ArtWaves upcoming events

Clay Camp August (3 Aug 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

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 master 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: Our new pottery studio and kiln may not be ready in time for this camp, so 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.

Ages 6 to 10

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (6 Aug 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Mommy & Me Ballet August (8 Aug 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Mommy & Me Ballet (for Pre-K & Kindergarten children & their caregivers)

Saturdays at 10 am in ArtWaves' Dance Studio!

An introduction to the foundations of classical ballet for young children alongside their caregivers. This class includes simple barre and center exercises, as well as creative movement activities. Students will explore dance in a supportive environment that fosters connection, family, and community.

Recommended dress code: Students should wear ballet slippers and form fitting clothing to best see body alignment. Hair should be tied back and out of face.

About your instructor:

Cate Pope is a dancer, choreographer, and performer from Mount Desert Island, Maine. She graduated from Bates College in 2025 with a B.A. in Dance Choreography and a concentration in Music and Culture. Cate began dancing at the age of three and has studied extensively in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. She has trained with Robinson Ballet (2012 – 2021), as well as with Bossov Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, Joffrey Ballet, Nimbus Dance, and others.

During her undergraduate studies, she attended semester-long performing arts programs at Trinity La MaMa in New York City and Accademia dell’Arte in Italy. Since graduating, she has choreographed for MDI High School’s fall musical and currently choreographs for Connors Emerson’s show choir. She has also taught at the Summer Festival of the Arts and currently teaches at Two Shoes Dance. Cate continues to share her love for dance through teaching and creating work at the intersection of movement, music, and community.

Photos courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope.

Painting Camp (Ages 6 to 10) August (10 Aug 2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Designed for curious and creative art intensive children ages 6–10, this is a unique, fun-filled week in the art studio. Children have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of materials, techniques, and artistic styles using watercolor, water soluble graphite, and acrylics, experiment with soft oil pastels. They discover exciting ways to layer colors and textures, and develop their own creative ideas through both step by step guided and open-ended projects.

Campers will learn about famous artists and their techniques while experimenting with color mixing, composition, pattern, and texture. They'll blend oil pastels to recreate the rich, earthy textures of ancient cave paintings, paint dreamy Monet-inspired watercolor landscapes, design vibrant symmetrical butterflies and gain a shared visual vocabulary.

There will be a display at the end of the week. Please pack snacks for breaks, and a lunch.

Arts Camp: Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My! (10 Aug 2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

ArtWaves is partnering with the MDI YMCA to bring you...

Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My!

This is not your average craft camp.

Here's where young artists dive into five mornings of bold, hands-on artmaking using real tools, real techniques, and just the right amount of thrilling challenge. Guided by an experienced instructor, in a safety-first environment, students explore art forms that feel a little daring — and a lot empowering.

Throughout the week, campers will:

Work with Fire — Create vibrant batik pysanky eggs using hot wax resist techniques.

Cut Glass — Learn to safely score and cut glass to design colorful mosaics full of pattern and light.
Wield Barbed Needles — Needle-felt dragons and other mystical creatures, sculpting wool into dimensional forms with texture and personality.
Dip Hot Wax Orbs and candles — Experiment with layering and surface design to create glowing, sculptural wax forms.

Each morning builds skill, confidence, and craftsmanship while encouraging creativity and imagination. Campers will learn proper tool handling, studio safety, and the patience required for detailed work — all while making artwork they’re wildly proud of.

Details:
• 5 immersive mornings
• 9:00 AM–noon
• Bring snacks
• All materials provided and safety gear provided

For curious, focused makers who love a little adventure in their art — this camp is pure creative adrenaline (the safe kind).

Register now!

Painting Camp (Ages 6 to 10) August (11 Aug 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

There will be a display at the end of the week. Please pack snacks for breaks, and a lunch.

Arts Camp: Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My! (11 Aug 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

ArtWaves is partnering with the MDI YMCA to bring you...

Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My!

This is not your average craft camp.

Throughout the week, campers will:

Work with Fire — Create vibrant batik pysanky eggs using hot wax resist techniques.

Details:
• 5 immersive mornings
• 9:00 AM–noon
• Bring snacks
• All materials provided and safety gear provided

For curious, focused makers who love a little adventure in their art — this camp is pure creative adrenaline (the safe kind).

Register now!

Painting Camp (Ages 6 to 10) August (12 Aug 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

There will be a display at the end of the week. Please pack snacks for breaks, and a lunch.

Arts Camp: Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My! (12 Aug 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

ArtWaves is partnering with the MDI YMCA to bring you...

Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My!

This is not your average craft camp.

Throughout the week, campers will:

Work with Fire — Create vibrant batik pysanky eggs using hot wax resist techniques.

Details:
• 5 immersive mornings
• 9:00 AM–noon
• Bring snacks
• All materials provided and safety gear provided

For curious, focused makers who love a little adventure in their art — this camp is pure creative adrenaline (the safe kind).

Register now!

Painting Camp (Ages 6 to 10) August (13 Aug 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

There will be a display at the end of the week. Please pack snacks for breaks, and a lunch.

Arts Camp: Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My! (13 Aug 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

ArtWaves is partnering with the MDI YMCA to bring you...

Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My!

This is not your average craft camp.

Throughout the week, campers will:

Work with Fire — Create vibrant batik pysanky eggs using hot wax resist techniques.

Details:
• 5 immersive mornings
• 9:00 AM–noon
• Bring snacks
• All materials provided and safety gear provided

For curious, focused makers who love a little adventure in their art — this camp is pure creative adrenaline (the safe kind).

Register now!

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (13 Aug 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Painting Camp (Ages 6 to 10) August (14 Aug 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

There will be a display at the end of the week. Please pack snacks for breaks, and a lunch.

Arts Camp: Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My! (14 Aug 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

ArtWaves is partnering with the MDI YMCA to bring you...

Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My!

This is not your average craft camp.

Throughout the week, campers will:

Work with Fire — Create vibrant batik pysanky eggs using hot wax resist techniques.

Details:
• 5 immersive mornings
• 9:00 AM–noon
• Bring snacks
• All materials provided and safety gear provided

For curious, focused makers who love a little adventure in their art — this camp is pure creative adrenaline (the safe kind).

Register now!

Mommy & Me Ballet August (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Mommy & Me Ballet (for Pre-K & Kindergarten children & their caregivers)

Saturdays at 10 am in ArtWaves' Dance Studio!

Recommended dress code: Students should wear ballet slippers and form fitting clothing to best see body alignment. Hair should be tied back and out of face.

About your instructor:

Photos courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (20 Aug 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Mommy & Me Ballet August (22 Aug 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Mommy & Me Ballet (for Pre-K & Kindergarten children & their caregivers)

Saturdays at 10 am in ArtWaves' Dance Studio!

Recommended dress code: Students should wear ballet slippers and form fitting clothing to best see body alignment. Hair should be tied back and out of face.

About your instructor:

Photos courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Mommy & Me Ballet August (29 Aug 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Mommy & Me Ballet (for Pre-K & Kindergarten children & their caregivers)

Saturdays at 10 am in ArtWaves' Dance Studio!

Recommended dress code: Students should wear ballet slippers and form fitting clothing to best see body alignment. Hair should be tied back and out of face.

About your instructor:

Photos courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (3 Sep 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (10 Sep 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (1 Oct 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (8 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (15 Oct 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (22 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (5 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (26 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (3 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 22:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (10 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 22:30:00 GMT

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.

Improv: Collaborative Comedy (17 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 22:30:00 GMT

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.