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Member Open Studio Time
Every Sunday from 1 - 4 PM in the Kaleidoscope studio.
ArtWaves members are invited to get creative during our open studio times! Start something new, bring a project from home, or continue work that you started in one of our classes or workshops. Members are able to use our complimentary supplies for drawing, batik, painting, felting, printmaking, mosaic and more! Children are welcome with adult supervision.
Need more time on your work? Come back in on (most) Monday from 10 - 4 for additional member open studio time!
Open studio time is drop-in, no registration is required, and it is free for ArtWaves Members.
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
Which Stitch?
Mondays from 10 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
Which Stitch: Sew Down
The first Monday of every month from 10 AM - 12 PM in the Kaleidoscope studio.
Join us on the first Monday of every month for a Sew Down where the Which Stitch? group makes reusable produce bags! This is an easy way to make a difference by upcycling unwanted clothing and fabric that has a detrimental effect on the environment. Participants will leave with a bag to take home and hopefully leave some to share.
The Sew Down is organized by Claire T Weinburg and Paige Collins. They provide these bags free to the community as D.A.R.N. (Downeast Artist Recycle Now) bags. Claire can be reached at claire@dulseandrugosa.com
Which Stitch? (and the Sew Down) is a drop-in group, no registration is required. It is free for ArtWaves Members and a $5 suggested donation for non-members
Hatha Yoga with Abi
Wednesdays, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM in the Dance Studio
Join Yogi Abi for a Hatha Yoga flow grounded in the principles of AYAMA. Applied yoga anatomy and muscle activation is the teaching philosophy of Abi's teacher, Yogi Aaron. It combines traditional yoga practices with muscle activation techniques proven to strengthen our ability to contract our muscles on demand. Practicing AYAMA will leave you feeling stronger and help to alleviate pain in the body.
This is a drop-in class. Registration is not required. The price per session is $15 (members) or $20 (non-members), which can be paid directly to the instructor via cash or check.
Please note, there is no class July 2nd, July 30th, or September 24th.
About the Instructor:
Abi was born & raised on Cape Cod Massachusetts. Abi has lived and worked in the greater Ellsworth area for the past four years. In May of 2024 Abi embarked on a journey to Costa Rica to study yoga as Blue Osa yoga retreat on the Osa Peninsula. There she received her 200 Hour yoga teacher training certificate. Yoga has been a big part of her life for many years and she believes that the healing power if yoga is something she is called to share with others through her work.
Weekly Figure Drawing
Thursdays, 12 - 3 PM in the Fine Arts Studio
This open figure drawing sessions features a live nude model performing a series of 20 minute poses with no instruction. Easels, charcoal, and basic supplies are provided. 18 and over, under 18 allowed with parental attendance! Drop-ins welcome.
Pricing per session is $15. Members can register at a discounted rate of $25 for the entire month.
Saturday, July 5th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Celebrate summer with a fun, felted keychain. Participants can choose to create either a slice of watermelon, hot dog complete with mustard detailing or a blueberry.
All necessary materials and step-by-step instructions will be provided. By the end of the class, everyone will have a finished, festive keychain to take home.
About the Instructor: Mariah Reading is an eco-artist and strong advocate for the existence, preservation, and accessibility of the National Parks. She was born and raised in Bangor, Maine where the surrounding landscape gave her a deep appreciation of nature’s beauty that was reinforced by her degree in Visual Arts at Bowdoin College. The 2016 National Park Centennial propelled her Recycled Landscapes, designed to bring attention to the need of preserving and protecting the environment. Having already visited 33 National Parks, she plans to continue her project in all 63 US National Parks. Mariah has dedicated herself to the field of eco-art through Art Residencies at Denali, Zion, Acadia, Guadalupe Mountains National Parks, working as an Arts In the Parks Volunteer at the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, assisting in Yosemite Facelift efforts, developing a K-12 STREAM curriculum with University of California Santa Barbara Oceanography students, and creating conservation workshops with the Channel Islands National Park. She has exhibited work in San Antonio, TX; Seattle, WA; Fort Collins, CO; McKinley Village, AK; Brunswick, ME; and Kamuela, HI; Poughkeepsie, NY; Davis, CA; Rockland, ME; and Portland, ME. From April through September, Reading has worked as an environmental interpreter.
Tuesday, July 8th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
During this multimedia fiber project we will create beaded and embroidered strawberry pins and brooches. These fun pieces will ring in summer and add a fun sparkle of color to any jacket, sweater, or bag.
All experience levels are welcome!
Tuesday, July 8th, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Capture the beauty of Maine's iconic lupine season year-round. Join Mariah Reading for a beginner-friendly painting class focused on creating a lupine-inspired landscape. Participants will leave with a completed painting. Step-by-step instruction will cover essential techniques, including setting up your painting, organizing your palette, mixing colors effectively, and various brush strokes.
Wednesday, July 9th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Beginners or seasoned glass mosaic veterans are all welcome to join. The process includes cutting glass, so a steady hand is recommended. The shards of glass will come together to create the feathers, face, and reflection of a loon with her chick- the perfect accent to a window or gift for your favorite mom.
Friday, July 11th, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Let's get creative and make this year's festival the most colorful yet!
In this introductory workshop, immerse yourself in the meditative art of marbling on paper. Marbling is an art process with a long history and roots in many different countries. It involves floating paints on a liquid surface and using tools and the natural flow of the materials to create beautiful designs that can be printed on paper. Unleash your inner child and embrace the joy of experimentation! With your own marbling vat at hand, delve into a world of color and pattern play.
Starting with the foundational stone pattern, we will explore some simple combing patterns and image-making techniques. By the end, each participant will depart with a collection of uniquely marbled paper sheets, several marbled greeting cards to be given to loved ones, and access to marbling instructions for continued exploration at home.
Tempered East is led by Claire, an experienced artist dedicated to the craft of surface design. Claire began her journey in Chicago in 2019, developing her expertise in hand-marbling techniques. Now based in Portland, Maine, Claire has expanded Tempered East to encompass a broader range of artistic pursuits, including handmade paper and sewn objects, all while maintaining a high standard of quality and precision. Claire's workshops are designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Long Pose Figure Drawing
Saturday, July 12th, 1 - 4 PM in the Fine Arts Studio
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.
$15 per session
This class is an introduction to the fascinating and historied art of water marbling. Marbling is a process in which paints are floated on a liquid surface and worked into patterns using different methods and tools. The marbled pattern is then transferred to paper, fabric, or object. In the first half of the class, participants will begin by playing with different approaches to applying color and pattern to the marbling vat, trying out different tools, rakes, and a stylus to “paint” on the marbling liquid and create images. We will cover how to choose the correct materials and how to prepare them for the optimal marbling experience. Each participant will create a color palette and work in their own marbling vat, playing with pattern and color. These marbled designs will then be transferred onto high-quality fabric that can be used in the creation of future projects.
All materials and equipment will be provided.
Tuesday, July 15th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join Mariah Reading to create a unique lobster-themed glass mosaic. This class offers a fun opportunity to transform Maine's iconic seafood into a personal work of art. Suitable for both beginners and those with some experience, all necessary materials and instruction will be provided.
Participants can choose from a variety of lobster designs and mosaic sizes, ranging from 5x7 inches to 11x14 inches.
Gloria Avner has been a professional artist and art educator for over two decades, specializing in the batik style of painting. Her courses are highly sought after by both beginners and professional artists alike. Ms. Avner's extensive travels and 35 years as the owner of Aquarius Artifacts, an art gallery in Town Hill, have deeply influenced her work. Her paintings are featured in galleries in Florida and private collections nationwide. She is also renowned for her captivating Pet Portraits. Explore her work on Facebook, Instagram (@gloriavner), and Fineartamerica.com.
Wednesday, July 16th, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Capture the beauty of National Parks in this acrylic landscape painting class with eco artist Mariah Reading! Whether you've been inspired by the vibrant hues of Acadia, the majestic peaks of Denali, or the serene landscapes of Zion, this workshop offers you the unique opportunity to translate your favorite National Park memory onto canvas.
Bring your own National Park landscape photograph to paint, or choose from Mariah's extensive collection of images gathered during her travels to parks across the country. Mariah will guide you through the techniques of acrylic painting, helping you achieve depth, light, and the distinctive atmosphere of these iconic landscapes.
Friday, July 18th, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Transform ocean waste into a beautiful landscape with eco-artist Mariah Reading! In this unique painting class, you'll learn to see marine debris as a canvas for art.
Mariah will guide participants through her signature process, teaching them how to prepare their chosen marine debris for painting, develop a landscape design inspired by their vision, and master color mixing, application, and finishing techniques.
We strongly encourage you to bring your own piece of clean, non-toxic marine debris (e.g., a buoy, or buoy fragment, plastic containers, sturdy pieces of fishing gear, or a washed-up bottle).
We will have a small selection of pieces available if you are unable to bring your own. All other painting materials, including brushes, paints, and primers, will be provided.
This class is perfect for adults and motivated teens, with all instruction provided.
Saturday, July 19th, 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
Sunday, July 20, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM in the Dance Studio
Find your flow through embodied practice in this welcoming workshop designed for all bodies. We'll explore foundational skills through structured exercises—listening through touch, how to safely share weight, moving from your center—then explore what you've discovered in open jam time.
This is movement as meditation, where moment to moment listening, taking care of self, soloing and witnessing all integral parts of the form, and touch is never assumed. Follow your curiosity and inner wisdom as you discover new ways of moving and being present.
Whether seeking physical challenge, creative expression, or simply a different way of being human, you'll find space to explore at your own pace within our supportive group container.
No experience necessary. Comfortable clothing recommended.
$30 Pre-Register. $50 Day-Of Register.
About the Instructor: Frances Idlebrook
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join Mariah Reading to create your very own unique ocean-themed wreath, perfect for indoors or out! Mariah will guide you step-by-step using collected ocean materials including twine, rope, shells, and driftwood.
No experience needed, and all supplies are provided.
Feel free to bring any special beach finds you'd like to add!
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Kat was born in Maine and grew up in a small mill town in Pennsylvania. She pursued her passion for art at the Maryland Institute, College of Art. After graduating, she moved to Western Massachusetts, where she lives with her husband, Ryan, and their two daughters.
Kat has a Master of Education degree from UMASS and spent 14 years teaching Special Education and Literacy. She has taught art to students of all ages and is currently a High School Art Teacher in Connecticut.
In her art, Kat focuses on process, content, and aesthetics. She creates felted images from wool, exploring figurative forms and how emotion is conveyed through body language. She enjoys working with a process that has existed for thousands of years, finding it a satisfying blend of painterly expression and physical creation. Kat often uses textile art to offer social commentary, connecting with a long tradition of women artists who used their craft to express themselves.
Thursday, July 24th, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Ready to create a colorful mosaic fish? Join Mariah Reading and learn how to transform a wooden fish cutout (about 12.5 by 4.5 inches) using glass, tile, and ceramic pieces.
Mariah will show you how to choose and cut your materials to create your own unique design or pattern. You'll also get full instructions on gluing and finishing your fish, making it perfect for display indoors or outdoors.
All the supplies and guidance you'll need are provided!
Friday, July 25th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join us for an intro/ intermediate impressionist landscape painting class to ring in spring! Painting will be done on a 16x20" stretched canvas board with acrylic paints of a sunset view from the top of Cadillac Mountain facing the Porcupines. We will work with BIG and GESTURAL strokes focusing on color relationships unique to Mount Desert Island. A sparkle of painted detail can be added at the end, but this class will be a wonderful opportunity to let go of expectations while focusing on what we see and feel. Hope to see you there!
Saturday, July 26th & Sunday, July 27th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio.
Saturday, July 26th, 1 - 4 PM in the Fine Arts Studio
Tuesday, July 29th, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join artist Mariah Reading to create your own original State of Maine flag using a variety of materials. You'll learn to cut, adhere, and finish your mosaic project.
Choose your project size, ranging from 5x7 inches to 8x11 inches. All instruction and materials are provided, and you'll leave with a finished piece.
Friday, August 1st, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
In this class, Mariah Reading will guide participants through her painting process with step-by-step instruction and Q&A, focusing on acrylic wildlife painting. Participants can work from their own wildlife inspiration photos or choose from images Mariah has collected from her travels in national parks.
While class examples showcase Mariah's work on non-traditional canvases, participants are welcome to use their own non-traditional surfaces or opt for a provided traditional stretched canvas or board.
The goal is to have fun, get creative, and celebrate your favorite wildlife.
Tuesday, August 5th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join Mariah Reading and learn to create your own charming felted bird! In this class, you'll use natural wool fibers and wire to dry felt a unique bird. Mariah will guide you through each step, from shaping the body and adding feather details to creating the legs. 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.
All instructions and materials are provided, and you'll take home a finished project ready to display!
Tuesday, August 5th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Wednesday, August 6th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Friday, August 8th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Brighten your kitchen with a handmade memory of Maine. Learn the art of fabric block printing on tea towels with Mariah Reading. This class will cover the fundamentals of the process, from carving your linoleum block to selecting and distributing inks, and finally printing your towel.
All materials and comprehensive instructions are included.
Saturday, August 9th, 1 - 4 PM in the Fine Arts Studio
En Plein Air with Christine Lafuente
Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, August 11 - 14
Join Christine Lafuente and experience the magic of Mount Desert Island as you paint En Plein Air. On the first day, a basic review of outdoor set-up, palette organization, composition, and atmospheric color theory will be covered at ArtWaves; however, most of the time spent together will be “hands-on” in the field with individual instruction at four select locations on the Island’s beautiful coves and shores.
The half-day sessions provide you the opportunity to work in the mornings with the instructor, leaving you the afternoons to continue to work independently and process the day’s lesson. We encourage participants to pack lunch, water and snacks for when they are in the field.
*Please note: materials are not included or provided
A native of Poughkeepsie NY, Christine received an A.B. in English from Bryn Mawr College in 1991. She then moved to downtown Philadelphia to earn a Certificate in Painting and Printmaking from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. There she was awarded a Louis S. Ware Memorial Scholarship for European Travel. While Artist-in-Residence at the Fleisher Art Memorial from 1997 to 2002, she began teaching and studied at the Barnes Foundation. In 2003 she moved to Brooklyn NY, where she earned a Master's Degree in Fine Arts at Brooklyn College. In November 2023, Christine did an Artist Residency at Scuola Internazionale di Grafica in Venice, Italy. With the exception of 2020 when she sheltered-in-place in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Christine lives and works in Brooklyn throughout the year and spends summers painting in Maine.
Tuesday, August 12th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Wednesday, August 13th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Transform a beloved landscape into a unique piece of art in this Felted Landscape Pennant Flag class with artist Mariah Reading!
You'll learn the fundamentals of dry needle felting, including essential tips and tricks for working with various wools and fibers to create depth and detail. Using a 12" x 24" pre-shrunk wool pennant flag as your canvas, you'll felt a landscape inspired by your own reference photo or one provided by Mariah from her extensive travels through national and state parks.
All materials and instruction are included. No prior felting experience is necessary!
Friday, August 15th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Saturday, August 16th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Saturday, August 23rd, 1 - 4 PM in the Fine Arts Studio
Tuesday, August 26th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Tuesday, August 26th, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Friday, August 29th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join us for an exciting opportunity to add some color outside! We will be making barn quilts for your barn, home, or shed out of a 20 x 20 inch square of plywood, paint, and sealer. These bright, geometric designs, serve as a form of art, storytelling, and a way to celebrate local heritage. Come with a pattern in mind or make a traditional quilt pattern your own in the class. All experience levels welcome!
Saturday, September 6th, 1 - 4 PM in the Fine Arts Studio
Saturday, September 20th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Friday, October 10 | 4 - 6 PM Saturday, October 11 | 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM Sunday, October 12 | 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Join us for a vibrant 3-day plein air watercolor workshop capturing the spectacular autumn colors of Mount Desert Island. This workshop is designed for advanced beginner and above watercolor artists who want to enhance their skills while immersed in the stunning fall landscape of Acadia National Park. This is a great chance to try Plein Air painting because Art Waves has some easels that students can borrow.
What You'll Learn
What's Included
About the Instructor: Deena Ball
Deena's passion for nature, science, and art converges when she paints outdoors. Intrigued by the natural world, she is a perpetual student of nature. Through her paintings, she aspires to make others see, appreciate, and preserve the beauty of our environment.
Deena is nationally renowned for her landscape paintings, which are known for their innovative use of watercolors in combination with textured ground and specialized surfaces. Recently, She has also started painting in oils on copper panels. The majority of her work is painted Plein Air or derived from sketches and observations while she is immersed in nature. Her goal is to create simple but expressive paintings inspired by nature, capturing a moment in time and striking an emotional chord with the viewer.
Deena earned her BA in Art History and Studio Art from Colby College in Waterville, Maine. She furthered her studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and Tyler School of Art. After her formal education, Deena participated in numerous workshops and studied under the late Domenic DiStephano.
For more info, check out https://www.deenasball.com/
Monday, October 13, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Enjoy a fun filled short introduction to painting in watercolor. Learn a little about the history of watercolor, master basic color mixing, washes and glazes, brush strokes and water to pigment ratios.
A three hour class, using provided professional quality materials, in a fun environment.
Students will be learning a basic three layer method to paint a basic landscape. No experience necessary.
Saturday, October 25th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Saturday, November 15th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Studio
1345-A State Highway 102Bar Harbor, ME 04609207-266-0010office@artwavesmdi.org
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