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!
Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 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/
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**
Intro to Watercolor Landscape with Rick Osann
Thursdays, September 3rd - September 24th (4 Sessions) in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join instructor Rick Osann for a four-week introduction to watercolor with a focus on landscapes. Watercolor is a fun and freeing form of painting that allows paint, paper, water and artist to play together to create luminous works of landscape art. This course is open to everyone and is perfect for beginners or those who are new to the medium.
This studio-based course class will explore tools, materials and basic skills with the intent of finding each participant’s vision of the landscape. Over the course of four-weeks, participants will cover visual art basics such as the elements and principles of design, color, light and shadow, basic drawing and perspective, and how to use them to improve our designs. Drawing experience is not needed.
Participants will paint in every class, and will tackle more complex challenges each week and will end the course with at least one completed landscape painting.
*No experience necessary | All materials supplied
Rick Osann has been painting in watercolor since the early 1970’s. After various careers as a professional Scenic Artist working for stage, film & TV in New York City, and teaching art/theatre/film at Bonny Eagle High School in southern Maine, Rick is now happily focusing on his painting in Bar Harbor, Maine, one of the beautiful places of our world, in his studio adjacent to Acadia National Park.
From his background as a theatrical set and lighting designer, Rick is most interested in exploring light, shadow and color in dramatic moments of nature through his painting. His work celebrates the beauty of the Maine landscape. His recent painting "Morning Light" has been accepted into the North American Watercolor Society (NAW) International Online Exhibition.
Watercolor Postcards from Maine
Join us in a relaxed setting and create a set of watercolor keepsake postcards of your Maine experience. References will be on hand as we paint local scenic views, rocky coastline, waves, distant islands, and dramatic skies. Learn to simplify a scene with minimal drawing and let the paint work its magic. Watercolor is a uniquely transparent medium with its own set of techniques. Knowing when to interact with fluid paint in motion, and understanding the timing of techniques are key. Depth and contrast happen as the painting is layered with color by glazing, negative painting, and “saving whites. Demonstrations and individual assistance will be ongoing throughout the class. Whatever your level of experience is, knowing how to keep your colors clean and clear will produce brilliant results. You’ll be surprised by how accessible watercolor really is!
Your Instructor
Margaret Dwyer holds a BFA and MFA in visual art. She has a passion for watercolor, her primary medium for the past 45 years. Her paintings have been recognized in numerous national and international juried exhibitions. Images of her watercolors have they been featured in fine art books and magazines that include: “Splash, America’s Best Watercolors “- (North Light Books) “How Did You Paint That?”- (International Artist Books) “American Artist Magazine” “The Artist’s Magazine” “Southwest Art Magazine” “Manhattan Arts Magazine” Margaret recently served 3 years as the artist in residence at MBR National Historical Park in Woodstock VT. She has decades of professional experience teaching watercolor throughout New England and has facilitated watercolor workshops for the Maine Art Education Association at Haystack in Deer Isle ME, and Monson Arts.
Currently, she teaches and demonstrates watercolor for art centers and galleries on the seacoast of ME, NH, & MA. Through a deep exploration of both materials and themes, her imagery reflects an emotional connection with nature, water, and the wonder found in the everyday. Margaret loves to develop experimental watercolor techniques. Her clean, vibrant paintings often combine unconventional methods with traditional ones, branding her work with a unique style. “Being willing to respond to your painting during the process rather than forcing it to conform to a preconceived outcome makes a big difference with this incredible medium. Opening the world of watercolor to people has been and continues to be a purposeful mission for me. Ideas and artistic methods are constantly in motion in my studio, and it is a joy to share that with others.”
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.
Handmade Sketchbooks & Journals
Design spiral bound sketchbooks and journals featuring your original artwork on front and back covers. Using fluid acrylic paints and inks, we’ll create permanent, colorful patterns and images inspired by nature on heavy water media paper. Playful ways of mark-making that produce beautiful textures will be demonstrated, along with accessible painting techniques. You will learn how to layer transparent colors to achieve unique results. Determine what size you wish your book(s) to be, and match beautiful decorative papers for the inside face pages. Then select the type of paper for the inside pages. A variety of different weights and colors will be on hand to choose from. Your books will be spiral bound with sturdy coils at the end of the workshop. These keepsake notebooks can be used for artwork, journaling, guestbooks, cookbooks, or whichever way you may wish to personalize them. Bring a lunch, all materials are included
About Margaret
This playful workshop moves beyond traditional brushwork to include experimental methods that yield surprising results. Fluid watermedia responds beautifully to methods that involve pouring, creating texture, staining, and working with veils of color. There will be lots of materials on hand for you to try and experiment with. You will be amazed by what you can do once you know a few "tricks and techniques".
Island Discovery
Discover the beauty of Maine one sketch at a time as we combine drawing and watercolor in this relaxed, exploratory workshop. Using watercolor pencils along with a variety of water-soluble drawing materials, you'll learn how to capture the character of rocky shorelines, quiet harbors, forests, wildflowers, and island landscapes. We'll explore simple sketching techniques that help you see shapes, values, and composition without getting bogged down in details.
Watch your drawings come to life as a brush and water transform pencil marks into luminous washes of color. Demonstrations will cover blending, layering, texture, and expressive line work, with plenty of individual guidance throughout the workshop. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist looking for new techniques, you'll leave with fresh skills, greater confidence, and a sketchbook full of colorful island discoveries to inspire your future adventures
More on Margaret:
Margaret Dwyer holds a BFA and MFA in visual art. She has a passion for watercolor, her primary medium for the past 45 years. Her paintings have been recognized in numerous national and international juried exhibitions. Images of her watercolors have they been featured in fine art books and magazines that include: “Splash, America’s Best Watercolors “- (North Light Books) “How Did You Paint That?”- (International Artist Books) “American Artist Magazine” “The Artist’s Magazine” “Southwest Art Magazine” “Manhattan Arts Magazine” Margaret recently served 3 years as the artist in residence at MBR National Historical Park in Woodstock VT. She has decades of professional experience teaching watercolor throughout New England and has facilitated watercolor workshops for the Maine Art Education Association at Haystack in Deer Isle ME, and Monson Arts. Currently, she teaches and demonstrates watercolor for art centers and galleries on the seacoast of ME, NH, & MA. Through a deep exploration of both materials and themes, her imagery reflects an emotional connection with nature, water, and the wonder found in the everyday. Margaret loves to develop experimental watercolor techniques. Her clean, vibrant paintings often combine unconventional methods with traditional ones, branding her work with a unique style. “Being willing to respond to your painting during the process rather than forcing it to conform to a preconceived outcome makes a big difference with this incredible medium. Opening the world of watercolor to people has been and continues to be a purposeful mission for me. Ideas and artistic methods are constantly in motion in my studio, and it is a joy to share that with others.”
Free GIANT Bubbles Event with Margaret Dwyer
(please register ahead of time)
Giant bubbles. They dance and shimmer through the air. We'll provide a variety of handmade bubble makers, from giant rope wands to nets and specialty tools—and show you the simple techniques that create bubbles several feet long.
This hands-on outdoor event is perfect for families, friends, photographers, and anyone who enjoys playful experiences. Learn the science behind bubbles, experiment with different tools, and enjoy an evening filled with laughter, movement, and wonder. Whether you're making your first giant bubble or trying to create the biggest one of the day, you're sure to leave smiling.
Private workshop for YMCA Afterschool Program. Registration available through ArtWaves partner the MDI YMCA
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+)
Mommy & Me Ballet: (Pre-K/Kindergarteners & their caregivers)
An introduction to the foundations of classical ballet for young children alongside their caregivers. This class includes center exercises, as well as interactive and creative movement activities. Students will explore dance in a supportive environment that fosters connection, family, and community.
Photo courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope
About your instructor
Contemporary / Modern Dance for Adults & Teens 14+
An exploration of contemporary and modern techniques for dancers of all levels. The class begins with a warmup that includes stretching, floorwork and across the floor sequences. Students will also learn choreographic phrases, while building strength, creativity and musicality.
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.
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.
Registration for this program is done through Acadia Senior College
https://www.acadiaseniorcollege.org/courses
Intermediate Watercolor Workshop with Rick Osann
This workshop will focus more on advanced watercolor techniques, applying lessons to complete a painting in one sitting. Rick will demonstrate methods and then work with students individually to improve skills and techniques.
Materials: Students should come prepared with paint, palette, brushes, paper, spray bottle, pencil & eraser. Materials are not provided.
About the Instructor
From his background as a theatrical set and lighting designer, Rick is most interested in exploring light, shadow and color in dramatic moments of nature through his painting. His work celebrates the beauty of the Maine landscape and encourages us to think about protecting our environment and the precious bounty that surrounds us.
ArtWaves Cancellation Policy
Ecstatic Yoga is a playful fusion between yoga and ecstatic dance that rides a wave of energy to a curated playlist.
The practice starts slow: breath, visualization, dropping in, and getting connected to your body.
We gradually move into a yoga flow that builds in energy until it's time to let you LOOSE for the intuitive/free form dance portion of practice.
Let the music and your body guide you - your mind will CLEAR and your body will be FREE.
After the energetic peak, we gradually slow our movements, get closer to the ground, and flow into a nourishing restorative/yin yoga practice and closing integration meditation.
Expect to release tension in your body and ignite your spirit.
This practice is for everyone; no experience necessary.
The guided movements will be gentle and the intuitive movement is for you to tap in with the body you have, no need to force anything!
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.
There are 4 sessions , once a month. 7-8:30 PM - Fridays: June 26, July 32, August 21, and September 25
Mono Printing the Night Sky
Create gorgeous, one-of-a-kind prints using brilliant inks and endless layers of color and texture!
Gelatin printing is an easy and accessible printmaking technique that's perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. We'll guide you step by step as you roll, dab, swipe, brush, layer, and pull beautiful prints from the printing plate. Each print is unique, and every pull is a delightful surprise. Experiment with color, texture, stencils, botanicals, and found objects, or create a striking triptych—a series of three coordinating prints.
You'll leave with a collection of original artwork, including handmade cards, a matted print ready for framing, or a fabric banner to display at home, some new skills, and a memorable shared experience. All materials and tools are provided in our fully equipped studio, so simply come ready to create.
This workshop is especially fun with friends, making it a wonderful choice for groups, team gatherings, or creative afternoons together. Feel free to bring a brown-bag lunch or snacks to enjoy while you print.
$36 ($20 special appreciation evening fee for members)
Teens/Adults of all skill levels
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.
Liz is a founder (2013) of ArtWaves a 501c-3, 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 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.
MDI Nonprofits Association Meeting in the Fine Arts Studio
12 - 2 PM
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
Connors Emerson Move Camp
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:
For curious, focused makers who love a little adventure in their art — this camp is pure creative adrenaline (the safe kind).
Connors Emerson Move Clay Camp (ages 6-10)
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.
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.
Pop-Up Cafe Social!
Come enjoy a fun time with friends or family at our Pop Up Craft Cafe! Enjoy a designated table for up to 6 guests. Select from offered menus your choice of craft. Mosaic, Felting, or Collage! All materials included as you are guided by Liz Cutler during your craft session. Light snacks and refreshments will be serves, but feel free to bring your own food or desired drink! Leave with a unique piece, as a takeaway while you create, relax and enjoy a fun crafting activity. All levels of experience welcome!
Please see our cancelation policy here
https://www.artwavesmdi.org/Policies-and-Procedures
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
Please see our cancellation policy here:
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.
1345-A State Highway 102Bar Harbor, ME 04609207-266-0010office@artwavesmdi.org
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