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
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.
Zumba! With the YMCA
In collaboration with the MDI YMCA, we are excited to offer a new Zumba class!
Zumba is a mix of low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie burning dance fitness party! Come ready to sweat, and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong!
Register through the MDI YMCA at https://www.mdiymca.org/
Or call 207-288-3511 for more information.
Improv!
Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.
Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!
No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!
Wednesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 PM Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center
Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!
Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.
Yoga
Join us for an all-levels yoga class designed to cultivate strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Through mindful movement, breathwork, and gentle stretching, participants will have the opportunity to connect with their bodies, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Whether you are new to yoga or have an established practice, this welcoming class offers modifications and variations to meet you where you are.
This class is offered through a partnership between the MDI YMCA and ArtWaves Community Arts Center. Registration is managed through the MDI YMCA. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.
https://www.mdiymca.org/
Private workshop for YMCA Afterschool Program. Registration available through ArtWaves partner the MDI YMCA
Introduction to Ballroom Dancing
Registration for this program is done through our partner Acadia Senior College
Dates: September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 22, 30 and November 5
**No class October 15th, rescheduled for November 5th. AND no class October 29th, rescheduled for the 30th**
Kids Open Level Ballet
Students should wear clothing that’s comfortable for full range of movement. Ballet slippers are recommended. Hair should be pulled back and out of the face.
About your instructor:
Cate Pope is a dancer, choreographer, and performer from Mount Desert Island, Maine. She holds a B.A. in Dance Choreography from Bates College. Cate began dancing at the age of three and has studied extensively in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. She danced with Robinson Ballet for nine years and has trained at Bossov Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, and Joffrey Ballet. Her undergraduate studies also included semester-long performing arts programs at Trinity La MaMa in New York City and Accademia dell’Arte in Italy.
Since graduating from Bates in 2025, she has choreographed for productions at MDI High School and Conners Emerson Middle School. She has also taught at Two Shoes Dance and the Summer Festival of the Arts. Additionally, she has danced and worked in promotional outreach with Nimbus Dance in collaboration with the Acadia Dance Festival. 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.
Open Level Ballet for Teens & Adults (14+)
Devising Performance Teens & Adults (14+)
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.
These sessions are intended for ages 18 and over, although artists under 18 are allowed with parental attendance! Drop-ins are welcome.
Pricing per session is $20.
Members can register at a discounted rate of $35 for the entire month.
Interested in modeling? email office@artwavesmdi.org
Barre with Aquene Diedricksen
Classes run 5:30-6:30 PM and are a $20 drop in or $110 for the whole six week series.
The fall is a great opportunity to shift and dedicate ourselves to some routine, conscious community, and soft self care practices. Starting Tuesday, October 6th, I will be teaching Barre at the dance studio at Art Waves in Town Hill — this will be a six week series before I head down to West Palm Beach for my restorative yoga teacher training! FAQ How do I sign up? Pre registration is not required! Show up, pay via cash/check/Venmo, or credit card (3.5% processing fee ) and enjoy your class! Simple. If you’d like to commit and pre-pay, you can send your payment to my Venmo @aquene-diedricksen What do I bring? I recommend bringing your own yoga mat and wearing socks (barre-Pilates socks are great — the ones with the grippies ). Wrist and ankle weights such as Bala Bands are optional, but a great way to enhance your strength! What if I’m new to barre? Barre is a beginner friendly workout for all levels! Come as you are and alert me of any injuries or concerns prior to class Is this a dance class? No, but it involves a lot of exercises that professional dancers have used for centuries to strengthen and support their bodies! We will address muscle endurance, poise, balance, breath, and body awareness in a safe, inclusive, positive environment. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out via email or text 225-933-9065
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.
Susan is graciously offering this two-hour program as a benefit for ArtWaves.
Please pre-register either through the ArtWaves web site or by emailing susan.sassaman@pronton.me or calling 207-801-9023
Build A Suncatcher & Methods Introduction with Patrianna Anderson
This course is designed for returning students or individuals who understand the basic copper foil process and are ready for more creative choice and independence. The longer class time allows for exploration and education beyond just "build it".
The class focuses less on introducing each tool and developing craftsmanship. Students practice more challenging cuts, make intentional decisions about color, transparency and texture, improve fitting and foil consistency, and work toward smoother solder lines and cleaner finished edges.
Students choose from a broader collection of patterns, which might include birds, flowers, insects, mushrooms, animals, Maine-inspired designs and other sculptural suncatchers.
Students still receive plenty of instructor support, but are encouraged to begin troubleshooting and making decisions independently.
Best for: Returning students or those who have taken a prior class and want to expand their skills while creating a more individualized project with more pieces/curves.
About Patrianna
Patrianna's approach in offering stained glass workshops is to give students enough instruction to feel successful while gradually encouraging more independence.
Beginning students receive step-by-step demonstrations and significant hands-on support. Returning students are given more room to make their own glass and design choices, troubleshoot problems, and develop their own working style.
As students progress, the emphasis shifts from simply completing each step to understanding why something works: why a cut is difficult, why a panel needs reinforcement, why a particular glass changes a composition, or why a pattern needs to be redesigned before fabrication.
The overall progression is:
Watch it → Try it → Understand it → Improve it → Troubleshoot it → Design it
Please see our cancellation policy here:
https://www.artwavesmdi.org/Policies-and-Procedures
Pumpkin Carving & Fireside Storytime
Come carve jack-o'-lanterns and paint pumpkins to decorate your doorstep for Halloween! ArtWaves supplies the pumpkins. Cider and hot cocoa will be served as we light our jack-o'-lanterns, and sit together by the fireside for poetry and storytime inspired by the shifting seasons!
We will then be joined by ArtWaves resident improv troupe for some special collaborative storytelling! Audience suggestions will inspire the scenes and games!
Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are welcome (and encouraged)!
Please Preregister for Pumpkin Carving as pumpkins are limited!
Fireside Storytime and Improv are free and all are welcome!
(Private Event)
Only 12 spots available — advance registration required!
Step into an evening of mystery at ArtWaves! A valuable painting has disappeared, the gallery owner has been found murdered, and everyone is a suspect!
Each participant will take on a character with their own secrets, relationships, and clues. Mingle, question your fellow suspects, uncover evidence, and try to determine who stole the painting—and who committed the murder.
No acting experience is needed—just a willingness to play along, improvise, and have fun!
FREE — Donations to ArtWaves are welcome.
Register now to claim your character!
Sneak peak at potential characters...
This practice is a playful fusion between yoga and ecstatic dance with a Halloween twist! Come dressed in a costume or dressed as yourself and prepare to wiggle through the seasonal transition scaries to a spooky playlist that rides a wave of energy. You will flow through an opening gentle yoga sequence that will gradually increase in spice until you are let loose for a free form ecstatic dance in the middle of practice. You will wind down to flow freely on the floor and then be guided into a nourishing yin sequence to round off the practice. Ecstatic Yoga is fun, welcoming, and encouraging of beginners to join! You do not need any experience with yoga or dance to enjoy participating in Ecstatic Yoga. Come do the monster mash and creep around the dance studio to welcome in Halloweekend!
About the Instructor:
Jess is an embodiment coach/yoga teacher, rock climbing guide, and budding herbalist who has devoted the last 8 years of life to the ancient wisdom of using movement, breath, sound, and food as medicine. They are fascinated with the human body and in love with being a creature of this Earth. Jess’ purpose is to support other humans in better understanding and connecting to their own bodies, as well as becoming more in tune with nature. Whether in the mountains, on the yoga mat, or with feet on the forest floor, Jess curates movement journeys for people to ease tension, build confidence, clear clutter from their minds, and develop closer relationship to their own bodies and our Earth home.
Friday, October 30 @ 7:00-8:30pm
Connors Emerson Move Clay Camp
Squish it, roll it, pinch it, coil it, carve it, and create! If you love getting your hands messy and making amazing things, this is the camp for you.
Spend the week discovering the fascinating journey of clay—from how it forms deep within the earth to the many ways artists transform it into beautiful works of art. We'll explore the different types of clay, including air-dry clay, Model Magic, oven-bake clay, and polymer clay, learning what makes each one unique and the best ways to use them.
Young artists will focus on essential hand-building techniques like pinching, coiling, slab building, rolling, texturing, carving, and joining pieces together as they create whimsical gnomes, colorful fish, wise owls, tiny creatures, decorative bowls, imaginative sculptures, and more. Along the way, they'll experiment with texture tools, stamps, and found objects to add personality and detail to every creation.
We'll also discover how artists finish their work using sanding, painting, glazing, sealing, and other decorative techniques to transform simple clay into lasting works of art.
Please note: Projects will focus on air-dry, Model Magic, and oven-bake clays. We'll still learn about pottery clay, firing, glazing, and the complete ceramic process so campers are ready to explore the kiln when it opens.
By the end of the week, campers will head home with a collection of unique clay creations, new sculpting skills, and a deeper appreciation for one of the world's oldest and most versatile art forms.
Your Instructor
Savannah Steiger has been creating art for most of her entire life. For the past eleven years(or rather since she became a parent) she has been focused on making art accessible for kids. In teaching art to young people she finds joy and learns just as much, if not more than the students.
Most recently Savannah was an Educator and Care Coordinator for Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council; facilitating various parenting classes, groups, community trainings and playgroups. She also has been a parent advocate for Ascend at the Aspen Institute and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Savannah recently moved to MDI with her two children(ages 11 and 7), two dogs and one cat. So far the family loves island life and is looking forward to more. Savannah’s personal focus in art is illustration but she feels well versed in most art activities. Her goal as children’s art teacher is to help kids follow their hearts and fill the page.
Please see our cancelation policy here:
Healthy Acadia Community Tai Chi
In collaboration with ArtWaves, Healthy Acadia is offering a series of Tai Chi courses to improve their health and well-being through slow, smooth, and continuous mind-body exercises.
These gentle movements can help:
Loose, comfortable clothing and thin-soled indoor shoes are recommended for Tai Chi practice.
Pre-registration is required *see link*, though courses are free of charge. Donations always accepted.
Register online at https://forms.gle/NecZZGVD92hga6px8.
For more information contact Nina Zeldin at nina@healthyacadia.org or 207-664-1630.
Gather your friends or family for a fun and creative afternoon at our Pop-Up Craft Café!
Reserve a table for up to 8 guests and choose from a selection of hands-on crafts, including mosaic, felting, or collage. All materials are included, and Liz Cutler will guide you through the project step by step.
Enjoy light snacks and refreshments while you create, relax, and catch up. You’re also welcome to bring your own food or favorite drink to enjoy.
No experience is necessary—just come ready to have fun! You’ll leave with a unique handmade piece and, hopefully, a few good memories along the way.
Please see our cancelation policy here
Mini Stained Glass Panel Creation with Patrianna Anderson
A workshop that introduces students to the fundamentals of stained glass panel construction. Moving from a free-hanging suncatcher into a square or rectangular format introduces an entirely new set of considerations.
Students learn how to keep a project square, work within a border, maintain consistent spacing, recognize basic structural concerns, and plan hanging points. Students choose from a tightly curated selection of small panel patterns so the project can realistically be completed in a single workshop.
The emphasis is on precision, structure and successful completion, rather than complexity. Students leave with a finished small panel and an understanding of how panel construction differs from suncatcher construction.
Introduction to Pastels Series With Terre Lefferts
This class offers an overview of pastel painting techniques and principles. The instructor will demonstrate the techniques and principles of pastel painting, followed by students’ exploration and creation of their own pieces. Throughout the four sessions, the subject matter will include still life, landscapes from photos, and portrait painting, if requested.
In addition to pastel techniques, the class will cover composition, theme, dynamic, linear perspective, color perspective, depth of value, light and shadow, and positive/negative space. Students will be encouraged to express their unique style and create a piece that is truly their own.
Students will need to bring a piece of masonite approximately 16” x 20” for creating their pieces. It’s important to keep these pieces flat and protected during execution, storing or transporting them. Students are welcome to bring a photo of a favorite scene that they would like to recreate in pastels.
About Your Instructor: Terre Lefferts
Terre is known for her bold color in representing the scenes and vistas that surround us, done in oils and pastels. Her work has been shown recently in solo exhibits at The Blue Hill Library, Birch Bay Retirement Village, Northeast Harbor Library, Southwest Harbor Library, Bar Harbor Winery, and at The Crocker House in Hancock. Additionally, her work can be seen at The Wendell Gilley Museum in Southwest Harbor. She is a member of Pastel Society of Maine, Pastel Society of America, Art Waves and Coastal Fine Artists Alliance of Maine.
Terre Lefferts’ career has been a diverse tapestry of endeavors. After graduating from NYU with a BFA in ballet and modern dance, she embarked on a 30-year journey of performing, choreographing, and teaching at esteemed institutions like Bates College, Jacobs Pillow, Ram Island Dance, and Portland Ballet. She also established her own dance school, nurturing young artists from the age of 4 to 80. In 2008, Lefferts ventured into the healthcare field, earning degrees in Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy.
Simultaneously to her dance and health career, she exhibited in New England galleries including Cry of the Loon Gallery in Casco, Duck Trap Bay Trading Company in Camden, Belvoire Gallery in Millbrook, NY, and John Edwards in Ellsworth, Maine.
In the 1990s, she painted for Judith Hardenbrook in Biddeford, ME, Von Maassen Interiors in Amenia, N.Y., Farnsworth Museum Gift Shop, It’s Ornamental, Harrison, ME, Redding Road House ( 40 foot mural) in Redding, CT, and Joanna’s Designs in Greenwich, CT. She has painted theater backdrops for productions including Peter and the Wolf, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Peer Gynt, and Coppelia, in Ct and Maine, stemming from her earlier career as a ballet dancer.
Her artistic pursuits have continued since 1974, when she studied at the Museum School of Art. She has consistently painted landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. She has taught drawing and painting classes at ArtWaves and the Northeast arts Center in Millerton, NY.
While living much of her life in Maine, she has happily settled in Lamoine, having moved here 5 years ago, with her husband musician Hal Lefferts. She is enjoying the ability to paint the scenes she loves and the towns she cherishes.
Terre takes commissions and usually paints in oils or pastels. Her website is TerreLefferts.com. She also can be reached at terrelefferts@yahoo.com, or 860-435-0723.
This session of Aware & Prepared is a two-hour, hands-on self-defense workshop designed specifically for real estate professionals.
Training will cover situational awareness, recognizing potential threats, setting and maintaining boundaries, and practical physical self-defense. Participants will practice striking, defensive techniques, and other fundamental skills for responding effectively when personal safety is threatened. No previous self-defense or martial arts experience is necessary.
You can expect:
Partner drills in a controlled environment
Practical skills that rely on instinct
Opportunities to practice threat evaluation and response under pressure
What to Bring / Wear:
Clean indoor/gym shoes
Water bottle
Hair ties (if applicable)
Any personal medical supports you may need (brace, inhaler, etc.)
You do not need any prior training or specialized equipment–just come ready to learn!
Raz Chen is an internationally respected Krav Maga expert and tactical self-defense strategist with over 20 years of elite training and instruction. Read his full professional bio at aviir.net
This workshop is brought to you in partnership with Healthy Acadia!
Felted Rugs Workshop
In this hands-on workshop we will make a small 18"x 24" wet felted rug, tapestry, or a cushion using one of the world’s oldest textiles - sheep's wool.
We will begin by teasing raw, recently sheared, lovely fleeces and begin laying out the design with the dyed fleece. So many colors and possibilities, oh so much fun. Then we will complete the lay out and start felting with soap, agitation and hot water.
Finally we will full (firm the felt) with vigorous rolling and embellish with stitches and or needlefelting as desired.
This could be a good project to do with a friend! Nothing like creating something cozy, and sturdy. All materials, aprons and gear included, with step by step instructions. I look forward to felting with you!
The instructor Liz Cutler
"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."
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 the Bar Harbor Municipal building. 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 recently 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. You can see more about Liz and her art at her website: Liz Cutler.com
Aware & Prepared: Practical Self-Defense (Session I)
Students can register for Session I, Session II, or both. Different material will be covered in each session.
This workshop is designed for varied levels of experience and fitness. Whether you are highly active or new to physical training, you will be able to participate in a meaningful way.
We will begin with a brief, interactive discussion on awareness, prevention, and decision-making under pressure, then transition into hands-on training focused on instinctive, effective techniques grounded in Krav Maga principles.
A mix of discussion and movement
Clear, step-by-step instruction
Ages 13+ welcome. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a a parent/guardian. All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver.
Raz Chen is an internationally respected Krav Maga expert and tactical self-defense strategist with over 20 years of elite training and instruction. Read his full professional bio at http://www.aviir.net
Aware & Prepared: Practical Self-Defense (Session II)
Raz Chen is an internationally respected Krav Maga expert and tactical self-defense strategist with over 20 years of elite training and instruction. Read his full professional bio at http://aviir.net
Holiday Stained Glass "Taster" Class
Join us in our new Stained Glass studio for a holiday themed stain glass workshop!
Students choose from a small selection of holiday patterns and glass, then get a hands-on taste of the copper foil process. With plenty of guidance along the way, we’ll move through basic glass cutting, grinding, foiling, soldering, and finishing, focusing on the experience rather than mastering each technique.
Students leave with a small finished piece, a feel for working with glass, and a better sense of whether they’d like to explore stained glass further.
Best for: Complete beginners, casual makers, and students who want to try stained glass before taking the full introductory course. 14 ages and up. No experience required.
Holiday Themed Botanical Printmaking
You’ll explore the magic of botanical monoprinting using preserved leaves and flowers on gelatin plates. Learn simple inking and texturing techniques as you print onto a variety of beautiful papers and fabrics. Create one-of-a-kind cards for heartfelt notes, matted prints ready for framing, or a unique fabric wall hanging.
Working step by step, you’ll discover multiple approaches to monoprinting using Akua inks and acrylics—perfect for beginners and experienced creatives alike. No prior experience needed, and all materials are provided.
Come solo or make it an art date with friends, family, or colleagues—it’s creative, social, and a tad addictive.
Intermediate Stained Glass Panels with Patrianna Anderson
An in-depth introduction to stained glass panel construction.
Students work on a larger, more involved panel over two sessions. The additional time allows us to focus more closely on precision and structure. Students learn about borders, hinge joints and weak points, using layout blocks or jigs, maintaining square dimensions, fitting across a larger composition, soldering longer seams, reinforcement, framing, patina and professional finishing.
For this workshop students begin evaluating their own work: deciding when a piece needs additional grinding, when it should be recut, and how small fitting problems can affect the rest of a panel.
Possible projects might include botanicals, landscapes, geometric compositions, architectural designs, or Maine-inspired imagery.
Best for: Students who have a solid understanding of the copper foil process and want to develop panel-building skills.
Prerequisite: Previous copper foil experience.
1345-A State Highway 102Bar Harbor, ME 04609207-266-0010office@artwavesmdi.org
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