Studio Arts

The Art of Alcohol Inks

Tuesday, April 28 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Explore the beauty and unpredictability of alcohol inks while creating three (3) unique 4.25″ x 4.25″ tiles. You’ll learn the basic techniques of this low-stress/high-reward medium that allows you to “go with the flow.” No experience is necessary. All supplies are included.

Community Instructor: Melissa Thomas

Acrylic Painting Basics: Midwest Barn

Friday, May 1 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Learn how to paint a beautiful Midwestern barn landscape while building your foundational acrylic painting skills, including the use of light, shadow, and basic color theory. Participants will receive a 9″ by 12″ canvas, reference materials, and gentle guidance and feedback from a professional artist.

All supplies are provided, just bring yourself and an open, positive attitude!

577 Staff Instructor: Etta Gallaway

Green Door Open Studio Time

Monday, May 4 ~ 10am to 12:30pm

Monday, May 18 ~ 9am to 11:30am

Saturday, June 6 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Relax and explore your creativity during Green Door Open Studio time. Whatever your experience or artistic goals, this choose-your-own art adventure led by a staff art instructor is the perfect opportunity to expand skills, experiment with new materials, and find inspiration in a supportive, non-competitive arts environment.

Open Studio begins with a mini demonstration to get the creative juices flowing, but the rest is up to you. Continue working on the featured skill or theme, start something new, bring in a project you are working on for some help getting unstuck, get support to repeat techniques you learned in another class, practice your skills, try new techniques, and enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts.

Green Door Open Studio participants each receive one 9″ x 12″ piece of watercolor or drawing paper per class and have access to all of the studios art mediums, including paints (acrylic, watercolor, gouache), pencils (graphite, colored, water soluble), inks, pastels (chalk & oil), tools (brushes, easels, gelli plates, etc) and lots more. A variety of additional practice papers for sketching, planning, or collaging are also available. Participants are always encouraged to bring sketchbooks or junk journals.

Class Note: Participants must have taken the Intro to Green Door Open Studio class to register.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Soft Pastels: Seaside Waves

Tuesday, May 5 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Tuesday, May 19 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Capture the drama and beauty of a lake landscape in soft pastel as you explore color, expressive mark-making, perspective, and the basics of working with pastels. No drawing or pastel experience is necessary, and beginners are welcome. Completed paintings will be approximately 9 x 12 inches. All supplies are included, and each participant will receive an instructional handout.

Community Instructor: Molly Carroll

Paper Flowers: Garden Lavender

Wednesday, May 6 ~ 6:30pm to 8pm

Learn how to create a vase full of whimsical garden lavender stems. Participants will enjoy making these multi-colored purple blooms that are sure to have everyone dreaming of this favorite summer flower. Everyone will also receive an instructional video via a YouTube link to help you continue making more lavender after class. Each completed lavender stem is approximately 10 inches tall by 3 inches wide.

Community Instructor: Mary Willets

Printmaking: Carving Spring Stamps

Thursday, May 7  ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Learn the art of block printing through carving and stamping in this beginner-friendly printmaking class. Using Spring as our inspiration, participants will make their own customized stationery and gift wrap.. First, participants will receive a small rubber block and get hands-on to carve a simple design, while also learning about sustainable block alternatives.

In the second part of class, everyone will have access to a variety of carved stamps and will spend time designing and creating their own stationery and large sheets of decorative paper. These sheets can be used for wrapping, scrapbooking, and more.

Participants will make and take home two large sheets of paper and two cards, in addition to their carved rubber stamp, and the knowledge to create one-of-a-kind wrapping and stationery materials for years to come.

May Theme: Insects

577 Staff Instructor: Etta Gallaway

Creating an Illustrated Field Journal

Friday, May 8 ~ 11am to 1pm

Friday, June 12 ~ 11am to 1pm

The seasonal changes in the natural world can often be overlooked when we don’t take the time to look closely at what is around us. By keeping an illustrated field journal, we can record not only our thoughts, but sketch and draw what we see, creating meaningful pages through the use of word and image.

Using the beautiful 577 grounds for inspiration, new participants in this session will be introduced to the concept of keeping this type of journal and will create their first entry, hopefully inspired to carry on and fill the remaining pages over time. Experienced students are also welcome–learn new tips, gain fresh inspiration in the ever-changing seasons, and build upon past lessons. No writing or drawing experience is necessary, only the desire to have some fun while exploring the natural world around us.

Community Instructor: David Lymanstall

Stained Glass Workshop: Floral Suncatcher

Monday, May 11 ~ 12pm to 3pm

Create your own stunning floral corner window accent in this beginner-friendly stained glass workshop. Join new instructor, Kara O’Dea, in the Green Door Studio as she guides you step-by-step through the basics of stained glass, including cutting, grinding, and soldering sheet glass using the Tiffany copper foil method. Participants will choose from a few pre-selected flower options upon arrival.

This class is perfect for anyone curious about trying stained glass for the first time, as well as those looking to build a strong foundation and continue developing their skills. Each participant will complete a stained glass box, ready to hang and display, measuring approximately 7 x 7 inches.

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Stained Glass Workshop: Mushroom

Monday, May 11 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Create your own sweet little mushroom in this beginner-friendly stained glass workshop. Join new instructor, Kara O’Dea, in the Green Door Studio as she guides you step-by-step through the basics of stained glass, including cutting, grinding, and soldering sheet glass using the Tiffany copper foil method.

This class is perfect for anyone curious about trying stained glass for the first time, as well as those looking to build a strong foundation and continue developing their skills. Each participant will complete a ready-to-display mushroom measuring approximately 6 x 4 inches.

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Creative Card Making

Thursday, May 14 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Thursday, June 4 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Enjoy an evening creating as we send a little love into the world. We’ll spend the first half hour learning a new cardmaking technique and then incorporate it into our designs. Participants will receive a packet filled with paper, envelopes, ephemera, and more, and will create five (5) assorted greeting cards using a wide variety of tools and supplies provided.

Handmaking and sending greeting cards is a meaningful way to share love, appreciation, and connection with the people we care about. It brings us together and lets someone know they are valued. No experience is required, and all are welcome.

Class Note: We recommend wearing older clothes or an apron to protect from ink and glue.

Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper

Whimsical Watercolor & Ink Collab: Bird Nests

Two-Part Class

Friday, May 15 ~ 1pm to 3pm

Friday, May 22 ~ 1pm to 3pm

Spend two fun and creative Friday afternoons with 577 Staff Artists Bennett Dowling and Connie Stose as you explore watercolor and pen & ink techniques to create an adorable bird’s nest composition. No prior drawing or painting experience is required—Bennett and Connie have you covered.

In the first session on Friday, May 15, Connie will guide you through simple exercises to build confidence with watercolor as you begin painting the first layers of your nest and eggs. Bennett will then introduce pen & ink techniques to start bringing your composition to life. In the second session on Friday, May 22, you’ll return to Virginia’s House Dining Room to deepen color, refine details, and add dimension and depth to your work. Each participant will receive a 9 x 12-inch piece of watercolor paper. Final projects will vary based on individual artistic choices.

577 Staff Instructors: Bennett O. Dowling & Connie Stose

Watercolor 101

Friday, May 15 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Discover the joys of watercolor painting through a series of fun and easy exercises designed to explore a variety of basic techniques. You’ll also enjoy learning how to choose the right supplies for your needs, gain an understanding of common watercolor terms, and see examples of the wide possibilities of this amazing medium.

Participants will create a personalized 5″ x 7″ watercolor sketchbook filled with their practice exercises, notes, color samples, and charts. This sketchbook will serve as the perfect resource for beginners and a valuable reference tool for expanding and deepening existing skills. With individual attention provided in a supportive environment, you’ll gain the confidence to continue your artistic journey.

Class Note: This class is a prerequisite for advanced watercolor courses at 577.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Card Making Stamp Camp: Interactive Cards

Friday, May 15 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Saturday, May 16 ~ 10am to 1pm

Explore “out-of-the-box” ideas for your hand-stamped cards at Stamp Camp! This session features a fun new twist—every card will be interactive or include moving elements. Participants will have fun experimenting with creative designs, techniques, and products as they make five (5) interactive cards that wobble, spin, slide, pop up, or cascade like a waterfall.

Step-by-step instructions and plenty of support will be provided, along with options for personalizing sentiments on each card. To continue practicing your new skills at home, you’ll also receive a small paper crafting pack and a PDF tutorial. Beginners are welcome, though previous card making or paper crafting experience is helpful.

Class Notes: Stamp Camp will be offered on May 15 and May 16, with both sessions featuring the same projects. Participants are welcome to register for both sessions if they would like additional time to create more cards using the same materials and techniques. Cards made in class may be different than those shown in the photo.

Community Instructor: Chris Smith

Painted Dot Mandala: Moxie

Saturday, May 16 ~ 10am to 1pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting as we work to create a mandala with moxie. In the first part of class, participants will receive step-by-step guidance to practice making common mandala elements such as swoops, petals, and walking-the-dots. In the second part of class, participants will work independently to create their own beautiful painting on a 6″ x 6″ canvas board with instructor support as needed. All materials will be provided.

Class Note: To help us honor 577’s commitment to sustainability, please bring your tools if you are a returning participant. New participants will receive a new set of tools to keep.

Community Instructor: Shalene Germani

Motherhood & Memory-Making

Saturday, May 16 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Curated for moms and caregivers in honor of Mother’s Day month, participants will take part in a guided photo-making experience, print a photo (or two) on site, and begin an analog memory journal using provided materials and prompts.

This workshop offers a chance to slow down, honor the motherhood or caregiving experience, and learn how to document everyday life and preserve memories of themselves and their families/children through photographs, writing, and reflection.

Everyone will receive a blank, hardcover sketchbook approximately 5 x 8 inches to start and continue their analog practice, and one or two 4 x 6-inch photo prints taken in class.

Community Instructor: Mariah Maddox

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Necklace & Earrings

Saturday, May 16 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Friday, June 26 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Learn how to turn scrap metal into unique wearable art with just a few tools! Each participant will receive lots of support and guidance to create, customize, and assemble two items using copper, brass, or German silver metals. The first pair will be copper on copper, and you will choose from various styles of earrings or necklaces for your second project.

All experience levels are welcome. Each participant will receive a polishing cloth and a gift box. The size of completed earrings will vary but will be approximately one to two inches.

Class Note: Please bring reading or safety glasses. All other supplies included.

Community Instructor: Snookie Viviano

Acrylic Painting: Rocky Shore at Sunset

Monday, May 18 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Discover your inner artist as your learn how to paint a rocky shoreline at sunset in this fun and friendly acrylic painting class. With lots of step-by-step instruction, you will learn how to build an acrylic painting from start to finish, while exploring color mixing and using a variety of brushes, tools, and techniques. Completed paintings are on an 11″ x 14″ canvas. No prior experience needed.

Class Note: You are welcome to bring snacks to enjoy throughout class and we encourage you to bring a lunch for our midday break. (Refrigerator and microwave available).

Community Instructor: Mary Claire Roe

Acrylic Pour Painting: Chameleon Cell

Monday, May 18 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Discover the magic of movement and color in this Chameleon Cell Acrylic Pour class. Learn how to create dynamic, color-shifting cells that seem to change and come alive as the painting flows. We’ll cover paint mixing, layering and special techniques used to encourage beautiful cell formation with depth and contrast. Completed paintings are 12 x 12 inches.

Community Instructor: Thomas Craley

Beaded Plant: Baby Fern

Friday, May 22 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Learn to make a small beaded plant that will be beautiful all year long–no green thumb needed! Participants will create a baby fern from start to finish using seed beads and craft wire, and take home their fern along with the knowledge to make more on their own. Completed projects are approximately 4 inches tall and 3-4 inches wide.

Class Notes: This class requires no prior experience but does need ample finger dexterity to work with the small materials. If you wear glasses or readers, it is highly recommended that you bring them.

577 Staff Instructor: Kylee Crist

Alcohol Inks: Abstract Florals

Tuesday, May 26 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Tuesday, June 16 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Discover the beauty and fluidity of alcohol inks in this hands-on class. Learn how to create stunning abstract florals using simple yet effective techniques that allow the inks to flow and blend naturally. Each participant will receive three (3) ceramic tiles, each measuring 4 inches, to transform into vibrant, one-of-a-kind art pieces.

This class is ideal for those with basic knowledge of alcohol inks who want to explore new techniques and experiment with color. All supplies are included.

Class Note: Alcohol ink can be messy. Please wear old clothes or bring an apron.

Community Instructor: Melissa Thomas

Watercolor II: Chickens

Friday, May 29 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Watercolor enthusiasts will have fun exploring a variety of techniques and materials as we learn different ways to capture the whimsy of chickens, including a special opportunity to give colored watercolor paper a try. We’ll get started with simple warm up exercises before diving into more detailed paintings that begin with hand-drawn or transferred chicken images–no drawing experience required.

Participants will also have the opportunity to use colored pencils, watercolor pencils, and gouache paint together with watercolors for fun pops of color and finishing touches. Everyone will receive practice paper, a 4.5″ x 6″ piece of white watercolor paper, and a 4″ x 8″ piece of toned watercolor paper that can be turned into a notecard or used to paint two smaller paintings.

Prerequisite: This class is designed for those with prior watercolor experience. Participants must have taken at least one watercolor class at 577.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Drawing Made Easy!

Friday, May 29 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Explore an easier approach to drawing in this fun and supportive class. Through interactive exercises, you’ll sharpen your ability to see color and form in new ways as you draw and create a vibrant finished piece. Everyone will benefit from personalized guidance while learning multiple techniques to build confidence in their own unique mark-making abilities.

Participants will take home complete or almost complete drawings and sketches, pencils, instructional handouts, and their improved drawing skills. Perfect for beginners and artists of any level looking to strengthen their abilities and fine-tune future artwork.

Community Instructor: Sammi Dougherty

Acrylic Painting 101

Monday, June 1 ~ 10am to 11:30am

Explore the basics of acrylic painting and gain a solid foundation to continue your painting journey. We’ll cover paint application, color mixing, and color theory, as well as experimental techniques like sight painting, impressionism, and tole painting.

This class encourages curiosity, confidence, and personal style, while building strong acrylic painting skills. Completed paintings will be approximately 10 x 10 inches.

Community Instructor: Sammi Dougherty

Soft Pastels: Misty Mountains

Wednesday, June 3 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Tuesday, June 30 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Capture the drama and beauty of a lake landscape in soft pastel as you explore color, expressive mark-making, perspective, and the basics of working with pastels. No drawing or pastel experience is necessary, and beginners are welcome. Completed paintings will be approximately 9 x 12 inches. All supplies are included, and each participant will receive an instructional handout.

Community Instructor: Molly Carroll

Introduction to Hand Lettering

Wednesday, June 3 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Get ready to upgrade your handwriting as we explore the mechanics of hand lettering. Enjoy a fun evening of hands-on learning as we break down the essential hand lettering strokes and practice how to manipulate line weight and flow to help you refine your own signature style.

After practicing our new skills, everyone will create a custom-lettered, 4.25″ x 5.5″ note card featuring a favorite word or phrase. Participants will also receive a dot-ruled notebook and two (2) hand-lettering pens to continue using their new skills at home. Whether you want to elevate your snail mail or just find a new creative outlet, you’ll leave with the confidence to keep creating.

Class note: Don’t forget your reading or magnifying glasses, if you use them.

Community Instructor: Melissa Owens

Watercolor II: Exploring Color

Friday, June 5 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Designed for watercolor enthusiasts and artists of any media looking to expand their beginner skills, this class will explore the basics of color theory through several fun, hands-on painting exercises.

Participants will learn how to see color “temperature” as we mix colors and create a series of color charts for future reference. We’ll even test our new knowledge by venturing out onto the 577 grounds to collect bits of nature to use while we practice mixing and matching colors. Please feel free to bring your sketchbook if you have one.

Prerequisite: This class is designed for those with prior watercolor experience. Participants must have taken at least one watercolor class at 577.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Intro to Green Door Open Studio

Saturday, June 6 ~ 9am to 11:30am

Discover 577’s newest creative haven — the Green Door Studio! This fun and hands-on orientation class is your introduction to the studio and serves as the prerequisite for monthly Green Door Open Studio times and activities.

Learn how to use and enjoy the space while exploring a wide variety of art materials, tools, and techniques. Participants will gain an overview of the available supplies, watch art demonstrations, and enjoy plenty of hands-on practice in mediums such as watercolor and acrylic paints, chalk and oil pastels, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, pen and ink, and more. Along the way, you’ll learn tips and tricks to spark creativity, make the most of your open studio sessions, and move past the “fear of the blank page.”

The class also covers how to care for the studio and tools so everyone can enjoy this shared creative space. We’ll wrap up with a relaxing mini–open studio experience, giving you a chance to create freely, experiment, and begin your artistic journey at your own pace.

Everyone who completes this orientation class will qualify to register for future open studio times. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, you’ll find inspiration, community, and space to create at the Green Door Studio. All supplies included.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Acrylic Pour Painting: Spin Art

Monday, June 8 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Discover the excitement of fluid art with a high-energy twist—using a spinner! In this class, you’ll learn how to combine acrylic pour techniques with centrifugal force to create dramatic bursts, rings, and flowing motion across your canvas.

We’ll guide you through selecting your colors, mixing paints to the perfect consistency, and placing them strategically before activating the spinner. Watch as the paint expands outward in mesmerizing patterns that can’t be achieved any other way. This class is beginner-friendly, all materials are provided. Completed paintings are 14 x 14 inches.

Community Instructor: Thomas Craley

Stained Glass Workshop: Ladybug

Tuesday, June 9 ~ 12pm to 3pm

Create your own sweet ladybug in this beginner-friendly stained glass workshop. Join glass artist Kara O’Dea in the Green Door Studio as she guides you step-by-step through the basics of stained glass, including cutting, grinding, and soldering sheet glass using the Tiffany copper foil method. Participants will also attach a small light on the back so their project will glow like a real lightning bug.

This class is perfect for anyone curious about trying stained glass for the first time, as well as those looking to build a strong foundation and continue developing their skills. Each participant will complete a stained glass lady bug, ready to hang and measuring approximately 4 × 6 inches.

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Stained Glass Workshop: Lightning Bug

Tuesday, June 9 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Create your own whimsical lightning bug that really lights up in this beginner-friendly stained glass workshop. Join glass artist Kara O’Dea in the Green Door Studio as she guides you step-by-step through the basics of stained glass, including cutting, grinding, and soldering sheet glass using the Tiffany copper foil method. Participants will also attach a small light on the back so their project will glow like a real lightning bug.

This class is perfect for anyone curious about trying stained glass for the first time, as well as those looking to build a strong foundation and continue developing their skills. Each participant will complete a stained glass lightning bug, ready to hang and measuring approximately 4 × 5 inches.

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Paper Flowers: Whimsical Daisy Bouquet

Wednesday, June 10 ~ 6:30pm to 8pm

Create a whimsical bouquet of paper daisies with just a few folds, a couple of snips, and a touch of glue. Participants will learn all the skills needed, and everyone will take home a charming vase ready to brighten the perfect spot in their home or office. All materials provided. Completed projects are approximately 8″ x 5″.

Community Instructor: Mary Willets

Family Art: Tie Dyeing ~ Stars, Stripes & Swirls

Thursday, June 11 ~ 5:30pm to 7pm

Learn how to tie die and create unique t-shirts together as a family! Participants will make red, white, and blue tie-dye designs using professional-grade dyes and easy, family-friendly techniques. Each person will design and dye their own t-shirt while learning the basics of color placement, pattern folding, and dye application.

All materials are provided, including pre-washed shirts to ensure vibrant results. This is a fun, hands-on (and messy!) experience, so participants should wear clothes they don’t mind getting stained. Finished items will be taken home the same day, along with care instructions and textile detergent for washing and setting the dye.

Class Notes: Register for one (1) OR two (2) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth(s) registered.

Community Instructor: Michelle Fisher

Acrylic Painting: Tropical Paradise

Monday, June 15 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Discover your inner artist as you learn how to paint a tropical scene with crashing waves, rocky shore, palm trees, and clouds in this fun and friendly acrylic painting class. With lots of step-by-step instruction, you will learn how to build an acrylic painting from start to finish, while exploring color mixing and using a variety of brushes, tools, and techniques. Completed paintings are on an 11″ x 14″ canvas. No prior experience needed.

Class Note: You are welcome to bring snacks to enjoy throughout class and we encourage you to bring a lunch for our midday break. (Refrigerator and microwave available).

Community Instructor: Mary Claire Roe

Watercolor: Imaginary Maps

Friday, June 19 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Enjoy a relaxing evening getting lost in the luminous colors of watercolor paints in this Create Calm class. Participants will be guided step-by-step to create beautiful imaginary “maps” in the color scheme of your choice. Everyone will receive a 9″ x 12″ piece of paper with the option to paint one large piece or divide their paper to create two to four smaller paintings. Paintings are lovely framed or make fun cards. No experience necessary – if you can doodle, you can create a piece of art and benefit from this mindful technique.

Create Calm classes are taught by staff instructors and designed to allow participants to experience simple projects in a soothing environment. Each class will focus on beginning methods in a variety of art mediums to help students of all levels tap into our own innate ability to create a state of calm while working with our hands. Expect the first part of these classes to include instruction while the second part is reserved for gentle music and quiet work time to encourage the mind to rest, reflect, and relax in a quiet community.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Painted Dot Mandala: Flair

Saturday, June 27 ~ 9am to 12pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting as we work to create a mandala with lots of flair, in vibrant shades of blue and orange. In the first part of class, participants will receive step-by-step guidance to practice making common mandala elements such as swoops, petals, and walking-the-dots. In the second part of class, participants will work independently to create their own beautiful painting on a 6″ x 6″ canvas board with instructor support as needed. All materials will be provided.

Class Note: To help us honor 577’s commitment to sustainability, please bring your tools if you are a returning participant. New participants will receive a new set of tools to keep.

Community Instructor: Shalene Germani

Printmaking: Linocut Monogram Stamps

Tuesday, June 30 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Learn how to create your own monogram stamp using the linocut block printing technique. The class will begin with a brief tutorial, then you’ll design and carve a personalized stamp featuring the initials of your choice. Participants can further customize their design by adding a simple symbol or image.

Once your stamp is complete, we’ll spend the final part of class practicing stamping techniques and creating a small set of notecards. Your custom stamp can be used to personalize books, stationery, bookmarks, and more, and is easy and relaxing to create using basic carving tools.

All materials are provided, and participants will take home their completed stamp and notecards. No previous experience is required.

577 Staff Instructor: Bennett O. Dowling