Studio Arts

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Necklace & Earrings

Saturday, July 18 ~ 1pm to 3pm

Saturday, August 29 ~ 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

Soft Pastels: Misty Mountains

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

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

Creative Card Making

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)

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

Creating an Illustrated Field Journal

Friday, July 10 ~ 11am to 1pm

Friday, August 14 ~ 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

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

Wednesday, August 19 ~ 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

Green Door Open Studio Time

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

Thursday, August 6 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Saturday, August 22 ~ 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

Intro to Green Door Open Studio

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

Saturday, August 22 ~ 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

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

Drawing Nature: Atlas Moth

Saturday, August 1 ~ 10am to 12pm

Enjoy exploring the fundamentals of drawing with pastel pencils as we work to create a vibrant, full-color image of an Atlas moth, one of the world’s largest and most striking moth species.

Through step-by-step instruction, participants will learn how to sketch the Atlas moth’s distinctive wing shapes and markings while experimenting with techniques for layering color and adding texture with pastel pencils. No drawing experience is necessary—participants will be guided through techniques to capture the intricate patterns and rich tones of this remarkable insect.

Lots of support and all materials are provided, including 9″ × 12″ drawing paper.

Community Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

Acrylic Painting: Simple Sunflowers

Two-Session Class:

Monday, August 3 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Monday, August 10 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Sunflowers are one of the joys of late summer, bringing bright color and cheerful blooms to gardens and fields throughout August. In this two-part class, participants will learn the basics of acrylic painting and have fun exploring a simple approach to painting sunflowers.

In the first session on Monday, August 3, participants will get started with simple warm-up exercises as we practice how to hold the brush, use the paint, and mix our colors. We’ll also learn how to draw or transfer sunflower images onto our canvas boards (no drawing experience needed!) and begin adding the first layers of vibrant color.

In the second session on Monday, August 10, participants will continue building layers of paint and complete their sunflower paintings with final details and highlights. Participants will complete two sunflower paintings measuring 6″ x 6″ and 5″ x 5″, suitable for framing, displaying propped up as is, or on a small easel.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Urban Sketching Workshop with Merrill Rainey

Two-Session Workshop

Monday, August 3 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Monday, August 10 ~ 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 August 3: 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 August 10: 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 August 17: 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

Paper Flowers: Whimsical Daisy Bouquet

Wednesday, August 5 ~ 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

Creative Card Making: Birthday Card Palooza

Thursday, August 6 ~ 4:30pm to 8pm

Enjoy a fun evening creating nine (9) birthday cards and get ready to send a little love into the world. Each participant will make three (3) cards, each of three (3) different styles, and take home a card “stash” to have on hand for your loved one’s birthdays.

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. Card designs will vary from those pictured.

Community Instructor: Pat Szymanowski

Stained Glass Workshop: Sunflower Suncatcher

Friday, August 7 ~ 12pm to 3pm

Create your own sweet sunflower suncatcher 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 sunflower suncatcher, ready to hang and measuring approximately 7 × 7 inches

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Stained Glass Workshop: Luna Moth

Friday, August 7 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Create your own beautiful luna moth 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 luna moth, ready to hang and measuring approximately 6 × 5 inches.

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Whimsical Watercolor House Portraits

Friday, August 7 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Spend a fun and creative Friday afternoon creating a personalized ink pen and watercolor house portrait. 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.

577 Staff Instructors: Bennett O. Dowling & Connie Stose

Jewelry: Upcycled Knitting Needle Bracelets

Monday, August 10 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Create one-of-a-kind upcycled bracelets from old, mismatched knitting needles. Learn how to bend and stamp your jewelry with special jewelry-making tools.

Each participant will make four (4) bracelets in a variety of colors and styles: one hammered & stamped bracelet, one small bangle, and two cuffs. All supplies are included.

577 Staff Instructors: Avery Bohman & Lindsay Grider

Drawing Made Easy!

Tuesday, August 11 ~ 10am to 12pm

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

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

Community Instructor: Sammi Dougherty

Watercolor II: Vintage-Inspired Butterflies

Two-Part Class:

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

Friday, August 21 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Butterflies have long inspired artists and naturalists alike, appearing in field guides, scientific studies, and beautifully detailed vintage illustrations. In this two-part class, watercolor enthusiasts will learn how to paint a butterfly inspired by these timeless works of art.

In the first session on Friday, August 14, participants will choose from a limited selection of butterfly images and transfer their chosen design onto watercolor paper using either a template or freehand drawing. After guided practice exercises, the remaining class time will be spent applying the first light layers of color in preparation for more detailed work in the second session.

In the second session on Friday, August 21, we’ll gather again in Virginia’s House to add deeper colors and finer details, bringing dimension and depth to our paintings. Completed paintings will capture the delicate beauty of these winged pollinators and make a lovely addition to a gallery wall, nature journal, or seasonal display.

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

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Watercolor: Mandalas as Meditation

Friday, August 14 ~ 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 peaceful community. All supplies included, and all experience levels are welcome.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Soft Pastels: Evening Fireflies

Saturday, August 15 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Wednesday, August 26 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Capture the drama and beauty of a beautiful summer field with fireflies 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

Acrylic Painting: Rocky Shore at Sunset

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

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

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

Community Instructor: Mary Claire Roe

Painted Dot Mandala: Aura 

Saturday, August 22 ~ 9am to 12pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting as we work to create a beautiful mandala. In the first part of class, participants will receive step-by-step guidance to practice common mandala elements such as symmetry, petals, and teardrops.

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

Introduction to Hand Lettering

Tuesday, August 25 ~ 6pm to 8pm

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

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

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

Community Instructor: Melissa Owens

Watercolor II: Keeping a Watercolor Sketchbook

Thursday, August 27 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Explore how keeping a sketchbook can be a fun and relaxing way to expand your budding watercolor painting skills. Each participant will receive a 5.5″ x 8″ sketchbook suitable for watercolors. Class time will be spent breaking in our new books as we practice a variety of simple painting exercises and discover a variety of approachable ways to use and fill our sketchbook pages.

No matter where you are in your artistic journey, a sketchbook is the perfect place to practice, experiment, record inspiration, and just have creative fun without any pressure to make a finished project. They also double as a visual record of your life and artistic progress. Everyone will also receive watercolor paint samples and inspirational resources to continue the creative fun at home.

Class Note: This class is designed for those with prior experience. Participants must have completed Watercolor 101.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Acrylic Pour Painting: Beach Pour

Monday, August 31 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Bring the calming beauty of the shoreline to life in this relaxing, beginner-friendly acrylic pour class. Inspired by the natural movement of ocean waves, you’ll create a stunning beach scene featuring rich ocean blues, foamy white surf, and warm sandy tones. Each participant will create a one-of-a-kind, 10″ x 20″ pour painting.

Class Notes: Paintings are left at 577 to dry. Participants receive an email after class when the paintings are dry and available for pick up in 577’s Welcome Center.

Community Instructor: Thomas Craley