Studio Arts

Makers Circle: Art Inspired by Birds

Friday, August 1 ~ 6pm to 8pm

The theme for the August Makers Circle is birds! To kick off the workshop, staff artists will share a fun and simple technique for creating colorful bird silhouettes in the art medium of your choice—absolutely no experience needed to get fantastic results.

After the initial demonstration, participants can continue experimenting with the techniques introduced or choose their own art adventure to create a bird-themed—or other inspired—project using any of 577’s available materials, including graphite and colored pencils, chalk pastels, watercolor and gouache paints, watercolor pencils, and brush markers.

Makers Circle workshops are a great opportunity to try something new, experiment with mixing mediums, hone your skills, relax, and learn how to get over the fear of the blank page.

Class Note: A selection of student-grade drawing and watercolor papers will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook or their preferred drawing or watercolor paper if they have any. Plenty of bird references will be on hand, and participants are welcome to bring their own images.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Cardmaking: Stamp Camp – Fun Folds

Friday, August 1 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Saturday, August 2 ~ 10am to 1pm

Explore “out of the box” ideas for your hand-stamped cards at Stamp Camp! Participants will have fun experimenting with project designs and elements, new techniques, and products as they make five (5) fun fold cards. These cards might look like a standard card, but they open/fold differently, or there is a surprise element inside. All supplies included!

Everyone will have some options for personalizing the sentiments in your cards and receive lots of support and step-by-step instructions. To help practice their new skills, class participants will take home a PDF tutorial and a small paper crafting pack to create additional cards.

Although having previous card class/card making or paper crafting experience is helpful, those new to the art of card making are welcome. This weekend’s Stamp Camp sessions on August 1 and 2 offer the same projects in each class. Participants are welcome to sign up for both sessions if they want to create more cards using the same materials and techniques.

Class Note: Cards made in class may be different than those shown in the photo.

Community Instructor: Chris Smith

Acrylic Pour Painting: Waves

Saturday, August 2 ~ 12pm to 2pm

Unleash your creativity in this exciting, hands-on pour painting class! Learn how to mix vibrant acrylic paints, pour them onto canvas, and create a crashing wave painting using vibrant shades of blue on a 14″ x 14″ canvas without lifting a paintbrush. All supplies are included, and all levels of experience are welcome.

Class Notes: Paintings must stay at 577 to dry for at least three days. You will receive an email with more information when the paintings are dry and available for pick up in 577’s Welcome Center.

Community Instructor: Thomas Craley

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Earrings

Saturday, August 2 ~ 3pm to 5pm

Wednesday, September 24 ~ 3pm to 5pm

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

Drawing: Portraits Made Simple

Monday, August 4 ~ 10am to 1pm

Explore the vibrant world of portraiture through chalk pastels and/or charcoal, with a special focus on capturing accurate proportions, understanding color, and the effects of light and shadow. Learn classic master artist “tricks” and techniques that will help participants break down complex forms into simple shapes, resulting in realistic facial features. All skill levels welcome, and all supplies included. Each completed drawing will be approximately 8″ x 8″.

Class Note: Most participants will start and complete at least one drawing, but because everyone will work at their own pace, some projects may need to be finished at home.

Community Instructor: Sammi Dougherty

Creative Card Making

Thursday, August 7 ~ 4pm to 8pm

Enjoy an evening creating and join us in sending a little love into the world. Participants will receive a packet full of paper, envelopes, ephemera, and more, and will learn how to make twelve (12) all occasion cards, with access to all the tools and supplies they’ll need.

Hand-making and sending greeting cards is a way of spreading love, appreciation, and connection to those people we care about. It’s a way to bring us together and let someone know we value them. No experience is required, and all are welcome. Class Note: We recommend you dress in older clothes or wear an apron to protect from ink and glue.

Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper

Creating an Illustrated Field Journal

Friday, August 8 ~ 11am to 1pm

Friday, September 19 ~ 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

Sun Printing: Fun with Cyanotype

Friday, August 8 ~ 2pm to 4pm

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.

577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

Watercolor: Dog Portraits

Monday, August 11 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Let’s celebrate National Dog Day (August 11) by enjoying a fun evening learning how to create a portrait of your favorite furry friend using easy watercolor techniques. Participants will be guided step by step to transfer their pet’s image onto watercolor paper and paint a small portrait. No drawing experience is needed, and cat portraits are also welcome!

Participants will learn basic watercolor skills and can choose to paint in a realistic or whimsical style. Completed projects will be approximately 5″ x 7″, suitable for framing, and great to keep or give as a gift. All experience levels are welcome and all supplies are included.

Class Note: Each participant must bring or send a clear, front-facing, 5″ x 7″ headshot photo of their pet’s head/face. Photos must be printed on computer paper or photos can also be emailed as a PNG or PDF attachment.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Midnight Garden: Nocturnal Block Prints

Wednesday, August 13 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Let’s celebrate our nightfall friends—those creatures and blooms that come alive after sunset—in this evening printmaking class. Participants will choose a nocturnal creature or night-blooming flower to carve into a linoleum block. Each design will already be applied to the block to make carving simple and accessible. Using white ink and dark-colored paper or fabric provided by 577, you’ll create striking prints that highlight the beauty of the night. You’re also welcome to bring your own tote bag or t-shirt to decorate.

We’ll begin with a brief conversation about nocturnal flora and fauna found in Northwest Ohio before diving into the carving process. Once your design is complete, choose your printing surface—paper, fabric, or both—and bring your image to life. Everyone will complete two finished pieces to take home. Final prints will vary slightly in size depending on the design selected, with most around 6″ x 6″.

577 Staff Instructor: Liv Bellfy

Whimsical Watercolor Window Boxes

Friday, August 15 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Spend a fun and creative Friday afternoon creating a pen & ink + watercolor window box painting with 577 Staff Artists Bennett Dowling and Connie Stose. 577’s window boxes are exploding with beauty this season, and we’ll use this as our inspiration. No prior drawing or painting experience is required. Bennett and Connie will guide you every step of the way!

Connie will begin with simple practice exercises to help you get comfortable with watercolors, then show you how to loosen up and create expressive washes that capture the feel of flourishing plants in a window box. Bennett will demonstrate a simple transfer technique and share pen and ink tips and tricks to add depth and detail to your artwork. Finished projects will be approximately 9″ x 9″.

577 Staff Instructors: Connie Stose & Bennett O. Dowling

Painted Dot Mandala: Peacock

Saturday, August 16 ~ 10am to 1pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting as we work to create a mesmerizing mandala in peacock feather colors. 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

Soft Pastels: Peony Field

Tuesday, August 19 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Learn how to paint a beautiful impressionistic landscape using soft pastel! You’ll explore color, expressive mark-making, perspective, and the basics of pastels. No experience with drawing or pastels is necessary and beginners are welcome!

All supplies are included and everyone will receive an instructional handout. Projects will be completed on 9″ x 12″ paper.

Community Instructor: Molly Carroll

Paper Flowers: Whimsical Daisy Bouquet

Wednesday, August 20 ~ 6:30pm to 7:30pm

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

Acrylic Painting: Eastern Bluebird

Monday, August 25 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Discover your inner artist and learn to paint an Eastern Bluebird perched on a branch in this fun and friendly class. We’ll use various colors, brushes, tools, and techniques as we learn the stages of building an acrylic painting from start to finish. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are included for you to create an 11” x 14” painting in a relaxing atmosphere.

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

Creative Nature Collages: Flower Power

Thursday, August 28 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Create a late summer floral collage by cutting & pasting recycled book pages, scrap paint and marbled pages, scrapbook paper, magazines, old greeting cards, and more into a beautiful and one-of-a-kind piece. Experiment with fun petal shapes and sizes, vase patterns, and bold color palettes. Inspiration and examples will be provided.

Stabilo woody pencils and other drawing utensils, such as crayons and oil pastels, will also be available to add more detail and fun mark-making to paper scraps. Finished collages will be on 9″ x 12″ blank or speckled paper. Depending on the weather, we will take a quick walk around the grounds to draw inspiration from the flower landscapes around 577. All supplies are included, but feel free to bring any ephemera you would like to incorporate.

Class Note: Participants ages 12 to 15 may attend with a registered adult.

577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman

Watercolor II: Hummingbirds

Friday, August 29 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Designed for those with some watercolor experience, this class will help to build your creative skills while we have fun painting a colorful hummingbird. We’ll start with a series of practice exercises that will focus on lifting, layering, and wet-on-wet techniques. Next, we’ll put our experience to use as we work step-by-step to paint our hummingbirds together. Completed paintings will be approximately 4.5 inches by 6 inches. All supplies provided, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have taken at least one watercolor class at 577.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Watercolor 101

Friday, August 29 ~ 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

Creative Card Making

Thursday, September 4 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Enjoy an evening creating and join us in sending a little love into the world. We’ll spend the first half hour learning a new technique and incorporating it into our cards. Participants will receive a packet full of paper, envelopes, ephemera, and more, and will learn how to make 5 (five) all occasion cards, with access to all the tools and supplies they’ll need.

Hand-making and sending greeting cards is a way of spreading love, appreciation, and connection to those people we care about. It’s a way to bring us together and let someone know we value them. No experience is required, and all are welcome.

Class Note: We recommend you dress in older clothes or wear an apron to protect from ink and glue.

Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper

Soft Pastels: Lake Sunset

Tuesday, September 9 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Learn how to paint a beautiful impressionistic Lake Sunset using soft pastel! You’ll explore color, expressive mark-making, perspective, and the basics of pastels. No experience with drawing or pastels is necessary and beginners are welcome! All supplies are included and everyone will receive an instructional handout. Projects will be completed on 9″ x 12″ paper.

Community Instructor: Molly Carroll

Watercolor: Sunflowers

Friday, September 12 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Capture the beauty of sunflowers with watercolor paint in a relaxed and supportive environment. We’ll use simple practice exercises to get familiar with using watercolor paints before we work on your own small painting. Completed projects will be approximately 8 inches by 8 inches. All experience levels welcome and all supplies are included.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Watercolor: Mandalas

Friday, September 12 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Relax into your weekend with some creative self-care as we work to paint a watercolor mandala in the colors and design of your choice – no drawing or painting skills necessary! Completed mandalas will be approximately 12 inches by 12 inches.

In the first part of class, we’ll get familiar with watercolor paints and learn how to transfer our selected image. The second part of class is reserved for quiet work time and gentle music to encourage the mind to rest, reflect, and relax in a peaceful community. All supplies are included, and all experience levels are welcome.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Partner Painting! A Creative Date Night Experience

Friday, September 19 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Create art and memories in this fun couple’s class. You and your favorite plus-one will be guided step-by-step to paint coordinated acrylic landscape paintings, while connecting through light-hearted questions sprinkled throughout class. This relaxed experience is perfect for partners looking to spark conversation and share a playful artistic activity. No painting experience is needed, just bring your curiosity and enjoy a night of creativity and connection!

All supplies are included. Each completed painting will be approximately 9″x12″ (one per person, 2 per couple).

Community Instructor: Sammi Dougherty

Botanical Eco Print: Flower Pounding

Saturday, September 20 ~ 10:30am to 1pm

Discover the magic of flower pounding in a class that blends the beauty of the garden with hands-on creativity. Guided by 577’s own Organic Landscape Horticulturist Bennett O. Dowling and Community Engagement Coordinator Avery Bohman, you’ll begin with a walk through the grounds to gather fresh flowers and foliage, then turn your nature finds into a vibrant textile masterpiece.

Using 100% cotton fabric, approximately 12–13″ x 18–19″, you’ll learn the basics of botanical eco-printing—how to prep your fabric, choose your materials, and experiment with color and texture. The result: a one-of-a-kind wall hanging, finished with a 13″ magnetic wooden poster frame.

Cost includes all materials. Feel free to bring your own hammer or mallet if you have one. *Please note: Flower pounding requires heavy forearm movement and pressure in repetitive motion.

577 Staff Instructors: Bennett O. Dowling and Avery Bohman

Acrylic Pour Painting: Balloon Smash

Monday, September 22 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Unleash your creativity in this exciting hands-on pour painting class! Learn the Balloon Smash technique as you explore color and texture to create your own stunning painting. In this class, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the essential supplies and techniques needed to continue your fluid art journey. By the end, you’ll take home a beautiful 10″ x 20″ painting showcasing your newfound skills.

Class Notes: Paintings must stay at 577 to dry for at least three days. You will receive an email with more information when the paintings are dry and available for pick up in 577’s Welcome Center.

Community Instructor: Thomas Craley

The Art of Alcohol Inks

Tuesday, September 23 ~ 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

Paper Flowers: Romantic Roses

Wednesday, September 24 ~ 7pm to 8pm

Create a beautiful bouquet that lasts forever! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to craft three lifelike paper roses. Choose from a palette of rich, elegant colors to personalize your blooms, then arrange your finished flowers in a petite glass vase—perfect for gifting or brightening up a special corner of your home. All supplies are included, and finished arrangements measure approximately 7 inches tall by 4 inches wide.

Community Instructor: Mary Willets

Watercolor ll: Fun with Fish

Friday, September 26 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Watercolor enthusiasts will enjoy learning how to approach painting fish as a subject. A variety of fish and their anatomy will be covered, such as goldfish, sardines, walleye, etc, and participants are welcome to bring and work from their own reference photos. Everyone will get practice painting in wet and dry techniques, and will have fun using iridescent watercolor paints to capture the sparkle of fish scales.

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

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Watercolor: Colorful Abstracts

Friday, September 26 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Enjoy an evening of relaxed creativity as you explore a variety of techniques for painting abstract watercolors. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to loosen up and practice in a laid-back setting, this class is a perfect fit for all experience levels, especially beginners eager to give watercolors a try. All supplies are included.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Drawing Made Easy

Saturday, September 27 ~ 10am to 1pm

Explore an easier way to approach drawing! This fun and supportive class includes interactive exercises designed to 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 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: Old Barn

Monday, September 29 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Discover your inner artist and learn to paint an old barn with colorful autumn trees and foliage in this hands-on, fun and friendly class. We’ll use various colors, brushes, tools, and techniques as we learn the stages of building an acrylic painting from start to finish. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are included for you to create an 11” by 14” painting in a relaxing atmosphere.

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

Painted Dot Mandala: Decorate a Mug

Tuesday, September 30 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting as we create a beautiful mandala decoration on the outside of a porcelain mug. In the first part of class, participants will receive step-by-step guidance as they practice common mandala elements on ceramic tiles. In the second part of class, participants will work independently to paint the first layer of dots on their mugs, with as much instructor support as needed. Participants will take their mugs home to allow the paint to fully dry before finishing the top dots and baking their mugs in a home oven to seal the paint.

All materials will be provided, including a mug for each person. Mugs are approximately 4.5″ tall and 4.5″ in diameter. Participants are also welcome to bring their own oven-safe mug with a smooth surface, in a similar size. This class is open to both beginners and intermediate dot painters.

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