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.
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.
UPDATE: Tai Chi will not take place this Tuesday 1/27 -- there will be a make-up class held on Thursday 1/29 at 10:30 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
Harbor Artisans Meeting in Kaleidoscope Studio
10 am - 4 pm
Create a beautiful coastal landscape using needle-felting techniques
in this hands-on, creative 3-hour workshop!
You’ll “paint with wool” using a barbed needle and learn playful textural tricks to give rocky shorelines real depth and to add wonderfully rough character to tree trunks. We’ll explore soft birches set against a coastal background, inspired by photographs and the natural world. ArtWaves provides an gorgeous array of fleece, along with all tools, materials, and step-by-step guidance—so you can relax and enjoy the process. You’ll be amazed by how perfectly needle felting lends itself to creating one-of-a-kind works of art. 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
All felting supplies will be available for you to use, whether you want to work on Liz'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!
All levels welcome. Beginners will learn core needle-felting techniques, while returning students will deepen their textural skills. You’ll leave with a finished coastal landscape and the confidence to continue felting at home. Plus you get to say " I felt Great"!
There is something magical about a birch grove. Maybe it's the sense of light, maybe the texture, or even the distinctive black and white patterns. Imagine the WOW factor when you add in the coast or fall colors and put it all together in stained glass.
Here is your chance to work with ArtWaves' glorious assortment of glass colors and textures! Learn to design, cut, grind, and go home with a finished stained glass mosaic piece. Connect and create while you nip the glass and sip the beverage of your choice that you supply. BYOB!
All materials and tools are included, with step-by-step instructions and a touch of merriment. No experience necessary perfect for beginners, and professional artists.
All participants must be 21 years +
This workshop is also available for your group- colleagues, families, friends at a time convenient for you-- consider your own art party!
Contact office@artwavesmdi.org to schedule.
$39 members
$49 non members
Young Artists’ Intensive Week ~ February Vacation 2026
Monday - Friday, February 16 - 20, 9 AM – 4 PM
Ages 8+
Join us for five days of immersive artistic exploration, perfect for focused and creative young artists in grades 4 and up! This hands-on workshop encourages participants to explore various mediums while developing their own projects!
Students can look forward to:
Drawing- including simple line drawing, shapes, negative spaces, shading, using pencil and charcoal.
Painting - with subject matter of their choice, starting with object in room, then perhaps a photo or picture of their choice, with attention to perspective, both linear and color, light, shadow, composition. Using pastel, watercolor, acrylics.
Creative/ expressive movement - to be held in dance studio, focusing on effort/shape, design in motion, mood, speed, control / release, total movement to create more flexibility & freedom in mental and physical actions.
...and more!
All materials provided!
(Students must bring lunch and snacks)
Custom Painting Birthday Party in Kaleidoscope Studio!
Interested in having a custom workshop or party at ArtWaves? Wonderful!
Email us: office@artwavesmdi.org
Nimbus Dance Masterclass & Scholarship Audition
Monday, February 23rd from 4 - 6 PM in the dance studio!
No experience necessary for this wow of a workshop!
We supply all the materials, you supply a drink of your choosing (BYOB) and the results are delightful!
We will guide you step by step through a few possibilities of monoprinting. Print on a variety of papers using Akua inks which blend beautifully. Print on fabrics with acrylics. Pull some fabulous fern prints, mount them on fabric and embellish them as you desire. Bring home a wall hanging, a matted piece and postcards.
All participants must be 21+ years old
Have an art date with friends, family, colleagues, or yourself to create some unique pieces. It can be a tad addictive, so become a member and continue to use the studio and materials at open studio time!
BYOB. You are welcome to bring snacks and enjoy our tea/coffee.
Instructor: Liz Cutler
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!
Mosaic house numbers are a fantastic way to stand out while showcasing your creative side. Plus, they’re a hit at art and craft shows! Let’s explore some creative ideas for making mosaic house numbers that are both functional and beautiful.
Instead of creating one large plaque, try making each number a separate mosaic piece. You can use backer boards like Skeewbackers in sizes such as 4”x8”, or 6”x8”. Another option is to mosaic directly onto Skeewbacker number shapes for a more uniform look.
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!
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
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.
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!
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!
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!
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
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
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.
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)
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.
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!
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 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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