Studio Arts

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 misty mountainscape 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

Creative Card Making

Thursday, June 4 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Thursday, July 9 ~ 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 (June & July) & Patricia Piper (June)

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: To register for this class, participants must have taken the Watercolor 101 class at 577.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Intro to Green Door Open Studio

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

Saturday, July 25 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

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

Green Door Open Studio Time

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

Monday, June 15 ~ 10am to 12:30pm

Saturday, July 25 ~ 9am to 11:30am

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

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.

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

Creating an Illustrated Field Journal

Friday, June 12 ~ 11am to 1pm

Friday, July 10 ~ 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

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Necklace & Earrings

Friday, June 26 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Saturday, July 18 ~ 1pm to 3pm

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: 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

Alcohol Inks: Abstract Florals

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

Bead Embroidery: Hummingbird

Friday, June 19 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Learn the beautiful art of bead embroidery in this beginner-friendly class, where we will create a Ruby-throated hummingbird. Working in an embroidery hoop, participants will learn the basics of beaded embroidery and try different stitching methods using a variety of bead shapes and sequins.

Each participant will receive a 6” embroidery hoop, felt, thread, and enough beads to complete their project. No experience is required, and all materials are provided.

Class Note: If you wear glasses or readers, we recommend bringing them to help with the small materials.

577 Staff Instructor: Kylee Crist

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

Soft Pastels: Coastal Cliffs

Tuesday, July 7 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Wednesday, July 22 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Capture the beauty and movement of a coastal oceanscape 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, July 8 ~ 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

Acrylic Painting: Wading Blue Heron

Monday, July 13 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Discover your inner artist as you learn how to paint a wading Blue Heron 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

Urban Sketching Workshop with Merrill Rainey

Two-Session Workshop

Monday, July 13 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Monday, July 20 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Explore the art of Urban Sketching in this two-part workshop series with award-winning author and illustrator Merrill Rainey. Connect with fellow creatives while learning techniques for capturing the world around you through sketching. Participants also have the opportunity to enhance their experience with an optional third offsite urban sketching session, offering extra time for creative exploration and observational drawing in an inspiring new setting.

Urban Sketching is the practice of drawing or painting on location in cities, towns, and public spaces while capturing life as it happens. Merrill will teach his unique techniques, focusing on sketching with watercolors and cut paper collage, while sharing how he applies inspiration gathered on location to his illustration work.

• Session 1 on July 13: Participants will create a take-home travel watercolor set, and Merril will demonstrate Urban Sketching techniques to help everyone get comfortable with the concept.
• Session 2 on July 20: Everyone will meet at 577 before heading to downtown Perrysburg to begin Urban Sketching on location. The group will return to 577 for a brief show-and-tell of each artist’s work.
• *Optional Session 3 on July 27: Offsite Urban Sketching, Participants may also register for an additional offsite Urban Sketching session to continue building their skills in a new location. Location TBD. 

Open to all skill levels, and no drawing experience necessary – only the desire to learn and create!

Class Note: Participants must bring a 5″ x 7″ sketchbook (cold press, 150 lb. paper recommended).

Community Instructor: Merrill Rainey

Sun Printing: Fun with Cyanotype

Thursday, July 16 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Cyanotype is a fun and easy art form where art, science, photography, and printmaking overlap. Cyanotype paper is light-sensitive, and by laying objects on the surface and exposing it to the sun, ghostly white images are left on a distinctive deep blue background.

In this hands-on class, participants will enjoy a step-by-step guided experience of creating their own photosensitive cyanotype paper. Together, we will collect flowers and botanicals from the 577 grounds, and you will use this beautiful inspiration to design and develop 4 one-of-a-kind 4.75” x 6.75” pieces of stunning botanical art to pair with provided 8×10 mats. No experience is necessary; all supplies are included.

Community Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

Stained Glass Workshop: Walleye

Friday, July 17 ~ 12pm to 3pm

Create your own walleye 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.

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 walleye, ready to hang and measuring approximately 4 × 6 inches.

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Stained Glass Workshop: Strawberry

Friday, July 17 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Create your own sweet strawberry 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.

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 strawberry, ready to hang and measuring approximately 4 × 5 inches.

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Watercolor II: Exploring Vacation Landscapes

Friday, July 17 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Watercolor enthusiasts will enjoy learning how to turn their favorite vacation photos into beautiful watercolor paintings. We’ll spend the first part of class practicing how to approach painting a variety of landscapes to create depth and interest. In the second part of class, participants will enjoy creating their own personalized watercolor paintings commemorating their travels and beloved vacation spots.

Class Notes: Each participant must bring their own vacation photo(s) to copy or trace, as inspiration. Anyone interested in tracing must bring one (1) to two (2), 5″ x 7″ photos printed on computer paper, or photos can also be emailed as a PNG or PDF attachment.

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have taken the Watercolor 101 class at 577.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

The Art of Alcohol Inks: Abstract Landscapes

Tuesday, July 21 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Discover the beauty and fluidity of alcohol inks in this beginner-friendly, hands-on class as you are guided through the process of creating abstract landscapes using alcohol inks and a few common household items. No two are ever alike!

Each participant will receive three (3) ceramic tiles, each measuring 4 inches, to transform into vibrant, one-of-a-kind art pieces

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

Community Instructor: Melissa Thomas

Cyanotype & Embroidery: Florals

Two-Session Class

Friday, July 24 ~ 1pm to 3pm

Friday, July 31 ~ 1pm to 3pm

Blend the rich blue beauty of cyanotype with colorful embroidery stitches to create a unique mixed media fiber art piece in this two-part class.

During the first session on Friday, July 24, participants will gather botanicals from the 577 grounds or choose from a selection of pre-collected and pressed florals to design and “print” two unique images on fabric. These botanical fabric prints will remain at 577 to dry until the following class.

In the second session on Friday, July 31, the group will gather in the Library of Virginia’s House to learn simple embroidery techniques while adding colorful stitched details to enhance and highlight their botanical cyanotypes.

Each participant will receive a needle, two pieces of cotton fabric, one 6-inch and one 8-inch embroidery hoop, and access to a large selection of embroidery floss colors. Most participants will complete at least one finished piece during the second session and will also receive a handout and enough materials to complete any unfinished work at home.

Class Instructors: Connie Stose & Isabelle Tucker

Painted Dot Mandala: Jubilee Journal

Saturday, July 25 ~ 9am to 12pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting as we decorate the cover of a journal. In the first part of class, participants will receive step-by-step guidance before practicing how to create common mandala elements such as petals, teardrops, walking-the-dots, and uniform dots.

In the second part of class, participants will work independently to create their own beautiful journals with instructor support as needed. All materials will be provided, including a 6″ x 8.25″ journal for each person. Participants are also welcome to bring their own journal of a similar size.

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

Watercolor 101

Monday, July 27 ~ 1pm to 4pm

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

Acrylic Pour Painting: Feather Technique

Monday, July 27 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Learn the acrylic pour feather technique and create soft, flowing designs full of movement and color. This beginner-friendly class covers paint layering, consistency, and simple tools used to pull paint into elegant feather patterns. Choose your own colors and leave with a one-of-a-kind, 10″ x 20″ finished painting.

Community Instructor: Thomas Craley

Watercolor: Tile Patterns

Friday, July 31 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Relax into your weekend as you get lost in your favorite color through the calming practice of watercolor painting. In the first part of class, you’ll explore simple watercolor techniques, select a tile pattern, and learn how to transfer the design to watercolor paper.

The second part of class will be devoted to peaceful, quiet time accompanied by soft music as you create a beautiful, tile-inspired image in a stress-free atmosphere. No prior painting experience is needed, and all supplies are provided.

Your completed project will be approximately 8″ x 8″, perfect for framing and displaying.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose