In this year-long series of art classes we'll explor nature's rhythms across the four seasons: winter spring, summer and winter.  Each class session focuses on onbserving and captureing 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 contact 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.

No matter what kind of devices you use, chances are you're not getting the most out of them and it's likely that, sometimes, they are even a source of frustration. Then you're either embarrassed to ask for help or you just don't want to deal with that digital-native eyeroll. No Eyerolls Here!  JOIN US!

Ellsworth's Digital Inclusion Committee is bringing Bring Your Device to Lunch back by popular demand.  We're going to offer it monthly at locations around the community.  Bring your device and a bag lunch AND help you get the most from your technology!  

Technology can be a double-edged sword that can be a HUGE help and an even bigger source of frustration. The devices that keep you connectd become more integral to every day life.  Whether you want to read our local newspaper, connect with friends and family, engage with a healthcare provider or pay your bills, your device is likely to be part of that. 

In this session, you'll sit neighbor-to-neighbor with folks in the community that work in programs that can help you reach your goals-whether it's access to the internet, identifying the right device for you, or learning the skills you need to feel successful.  Some of us also need a dose of digital therapy to overcome the mental, emotional and logistical challenges we face with the fast moving pace that our society embraces technology.  The objective of the day is for you to make connections that will support you.

Aside from the hands-on advice and training, attendees will receive valuable information about additional digital education resources, and affordability programs for broadband connectivity and equipment. 

Please Bring

• your charged device;
• a wish list of what you'd like to learn; and
• your appetite!

This course introduces students to the techniques and methods of the depiction of the human figure through direct observational drawing.

We will be working from models online to investigate movement, volume, and anatomy of the human form. We will learn perspective to draw the figure in space. Students will practice with a variety of subjects such as themselves, people with whom they live, family members, or pets. Students will be given assignments and documents such as illustrations of anatomy, references to art history and artists’ works.  This is an in-person class.

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.

There is still a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about Maine's compassionate end-of-life care option. Many providers and patients in Maine are still not familiar with Maine's Death with Dignity Act. In effect since September 2019, the law permits physicians to practice medical aid-in-dying under specific circumstances.

Join this class to get fact-based information details you need to know about Maine's law, how to have the conversation with your physician, and how to qualify for the law or support your loved one who may be qualifying.  This is a live, online class using ZOOM.

Val was the grassroots leader and organizer from 2014 through passage of the law she co-authored in 2019. She is the founder and executive director of Maine Death with Dignity. Val believes people need good information to make good decisions. Val has been teaching adults in a variety of military and non-military organizations since 1981.

This 8-week French immersion class is perfect for all levels. Through conversations on themes like travel, cuisine, culture, and current events, participants will build confidence in speaking while exploring French traditions and everyday life. Classes focus is on practical communication, personal expression, and cultural connections in a welcoming environment.  This is a live, online class using ZOOM.

No class 02/20/25; makeup class, if needed, 04/10/25.

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.

Tired of shrinkingsweaters, dull colors, or mystery stains ruining yourfavorite outfits? Join us for this class and discover howto keep your clothes looking their best! You’ll learn howto decode laundry symbols and understand fabriccare instructions; how to sort clothes like a pro to avoidcolor bleeding and damage; and tips for choosing theright detergents, stain removers, and washing techniquesfor different garments. Finally we’ll share drying, folding, ironing, and storage tips to extend the life of your ward-robe. Whether you’re a laundry novice or looking to refine your skills, this class will give you the confidenceto tackle laundry day with ease. Plus, you’ll walk away with practical tips, a handy guide, and even a few stain-busting secrets. Bring your own tips, questions and your enthusiasm - fresh clothes and fresh confidence await!

Soups made with love are a nourishing and inexpensive way to feed your family. In this series, we will share techniques, tools, ingredients and tips learned through years of cooking for family and friends.  You’ll learn techniques for preparing ingredients and bringing them all together, as well as tips on storage and serving.  A focus of the workshops will be the use of affordable and locally available ingredients, and adapting recipes to a variety of tastes and dietary  requirements. Handouts, recipes and a small container of soup for your family to try will be provided.  

This is an in-person class; all registration fees are donated to the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.  

Chowders  Nothing speaks New England like a creamy chowder!  You can make a seafood chowder for a special event, or a corn chowder for a quick weeknight meal that delights.  We’ll make a simple fish chowder together to learn and share some of the techniques and ingredients universal to chowders. 

Annie has always loved to cook for family and friends. She started cooking when she was seven and was a keen observer of all the cooks in her family and beyond. She's worked in kitchens and also spent most of her childhood and early adulthood in western and eastern Europe, the Middle East and South Asia, so her palate is broad. She shares her love of cooking with family and friends through the preparation of food full of flavor. One of her priorities when she's cooking is to create a meal that accommodates all dietary requirements--a meal that everyone can enjoy. 

In this nine-week class, participants will learn the fundamentals of computer programming using the Python language.  This course is for the complete beginner or someone with slight exposure to programming.  Mr. Greer brings a wealth of experience, having worked in IT since 2004.  

Students will need either a PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer (no Chrome Books) and a reliable internet connection.  This a live online class using ZOOM.