Studio Arts

Creative Card Making 

Thursday, November 6 ~ 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

Block Printing: Fall Leaves & Autumn Magic

Saturday, November 8 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Embrace the beauty of fall by creating your very own custom block print. In this hands-on workshop, each participant will receive a 4″ x 6″ rubber block and learn how to carve intricate designs inspired by the stunning patterns of fall leaves and nature.

Bring your own shirts, tote bags, or fabric to print on, or use the provided paper to create unique prints. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this class offers a fun and creative way to celebrate the season and take home a personalized piece of art.

Community Instructor: Sabrina Keller

Soft Pastels: Autumn Sunset

Wednesday, November 12 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Learn how to paint a beautiful autumn 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

Whimsical Watercolor House Portraits

Friday, November 14 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Spend a fun and creative afternoon creating a personalized ink pen and watercolor house portrait with 577 Staff Artists Bennett Dowling and Connie Stose. No prior drawing or painting experience is required ~ Bennett and Connie have you covered!

The class begins with Bennett, who will guide you through the simple process of transferring your house image onto watercolor paper. You’ll start with some practice exercises before learning how to enhance the unique details of your house using an ink pen. Next, Connie will walk you through simple watercolor techniques, helping you bring your house to life with washes of color. She’ll provide plenty of support as you add color and character to your artwork, ensuring a beautiful result.

Whether you’re recreating your childhood home, your current residence, or any special place in between, this finished 8″ x 8″ painting will make a perfect keepsake or a thoughtful gift.

Class Note: Please bring a clear, front-facing 5″ x 7″ photo of your chosen home printed on computer paper or email it in advance as a PNG or PDF so it can be printed and ready for class.

577 Staff Instructors: Bennett O. Dowling & Connie Stose

Watercolor II: Mushrooms

Friday, November 14 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Learn how to paint a variety of mushrooms, both real and imagined, based on your style and goals. Watercolor enthusiasts will practice wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques, learn about and paint with gouache—“watercolor’s chalky cousin”—and explore using frisket as a way to preserve white areas on the paper. Final projects will be approximately 6 inches by 6 inches. All supplies are included.

*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

Cardmaking: Holiday Fun Folds Stamp Camp

Friday, November 14 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Saturday, November 15 ~ 10am to 1pm

Explore “out of the box” ideas for your hand-stamped holiday 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 are included.

For the holiday season, the card designs may hold gift cards, a battery-operated tea light, or be a mantle showpiece. Everyone will receive guided instructions and have options for personalizing the sentiments on the cards. To help practice the new skills at home, participants receive a small paper crafting pack to use as they create additional cards. A PDF tutorial will be emailed to the participants following class.

Previous card making or paper crafting experience is helpful, but those new to the art of card making are welcome. This weekend’s Stamp Camp sessions 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; color variations will be available. Class Note: Cards made in class may be different than those shown in the photo.

Community Instructor: Chris Smith

Painted Dot Mandala: Ornaments

Saturday, November 15 ~ 10am to 1pm

Saturday, December 13 ~ 10am to 1pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting while creating four (4) ornaments for the holidays. Participants will be guided in creating common mandala elements and techniques such as petals, teardrops, lollipops, and walking-the-dots.

All materials and acrylic paints will be provided along with step-by-step patterns, allowing participants to work at their own pace with instructor support. Each ornament is approximately 4 inches.

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

Community Instructor: Shalene Germani

Acrylic Painting: Autumn Morning Fishing

Monday, November 17 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Discover your inner artist and learn how to paint an autumn scene with a person fishing in a boat 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” 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

Acrylic Pour Painting: Tree Rings

Monday, November 17 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Unleash your creativity in this exciting hands-on pour painting class! Learn the Tree Ring 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 stay at 577 to dry for at least 3 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

Watercolor: Create Calm with Color

Tuesday, November 18 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Learn creative ways to relax in this busy season and beyond by exploring a variety of simple watercolor techniques– no drawing or painting skills necessary!

In the first part of class, we’ll get familiar with watercolors and simple painting techniques. The second part of class is reserved for quiet work time. Gentle music will encourage the mind to rest, as participants use their favorite new skills in the colors of their choice to create three (3) 5″ by 5″ paintings.

This class is a great entry point for beginners wanting to try watercolors, watercolor enthusiasts of any level looking to practice their skills, or anyone interested in creative ways to reduce stress. All supplies included.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Creating an Illustrated Field Journal

Friday, November 21 ~ 11am to 1pm

Friday, December 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

Block Printing: Birds of the Season

Friday, November 21 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

In this festive workshop, we will embrace the beauty of winter by creating our very own block print. Each participant will receive a 4” x 7” rubber block and learn how to carve intricate designs inspired by the birds of the season. Choose a design that’s already made for you or create your own!

Bring your own shirts, tote bags, or fabric to print on, or use the provided paper to create unique prints. Each participant will receive at least five (5) to six (6) papers to print on.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this class offers a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season and take home a personalized piece of art.

577 Staff Instructor: Hannah Chen

Watercolor: Letters, Names, & Numbers

Monday, November 24 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Learn how to paint with watercolors or practice your existing skills while working to create personalized paintings that feature letters, names, or numbers with special meaning to you. First, we’ll learn the basics of painting with watercolors using simple practice exercises in a relaxed and supportive environment. Next, we’ll use an easy technique to transfer our chosen characters to watercolor paper, no drawing experience needed. Finally, we’ll work to create paintings in the colors of your choice.

Each participant will receive one piece of 9-inch by 12-inch watercolor paper that can be used as is for one painting, or divided in half to create two paintings. Possible projects include a favorite word, family name, couple names, a single initial, two initials, couple’s initials, an important date, sports jersey number, or street address.

Completed projects will vary in size based on the participant’s chosen character(s), and are suitable for framing and great to keep or give as a gift. All experience levels welcome, and all supplies included.

Class Note: Participants should email their chosen letters, names, or numbers in advance so they can be printed in three font options and ready for class.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Intro to Green Door Open Studio

Monday, November 24 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Wednesday, December 17 ~ 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 beginning in 2026.

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, beginning in January 2026. 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

Handmade Holidays: Upcycled Cards, Tags, & More!

Tuesday, November 25 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Welcome the holiday season by creating one-of-a-kind and sustainable holiday crafts! As a way to reduce waste and create handmade gifts this season, we will reuse materials like Christmas cards, wrapping paper, gift bags, scrapbook paper, fabrics, ribbon, and more, to create exciting papercrafts to share with friends and family.

Each participant has the option to create gift tags, greeting cards, paper garlands, and/or collages from a plethora of holiday ephemera. All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring any special or antique holiday keepsakes to incorporate into your art—think Christmas cards and notes, stamps, decorated shopping bags, wrapping paper scraps, ribbon, and more.

Class Note: Participants ages 12-15 may join with a registered adult, and ages 16-17 are welcome to attend on their own.

577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman

Christmas Card Palooza

Thursday, December 4 ~ 4pm to 8pm

Get ready for the holidays in this festive class creating elegant and classic Christmas cards you can send to loved ones or use to decorate holiday packages. Learn a variety of techniques including dry and heat embossing, masking, stamping, layering, and embellishing on beautiful papers, some with metal foils.

Enjoy making beautiful cards, meeting fun new people, and savoring some yummy holiday treats. Each participant will make 12 cards: 3 each of 4 different designs. 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

Watercolor II: Evergreens & Winter Scenes

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

Have fun exploring multiple ways to paint a variety of evergreen trees and wintry landscapes. Watercolor enthusiasts will enjoy trying different brushes, papers, and techniques, including experiments with salt on wet washes to create starry skies & snowy weather.

After several guided practice exercises, everyone will pick their favorite new skills and subject to paint the project(s) of their choice during the last part of class. Options include: landscapes or evergreen “portraits” to keep or give as gifts, charming cards, wintery gift tags, or simply more fun experimenting with instructor support. All supplies are included.

*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

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Necklace & Earrings

Saturday, December 13 ~ 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

Watercolor: Snowy Friends

Friday, December 5 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Enjoy exploring simple watercolor techniques in a relaxed and supportive environment as we learn how to paint snowy friends in a wintry landscape. No drawing or painting skills needed! We’ll use simple practice exercises to get familiar with watercolor paints, learn how to transfer pre-drawn images onto our paper, and have fun personalizing and creating our own whimsical paintings.

Everyone will receive a 9″ x 12″ sheet of watercolor paper, and can choose to make one painting or divide their paper into a variety of sizes to create smaller paintings, cards, or gift tags. All experience levels are welcome, and all supplies are included.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Nature-Themed Paper-Mâché Ornaments

Two-Part Class:

Wednesday, December 10 ~ 5:30pm to 8pm

Wednesday, December 17 ~ 5:30pm to 8pm

Join us for 577’s new class — a cozy, creative workshop where you’ll make three (or more!) sweet, nature-themed paper-mâché ornaments in our newest classroom, the Green Door Studio. This two-part workshop is open to adults ages 18 and older — no experience required! Join us to learn new techniques, meet fellow makers, and leave with one-of-a-kind creations that celebrate the beauty of nature and the joy of handmade art.

In the first session, we will get hands-on creating three (3) or more nature-themed paper-mâché ornaments. Together, we’ll make one design as a group, then you’ll have time to create additional ornaments in the style of your choice. Possible designs include mushrooms, birds, hearts, leaves, snow friends, butterflies, or fish — or let your imagination run wild and dream up your own! Ornaments will remain in the studio to dry fully before the second session. In the second session, we’ll gather again in the Green Door Studio for another fun, creative evening to paint and add the finishing touches to your ornaments using vibrant acrylics.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Acrylic Painting: Winter Pond

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

Discover your inner artist and learn how to paint a winter pond with a foot bridge 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” 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