Watercolor Painting is an exciting medium; it flows and moves and does beautiful things. Instructor Mary Laury has been recognized for her work by the Maine Arts Commission.  Participants will do landscapes and seascapes in this 4-session course. If you have never painted in watercolors we will start at the beginning. If you have painted before, you may pick up some new tips and tricks as well. We all learn together!   This is an in-person course.  Makeup class, if needed, 04/28/25.

The supply list will be available here soon. 

Mary Laury served as the founding Executive Director of Schoodic Arts for All, an award winning non-profit organization celebrating the arts and culture in Downeast Maine for over 20 years. The botanical subjects and dynamic nature of Maine are Mary's passions. An experienced teacher, she has taught painting and drawing in classrooms and in the field for many programs throughout her career.

In this year-long series of art classes, we'll explore nature's rhythms across the four seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall.  Each class session focuses on observing and capturing seasonal changes in plants, animals and weather through drawing, watercolor and ink. Students will connect with the environment through hands-on activities, embracing the stillness of winter, renewal of spring, abundance of summer and transition of fall. Join us for one season or experience the full cycle. Each session offers a deeper appreciation of nature's constant transformations.  For supplies, we will use large drawing pads, pencils, pens and charcoal.

France Hilbert has taught classes at College of the Atlantic since 2018. She is a professional artist and art educator with an extensive resume of training and experience including major commissions and installations. Her artistic education began at the age of seven, when she was taught by her grandfather, the late artist Jaro Hilbert. From him, she received a thorough education in the classical tradition. She pursued her formal education at the National Fine Art Academy of Paris, France, (ENSBA), was an artist in residence in Copenhagen, studied German Expressionism in Berlin, and traveled extensively to paint and study around Europe and abroad. At the Art Students League of New York, she received a Merit Scholarship to master portraiture in painting and completed a Certificate in Sculpture. She was selected for “Model to Monument”, a sculpture program at The Academy of Art, Newington Cropsey Foundation, Hastings on Hudson, NY and received an Edward G. McDowell Travel Grant from the Art Students League of New York. Of her many public and private commissions, some are permanent installations. “Talma”, a 7-foot bronze sculpture is installed in the public square of the Theatre of the Valley of L’Yerres, in Brunoy, France. A pair of 4-foot bronze relief sculptures entitled ”The Calling” are installed at the Georgetown University Medical School building in Washington, DC.

Sharpen your observational and creative skills by learning to draw scenes from memory! In this class, you'll practice observing your surroundings during the day and translating those experiences into expressive drawings Through guided exercises, you'll develop techniques to recall details, capter the essence of a moment, and infuse your work with personal interpretation. Whether you're sketching a bustling cafe, a quiet park, or a fleeting interaction, this class encourages mindfulness and creativity while improving your drawing abilities.  Open to individuals of all skill levels, the course provides a supportive environment for exploring memory as a souce of artistic inspiration. This is an in-person class.

France Hilbert has taught classes at College of the Atlantic since 2018. She is a professional artist and art educator with an extensive resume of training and experience including major commissions and installations. Her artistic education began at the age of seven, when she was taught by her grandfather, the late artist Jaro Hilbert. From him, she received a thorough education in the classical tradition. She pursued her formal education at the National Fine Art Academy of Paris, France, (ENSBA), was an artist in residence in Copenhagen, studied German Expressionism in Berlin, and traveled extensively to paint and study around Europe and abroad. At the Art Students League of New York, she received a Merit Scholarship to master portraiture in painting and completed a Certificate in Sculpture. She was selected for “Model to Monument”, a sculpture program at The Academy of Art, Newington Cropsey Foundation, Hastings on Hudson, NY and received an Edward G. McDowell Travel Grant from the Art Students League of New York. Of her many public and private commissions, some are permanent installations. “Talma”, a 7-foot bronze sculpture is installed in the public square of the Theatre of the Valley of L’Yerres, in Brunoy, France. A pair of 4-foot bronze relief sculptures entitled ”The Calling” are installed at the Georgetown University Medical School building in Washington, DC.

Join Jess for a day full of creativity and fun while you paint your own 2'x2' barn quilt! The barn quilts created in this class will be painted on a primed wooden signboard with your choice of block quilt design and paint colors. Jess will guide you through marking your design, taping and painting. Not just for barns anymore, your decorated barn quilt can be hung inside your home as well as outside. You will be provided with instructions on how to seal your board for inside or outside display.  This is an in-person class.

All materials will be provided including your 2x2 board, choice of paints and designs, and tape. Please bring an apron/smock and a dish to share for a potluck lunch. Drinks, plates, bowls, & silverware will be provided.  Maximum 10 participants. 

Jess Johnson is a teacher and mixed media artist. She has been in Maine public education for 20 years and enjoys teaching others and loves seeing the different perspectives of one's art pieces.

Bundle Mike's two classes and save $10! Taken Separately classes would $50

Make Your Best Shot-An Introduction to Digital Photography  In this one-night class, participants will learn the basics of digital photography - what you should have read in your owner’s manual but didn’t!  

Photography After Dark In this one-night class, we will explore the things you need to know to take successful images after the sun sets and before the sun rises.  This session reviews exposure, how to shoot images in the dark, including the Milky Way and Aurora, and how to capture your best photo under just moonlight.  We will review equipment helpful for nighttime photography, including using a cell phone.

These are live, online classes using ZOOM. 

A former technical director of television programming for Time Warner Cable, Mike was also the host photographer for the Barefoot Windjammer group in the 90s, where he presented hands-on photography instruction aboard photo-themed cruises in the Caribbean and Panama.

In this one-night class, participants will learn the basics of digital photography:  what you should have read in your owner’s manual but didn’t!

Topics covered include camera settings, understanding exposure and white balance, tips for making your best shots of various subjects.  It’s a perfect session to attend BEFORE going on a vacation so you can take home your best shots.  This is a live, online class using ZOOM. 

We are offering a $5 discount per class to those who register for both of Mike's classes.  Register for the class titled "Make Your Best Shot & Photography After Dark Bundle with Mike Leonard" in this online catalog. 

A former technical director of television programming for Time Warner Cable, Mike was also the host photographer for the Barefoot Windjammer group in the 90s, where he presented hands-on photography instruction aboard photo-themed cruises in the Caribbean and Panama.

In this one-night class, we will explore the things you need to know to take successful images after the sun sets and before the sun rises.  This session reviews exposure, how to shoot images in the dark, including the Milky Way and Aurora, and how to capture your best photo under just moonlight.  We will review equipment helpful for nighttime photography, including using a cell phone. This is a live, online course using ZOOM. 

We are offering a $5 discount per class to those who register for both of Mike's classes.  Register for the class titled "Make Your Best Shot & Photography After Dark Bundle with Mike Leonard" in this online catalog. 

A former technical director of television programming for Time Warner Cable, Mike was also the host photographer for the Barefoot Windjammer group in the 90s, where he presented hands-on photography instruction aboard photo-themed cruises in the Caribbean and Panama.

Here is a basket that you can take to the market to grab your fresh produce and bakery items.  Everyone is welcome to join this class.  If you have never weaved before, the instructor will be doing step-by-step directions. You will walk away with a finished basket!

This basket will have two straps that can be worn on the shoulder or carried, with multiple color options on the straps. The material of the basket is flat and half round quality reed. We will also add colored reed into the basket if desired (blue, purple, red, green, or brown).  This is an in-person class. If a student cancels within 10 days of class. The class becomes non-refundble.

Jess has a deep passion for the wilderness and for teaching. She has been working in the field of Adventure and Environmental Education for more than 30 years. This leg of her journey is about connecting more deeply with herself, others, and the wilderness. Join her for a program of connection, learning, and growing.