Your instructor, Mary Laury is an accomplished watercolorist and highly esteemed teacher. She encourages all her students to believe they can be successful. Painting is an exciting medium; it flows and moves and does beautiful things. If you have never painted in watercolors, we will start at the beginning. If you have painted before, you will pick up some new tips and tricks as well. We all learn together!

Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their “beautiful little island” in the Canadian Maritimes, Campobello Island. We will be exclusive guests of the international park, staying in historic Victorian cottages. Workshop participants will explore and paint the same coastal scenery enjoyed by the summer residents at the turn of the 20th century.

All meals are included in the workshop fee, as well as specially planned optional evening activities designed to extend your learning from the day’s workshops, including a private concert by award-winning Celtic Fiddle player, Katherine Moller, in the Victorian parlor of Hubbard House.

Register for the retreat, then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight accommodations in the park.

Feedback from recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants: 

“Mary is a wonderful guide and a gifted teacher.”  “Very helpful watercolor instruction."

Bundle and save $10

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, and 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.  We are offering  $5 discount to those who register for both of Mike's online clases.  This is a live online course 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.

By focusing first on what you see and then on how to capture your own vision of what’s before you, you’ll be well on the road to making your camera and all its features work for you.  It’s easier  than you might think, if you’re ready to explore how you see what’s around you!

The class is a combination of evening class sessions, field trips and work on your own between sessions.  Key to your success will be making time between sessions to put into practice what you have learned.  You don’t need a fancy camera for this course, whatever device you have on hand will be just right. 

This course is designed for people experienced in taking photos, with a knowledge of the features of their camera and the ability to share their photos. This is an in-person class.

Makeup class, if needed, 12/04/2024.

You can draw! Anyone can learn to draw. This 6-week class will teach you how to draw what you see. This class will give you a jump start to drawing accurately and give you confidence to draw for pleasure or as a base for your painting. Get ready for a whole world of seeing details that you have never noticed before!  This is an in-person class.​ 

For supplies, you should bring a pencil, eraser, Sharpie, page protector, ruler and paper.  Mary uses computer paper but a sketch book is fine. 

Makeup class, if needed, 12/17/24.

​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.

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 6-session course. We will work on sky, water, rocks, trees, and talk about value and composition. 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, 12/17/24.

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.

Join percussionist Tom Rush in exploring rhythm that’s good for your heart and soul.  You’ll learn rudimental drumming rhythms as a tool to open the mind and meditation.  If you’re looking for a formal drumming workshop, this isn’t for you.

Tom’s journey has been influenced by African and Indian rhythms, and he’s been exploring their impact on his meditation and spiritual path.  He’s hoping you’ll join with intention, in the Shamanistic traditions, and find your own meditation and spiritual path.  Each person’s journey will be unique.  This is an in-person class.

If you have a drum, bring it along.  Don't worry if you don't, Tom will have some to share. 

Your instructor, Chris Toy is the author of 6 popular cookbooks, a private chef, and has taught Asian-fusion cooking for several Maine community education programs. Cooking students will learn how to prepare a variety of recipes from Asia, Europe, and the Americas incorporating traditional and local ingredients. Each meal will actively engage cooks with the tools, techniques, and stories behind the dishes being created.

An award-winning Grand Victorian sea captain's home, The Homeport Inn and Tavern has 9 private suites tastefully updated with comfortable furnishings.  There is live music each evening in the tavern. 

The $495 tuition includes all lunches and dinners (beverages can be purchased through the tavern). Specially discounted rates including breakfasts, are available by contacting the Inn. 

Feedback from recent participants: 

“I learned so much from Chris that I can use immediately at home in my own kitchen"  "Great kitchen hints!'