Downeast Community Dance
Select 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
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.
MARCH SESSIONS will be THURDAYS from 10:30 - 11:30 am!
Tai Chi is a safe, effective way to build strength, improve balance, and move with more confidence. Studies have shown this program is effective in helping people to prevent falls. In Tai Chi, we pay close attention to where our weight is and how it shifts. If we’re going to step with the left foot, we first make sure our weight is fully settled on the right side—then we step. Over time, this practice trains your body to know where it is in space. You become more grounded, more stable, and more confident on your feet—not just in class, but in everyday life. Tai Chi is about moving with intention, staying present, and building trust in your body again.
Drop-ins welcome!
Meet your Instructor:
Andrea Lepcio is a certified Tai Chi instructor, yoga and Mat Pilates teacher, and personal trainer. She is a playwright and screenwriter.
Join us for after school arts from 3:30 to 4:30 PM on Tuesdays!
Each week we will explore different artists and art forms from around the world, as well as art history, all while creating our own unique artwork using a variety of materials.
Experience painting, ceramics, felting, and more! Join us starting February 3rd for 6 weeks, 12 weeks, or all 17 sessions until the end of the school year at a special discounted price. All classes through ArtWaves exceed National Standards for art education!
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 $20.
Members can register at a discounted rate of $30 for the entire month.
Interested in modeling? email office@artwavesmdi.org
Open Level Ballet for Grades 5-12
Thursdays at 3:15 pm in the ArtWaves Dance Studio!
An introduction to classical ballet techniques for dancers of all levels. This class begins with barre exercises and moves to center work including across the floor combinations. Students will develop a strong understanding of ballet positions and terminology, while building strength, coordination, and musicality.
Recommended dress code: Students should wear ballet slippers and form fitting clothing to best see body alignment. Hair should be tied back and out of face.
About your instructor:
Cate Pope is a dancer, choreographer, and performer from Mount Desert Island, Maine. She graduated from Bates College in 2025 with a B.A. in Dance Choreography and a concentration in Music and Culture. Cate began dancing at the age of three and has studied extensively in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. She has trained with Robinson Ballet (2012 – 2021), as well as with Bossov Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, Joffrey Ballet, Nimbus Dance, and others.
During her undergraduate studies, she attended semester-long performing arts programs at Trinity La MaMa in New York City and Accademia dell’Arte in Italy. Since graduating, she has choreographed for MDI High School’s fall musical and currently choreographs for Connors Emerson’s show choir. She has also taught at the Summer Festival of the Arts and currently teaches at Two Shoes Dance. Cate continues to share her love for dance through teaching and creating work at the intersection of movement, music, and community.
Photos courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope.
Contemporary / Modern Dance for grades 5-12
Thursdays at 4:30 pm and Saturdays at 11 am in the ArtWaves Dance Studio!
An exploration of contemporary and modern techniques with a focus on choreography. The class begins with a warmup that includes stretching, light cardio and across the floor sequences. Students will then learn and create choreography, emphasizing collaboration, creativity and community.
Modern / Contemporary: Students should wear athletic clothing that’s comfortable for full range of movement. We will dance barefoot and occasionally in socks. Hair should be tied back and out of face.
There will be no class Thursday 3/26 or Saturday 3/28!
ArtWaves has a huge selection of stained glass, tiles and stones.
Having a visible house number is important for local delivery and emergency services, but it can also be beautiful! At the end of session, you will bring home a wonderful piece that can be proudly displayed in or on your house or create one as a housewarming gift! Join Liz for this workshop to learn mosaic techniques with glass and ceramic on a wood plaque. Bring an image of your house to coordinate colors and themes!
This class is for teens and adults of all skill levels
About the instructor: Liz Cutler.com
Liz is a founder (2013) of ArtWaves, where she continues her practice through figure drawing, teaching, workshops, conversational critiques and working in her personal studio We have your number!
Contemporary / Modern Dance for Adults
Thursdays at 5:45 pm and Saturdays at 12:30 pm in the ArtWaves Dance Studio!
Saturday, March 14, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
About the Instructors: Dave and Lisa Roy have been stained glass artisans for over 20 years. For 10 years, they owned and operated a full service stained glass studio in Bucksport. Their work can be seen in hospitals, churches, and many private residences across the world. You can see more of their work at www.stubborncowglass.com
Mommy & Me Ballet (for Pre-K children & their caregivers)
Saturdays at 10 am in ArtWaves' Dance Studio!
An introduction to the foundations of classical ballet for young children alongside their caregivers. This class includes simple barre and center exercises, as well as creative movement activities. Students will explore dance in a supportive environment that fosters connection, family, and community.
Member Price: $30 for child & adult
Non-Member Price: $40 for child & adult
Color Interaction: Color Theory for Visual Artists with Robert Pollien
Saturday, March 14th, 1 - 3 PM.
"The kingdom of colors has within it multidimensional possibilities only partly to be reduced to simple order. Each individual color is a universe in itself."
- Johannes Itten
In this class we will take on some of the classic color problems, as taught by Josef Albers of the Bauhaus, Black Mountain College and Yale University. Additional topics that relate specifically to the effective use of color in painting, will be discussed.
About the Instructor: Instructor Rob Pollien earned his MFA from the University of Pennsylvania and attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. He has twice been an Acadia National Park Artist in Residence. Robert has received support from the Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation, the Monhegan Artists’ Residency Corporation, the Joseph A. Fiore Art Center at Rolling Acres Farm, and the Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts and has been awarded the Maine Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship for painting. His paintings are in numerous corporate, public, and private collections. He is represented by Artemis Gallery in Northeast Harbor and the Page Gallery in Camden Maine. Rob has recently retired from teaching at the University of Maine.
Join us once a week as we create some amazing art, all while learning about artists from around the world, different cultures, and art movements. This is a multi-media art class. We will use clay, fabric, paint, paper, and all types of art mediums to create fabulous art!
(This class exceeds the national standards for art education!)
Art & Sip ~
Relax, create, and enjoy a night out at ArtWaves! Our Art & Sip workshops are designed to be fun, beginner-friendly experiences where you can explore a new creative skill in a relaxed and welcoming environment. No prior experience is needed—our instructors will guide you step by step, and all materials are provided.
These workshops are for participants ages 21+. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage (BYOB) to enjoy while you create. Art & Sip is even more fun with friends, so gather a group and sign up together for a creative night out!
Mug Design & Desublimation ~
Learn how marker drawings can be transferred onto ceramic mugs with the help of a cylindrical heat press. We will use markers and paper that transfer directly to the surface of prepared ceramic mugs. Each student will receive two mugs to experiment with. We will use our time together drawing and perfecting our designs, and will conclude the workshop by pressing each mug, making a microwave and dishwasher safe piece of functional art.
All materials, 2 mugs, special markers, general merriment, and sublimation papers will be provided. Just bring your creative spirit and your favorite beer or wine to enjoy as you craft or enjoy ArtWaves tea selection.
Meet your Instructor: Phoebe Zildjian
Phoebe Zildjian is an artist and educator based in Stonington, Maine. She holds a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design from Maine College of Art, and is the Fab Lab Coordinator at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Her passion lies with experimenting with new materials, techniques, and processes, and blending old and new types of making. She has taught students of all ages on topics ranging from molding and casting to knot making, from digital fabrication to historic techniques. She has been an artist in residence at Pocosin Arts in North Carolina, The Possible Zone in Massachusetts, and The Carpenter’s Boat Shop in Pemaquid, Maine.
Think of this as an art supply store/studio where the equipment and materials on the shelves are yours to use. Our monitored open studio time is a functional space to spread out, connect, and create. We offer the tools for mosaic, blockprinting, geliprinting, felting, weaving, woodburning, mixed media, batik, painting, drawing, fiber art, and fairy house construction.
The open layout creates a collaborative environment where members work side-by-side, sharing practical techniques and encouragement. Help yourself to complimentary tea while you work. There is no instruction, the studio monitor can assist in locating what you need.
"If you have the smarts, we have the parts."
Our inventory of tools and materials has been built through years of workshops, volunteer labor, and generous community donations.
This program is a core member benefit, ensuring that the practice of art-making remains accessible beyond a class or workshop.
As a community-funded center, we continue to accept donations of quality art supplies, tools, and materials. We exist because of your support.
Come explore the art of pysanky, Ukrainian egg decorating!
At the ArtWaves Kaleidoscope studio, the table is set with candles, local eggs, kistkas (batik tools), vibrantly colored dyes, and warm wonderful beeswax.
The step by step instructions -- basically apply the wax , dip in dye while you decorate with wax on another egg -- will introduce you to some color mixing and pattern ideas -- a good start to your meditative waxing adventure.
I first explored the art of pysanky with my children and their friends decades ago and, with you, the tradition of cultural appreciation continues! We will be using the same tools and methods that have been used for hundreds of years.
Gather with family or friends to batik - applying warm wax over the areas you want to keep, to make colorful elaborate designs. Try out the electric version of a kistka, or combine techniques. Follow traditional patterns, or create your own designs!
Friday, March 27th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM.
Lino-Cut Printing
Come and create your very own series of hand printed postcards! Design, transfer and carve in linoleum to use for block printing on stationary.
"Lino-Cut" blocks can be used to print on a variety of materials. Take your block home with you for future uses.
Meet your instructor: Seth Birch
Seth Birch, born in rural Northeast Ohio studied at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and in Germany at Freie Universität Berlin. Since 2024 the artist has lived and worked in Deer Isle, Maine. Participating in residencies and workshops instructing in various mediums along the way. His practice ranges from Sculpture to Functional and from intimate to large scale. Working with many mediums Seth Birch’s eclectic practice is a deep dive into strained relationships, personal and worldly. His most recognizable work is of two figures ripping their heart and mind out behind screens. Exploring the relationship of the reality of emotions to the hidden nature of modern means of sharing lives.
Saturday, March 28th from 10 AM - 12:30 PM.
Come and create your very own series of prints!
Design, transfer and carve in linoleum to use for block printing on fabric.
Long Pose Figure Drawing
Saturday, March 28th from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
We are reviving our long pose figure drawing sessions. Like our Thursday sessions, the long pose sessions will feature a live, nude model and there will be no drawing instruction provided. The session will start with a series of gestural warm ups and then will feature a pose that spans the majority of the time, with the model taking a break about every 20 minutes.
If you don't have supplies, feel free to use our easels, charcoal, and basic supplies. 18 and over, under 18 allowed with parental attendance!
Drop-ins welcome.
$20 per session.
This is the perfect time to learn the art of pysanky, Ukrainian egg decorating! Come be cozy at ArtWaves -- the table is set with candles, local eggs, kistkas, vibrantly colored dyes and the honeyed scent of warm beeswax.
The step by step instructions will introduce you to color mixing and pattern ideas, a good start to your meditative waxing adventure!
Gather with family or friends to batik -- dipping in dyes and applying warm wax over the areas you want to keep, to make colorful, elaborate designs.
Try out the electric version of a kistka (batik tool), or combine techniques. Follow traditional patterns, or create your own designs!
Fun for both kids and adults, although younger kids will need adult supervision.
Perfect for a custom workshop - contact office@artwavesmdi.org to schedule a gathering of friends, colleagues, or family at a time convenient for you!
Egg-spressive Art: EGG-CITING Pysanky!
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.
These sessions are intended for ages 18 and over, although artists under 18 are allowed with parental attendance! Drop-ins are welcome.
There will be no ballet class during school vacation.
There will be no class April 23rd during school vacation!
Open Level Ballet for Adults
Thursdays at 5:45 pm in the ArtWaves Dance Studio!
Spend the evening creating a series of Mono (individual) monochromatic (one color, could be more ) prints and sip your favorite beverage. This low risk process is a great way to start your weeken . No experience necessary to enjoy pulling prints of all sizes.
We have images, use your own photos, invent a scene, be as abstract realistic or patterny as you like or any combination.
Learn to squiggle, wipe and dab to depict some of the geological features of the island or experiment with our variety of tools in your own way.
With our step-by-step instructions, Akua inks and papers you will bring home a matted frame-able piece as well as cards, or a collage.
The most difficult part may be deciding on your favorite one to matt! We supply it all and the results and experience are wonderful. No art experience is necessary, yet it is enjoyable for artists as well.
Friday April 3 5:30 to 7:30pm
$42. ($32 for members)
About the Instructor: Lizcutler.com
Lizis a founder (2013) of ArtWaves where she continues her practice through figure drawing, teaching, workshops, conversational critiques and working in her personal studio Her artwork is expressed in a variety of media primarily oil painting, including glass, fiber and printmaking. She graduated with a B.A.in Painting from Swain School of Design including a year at Worcester Art Museum School and Boston Museum of Fine Arts and a Masters from Heartwood College of Art. Liz is a member of the American Society of Marine Artists, Fiber Arts Network and Maine Crafts Association.
Saturdays at 12:30 pm in the ArtWaves Dance Studio!
Meet the Artists
Dave and Lisa Roy have been stained glass artisans for over 20 years. For 10 years, they owned and operated a full service stained glass studio in Bucksport. Their work can be seen in hospitals, churches, and many private residences across the world. You can see more of their work at their website: https://www.stubborncowglass.com
Stained Glass Mosaic Landscape - April 12 2026
Try out our glorious assortment of colors and textures to create your own ocean or sea of flowers. Plenty to inspire you. The step-by-step instructions get you off to a good start with design suggestions along the way. How often do you get to cut, grind and grout glass? It’s like coloring with glass or fitting a puzzle together (and being able to cut that last piece to fit !)
All materials are included to make and grout a 10" x 8" framed mosaic of a landscape or any design of your choosing. Our wide selection of unique mosaic materials includes iridescent glass, sea glass, tiles, stones and pottery.
About the instructor: Liz Cutler.com My paintings are inspired by a spark, something that wows me or quietly invites me to linger. I love capturing what transports me to being right there, to share and return to spectacular moments. This is my birthday and Can not think of a better way to celebrate than painting with the glorious glass!
Liz is a founder (2013) of ArtWaves, where she continues her practice through figure drawing, teaching, workshops, conversational critiques and working in her personal studio at ArtWaves Her artwork is expressed in a variety of media primarily oil painting, including glass, fiber and printmaking. She graduated with a B.A.in Painting from Swain School of Design including a year at Worcester Art Museum School and Boston Museum of Fine Arts and a Masters from Heartwood College of Art. Liz is a member of the American Society of Marine Artists, Fiber Arts Network, NE Society of Mosaic Artists and Maine Crafts Association.
Workshop fee is 52.50/members receive 10. discount 42.50
f you need to cancel your registration, please contact office@artwavesmdi.org. Your account will then reflect a credit that may be used toward future classes.
If you already have a credit and would like to apply it to this class, please contact office@artwavesmdi.org before registering!
This class is perfect for intermediate painters who have yet to break into the wonderful world of oil paints.
Oils can seem intimidating when you don't know them yet, but in this class we will come to learn that they can be quite simple and incredibly rewarding to work with once you get to know them better. Their smooth and buttery consistency, their highly pigmented vibrant colors, and their long-lasting workability, will make you glad you gave them a chance. Open to teens and adults, Some painting experience required, but none in oils
I'll start at the very beginning, and over the span of four two-hour long classes, walk you through all the tools and techniques that you need to complete your own still life painting that you can take home with you. All materials will be provided by Artwaves, so all you need to bring is a passion for art and willingness to try new things! Along with your finished painting, you'll leave this class with valuable knowledge you can apply to countless more oil paintings in the future. In these four classes we will explore:
Class 1:
Class 2:
Class 3:
Class 4:
Your Instructor
Malina Voter, at 25, has been painting for 17 years, the vast majority of their life. Based in Ellsworth, they have found inspiration in both nature and humanity, painting everything from majestic landscapes to the beautiful mundanities of everyday life.
Acadia Senior College Presents:
Creating with Scraps, Fragments, Snippets, and Tatter
with Bonnie Chase
Register here: https://www.acadiaseniorcollege.org/courses
April 16 - May 21, 2026
Thursdays, 10am-12pm (6 weeks)
ArtWaves, Town Hill
Creating with Scraps, Fragments, Snippets and Tatter In this mindfully, playful course we will explore various methods embracing ordinary materials ( threads, papers, fiber scraps, cardboard, found objects,etc.) to make unique visual narratives. We will also explore the art of several artists from past to present such as Braque, Picasso, Matisse, Mary Delaney and Hannelore Baron who revolutionized art by incorporating everyday materials into their masterpieces. Inspired by the creative techniques of these artists and your teacher, we will have fun assembling our scraps, fragments, snippets and tatters while challenging the definitions of art through experimentation, breaking art boundaries and rules to create our own forms of expression. No experience needed!
Bonnie Chase holds an undergraduate degree in Biology and Botany and a MS in Environmental Science from Montclair State University, NJ. Throughout her careers in teaching, as Executive Director of the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Nature Center, as Master Naturalist, and leading Natural History Tours in Central and South America, she has always encouraged her students to explore the natural world through a creative lens. Bonnie has previously taught three other nature based art courses for ASC.
Registration opens February 18, 2026 at 8:00 am
Saturday, April 18th from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Here is a time to play with the possibilities of gelatin mono-printing on a variety of papers or fabric.
ArtWaves has a selection of textures, feathers, stamps, botanicals and techniques to explore. The gelatin plates pick up the intricacy of the plants and designs and the camaraderie of sharing ideas makes it a wonderful experience. The Akua inks are brilliantly colored and mixing them maintains the vibrancy. .
Once you have a dozen or so printed ( caution it is a tad addictive) see which papers fabrics enhance the print so you end up with your own unique printed cards, tags, booklets, and wall hangings in addition to matting your favorite piece to frame. These would work for pop up cards and for collaging.
Great for families! under 10 needs adult companion
Sunday May 10 from 10 to 12pm $42 - or $32 for members
Gift Certificates are available. This is a wonderful CustomWorkshop for family and friends as well!
Instructor LizCutler.com
Saturday, May 16th from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
In this 2 hour presentation and question and answer session, artist and professional development for artists professor Suzy Kopf will guide you through the process of finding artist opportunities that align with your career goals. Dream of attending an artist residency or earning a grant that supports a new body of work but not sure where to even find a suitable opportunity? The presentation will cover how to tell if an opportunity is as good as it sounds or a scam, methods of staying organized so you can meet your deadlines and what to expect in a typical application process. The last 30 minutes of the workshop will be reserved for participant questions.
In this still life drawing workshop, participants will explore the foundations of using colored pencils to build rich, dimensional color through thoughtful layering. Working from a Maine themed still life set up, class members will learn how to gradually develop hue, value, and texture using colored pencils. Artist instructor Suzy Kopf will cover a variety of techniques including burnishing, blending, and color mixing directly on the paper to create depth and luminosity. Special attention will be given to observing subtle shifts in shadow, highlight, and reflected color.
This class is ideal for beginners as well as artists looking to strengthen their drawing practice with colored pencil. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a finished study and a clear understanding of how to create depth through layered color in this exciting, and extremely approachable medium.
Instructor Info - Suzy Kopf is a multidisciplinary artist who scrutinizes the paper ephemera of midcentury consumer culture to probe the enduring mythos of the American Dream. Through water media paintings, collages and site-specific installations she excavates archival materials and inherited nostalgia for utopias erected and cast aside. Vibrant colors unify her work across media and evoke the built landscape of the eroding Silicon Valley where she grew up. Conscious of how much byproduct can result from art-production, Suzy maintains a “no waste” practice, recycling materials back into her work and making her own paint from botanical materials.
Suzy has been the recipient of more than a dozen residency fellowships including the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, Kala and The Studios at Mass MoCA. Her art practice has been funded by the Hagley Museum, Baltimore National Heritage Area, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and the Design History Society, among others.
In addition to her studio work, Suzy is passionate about helping other artists achieve their professional goals and generate sustainable income. She has been an invited speaker at the College Art Association, The CUE Art Foundation, Artists Thrive Conference, and the Maryland State Art Council, among others. From 2015-2024 she was a contributing writer for several publications and organizations including the Baltimore Museum of Art, Johns Hopkins University Magazine, Artwork Archive, Baltimore Magazine, BmoreArt and others.
Suzy has exhibited throughout the United States and Canada including the Turchin Center, Delaware Contemporary, Spring/Break Art Fair and the Austrian Embassy in Washington, D.C. She holds an MFA from MICA.
Formerly a college professor teaching watercolor painting, professional development and museum studies at Johns Hopkins University, Maryland Institute College of Art and Anne Arundel Community College, Suzy is now exclusively working with adult learners and focusing on her own studio practice. In 2023 after sixteen years on the east coast, Suzy and her partner moved home to San Francisco to be closer to family. They enjoy walking the San Francisco hills with their two rescue pups, Theodore Roosevelt and Penny Lane.
Enjoy Maine’s June wildflower blooms with this approachable introduction to the history and methodologies of botanical painting.
Artist Suzy Kopf will demonstrate 3 scientific approaches of painting plant matter in watercolor, cover the fascinating global history of this tradition and introduce some contemporary approaches in depicting nature. Leave with a completed piece or a good start on your next mantle artwork with the confidence to keep going! No prior painting experience necessary.
All painting and drawing materials are supplied. Just bring a snack for the break and enjoy ArtWaves tea selection.
Suzy Kopf is a multidisciplinary artist who scrutinizes the paper ephemera of midcentury consumer culture to probe the enduring mythos of the American Dream. Through water media paintings, collages and site-specific installations she excavates archival materials and inherited nostalgia for utopias erected and cast aside. Vibrant colors unify her work across media and evoke the built landscape of the eroding Silicon Valley where she grew up. Conscious of how much byproduct can result from art-production, Suzy maintains a “no waste” practice, recycling materials back into her work and making her own paint from botanical materials.
Come replicate your favorite Mount Desert vista in watercolor collage! Combining the ease of collage with the soft washes of watercolor, this technique offers endless possibilities for the experienced artist and novice alike. In this workshop artist Suzy Kopf covers color matching, creating realistic textures with watercolors and the basics of using paper scraps to make a whole new artwork. Bring in your own photo to work from or choose from one of ours. Leave with a completed piece or a good start on your next mantle artwork with the confidence to keep going! No prior drawing experience necessary; tracing is encouraged for this technique.
Child participants should be confident with exacto knives and must be supervised by a guardian. All materials for painting and collaging are provided. Just bring a snack for the break and enjoy ArtWaves tea selection!
$85 workshop price/$75 members discount.
Collage 3.JPG
Saturday, May 30 4 - 6:30 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join Liz Cutler and learn to create your own charming felted bird!
In this class, you'll use natural wool fibers and wire to needle felt a unique and possibly realistic bird.
Liz will guide you through each step, from shaping the body and needling feather details to creating the feet. You can even personalize your bird with special touches like a non-wool beak or beads, and work from reference photos or your own imagination. It is wonderful as they can develop their own birdie personalities.
Here is a relaxing way to learn new techniques, a wonderful time to socialize with other fiber artists, keep your hands busy, and enjoy the calming, repetitive motions of felting! This workshop is perfect for both seasoned felters and curious beginners. You are welcome to follow along to felt a bird or a felt a flat "painted with wool" tapestry.
All instructions and materials are provided, and you'll take home a finished project ready to display! Under 10 needs an adult companion.
Best of all you leave saying " I felt Great"
The Instructor:
lizcutler.com ArtWaves founder has felted for decades and joyfully can not stop -except to paint, mosaic or teach..
Interested in learning more about color mixing in watercolor - such as how to match greens with what you see in nature ? This is the workshop for you!No prior painting experience necessary.
Artist Suzy Kopf will demonstrate color theory exercises to get you confident about mixing up your desired colors the first time, every time. Participants will create their own color charts and have time to make a painting from a Maine themed still life set up applying what they learned. All painting materials provided, just bring a snack for the break.
Your Instructor - Suzy Kopf is a multidisciplinary artist who scrutinizes the paper ephemera of midcentury consumer culture to probe the enduring mythos of the American Dream. Through water media paintings, collages and site-specific installations she excavates archival materials and inherited nostalgia for utopias erected and cast aside. Vibrant colors unify her work across media and evoke the built landscape of the eroding Silicon Valley where she grew up. Conscious of how much byproduct can result from art-production, Suzy maintains a “no waste” practice, recycling materials back into her work and making her own paint from botanical materials.
n addition to her studio work, Suzy is passionate about helping other artists achieve their professional goals and generate sustainable income. She has been an invited speaker at the College Art Association, The CUE Art Foundation, Artists Thrive Conference, and the Maryland State Art Council, among others. From 2015-2024 she was a contributing writer for several publications and organizations including the Baltimore Museum of Art, Johns Hopkins University Magazine, Artwork Archive, Baltimore Magazine, BmoreArt and others. Suzy has exhibited throughout the United States and Canada including the Turchin Center, Delaware Contemporary, Spring/Break Art Fair and the Austrian Embassy in Washington, D.C. She holds an MFA from MICA.
This 2 hour professional development intensive offers artists with an opportunity application already in-progress the chance to get feedback from a professional development arts professor as well as a group of peers.
In this workshop setting, designed as a follow up to the Finding the Right Art Opportunity for You workshop, artist Suzy Kopf will present suggestions of what you can do to make your application stand out and what to avoid. There will be time in this session to get feedback from a group of participants as well as Suzy on your individual application.
To fully experience this workshop, we suggest before attending you complete an application for a specific upcoming opportunity that aligns with your career goals. You should bring all components of the application with you either printed out or on a computer or tablet. These documents often include (but are not limited to) an artist CV, an artist bio and an artist statement as well as responses to specific application questions and high resolution jpgs of portfolio pieces. Some applications might require a project proposal or budget. You are welcome to bring these additional documents and we will review them if time allows. Maximum of 10 students
Classes end for the summer on June 13th!
Back by popular demand-
Batik: Ancient Art, New Twist --
Use your photographs or Gloria's. Transfer reality to artistry with ink, wax and watercolor on delicate rice-paper. Learn ancient techniques, play with layering color and go home with two wonderful paintings.
For those who have taken her workshop before, here is the opportunity to bring pieces from previous classes to to the studio to deepen, improve or add to it.
All materials and step by step instructions are provided.
Teens/Adults of all skill levels. The class is equally effective for beginners, professional artists and those taking the course multiple times.
If you want a custom group batik workshop at a time convenient to you, contact office@artwavesmdi.org
About the instructor: Gloria Avner has been creating and teaching art professionally for over twenty years. She is well known for specializing in painting BATIK Style. Both beginners and professional artists like to take her courses more than once. Ms. Avner has traveled the world and ran an art gallery in Town Hill for 35 years (Aquarius Artifacts). Her paintings are in Florida Galleries and collections across the country, and she is also well known for her Pet Portraits. See her work on Facebook, IG (@gloriavner), and Fineartamerica.com.
So much fun!
Saturday, June 7th, 10:00 AM - 12 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join artist and sculptor Ryan Kelley for a two-hour workshop where you'll learn to create your own wire tree sculpture. Ryan will guide you through the process of transforming wire into a unique tree, mounted on a rock you provide (about the size of an adult closed fist, or roughly 3.5" x 3.5").
If you don't have a suitable rock, we can provide one for you.
This workshop is family-friendly and perfect for adults and accompanied children.
Price includes $15 materials fee.
About the Instructor: Ryan Kelley, a Byfield, Massachusetts-based artist and sculptor, transforms wire, wood, metal, and stone into unique artworks. A self-taught creator with over a decade of experience, Ryan's award-winning sculptures, including his intricate signature wire trees, are found in homes and businesses nationwide and internationally. Actively engaged in the artistic community, Ryan shares his expertise through educational outreach in schools and adult classes, alongside his studio work and commissioned projects. He is also involved with organizations such as the Newburyport Art Association and the New England Sculptors Association.
Saturday, June 7th, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
All participants must be 21 years+
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.
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.
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! We will use all types of clay from air-dry, model magic and oven baked clay.
(Our new pottery studio with the kiln may not be ready to use by this time, but we will still be able to work with all types of clay for this 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.
ArtWaves is partnering with the MDI YMCA to bring you...
Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My!
This is not your average craft camp.
Here's where young artists dive into five mornings of bold, hands-on artmaking using real tools, real techniques, and just the right amount of thrilling challenge. Guided by an experienced instructor, in a safety-first environment, students explore art forms that feel a little daring — and a lot empowering.
Throughout the week, campers will:
Work with Fire — Create vibrant batik pysanky eggs using hot wax resist techniques. Cut Glass — Learn to safely score and cut glass to design colorful mosaics full of pattern and light. Wield Barbed Needles — Needle-felt dragons and other mystical creatures, sculpting wool into dimensional forms with texture and personality. Dip Hot Wax Orbs and candles — Experiment with layering and surface design to create glowing, sculptural wax forms.
Each morning builds skill, confidence, and craftsmanship while encouraging creativity and imagination. Campers will learn proper tool handling, studio safety, and the patience required for detailed work — all while making artwork they’re wildly proud of.
Details: • 5 immersive mornings • 9:00 AM–noon • Bring snacks • All materials provided and safety gear provided
For curious, focused makers who love a little adventure in their art — this camp is pure creative adrenaline (the safe kind).
Register through the MDI YMCA: Summer Camp!
Come learn the ancient art of Batik Painting with Master Batik Teacher Gloria Avner!
Using wax as a resist, we will create layers of brilliantly graduated color and experience effects not possible with other painting techniques.
Learn to use ink, wax and watercolor on delicate Japanese rice paper. You will be guided step by step through the creation of beautiful artwork.
No experience necessary, The class is equally effective for beginners, professional artists and those taking the course multiple times.
You will go home with increased skills, self-esteem and two completed, lovely batik paintings, subjects of your own choosing, ready for matting and framing in 11x14 frames. You don’t need to bring anything. All is provided, including a great array of subject matter (though you can bring a specific picture if there is something you’d really like to paint).
This is a fun class for anyone from age 8 to 88.
Bring a friend, colleague or family member. 95- non or not yet members/ 85- members
Ms. Avner's recent work takes ancient Batik techniques and reinvents the age old process, painting successive layers of ink, wax, and watercolor on delicate rice paper. Building vibrant color from lightest to darkest hues, the wax-resist holds the color to be preserved while the next layer is intensified. The final step, a waxing of the whole painting and crumpling of the entire piece before ironing out the wax, is daunting, but produces the mysterious quality in her backgrounds.
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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