Arts & Theater

Class time focuses on simple Still-Life set-ups ~a bottle, a bowl with fruit, etc. Objects are studied from a tabletop perspective. How to create volume, depth and weight are introduced as participants investigate the power of thin and thick line applications which help to create the shape and mass of objects. Individual attention will be given to each student at their skill level. In the third week participants bring photos or objects from home to draw in an effort to improve how they see and, therefore, their drawing skills. Material list available upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. He has had many solo and group shows in New York City, Westchester County and lower Connecticut, showcasing his oil paintings, watercolors and illustrations. Chris was part of an ongoing show at the Arthur Kalaher Fine Art in Sag Harbor, NY from 2011-2019. In 2018 he had a solo show […]

In this class enter the Art of the Abstract using mixed mediums, fluid acrylics, acrylic ink, neocrayons, pencils and permanent markers. This requires some self-examination and exploration to find your visual inspiration to actualize the art and to create a finished work by the end of the 5-week session. Start with a couple of small 5 x7 mat boards doing fast, fun, instinctual exercises and small expanding scribbles and doodles. Then graduate to a larger substrate and with some guidance go through the steps to complete your abstract work of art. Supply list available upon registration and instructions for caring for your new supplies to use them again and again. Regina Thomas’ collage and mixed media art is a mélange of visual stimuli, colors, and shapes involving different genres from the representational to the abstract. These multi-layered works portray her view of the world, never realistic, injecting her own narratives, metaphors, and icons. Regina works instinctually, and her desire is to stimulate and intrigue the viewer, make a connection, bringing their own experiences to the work. Regina has lived and traveled throughout Asia and Europe. While in London, she attended Richmond University concentrating on the Art Disciplines as well as […]

Create beautiful botanical illustrations in pen and ink! Each week will focus on a different botanical study. Participants will learn how to observe, and utilize ink to capture the subject matter with detail and accuracy. Colored pencils are used to enhance the black and white drawings. No previous experience is necessary. Come enjoy a creative and fun class! Nancy Bentivegna is a botanical artist who received her training at the New York Botanical Gardens through the Botanical Art and Illustration Program. After completing the program in 2010, she relocated to Boston. For the past eleven years she has been teaching a variety of botanical art classes in Boston and the greater Boston area. These courses are based on the instruction she received at the NYBG and include colored pencil, graphite, pen and ink and watercolor pencil. Nancy prefers to work in watercolor pencil combined with colored pencil for depth and detail. She does custom pieces for clients both in the Boston area and New York. She recently relocated to Essex and will be offering classes at the Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook. Dates: January 30; Feb 6, 13, 20

This class provides step-by-step instruction for those seeking the fundamentals of watercolor painting. Class includes demos and structured exercises. Participants learn color mixing, dark and light and basic color theory principles. Different brush stroke techniques are addressed for specific effects i.e. wet on wet & dry stubble applications. Participants paint from still life setups and/or photo references from home. Everyone is encouraged to work on an ongoing painting at home to help solidify techniques learned in class. This piece may be brought into class on the last day for an open critique session. Material list sent upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. He has had many solo and group shows in New York City, Westchester County and lower Connecticut, showcasing his oil paintings, watercolors and illustrations. Chris was part of an ongoing show at the Arthur Kalaher Fine Art in Sag Harbor, NY from 2011-2019. In 2018 he […]

Class time focuses on simple Still-Life set-ups ~a bottle, a bowl with fruit, etc. Objects are studied from a tabletop perspective. How to create volume, depth and weight are introduced as participants investigate the power of thin and thick line applications which help to create the shape and mass of objects. Individual attention will be given to each student at their skill level. In the third week participants bring photos or objects from home to draw in an effort to improve how they see and, therefore, their drawing skills. Material list available upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. He has had many solo and group shows in New York City, Westchester County and lower Connecticut, showcasing his oil paintings, watercolors and illustrations. Chris was part of an ongoing show at the Arthur Kalaher Fine Art in Sag Harbor, NY from 2011-2019. In 2018 he had a solo show […]

In this class enter the Art of the Abstract using mixed mediums, fluid acrylics, acrylic ink, neocrayons, pencils and permanent markers. This requires some self-examination and exploration to find your visual inspiration to actualize the art and to create a finished work by the end of the 5-week session. Start with a couple of small 5 x7 mat boards doing fast, fun, instinctual exercises and small expanding scribbles and doodles. Then graduate to a larger substrate and with some guidance go through the steps to complete your abstract work of art. Supply list available upon registration and instructions for caring for your new supplies to use them again and again. Regina Thomas’ collage and mixed media art is a mélange of visual stimuli, colors, and shapes involving different genres from the representational to the abstract. These multi-layered works portray her view of the world, never realistic, injecting her own narratives, metaphors, and icons. Regina works instinctually, and her desire is to stimulate and intrigue the viewer, make a connection, bringing their own experiences to the work. Regina has lived and traveled throughout Asia and Europe. While in London, she attended Richmond University concentrating on the Art Disciplines as well as […]

Create beautiful botanical illustrations in pen and ink! Each week will focus on a different botanical study. Participants will learn how to observe, and utilize ink to capture the subject matter with detail and accuracy. Colored pencils are used to enhance the black and white drawings. No previous experience is necessary. Come enjoy a creative and fun class! Nancy Bentivegna is a botanical artist who received her training at the New York Botanical Gardens through the Botanical Art and Illustration Program. After completing the program in 2010, she relocated to Boston. For the past eleven years she has been teaching a variety of botanical art classes in Boston and the greater Boston area. These courses are based on the instruction she received at the NYBG and include colored pencil, graphite, pen and ink and watercolor pencil. Nancy prefers to work in watercolor pencil combined with colored pencil for depth and detail. She does custom pieces for clients both in the Boston area and New York. She recently relocated to Essex and will be offering classes at the Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook. Dates: January 30; Feb 6, 13, 20

This class provides step-by-step instruction for those seeking the fundamentals of watercolor painting. Class includes demos and structured exercises. Participants learn color mixing, dark and light and basic color theory principles. Different brush stroke techniques are addressed for specific effects i.e. wet on wet & dry stubble applications. Participants paint from still life setups and/or photo references from home. Everyone is encouraged to work on an ongoing painting at home to help solidify techniques learned in class. This piece may be brought into class on the last day for an open critique session. Material list sent upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. He has had many solo and group shows in New York City, Westchester County and lower Connecticut, showcasing his oil paintings, watercolors and illustrations. Chris was part of an ongoing show at the Arthur Kalaher Fine Art in Sag Harbor, NY from 2011-2019. In 2018 he […]

Class time focuses on simple Still-Life set-ups ~a bottle, a bowl with fruit, etc. Objects are studied from a tabletop perspective. How to create volume, depth and weight are introduced as participants investigate the power of thin and thick line applications which help to create the shape and mass of objects. Individual attention will be given to each student at their skill level. In the third week participants bring photos or objects from home to draw in an effort to improve how they see and, therefore, their drawing skills. Material list available upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. He has had many solo and group shows in New York City, Westchester County and lower Connecticut, showcasing his oil paintings, watercolors and illustrations. Chris was part of an ongoing show at the Arthur Kalaher Fine Art in Sag Harbor, NY from 2011-2019. In 2018 he had a solo show […]

In this class enter the Art of the Abstract using mixed mediums, fluid acrylics, acrylic ink, neocrayons, pencils and permanent markers. This requires some self-examination and exploration to find your visual inspiration to actualize the art and to create a finished work by the end of the 5-week session. Start with a couple of small 5 x7 mat boards doing fast, fun, instinctual exercises and small expanding scribbles and doodles. Then graduate to a larger substrate and with some guidance go through the steps to complete your abstract work of art. Supply list available upon registration and instructions for caring for your new supplies to use them again and again. Regina Thomas’ collage and mixed media art is a mélange of visual stimuli, colors, and shapes involving different genres from the representational to the abstract. These multi-layered works portray her view of the world, never realistic, injecting her own narratives, metaphors, and icons. Regina works instinctually, and her desire is to stimulate and intrigue the viewer, make a connection, bringing their own experiences to the work. Regina has lived and traveled throughout Asia and Europe. While in London, she attended Richmond University concentrating on the Art Disciplines as well as […]

This class provides step-by-step instruction for those seeking the fundamentals of watercolor painting. Class includes demos and structured exercises. Participants learn color mixing, dark and light and basic color theory principles. Different brush stroke techniques are addressed for specific effects i.e. wet on wet & dry stubble applications. Participants paint from still life setups and/or photo references from home. Everyone is encouraged to work on an ongoing painting at home to help solidify techniques learned in class. This piece may be brought into class on the last day for an open critique session. Material list sent upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. He has had many solo and group shows in New York City, Westchester County and lower Connecticut, showcasing his oil paintings, watercolors and illustrations. Chris was part of an ongoing show at the Arthur Kalaher Fine Art in Sag Harbor, NY from 2011-2019. In 2018 he […]

Class time focuses on simple Still-Life set-ups ~a bottle, a bowl with fruit, etc. Objects are studied from a tabletop perspective. How to create volume, depth and weight are introduced as participants investigate the power of thin and thick line applications which help to create the shape and mass of objects. Individual attention will be given to each student at their skill level. In the third week participants bring photos or objects from home to draw in an effort to improve how they see and, therefore, their drawing skills. Material list available upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. He has had many solo and group shows in New York City, Westchester County and lower Connecticut, showcasing his oil paintings, watercolors and illustrations. Chris was part of an ongoing show at the Arthur Kalaher Fine Art in Sag Harbor, NY from 2011-2019. In 2018 he had a solo show […]

Create beautiful botanical illustrations in pen and ink! Each week will focus on a different botanical study. Participants will learn how to observe, and utilize ink to capture the subject matter with detail and accuracy. Colored pencils are used to enhance the black and white drawings. No previous experience is necessary. Come enjoy a creative and fun class! Nancy Bentivegna is a botanical artist who received her training at the New York Botanical Gardens through the Botanical Art and Illustration Program. After completing the program in 2010, she relocated to Boston. For the past eleven years she has been teaching a variety of botanical art classes in Boston and the greater Boston area. These courses are based on the instruction she received at the NYBG and include colored pencil, graphite, pen and ink and watercolor pencil. Nancy prefers to work in watercolor pencil combined with colored pencil for depth and detail. She does custom pieces for clients both in the Boston area and New York. She recently relocated to Essex and will be offering classes at the Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook. Dates: March 6, 13, 20 and 27th Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Cost: $130

Create beautiful botanical illustrations in pen and ink! Each week will focus on a different botanical study. Participants will learn how to observe, and utilize ink to capture the subject matter with detail and accuracy. Colored pencils are used to enhance the black and white drawings. No previous experience is necessary. Come enjoy a creative and fun class! Nancy Bentivegna is a botanical artist who received her training at the New York Botanical Gardens through the Botanical Art and Illustration Program. After completing the program in 2010, she relocated to Boston. For the past eleven years she has been teaching a variety of botanical art classes in Boston and the greater Boston area. These courses are based on the instruction she received at the NYBG and include colored pencil, graphite, pen and ink and watercolor pencil. Nancy prefers to work in watercolor pencil combined with colored pencil for depth and detail. She does custom pieces for clients both in the Boston area and New York. She recently relocated to Essex and will be offering classes at the Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook. Dates: March 6, 13, 20 and 27th Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Cost: $130

Create beautiful botanical illustrations in pen and ink! Each week will focus on a different botanical study. Participants will learn how to observe, and utilize ink to capture the subject matter with detail and accuracy. Colored pencils are used to enhance the black and white drawings. No previous experience is necessary. Come enjoy a creative and fun class! Nancy Bentivegna is a botanical artist who received her training at the New York Botanical Gardens through the Botanical Art and Illustration Program. After completing the program in 2010, she relocated to Boston. For the past eleven years she has been teaching a variety of botanical art classes in Boston and the greater Boston area. These courses are based on the instruction she received at the NYBG and include colored pencil, graphite, pen and ink and watercolor pencil. Nancy prefers to work in watercolor pencil combined with colored pencil for depth and detail. She does custom pieces for clients both in the Boston area and New York. She recently relocated to Essex and will be offering classes at the Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook. Dates: March 6, 13, 20 and 27th Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Cost: $130

This is a fun and very creative class where you learn to set up a workstation to create colored, painted paper sheets using gel plates, stencils and markers.  Experiment with masking techniques using gauze, acrylics, and metallic paints, etc.  After creating a variety of prints, choose your “Best and Brightest” as well as a few quieter designs.  The instructor will help you work on layout design to create compositional unity before gluing.  Then learn to prepare your support and to adhere each print. Finally, use gloss, satin or matte medium as a final sealer.   You will have prints left to create more compositions on your own.  Material list available upon registration. Regina Thomas’ collage and mixed media art is a mélange of visual stimuli, colors, and shapes involving different genres from the representational to the abstract.  These multi-layered works portray her view of the world, never realistic, injecting her own narratives, metaphors, and icons.  Regina works instinctually, and her desire is to stimulate and intrigue the viewer, make a connection, bringing their own experiences to the work. Regina has lived and traveled throughout Asia and Europe.  While in London, she attended Richmond University concentrating on the Art Disciplines as well as Studio classes.  Upon her return to the states she […]

This class provides step-by-step instruction for those seeking the fundamentals of watercolor painting.  Class includes demos and structured exercises.  Participants learn color mixing, dark and light and basic color theory principles. Different brush stroke techniques are addressed for specific effects i.e. wet on wet & dry stubble applications. Participants paint from still life setups and/or photo references from home.  Everyone is encouraged to work on an ongoing painting at home to help solidify techniques learned in class.  This piece may be brought into class on the last day for an open critique session. Material list sent upon registration.  Instructor will work with you at your level even if you have taken watercolor in the past.  Material list available upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. He has had many solo and group shows in New York City, Westchester County and lower Connecticut, showcasing his oil paintings, watercolors and illustrations. Chris was part of an ongoing […]

In this class learn to create layers of soft pastels to build up a recognizable image or object.  Blocking in values from light to dark and understanding light to hard application on paper.  In the beginning of class, simple still life set ups will be used i.e. two pieces of fruit in a bowl, etc. The light source and an investigation of color ranges that can be applied to any given object will also be explored.  There will be demonstrations of techniques that will help all levels.  Pastels are a wonderful opportunity for those who want to continue to hone their drawing skills with the new dimension of color.  Finally, fixative spraying will be reviewed including how many layers are necessary.  The last two classes will focus on one more complicated still life set up in an effort to create a completed piece of artwork. Material list available upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. […]

This creative writing class invites participants to explore their personal experiences, dreams, and reflections on life through short stories, poetry, and personal essays. Whether you want to write about past adventures, future aspirations, or cherished relationships, this class will guide you with fun exercises that make storytelling accessible and enjoyable. Techniques and exercises used in class will be memory mapping (turning life events into stories); sensory writing (using the five senses to bring stories to life) and character building (drawing inspiration from real-life people). Suggested material list available upon registration. Dates: Sunday, March 30; April 6, 13, 27 and May 4th

This is a fun and very creative class where you learn to set up a workstation to create colored, painted paper sheets using gel plates, stencils and markers.  Experiment with masking techniques using gauze, acrylics, and metallic paints, etc.  After creating a variety of prints, choose your “Best and Brightest” as well as a few quieter designs.  The instructor will help you work on layout design to create compositional unity before gluing.  Then learn to prepare your support and to adhere each print. Finally, use gloss, satin or matte medium as a final sealer.   You will have prints left to create more compositions on your own.  Material list available upon registration. Regina Thomas’ collage and mixed media art is a mélange of visual stimuli, colors, and shapes involving different genres from the representational to the abstract.  These multi-layered works portray her view of the world, never realistic, injecting her own narratives, metaphors, and icons.  Regina works instinctually, and her desire is to stimulate and intrigue the viewer, make a connection, bringing their own experiences to the work. Regina has lived and traveled throughout Asia and Europe.  While in London, she attended Richmond University concentrating on the Art Disciplines as well as Studio classes.  Upon her return to the states she […]

This class provides step-by-step instruction for those seeking the fundamentals of watercolor painting.  Class includes demos and structured exercises.  Participants learn color mixing, dark and light and basic color theory principles. Different brush stroke techniques are addressed for specific effects i.e. wet on wet & dry stubble applications. Participants paint from still life setups and/or photo references from home.  Everyone is encouraged to work on an ongoing painting at home to help solidify techniques learned in class.  This piece may be brought into class on the last day for an open critique session. Material list sent upon registration.  Instructor will work with you at your level even if you have taken watercolor in the past.  Material list available upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. He has had many solo and group shows in New York City, Westchester County and lower Connecticut, showcasing his oil paintings, watercolors and illustrations. Chris was part of an ongoing […]

In this dynamic Movement and Meditation class, children aged 7-11 will embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning essential tools for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Led by Jacqueline Kelsey, an experienced yoga instructor this class combines playful yoga poses, fun breathing techniques, and guided mindfulness exercises to help children build strength, flexibility, and focus while promoting a calm and centered mind. Through creative and age-appropriate activities, kids will develop body awareness, balance, and coordination, all while engaging in relaxation techniques.  These learning experiences can be applied to dance, sports and other movement oriented activities. This class is designed to nurture the whole child, fostering both their physical and emotional health. Movement and meditation are essential for children’s development, as they improve concentration, emotional regulation, and social skills, while also supporting better sleep and overall energy levels. By practicing mindfulness and movement from a young age, children gain tools that help them navigate challenges and develop a positive relationship with their bodies. This approach nurtures not only their growth but also instills a lifelong appreciation for self-care, making it a vital practice for every child’s well-being. With a lifelong passion for health, wellness, and community support, Jacqueline brings a unique […]

In this class learn to create layers of soft pastels to build up a recognizable image or object.  Blocking in values from light to dark and understanding light to hard application on paper.  In the beginning of class, simple still life set ups will be used i.e. two pieces of fruit in a bowl, etc. The light source and an investigation of color ranges that can be applied to any given object will also be explored.  There will be demonstrations of techniques that will help all levels.  Pastels are a wonderful opportunity for those who want to continue to hone their drawing skills with the new dimension of color.  Finally, fixative spraying will be reviewed including how many layers are necessary.  The last two classes will focus on one more complicated still life set up in an effort to create a completed piece of artwork. Material list available upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. […]

This creative writing class invites participants to explore their personal experiences, dreams, and reflections on life through short stories, poetry, and personal essays. Whether you want to write about past adventures, future aspirations, or cherished relationships, this class will guide you with fun exercises that make storytelling accessible and enjoyable. Techniques and exercises used in class will be memory mapping (turning life events into stories); sensory writing (using the five senses to bring stories to life) and character building (drawing inspiration from real-life people). Suggested material list available upon registration. Dates: Sunday, March 30; April 6, 13, 27 and May 4th

This is a fun and very creative class where you learn to set up a workstation to create colored, painted paper sheets using gel plates, stencils and markers.  Experiment with masking techniques using gauze, acrylics, and metallic paints, etc.  After creating a variety of prints, choose your “Best and Brightest” as well as a few quieter designs.  The instructor will help you work on layout design to create compositional unity before gluing.  Then learn to prepare your support and to adhere each print. Finally, use gloss, satin or matte medium as a final sealer.   You will have prints left to create more compositions on your own.  Material list available upon registration. Regina Thomas’ collage and mixed media art is a mélange of visual stimuli, colors, and shapes involving different genres from the representational to the abstract.  These multi-layered works portray her view of the world, never realistic, injecting her own narratives, metaphors, and icons.  Regina works instinctually, and her desire is to stimulate and intrigue the viewer, make a connection, bringing their own experiences to the work. Regina has lived and traveled throughout Asia and Europe.  While in London, she attended Richmond University concentrating on the Art Disciplines as well as Studio classes.  Upon her return to the states she […]

This class provides step-by-step instruction for those seeking the fundamentals of watercolor painting.  Class includes demos and structured exercises.  Participants learn color mixing, dark and light and basic color theory principles. Different brush stroke techniques are addressed for specific effects i.e. wet on wet & dry stubble applications. Participants paint from still life setups and/or photo references from home.  Everyone is encouraged to work on an ongoing painting at home to help solidify techniques learned in class.  This piece may be brought into class on the last day for an open critique session. Material list sent upon registration.  Instructor will work with you at your level even if you have taken watercolor in the past.  Material list available upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. He has had many solo and group shows in New York City, Westchester County and lower Connecticut, showcasing his oil paintings, watercolors and illustrations. Chris was part of an ongoing […]

Calling all young storytellers! Get ready to embark on Tales & Treasures, a 4-week creative writing journey where imagination runs wild, words come to life, and stories leap off the page! Designed for children ages 9-12, this interactive workshop blends storytelling, character creation, and hands-on artistic fun, helping young writers build confidence and sharpen their creative skills in an exciting and supportive space. Each week, children will dive into a new element of storytelling—from crafting unforgettable characters and building magical worlds to shaping exciting plots and bringing it all together in a final piece. With journals, art supplies, and a whole lot of creativity, children will not only write their own stories but also illustrate, design, and share their imaginative works in a storytelling group showcase. Get ready to write, create, and let your imagination soar! Please bring a lined journal to the first class. Sarah Elliott-Caratasios is an accomplished author, social worker, and advocate dedicated to uplifting families and communities through her writing, professional work and Master’s in Social Work. A mother of four and lifelong storyteller, Sarah resides in Connecticut with her husband, children, and their beloved rescue pups. Her passion for history and storytelling inspired The Adventures of Nibbles […]

In this dynamic Movement and Meditation class, children aged 7-11 will embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning essential tools for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Led by Jacqueline Kelsey, an experienced yoga instructor this class combines playful yoga poses, fun breathing techniques, and guided mindfulness exercises to help children build strength, flexibility, and focus while promoting a calm and centered mind. Through creative and age-appropriate activities, kids will develop body awareness, balance, and coordination, all while engaging in relaxation techniques.  These learning experiences can be applied to dance, sports and other movement oriented activities. This class is designed to nurture the whole child, fostering both their physical and emotional health. Movement and meditation are essential for children’s development, as they improve concentration, emotional regulation, and social skills, while also supporting better sleep and overall energy levels. By practicing mindfulness and movement from a young age, children gain tools that help them navigate challenges and develop a positive relationship with their bodies. This approach nurtures not only their growth but also instills a lifelong appreciation for self-care, making it a vital practice for every child’s well-being. With a lifelong passion for health, wellness, and community support, Jacqueline brings a unique […]

Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store of Centerbrook presents Good Morning/Good Night, an exploration of the beauty found in the transitions between day and night. From the soft glow of morning light to the mysteries of evening, this show highlights how light and shadow shift throughout the day, inspiring both contemplation and creativity. The exhibition opens with a reception on Friday, March 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, where guests can enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments. The Open House Weekend continues Saturday, March 22 (1 to 6 pm) and Sunday, March 23 (1 to 5 pm). The show runs through May 3 at Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main St., Centerbrook, Connecticut. This exhibition features both new and returning artists whose work captures the interplay of light and darkness. Among the featured painters is Beth Pite, whose dynamic, color-infused pastels vibrate with movement and energy. Barbara Rossitto explores the interplay between realism and abstraction in her evocative pieces; she works in oil, watercolor and pastel with a variety of subjects, mainly representational. Joining is also Dianne Gorrick, an award-winning artist known for her luminous depictions of the ever changing light of clouds as they move from night to day. […]

In this class learn to create layers of soft pastels to build up a recognizable image or object.  Blocking in values from light to dark and understanding light to hard application on paper.  In the beginning of class, simple still life set ups will be used i.e. two pieces of fruit in a bowl, etc. The light source and an investigation of color ranges that can be applied to any given object will also be explored.  There will be demonstrations of techniques that will help all levels.  Pastels are a wonderful opportunity for those who want to continue to hone their drawing skills with the new dimension of color.  Finally, fixative spraying will be reviewed including how many layers are necessary.  The last two classes will focus on one more complicated still life set up in an effort to create a completed piece of artwork. Material list available upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. […]

This creative writing class invites participants to explore their personal experiences, dreams, and reflections on life through short stories, poetry, and personal essays. Whether you want to write about past adventures, future aspirations, or cherished relationships, this class will guide you with fun exercises that make storytelling accessible and enjoyable. Techniques and exercises used in class will be memory mapping (turning life events into stories); sensory writing (using the five senses to bring stories to life) and character building (drawing inspiration from real-life people). Suggested material list available upon registration. Dates: Sunday, March 30; April 6, 13, 27 and May 4th

This is a fun and very creative class where you learn to set up a workstation to create colored, painted paper sheets using gel plates, stencils and markers.  Experiment with masking techniques using gauze, acrylics, and metallic paints, etc.  After creating a variety of prints, choose your “Best and Brightest” as well as a few quieter designs.  The instructor will help you work on layout design to create compositional unity before gluing.  Then learn to prepare your support and to adhere each print. Finally, use gloss, satin or matte medium as a final sealer.   You will have prints left to create more compositions on your own.  Material list available upon registration. Regina Thomas’ collage and mixed media art is a mélange of visual stimuli, colors, and shapes involving different genres from the representational to the abstract.  These multi-layered works portray her view of the world, never realistic, injecting her own narratives, metaphors, and icons.  Regina works instinctually, and her desire is to stimulate and intrigue the viewer, make a connection, bringing their own experiences to the work. Regina has lived and traveled throughout Asia and Europe.  While in London, she attended Richmond University concentrating on the Art Disciplines as well as Studio classes.  Upon her return to the states she […]

This class provides step-by-step instruction for those seeking the fundamentals of watercolor painting.  Class includes demos and structured exercises.  Participants learn color mixing, dark and light and basic color theory principles. Different brush stroke techniques are addressed for specific effects i.e. wet on wet & dry stubble applications. Participants paint from still life setups and/or photo references from home.  Everyone is encouraged to work on an ongoing painting at home to help solidify techniques learned in class.  This piece may be brought into class on the last day for an open critique session. Material list sent upon registration.  Instructor will work with you at your level even if you have taken watercolor in the past.  Material list available upon registration. Chris Kunze graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting/Illustration. He has had a long & successful career in Advertising and Promotion. His illustrations and designs have been used in books, magazines, newspapers, product packaging and logo design. Chris’ fine art has always remained important throughout his career as a commercial artist. He has had many solo and group shows in New York City, Westchester County and lower Connecticut, showcasing his oil paintings, watercolors and illustrations. Chris was part of an ongoing […]

Calling all young storytellers! Get ready to embark on Tales & Treasures, a 4-week creative writing journey where imagination runs wild, words come to life, and stories leap off the page! Designed for children ages 9-12, this interactive workshop blends storytelling, character creation, and hands-on artistic fun, helping young writers build confidence and sharpen their creative skills in an exciting and supportive space. Each week, children will dive into a new element of storytelling—from crafting unforgettable characters and building magical worlds to shaping exciting plots and bringing it all together in a final piece. With journals, art supplies, and a whole lot of creativity, children will not only write their own stories but also illustrate, design, and share their imaginative works in a storytelling group showcase. Get ready to write, create, and let your imagination soar! Please bring a lined journal to the first class. Sarah Elliott-Caratasios is an accomplished author, social worker, and advocate dedicated to uplifting families and communities through her writing, professional work and Master’s in Social Work. A mother of four and lifelong storyteller, Sarah resides in Connecticut with her husband, children, and their beloved rescue pups. Her passion for history and storytelling inspired The Adventures of Nibbles […]