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Downeast Community Dance
Sundays 10:00am - 11:30am, Dance Studio
Join us for the Downcast Community Dance, a recurring gathering designed to bring movement, music, and connection to Bar Harbor. Hosted at ArtWaves, this inclusive event welcomes dancers of all levels to come together and share in the joy of creative expression.
The dance takes place on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month, offering a rhythm to your week and a space for both beginners and seasoned dancers to feel at home.
$10 suggested donation.
For questions or more information, please contact susan.sassaman@pronton.me
Intermediate Realist Oil Painting with Ernie McMullen
Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, November 29, 2025 - February 7, 2026, in the Fine Arts Studio
This course is designed for students who already have some experience with oil painting and want to deepen their skills in the realist tradition. We’ll explore how artists across history—from the Old Masters of the Renaissance to 19th-century realists—used oil paint to capture the world with precision, atmosphere, and emotion. By studying their methods, you’ll gain insight into how realism evolved and how you can apply those timeless approaches to your own work.
What You’ll Learn:
Art History in Context: Discover how realist painters like Caravaggio, Vermeer, and Courbet shaped the language of realism. We’ll discuss how their innovations in light, perspective, and subject matter continue to influence contemporary painting.
Color Theory for Realism: Build a stronger understanding of how color relationships create depth and mood. We’ll cover warm vs. cool contrasts, limited palettes, and how colors interact with one another. A strong emphasis will be placed on developing and refining a personal color palette.
Oil Painting Techniques: Refine your brushwork and layering skills through methods such as underpainting, glazing, scumbling, and alla prima. You’ll learn how to control edges, textures, and values to create convincing form and atmosphere.
Course Structure:
By the end of this ten week course, you’ll not only have a stronger command of oil painting techniques but also a deeper appreciation for the history and theory that make realism such a powerful tradition.
About the Instructor:
Ernest McMullen is a landscape painter who finds his subject matter on the coast, surrounding waters and interior of Mount Desert Island, Maine. His abiding interest is in evoking the mysterious blend of form light and spirit found on the island with an approach that is firmly based in realist oil painting traditions. He was a founding faculty member at College of the Atlantic where he taught visual arts for 42 years.
Weekly Figure Drawing
Thursdays, 12 - 3 PM in the Fine Arts Studio
This open figure drawing sessions features a live nude model performing a series of 20 minute poses with no instruction. Easels, charcoal, and basic supplies are provided. 18 and over, under 18 allowed with parental attendance! Drop-ins welcome.
Pricing per session is $15. Members can register at a discounted rate of $25 for the entire month.
Which Stitch?
Mondays from 9 AM - 12 PM in the Kaleidoscope studio.
Which Stitch? is a community group where participants bring their current fiber and needle projects to work and converse with each other. Participants are welcome to use ArtWaves' supply of materials to knit, crochet, sew, mend, embroider, weave, felt, cross stitch, and so much more! Beginning instruction can be provided and the occasional special guest will introduce new techniques and demo their work.
This ongoing group maintains an email list for people interested in receiving regular updates and information. If you would like to be included, please email office@artwavesmdi.org.
Which Stitch? is a drop-in group, no registration is required. It is free for ArtWaves Members and a $5 suggested donation for non-members
This yoga form includes breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures.
Register here on MDI-Y site.
Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, & 28, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Have you ever struggled with making windows, doors and buildings look realistic in your drawings and paintings?
This four-session course will explain the simple system discovered in the Renaissance, called Linear Perspective, that will add to your tool kit to create more accurate drawings and paintings, especially of the built environment. The idea that things appear to be smaller in the distance, is deceptively simple.
In this course, instructors Joan Vienot and Rick Osann will explain the system of Linear Perspective and how to apply it to your existing drawing skills through demonstration and mentored practice.
About the Instructors:
Rick Osann has been painting in watercolor since the early 1970’s. After various careers as a professional Scenic Artist working for stage, film & TV in New York City, and teaching art/theatre/film at Bonny Eagle High School in southern Maine, Rick is now happily focusing on his painting in Bar Harbor, Maine. Rick provides instruction in painting and drawing.
Joan Vienot received state teacher certification in Fine Art from the University of Northern Colorado. She taught art in a public high school in Colorado for 3 years. She moved to Northwest Florida, where she enjoyed a business career, and also taught numerous art classes and workshops to adults. In 2022 Joan moved to Maine to paint the rocky coastline. Joan offers instruction in drawing and plein air painting.
The second Friday of the month from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, drop into the studio for a relaxed and creative felting session led by instructor Mariah Reading.
This is an informal, drop-in group perfect for both seasoned felters and curious beginners. Each week, Mariah will be working on a specific felting project that you are welcome to follow along and make, providing a great way to learn new techniques.
All felting supplies will be available for you to use, whether you want to work on Mariah's featured project or pursue your own felted creation. It's a wonderful time to socialize with other fiber artists, keep your hands busy, and enjoy the calming, repetitive motions of felting!
Come learn, create, and connect!
About the Instructor: Mariah Reading is an eco-artist and strong advocate for the existence, preservation, and accessibility of the National Parks. She was born and raised in Bangor, Maine where the surrounding landscape gave her a deep appreciation of nature’s beauty that was reinforced by her degree in Visual Arts at Bowdoin College. The 2016 National Park Centennial propelled her Recycled Landscapes, designed to bring attention to the need of preserving and protecting the environment. Having already visited 33 National Parks, she plans to continue her project in all 63 US National Parks. Mariah has dedicated herself to the field of eco-art through Art Residencies at Denali, Zion, Acadia, Guadalupe Mountains National Parks, working as an Arts In the Parks Volunteer at the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, assisting in Yosemite Facelift efforts, developing a K-12 STREAM curriculum with University of California Santa Barbara Oceanography students, and creating conservation workshops with the Channel Islands National Park. She has exhibited work in San Antonio, TX; Seattle, WA; Fort Collins, CO; McKinley Village, AK; Brunswick, ME; and Kamuela, HI; Poughkeepsie, NY; Davis, CA; Rockland, ME; and Portland, ME. From April through September, Reading has worked as an environmental interpreter.
Friday, January 9th, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Every Friday evening, we will offer a beginner-friendly class to pair with your favorite local beverage. BYOB!
All materials will be provided. Just bring your creativity and your favorite beer or wine to enjoy as you craft.
About the Instructor: Mariah Reading is an eco-artist and strong advocate for the existence, preservation, and accessibility of the National Parks. She was born and raised in Bangor, Maine where the surrounding landscape gave her a deep appreciation of nature’s beauty that was reinforced by her degree in Visual Arts at Bowdoin College.
Saturday, January 10th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
These kids craft times are designed for the whole family to come and have fun. We ask that an adult accompany the child for the class—where you can choose to do the craft together or each work on your own.
In this fun session, you'll use colorful wool roving to create cozy Felted Stars. This is a wonderful opportunity to get creative together, as Mariah Reading guides you through the process of transforming wool into festive stars using simple felting techniques. You can personalize your stars with different colors and patterns to make them truly one-of-a-kind.
This is a hands-on class that’s fun for the whole family! All materials and instructions are provided.
About the Instructor: Mariah Reading is an eco-artist and strong advocate for the existence, preservation, and accessibility of the National Parks. She was born and raised in Bangor, Maine where the surrounding landscape gave her a deep appreciation of nature’s beauty that was reinforced by her degree in Visual Arts at Bowdoin College. The 2016 National Park Centennial propelled her Recycled Landscapes, designed to bring attention to the need of preserving and protecting the environment.
Susan Sassaman, Yoga Dance Teacher, facilitates meditative movement, gentle yoga, circle, and freeform dance to an inspirational music mix.Come experience a blissful body, joyous heart, and a steady, quiet mind.
Sliding Scale Donation: Benefit for ArtWaves.
Please pre-register by emailing susan.sassaman@pronton.me or calling 207-801-9023
Custom Workshop: Dungeons & Dragons with Kelly Cutler
Want to book your own custom workshop or birthday party?
Email: office@artwavesmdi.org
Custom Workshop: Birthday Party!
10 am - 2 pm in the Dance Studio
Mondays, January 12th, 19th, and 26th, 1 PM - 4 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join us for an intro/ intermediate impressionist landscape painting series.
Painting will be done on a 16x20" canvas board with acrylic paints of a sunrise view from the top of Cadillac Mountain.
We will work with BIG and GESTURAL strokes focusing on color relationships unique to Mount Desert Island. All materials and instructions provided.
Tuesday, January 13th, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join artist Mariah Reading for a fun class of block printing tote bags! During this casual class, you'll learn the fundamentals of block printing by creating your own custom design, then use your carved block to print a unique pattern onto a canvas tote bag.
All materials and instructions are included, so just come ready to create!
Instructor Mariah Reading will introduce you to the technique of shell decoupage. You'll learn how to select and prepare natural shells, carefully apply delicate papers or napkins, and finish the pieces with a durable sealant to create beautiful trinket trays. By the end of the evening, you will leave with a finished shell tray perfect for holding jewelry or keys.
All materials, including natural shells, decoupage papers, adhesive, brushes, and sealant, will be provided.
Harbor Artisans Meeting in Kaleidoscope Studio
10 am - 4 pm
Tuesday, January 20th, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Create a unique pair of earrings inspired by the beauty of Maine's pine trees. In this class, you will craft beaded earrings that resemble the delicate tip of a fresh pine bow. Using wire, jewelry tools, and beads, you will learn step-by-step how to construct these charming dangling earrings. No prior jewelry-making experience is necessary; complete instructions from start to finish will be provided.
All materials and tools are included.
This class is designed for adults and motivated teens. Participants will have the opportunity to customize the size and color of their earrings and will leave with a finished pair of their own pine-inspired creations.
Instructor Mariah Reading will introduce you to the unique and meditative art form of Blackout Poetry. You'll learn how to transform pages from recycled books into completely new works by selectively circling words to form a poem, then using paint and mixed media to "blackout" the rest of the text. By the end of the evening, you will leave with a completely finished, framed piece of original art and poetry ready to display.
All materials, including recycled book pages, paints, mixed media supplies, brushes, and the frame, will be provided. Just bring your creativity and your favorite beer or wine to enjoy as you craft.
Saturday, January 24th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
In this fun workshop, you will learn to create personalized Mosaic Picture Frames. You'll use colorful glass and ceramic tiles to decorate a wooden frame. Mariah Reading will guide you through the process of arranging and gluing materials, helping you design a unique frame.
This is a fun, hands-on experience perfect for spending creative time together!
All materials and step-by-step instructions are provided.
Kaleidoscope Studio reserved for custom arts workshop: 9 am - 1 pm.
Interested in booking your own custom workshop?
Artist Members who have registered to participate in the Start with Art Members Exhibit should drop off their pieces in the Fine Arts Studio!
Wednesday, January 28th from 3:30 - 6:30 pm
Thursday, January 29th | Kids Session - 3:00 - 5:00 PM | Adult Session 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Volta Climbing Gym
Volta is hosting ArtWaves for a felted carabiner session on Thursday, January 29th - with both an adult and kids session.
Register here on Volta's website.
Instructor Mariah Reading will introduce you to the process of creating mosaic pieces on glass. You'll learn how to transform a simple glass jar into a colorful, illuminated candle holder by designing, adhering, and grouting small pieces of glass and tile. By the end of the evening, you will leave with a completely finished, durable candle holder that adds a warm, beautiful glow to any space.
All materials, including the glass jar, colorful glass and ceramic pieces, adhesive, grouting supplies, and a tea light candle, will be provided. Just bring your creativity and your favorite beer or wine to enjoy as you craft.
Start with Art!
Come take part in printmaking, stained glass mosaic, needle felting, and more as we celebrate a new beginning for your community arts center!
All are welcome!
If you feel inspired, bring a sweet treat or savory snack to share on the potluck table.
Saturday, January 31st from 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Rain/Snow date for Start with Art
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Join us after school for Art at The Center from 3:30 to 4:30 on Tuesdays. Each Tuesday is different! Each week we will learn about artists from around the world, countries, and art history all while creating our own unique art using a variety of materials. Experience paint, clay, felt and more! Join us starting February 3rd or 6 weeks, 12 weeks or all 17 until the end of the year to save money. All classes through Acadia Center for the Arts exceed National Standards for art education!
Join us on the Runway at our Costume Design and Fashion Art Camp for a fun fusion of styles! Explore Victorian elegance, the vibrant patterns of Delaunay, and the classic charm of Elizabethan designs. Get creative with blue jeans. Learn about Pucci, blending past and present in your unique creations. Connect with fellow fashion lovers, and let your imagination run wild as you craft your own stunning designs in this unforgettable experience! A fashion show will be take place at the end of the camp. (Must be potty trained)
Join us on the Runway at our Costume Design and Fashion Art Camp for a fun fusion of styles! Explore Victorian elegance, the vibrant patterns of Delaunay, and the classic charm of Elizabethan designs. Get creative with blue jeans. Learn about Pucci, blending past and present in your unique creations. Connect with fellow fashion lovers, and let your imagination run wild as you craft your own stunning designs in this unforgettable experience! A fashion show will be take place at the end of the camp.
Draw in the style of the ancient Egyptians! Explore Cave Art! Explore the amazing symbols, patterns, and stories found in Egypt, then design your own masterpieces. Artists learn to think about detail, storytelling, and the magic of Egyptian art while creating a dazzling work inspired by the past! There is an art show at the end of the camp.
Artists will explore watercolor, acrylic, and pastels as they experiment with bold color, layered textures, and imaginative techniques. From blending oil pastels to mimic ancient cave paintings, to creating symmetrical butterfly masterpieces, and dreamy Monet inspired watercolors.
Squish it, roll it, cut it, and fire away. This camp is for you if you love clay. From fish, to gnomes, owls and all things in between!
Squish it, roll it, cut it, and fire away. This camp is for you if you love clay. From fish, to gnomes and all things in between!
2026 Acadia Dance Festival!
Nimbus Dance intensive
The Summer Intensive is designed for high-school and college-aged dancers looking to expand their training, explore their artistry, and gain experience in a professional-level dance setting. Faculty are experts in the field who have carefully crafted curricula to help young dancers grow technically, artistically, and professionally.
Participants take daily classes (ballet, hip hop, contemporary) with professional dance artists from Nimbus Dance and a rotation of special topics such as injury prevention, audition skills, and improvisation. Students learn a piece of original choreography with company dancers from Nimbus Dance and perform on Friday, July 26th at the 1932 Criterion Theater as part of the Acadia Dance Festival.
MDI Nonprofits Association Meeting in the Fine Arts Studio
12 - 2 PM
1345-A State Highway 102Bar Harbor, ME 04609207-266-0010office@artwavesmdi.org
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