current favorite native trees and shrubs for general garden use including design considerations, cultural requirements and other critical details.  Both novice and…

Author Talk With Mathew Duman: “The Grotesque 10: Amazing Architectural Sculpture From Ten American Colleges & Universities Armed with only a camera, a sense of humor and a host of frequent flyer miles, Mathew Duman embarked on a "grotesque safari", traveling to ten universities around the country to photograph the grotesques and gargoyles roosting on their academic buildings. Mathew found that this sculpture makes its home within a style of architecture known as Collegiate Gothic which was popular in the…

Mokume Gane is a Japanese metalworking technique in which thin layers of variously colored metals are fused together, then distorted and ground down to reveal a beautiful pattern. Polymer artists, as they so often do, have developed a variety of techniques that capture the wonderful look of the original metal art form. In this class, we will explore one of the traditional methods of creating mokume gane using polymer clay. The beautiful and unique sheets you will create will be…

In these classes learn or review the steps of using transparent watercolor such as building up color from light to dark, painting flat washes, graded washes, layering transparent washes, and wet on wet techniques. Going from light to dark as you preserve the lights and highlights is key to watercolor technique.  This approach will be discussed at length as well as studying excellent examples of this way of working.  There will be still life setups to work from and photo…

FILLS QUICKLY! Adult painting sessions for intermediate, advanced and beginner levels.  Artists work from reference photos (yours or supplied - primarily landscape or still life). Regular painting demonstrations and the instructor painting along allows for total freedom to explore the medium and help when needed. Each artist receives individual attention working at their own pace and within their own abilities to develop confidence with better techniques of drawing, composition and color theory.  Paintings are developed to a finished stage, working…

Connecticut River Artisans is happy to begin our 2019 "Artist of the Month" series with Sally Rothenhaus, a photographer and maker whose specialty is "Art for Outdoor Living". A long-time professional photographer, Sally now uses heat and pressure to transfer images onto metal. This is then used to cover her beautiful and very durable birdhouses. She recently brought the outdoors in, using similar materials to make unique clocks with the feel of a kaleidoscope. Like all of Sally's work, they are whimsical and…

Use painted watercolor paper to make a square or rectangular basket. Instructor will pre-paint the paper with fun colors so participants will have a variety of papers to choose from. Learn basic basketry techniques to weave the paper strips into a colorful basket. Applying finish makes these baskets very stiff and usable. Date: Sunday, May 19 Time: 12:30-4:30 Cost: $100 plus $25 material fee paid to instructor Spectrum Art Gallery 61 Main Street, Centerbrook CT www.spectrumartgallery.org

These cute little gourd ornaments are great for hanging in a window, giving as a gift, or saving for yourself as a unique tree ornament.  Participants will learn to design the gourd with tape, circles, and a ruler. Simple and easy, no artistic ability needed. Then wood burning the design and then applying metallic ink dyes and other fun embellishments.  The little gourds will be ready to hang with an eye hook and hanger.  Lastly, they will be sprayed with…

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 a summer theme using pressed petals and leaves.   You will learn how to press the botanicals and apply them to a heavy card stock.   Your creations will be lovely gifts or wonderful pieces to treasure yourself.  Supplies include an abundance of pressed botanicals, cards and paper. Other colors will also be available to make…

This summer give yourself and friends an original work of art.  Fluid painting involves layering acrylic paints of different densities and incorporating certain additives (i.e. silicone, dimethicone, alcohol, Dawn dish soap (etc.) which can result in gorgeous combinations of paint, cells, and lacing.  Techniques include the flip cup and the dirty pour.! No experience is necessary. Cost: $40 + $20 material fee paid directly to instructor. Date: Sunday, June 16 Time: 1:30-4pm Teaching Artist, Pauline Clifford, is not an artist by vocation…

Participants are introduced to the sustainable  process of printing leaves onto fabric also referred to as contact or bundling printing.  Images are extracted from plants and transferred to fabric through a steaming process. As the chemicals interact with different types of textiles, the images may respond differently as they join with the fabric. This workshop will help participants reconstruct this process on their own. Each student will go home with a silk scarf or a wall hanging as well as…

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Community Music School are partnering again for the seventh year under the umbrella of their performing arts summer camp, “Kate’s Camp for Kids,” to present a full summer of programming. This exciting program takes place at The Kate, 300 Main Street in Old Saybrook, and runs for five week-long sessions from 9am to 5pm beginning July 8, 2019. Launched in 2013, Kate’s Camp for Kids is a performing arts camp for children ages…

July Fashion Camps Arts Center Killingworth Fashion Week One, Monday-Friday, July 8-12, 2019 (9-5:30pm) for ages 11-15. Mornings are spent working with a professional illustrator learning to draw the fashion silhouette as live models pose for your sketches. End the week of illustration with a portfolio ready piece. Afternoons are spent with professional seamstresses learning to read, pin and cut a pattern of your choice. Construct and finish your garment by sewing and adding accessories. Professional hair and makeup stylists…

Dive into our fun and inspiring summer nature art camp! July 22-26, 2019 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm) for ages 7-11. Explore sketching floral and landscape drawing as you create a diverse selection of pieces. Use your developing observational skills and beginning basic drawing and sculpting techniques for this year’s fun projects: Busy Little Beehive Sculpture, Nature Rocks, Magic Tree Collaborative, Birds & Branches/Nature’s Paint Brushes. Leave your cares behind and enjoy learning new skills as you make lasting friendships. Participants spend fun summer days…