Studio Arts

Makers Circle: Exploring Art Through Trees

Saturday, May 10 ~ 9:30am to 12:30pm

Saturday, May 10 ~ 2pm to 5pm

Embark on a brand-new creative adventure with the new 577 Makers Circle Workshops! This choose-your-own art-making experience lets you explore your creativity in a way that’s uniquely yours. Each workshop will have a theme, but what you draw or paint is entirely up to you!

Participants can create using graphite, colored pencils, chalk pastels, watercolor paint, watercolor pencils, or a mix of these mediums. All necessary tools will be provided, along with a selection of student-grade drawing and watercolor papers to bring your ideas to life.

The theme for the May Makers Circle is trees! To kick off the workshop, staff artists will share creative ideas, techniques, and tips for drawing and painting trees using a variety of supplies. Plenty of tree references will be available, and participants are encouraged to explore the beautiful 577 grounds for inspiration.

Most of the class will be dedicated to hands-on creating, experimenting, gathering inspiration, and engaging with fellow art enthusiasts—all with plenty of instructor support. Plus, learn how to overcome the fear of the blank page and let your creativity bloom!

All supplies are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook or their preferred drawing or watercolor paper. You’re also welcome to bring a favorite tree photo for inspiration.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Acrylic Pour Painting: Beach with Waves

Monday, May 12 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

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 mesmerizing beach-themed painting without lifting a paintbrush. All supplies will be provided, including a 10-inch by 20-inch canvas.

Class Notes: Paintings must 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

Alcohol Ink Abstract Florals

Wednesday, May 14 ~ 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

Fused Glass: Garden Caterpillar

Thursday, May 15 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Create a colorful caterpillar that will add a touch of whimsy to your garden. Receive step-by-step guidance as you explore the art of creating fused glass. Completed projects will be approximately 5 by 7 inches plus an attached garden stake.

No experience is necessary and all supplies are included. Projects will be left with the instructor who will “fuse” the glass together by firing the projects in a home kiln before returning them to 577 for pick-up.

Community Instructor: Geneen Wise

Creating an Illustrated Field Journal

Friday, May 16 ~ 11am to 1pm

Friday, June 20 ~ 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

Cyanotype & Watercolor: Ferns

Friday, May 16 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Join us in this special multi-media class and learn to capture the beauty of ferns in a cyanotype print and watercolor paint. 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. Adding watercolor to the white areas of these prints takes the images to a whole new level.

Participants will be guided step-by-step through the process of making their own cyanotype paper, exposing their paper and selected fern, and painting the completed image to create a one-of-a-kind botanical print suitable for framing.

All supplies are included and all experience levels are welcome. Completed prints will be approximately 9″ x 6″.

577 Staff Instructors: Isabelle Tucker & Connie Stose

Cardmaking: Stamp Camp – Fun Folds

Friday, May 16 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Saturday, May 17 ~ 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 many have hidden surprises inside. Everyone will have some options for personalizing the sentiments in your cards and receive lots of support and step-by-step instructions. Everyone will also take home extra papers and a PDF tutorial to practice their new skills.

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 May 16 and 17 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.

All supplies are included in the class fee. Although card designs will be similar to those in the photo, the papers, stamps, ribbon, and inks may be different.

Community Instructor: Chris Smith

Acrylic Painting: High Mountain Trail

Monday, May 19 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Discover your inner artist and learn to create your own work of art in this fun and friendly class. Learn step-by-step how to paint a wilderness trail leading toward a high mountain. We’ll use acrylic paint and a variety of painting tools and techniques as you explore color mixing, blending, and texture. 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.

Community Instructor: Mary Claire Roe

Drawing is for Everyone!

Thursday, May 22 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Drawing IS for everyone! This class is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt unsure about where to start or doubted their drawing abilities. Join us to explore the exciting world of drawing through engaging, easy-to-follow exercises. You’ll experiment with a variety of materials—colored pencils, pastels, graphite, and charcoal—while receiving plenty of step-by-step guidance in a relaxed setting.

Discover how drawing can serve as a foundation for other art forms and enrich your daily life. Uncover your favorite techniques and styles, and leave with the confidence to continue your artistic journey on your own.

577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

Watercolor II: Feathers

Friday, May 23 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Designed for those with some watercolor experience, this engaging class will help expand your painting skills through a series of fun and focused exercises. We’ll explore a variety of techniques for painting feathers—experimenting with color mixing, creating feather shapes using loose brushstrokes and different brush types, and adding finishing touches with colored watercolor pencils for extra detail and dimension. All supplies are provided. Just bring your curiosity and creativity!

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

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Drawing Nature: Herons

Friday, May 30 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm

Enjoy exploring the fundamentals of graphite drawing as we work to bring a beautiful image of a heron to life. Long admired as graceful river dwellers, herons make a fun and rewarding subject to recreate—and no drawing experience is needed!

Using a pre-drawn outline as your guide, you’ll learn how to add shading and texture to create a realistic effect. Plenty of support will be provided throughout, along with all necessary materials, including 9″ x 10″ drawing paper.

577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

Simple Watercolor Floral Bouquets

Tuesday, June 3 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Explore creative ways to reuse materials in this beginner-friendly watercolor class. Create a bright floral bouquet using watercolor paints, ink pen, and recycled newspaper, dictionary pages, and wrapping paper. In this class, we’ll focus on simple watercolor techniques to paint flowers and leaves, then cut and paste them into a cheerful summertime floral bouquet.

Each participant will create one (1) to three (3) mini bouquets on a mix of paper types. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are included. These sweet handmade bouquets make charming gifts for birthdays, special occasions, or just to brighten someone’s day.

577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman

Partner Painting! A Creative Date Night Experience

Thursday, June 5 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Create art AND memories in this fun couples class. You and your favorite plus-one will be guided step by step to make 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 included. Each completed painting will be approximately 8″ x 8″.

Community Instructor: Sammi Dougherty

Watercolor: Exploring Landscapes

Friday, June 6 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring watercolor as we learn how to paint simple landscapes. Class will begin inside the Dining Room of Virginia’s House with guided watercolor exercises for capturing the beauty of the outdoors on paper. During the second half of class, we’ll move outside (weather permitting) to practice “plein air painting,” which is the act of painting in the open air. Each participant will receive practice papers and a 9″ x 12″ piece of watercolor paper for painting one or more landscapes.

Important Class Notes: For your comfort during our time outdoors, we recommend you bring your own favorite camp folding chair or blanket to class. If you prefer, standard folding chairs will be available, as well as a limited amount of bench seating throughout the grounds. Please dress for the weather, including sunscreen or bug spray.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Watercolor 101

Friday, June 6 ~ 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. Enjoy creating a personalized 5″ x 7″ watercolor sketchbook filled with your 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: Exciting update! This class is now a prerequisite for advanced watercolor courses available at 577 in 2025.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Painted Dot Mandala: Blaze

Saturday, June 7 ~ 10am to 1pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting while focusing on compass work to create a traditional sacred geometry design, “The Seed of Life.” Participants will receive step-by-step guidance on creating common mandala elements and techniques, including microdots and swoops. This class is open to both beginners and intermediate dot painters.

All materials will be provided along with step-by-step patterns, allowing participants to work at their own pace with instructor support. Paintings will be completed on 6-inch canvas boards.

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

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Earrings

Saturday, June 7 ~ 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

The Art of Alcohol Inks

Wednesday, June 11 ~ 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

Creative Card Making

Thursday, June 12 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Enjoy an evening creating and join us in sending a little love into the world. Learn some fun fold techniques in the first part of class that we’ll use to create two (2) cards. We’ ll use the rest of class to create another three (3) beautiful seasonal cards for friends and loved ones. Learn the best stamping techniques, how to apply card-based adhesives, and fun ways to use various card-making tools.

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

Acrylic Painting: Wilderness Waterfall

Monday, June 16 ~ 10am to 2:30pm 

Discover your inner artist and learn to create your own work of art in this fun and friendly class. Learn step-by-step how to paint a wilderness waterfall. We’ll use acrylic paint and a variety of painting tools and techniques as you explore color mixing, blending, and texture. 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 Instructors: Mary Claire Roe

Drawing Nature: Pollinators!

Friday, June 20 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Celebrate Pollinator Week with a fun and buzzing art experience! In this beginner-friendly class, we’ll explore how to draw a variety of pollinators — from fuzzy bumblebees to delicate monarch butterflies.

Using pastel pencils, you’ll learn techniques for blending colors, creating texture, and capturing the unique features of these important creatures. With plenty of guided instruction, one-on-one support, and time to practice, you’ll create and take home one (1) to three (3) vibrant drawings of our winged friends. All supplies provided.

No experience necessary — just bring your curiosity and love for nature!

577 Staff Instructors: Isabelle Tucker

Printmaking: Summer Block Prints

Friday, June 20 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Dive into summer 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 stunning summer flowers 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.

577 Staff Instructors: Isabelle Tucker

Artist Trading Cards: Mini Abstracts & Collages

Saturday, June 21 ~ 10am to 12pm

Explore the wonders of this collaborative art form, a way to create and share art with others. Artist trading cards (ATCs) were started in the 90s to make art accessible to all and to build community between fellow artists and crafters. They are meant to be traded and not sold.

In this class, we will focus on abstracts and collages through bright colors, patterns, and more. Experiment with mixed media using acrylics, drawing utensils, paper scraps, and more, to create standard 2.5″ x 3.5″ artist trading cards. Paper types will vary, but most will be crafted on repurposed playing cards.

Each participant will create at least three (3) to four (4) cards to keep, and one (1) to two (2) to trade with another person in class! Start an ATC collection, continue to trade with others, frame or hang up, or incorporate these fun little cards into future art projects. Inspire others, share ideas, and have fun!

Community Instructor: Avery Bohman

Makers Circle: Drawing in Nature

Saturday, June 21 ~ 10am to 12pm

Embark on a brand-new creative adventure with the new 577 Makers Circle Workshops! This choose-your-own art-making experience lets you explore your creativity in a way that’s uniquely yours. Each workshop will have a theme, but what you draw or paint is entirely up to you!

The theme for June’s Makers Circle is Nature, with a focus on plein air (outdoor) drawing. To kick things off, staff artists will share creative ideas, techniques, and tips for creating artwork inspired by the outdoors. Participants are encouraged to explore the beautiful 577 grounds for inspiration.

You’ll have the option to work with graphite, colored pencils, chalk pastels, or a mix of these mediums. A selection of student-grade drawing papers and all necessary tools will be provided to help bring your ideas to life.

Most of the workshop will be dedicated to hands-on creating, experimenting, gathering inspiration, and connecting with fellow art enthusiasts—all with plenty of instructor support. You’ll also learn ways to overcome the fear of the blank page and let your creativity bloom!

All supplies are included, but participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook or preferred drawing paper if they’d like.

577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

Makers Circle: Exploring Art Through Sun Printing

Saturday, June 21 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Embark on a brand-new creative adventure with the new 577 Makers Circle Workshops! This choose-your-own art-making experience lets you explore your creativity in a way that’s uniquely yours. Each workshop will have a theme, but what you draw or paint is entirely up to you!

The theme for June’s Makers Circle is Nature! To kick things off, a staff artist will share creative ideas, techniques, and tips, including how to create with cyanotype—also known as sun printing. You’ll have the option to work with cyanotype, colored pencils, chalk pastels, watercolor paints, watercolor pencils, or a mix of these mediums. A variety of student-grade watercolor papers and all necessary tools will be provided to help bring your ideas to life.

Most of the workshop will be dedicated to hands-on creating, experimenting, gathering inspiration, and connecting with fellow art enthusiasts—all with plenty of instructor support. You’ll also learn ways to overcome the fear of the blank page and let your creativity bloom! All supplies are included, but participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook or preferred watercolor paper if they’d like.

577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

Soft Pastels: Peony Field

Tuesday, June 24 ~ 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

Fused Glass: Flower Garden Stake

Thursday, June 26 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Receive step-by-step guidance as you explore the art of creating fused glass and learn to create a whimsical flower that will add a touch of color to your garden all year long. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included. Completed flowers will be approximately 8 inches in diameter and will be returned attached to a garden stake.

Projects will be left with the instructor who will “fuse” the glass together by firing the projects in a home kiln before returning them to 577 for pick-up.

Community Instructor: Geneen Wise

Watercolor II: Exploring Color

Friday, June 27 ~ 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.

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

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Explore Gelli Plate Printmaking: Bird’s Nest

Friday, June 27 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Unleash your creativity and dive into the world of monoprinting with the fun and versatile Gelli Plate–the perfect entry point for anyone interested in trying out printmaking. In the first part of class, you’ll learn basic printmaking techniques through instructor demonstrations and hands-on practice.

In the second half, choose your own path: follow along step-by-step to create a charming bird nest print, or continue experimenting with the Gelli Plate to develop prints of your own design. Participants will receive plenty of support while working independently and at their own pace. The number of completed projects will vary by person, but everyone can expect to take home at least three (3) 8″ x 10″ prints.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose