Studio Arts

Jewelry Making: Mixed Metals ~ Stars & Hearts

Wednesday, October 28 ~ 1pm to 3pm

Learn how to turn scrap metal into unique wearable art with just a few tools. Participants will receive support and guidance as they create, customize, and assemble star- and heart-shaped jewelry using copper, brass, or German silver.

Choose to create a pair of earrings and a necklace, or two pairs of earrings, mixing and matching stars and hearts to make each piece your own. All experience levels are welcome. Each participant will also receive a gift box for their finished creations.

Class Note: Please bring reading or safety glasses. All other supplies are included. This class is a themed version of the class previously offered as Jewelry: Industrial Chic Necklace & Earrings.

Community Instructor: Snookie Viviano

Watercolor as Meditation: Stacking Stones

Friday, October 30 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Relax into your weekend and get lost in your favorite color through the calming practice of watercolor painting. Begin by exploring the differences between watercolor paints and watercolor inks through simple practice exercises. No painting experience is needed!

Then, settle into peaceful, quiet creative time accompanied by soft music, allowing everyone the space to focus on their painting in a calm, stress-free atmosphere. Using stacks of stones, also known as cairns, as inspiration, participants will create three to four paintings while experimenting with color, materials, and techniques introduced during class.

Each participant will receive one 9 x 12 inch piece of watercolor paper and two 4 x 9 inch pieces of gesso-coated canvas. Completed paintings will vary in size based on each participant’s artistic choices.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Whimsical Watercolor & Ink: House Portraits

Monday, November 2 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Spend a fun 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: Each participant must bring to class or email in advance, a clear, front-facing, 5″ x 7″ photo of their chosen home. Photos must be printed on computer paper OR photos can be emailed as a PNG or PDF attachment, and they will be printed for you and ready for class.

577 Staff Instructors: Bennett O. Dowling & Connie Stose

Painting Festive Folk Art

Tuesday, November 3 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Spend a creative evening exploring the colorful and charming style of folk art painting while creating two (2) heart ornaments, two (2) cards, and a festive seasonal tree. Begin with practice exercises to explore simple brushstrokes, designs, and color combinations before putting those new skills to work.

The rest of class will be spent getting into the creative flow as participants paint, decorate, and personalize their ornaments, tree, and cards. Follow the demonstrated designs or add your own creative touches to make each piece uniquely yours.

Trees and ornaments are made of paper/cardboard. Trees include a stand, and heart ornaments include choice of ribbon or string. Greeting cards will vary in size.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Drawing is for Everyone: Portraits for Beginners

Two-Part Class:

Wednesday, November 4 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Wednesday, November 11 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm 

Drawing is for everyone! This two-part class is perfect for anyone who has wanted to try portrait drawing but wasn’t sure where to start or doubted their drawing abilities. Through approachable exercises and plenty of step-by-step guidance, participants will explore the basics of drawing faces in a relaxed, supportive setting.

During the first session on Wednesday, November 4, we’ll take some of the fear out of drawing faces by focusing on each facial element one at a time. Participants will discover the secrets of simplifying shapes before working together to sketch the same portrait through a simple, step-by-step process.

Bring those new skills into the second session on Wednesday, November 11, when you’ll choose a person to draw and create a portrait of your own with step-by-step guidance and support along the way. Most participants will complete at least one finished portrait during the second session. You’ll also receive a helpful handout and guidance for continuing your practice or completing any unfinished work at home.

577 Staff Instructor: Sarah Kinney

Stained Glass Workshop: Cardinal

Thursday, November 5 ~ 12pm to 3pm

Create your own cardinal bird 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 cardinal, ready to hang and measuring approximately 4 × 6 inches.

Class Notes: For your safety, closed-toed shoes are required for this class. Please plan to arrive on time. Due to the nature of stained glass projects and the specialized tools and equipment needed to complete them, projects cannot be finished at home. Participants arriving more than 20 minutes after the class start time will not have enough time to complete their project and will not be able to join the class. Refunds will not be issued for late arrivals.

Community Instructor: Kara O’Dea

Stained Glass Workshop: Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 5 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Create your own maple leaf 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 maple leaf, ready to hang and measuring approximately 6 × 6 inches.

Class Notes: For your safety, closed-toed shoes are required for this class. Please plan to arrive on time. Due to the nature of stained glass projects and the specialized tools and equipment needed to complete them, projects cannot be finished at home. Participants arriving more than 20 minutes after the class start time will not have enough time to complete their project and will not be able to join the class. Refunds will not be issued for late arrivals.

Community Instructor: Kara O’Dea

Creative Card Making: Christmas Card Palooza

Thursday, November 5 ~ 4:30pm to 8pm

Keep the holiday creativity going with a brand-new collection of twelve (12) handmade Christmas cards to send to loved ones or add a special touch to holiday packages. Participants will create four (4) different card designs, making three (3) of each design for a total of twelve cards to take home. All four designs will be different from those featured in the October Christmas Card Palooza, so returning participants can add even more handmade cards to their holiday collection.

Enjoy an evening of creativity, conversation, holiday music, and refreshments while exploring a variety of card-making techniques, including dry and heat embossing, masking, stamping, layering, and embellishing. Beautiful specialty papers, including some with metallic foils, will add an elegant and classic touch to the finished cards.

Handmaking and sending greeting cards is a meaningful way to share love, appreciation, and connection with the people we care about, letting someone know they are valued. No experience is required, and all are welcome. Feel free to add to the festive spirit by wearing your favorite holiday apparel!

Class Note: We recommend wearing older clothes or an apron to protect clothing from ink and glue. Card designs may vary from those pictured.

Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Pat Piper

Glass Mosaic: Tray or Coaster Set

Friday, November 6 ~ 12pm to 3pm

Explore the colorful art of glass mosaic while creating a functional piece to enjoy at home. This beginner-friendly class will introduce participants to the basics of laying out and properly spacing tiles, adhering glass, mixing and applying grout, and cleaning a finished mosaic piece.

Using an assortment of tumbled glass scraps, participants will bring their own design to life while choosing between two projects: a serving tray or a set of four (4) coasters. From arranging the glass to grouting and finishing, you’ll work through each step of the mosaic process and leave with a completed piece ready to take home.

Finished serving trays measure approximately 6 x 6 inches. Coasters measure approximately 3 x 3 inches each.

Class Notes: For your safety, closed-toed shoes are required for this class. Please plan to arrive on time. Due to the nature of glass projects and the specialized tools and equipment needed to complete them, projects cannot be finished at home. Participants arriving more than 20 minutes after the class start time will not have enough time to complete their project and will not be able to join the class. Refunds will not be issued for late arrivals.

Community Instructor: Kara O’Dea

Soft Pastels: Autumn Hills

Saturday, November 7 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Wednesday, November 11 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Capture the colors and beauty of an autumnal landscape with soft pastels while exploring 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

Watercolor II: Leaf Layers with Negative Painting

Monday, November 9 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

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

Ready to take your watercolor skills in a new direction? Explore the negative painting technique as we create a small pile of colorful, layered leaves. We’ll spend the first part of class practicing this method and discovering different ways to approach leaf shapes, layers, and possible compositions.

In the second part of class, participants will select leaf shapes to draw or trace before creating a watercolor painting using the color palette of their choice. Participants are welcome to bring their own leaves to use as references or to trace.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Family Art: Tie Dyeing ~ Fall into Tie Dye

Tuesday, November 10 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Ages 7-17/Adults 18+

Learn how to create an autumn-inspired tie-dye design in this family class. Using a unique folding and dye placement technique, participants will create a colorful fall pattern featuring warm shades of burnt orange, mustard yellow, deep red, golden brown, and earthy greens. Each person will design and dye their own long-sleeve shirt while learning the basics of color placement, pattern folding, and dye application. With different color combinations and dye patterns, every shirt will be one-of-a-kind.

All materials are provided; simply note your shirt size at registration. Participants will take their shirts home damp and sealed in a bag, along with rinse-out instructions and textile detergent to help preserve the vibrant colors. Please come dressed to get a little messy and have a lot of fun!

Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) or two (2) youth between the ages of 7 and 17, with one accompanying adult age 18 or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the registered youth participant(s). 

Community Instructor: Michelle Fisher

Creating an Illustrated Field Journal

Friday, November 13 ~ 11am to 1pm

Friday, December 11 ~ 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

Watercolor as Meditation: Colors & Curves

Friday, November 13 ~ 5:30pm to 8pm

Settle into a relaxing evening of watercolor as you create a colorful abstract painting during this soothing Create Calm experience. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or looking for a peaceful way to practice your skills, this class offers plenty of room to slow down and create.

Class will begin by getting familiar with watercolor paints, choosing a color scheme, and getting into the flow with the first layers of color. The second part of class will transition into quiet creative time as participants finish their paintings and add the curved, dark lines characteristic of neurographic-inspired art. Using markers, you’ll define organic shapes and watch the abstract composition come together.

Create Calm classes are designed to give anyone the opportunity to enjoy a simple creative project in a soothing environment. Watercolors, quiet work time, and gentle music encourage participants of all experience levels to slow down, focus, and enjoy the process of creating.

Finished paintings will measure approximately 9 x 11 inches. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Painted Dot Mandala: Ornaments

Saturday, November 14 ~ 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 four (4) inches.

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

Community Instructor: Shalene Germani

Green Door Open Studio Time

Monday, November 16 ~ 5pm to 7:30pm

Saturday, November 21 ~ 9am to 11:30am

Wednesday, December 2 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Saturday, December 12 ~ 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 Instructors: Connie Stose, Avery Bohman, or Sarah Kinney

Acrylic Painting: Autumn Birch Trees

Monday, November 16 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Release your inner creativity as you learn how to paint autumn birch trees in this hands-on acrylic painting class. You will learn how to mix colors, using a variety of brushes, painting tools, and techniques while learning the stages of an acrylic painting from start to finish. All supplies are provided for you to experience the fun of creating your own work of art on an 11″ x 14″ canvas.

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

Art of Alcohol Inks: Christmas Spirit

Tuesday, November 17 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Wednesday, December 16 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Get into the spirit of Christmas as you explore the beauty and spontaneity of alcohol inks. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn the basics of this low-stress, high-reward medium while creating abstract tree designs on ceramic tiles. Each participant will receive three (3) 4″ tiles to work with. No experience is necessary. All supplies are included.

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

Community Instructor: Melissa Thomas

Winter Glow: Illustrated Paper Village Luminaries

Tuesday, November 17 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Brighten up gloomy winter days with festive paper luminaries for your tabletop. Participants will receive templates and learn different illustration techniques to transform them into charming, foldable cardstock buildings. After cutting out the windows and placing battery-powered votives inside, each building comes to life with a warm glow, creating the feel of a cozy home on a cold winter day.

Participants will create three paper village luminaries and receive three battery-powered votives to take home with their finished buildings.

577 Staff Instructor: Bennett O. Dowling

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Necklace & Earrings

Friday, November 20 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Wednesday, December 16 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Learn how to turn scrap metal into unique wearable art with just a few tools. Each participant will receive support and guidance to create, customize, and assemble their choice of a pair of earrings and a necklace, or two pairs of earrings, using copper, brass, or German silver metals. 

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 are included.

Community Instructor: Snookie Viviano

Watercolor 101

Saturday, November 21 ~ 2pm to 5pm

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

Intro to Green Door Open Studio

Monday, November 23 ~ 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 are included.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Watercolor II: Paint & Pen Tree Portraits

Monday, November 23 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

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

Spend a creative evening exploring pen-and-ink and watercolor tree portraits with 577 Staff Artists Bennett Dowling and Connie Stose, using the trees of 577 as inspiration. Building on skills introduced in Watercolor 101, participants will explore how watercolor and pen-and-ink can work together to capture the unique character of a tree.

The first part of class will focus on guided practice exercises exploring line, texture, color, and other details found in trees. Bennett and Connie will demonstrate techniques for combining pen-and-ink with watercolor while helping participants build confidence with these materials. In the second part of class, participants will put those skills to work using a selected image of a 577 tree to create a tree portrait of their own. Demonstrations, creative guidance, and plenty of support from Connie and Bennett will be provided along the way.

Participants will receive practice paper and a 9 x 11-inch piece of watercolor paper to use during class. Finished projects may vary in size based on each participant’s creative choices.

577 Staff Instructors: Connie Stose & Bennett O. Dowling

Soft Pastels: Snowy Barn

Wednesday, December 2 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Saturday, December 19 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Capture a beautiful winter landscape with a strikingly red snowy barn 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

Junk Journaling: Merry & Bright

Wednesday, December 2 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Join us for an evening of cozy and nostalgic crafting as we continue building our junk journals. Fill your pages with festive scrapbook papers, antique Christmas cards, sheet music, wrapping paper, ribbon, and more. All materials are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own special ephemera, including photos, postcards, greeting cards, stickers, tickets, and more.

Past junk journal participants are encouraged to bring their journals back for more fun, and new participants will receive an old craft book (approximately 9 x 12 inches) to transform into a personalized creative workspace – the perfect place to get lost in scrapbooking, scribbling, sketching, coloring, writing, and whatever else inspires you.

577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman

Whimsical Watercolor & Ink: Snow Friends

Thursday, December 3 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Spend a fun afternoon stretching your creative skills as you explore watercolor and ink while creating your own whimsical snow friends. No prior drawing or painting experience is needed, just a willingness to get creative!

Class will begin with simple guided exercises to help everyone get comfortable working with watercolor and ink. Next, let your imagination take over as you create your own charming seasonal illustrations with instructor guidance and support.

Each participant will receive several sheets of paper suitable for watercolor and ink, with plenty of room to explore and personalize their work. Participants can expect to create up to three finished illustrations to use as cards, frame as seasonal decor, or give as gifts. Finished pieces will vary in size depending on individual creative choices.

577 Staff Instructors: Bennett O. Dowling & Connie Stose

Creative Card Making: Celebrate the Winter Season

Thursday, December 3 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Enjoy an evening creating as we send a little love into the world. Participants will receive a packet filled with paper, envelopes, ephemera, and more, and will create five (5) assorted winter-themed 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 Instructor: Pat Szymanowski

Acrylic Painting: Winter Cardinals

Monday, December 7 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Release your inner creativity as you learn how to paint colorful winter cardinals on pine branches in this hands-on acrylic painting class. You will learn how to mix colors using a variety of brushes, painting tools and techniques while learning the stages of building an acrylic painting from start to finish. No prior experience needed. All supplies are provided for you to experience the fun of creating your own work of art on an 11″ x 14″ canvas.

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

Stained Glass Workshop: Snowflakes

Tuesday, December 8 ~ 12pm to 3pm

Create your own pair of winter snowflakes 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 and how to solder sheet glass using the lead channel method. We will be making two snowflakes in this class, perfect for keeping one and gifting the other for the holidays! This class offers the option of using lead channel instead of copper tape, making your snowflakes safe to hang outdoors.

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 two snowflakes, ready to hang and measuring approximately 6 inches across.

Class Notes: For your safety, closed-toed shoes are required for this class. Please plan to arrive on time. Due to the nature of stained glass projects and the specialized tools and equipment needed to complete them, projects cannot be finished at home. Participants arriving more than 20 minutes after the class start time will not have enough time to complete their project and will not be able to join the class. Refunds will not be issued for late arrivals.

Community Instructor: Kara O’Dea

Stained Glass Workshop: Penguin Pair

Tuesday, December 8 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Create your own penguin pair 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. We will be making two penguins in this class, perfect for keeping one and gifting the other for the holidays!

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 two stained glass penguins, ready to hang and each one measuring approximately 5 x 3 inches.

Class Notes: For your safety, closed-toed shoes are required for this class. Please plan to arrive on time. Due to the nature of stained glass projects and the specialized tools and equipment needed to complete them, projects cannot be finished at home. Participants arriving more than 20 minutes after the class start time will not have enough time to complete their project and will not be able to join the class. Refunds will not be issued for late arrivals.

Community Instructor: Kara O’Dea

Watercolor II: Evergreens & Winter Scenes

Friday, December 11 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

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

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

After several guided practice exercises, participants will choose their favorite techniques and subjects to create their own projects during the second half of class. Options include winter landscapes, evergreen portraits to keep or give as gifts, charming cards, wintry gift tags, or simply more time to experiment with instructor guidance and support. All supplies are included.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Polymer Clay: Santa Ornament

Friday, December 11 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Create a charming Santa ornament using polymer clay, a festive addition to your holiday tree! Learn the basics of working with polymer clay, including rolling, cutting, shaping, mixing colors, and layering pieces to bring your Santa to life. Templates will be provided, but participants are encouraged to experiment with the material and add their own creative touches.

Once baked, the finished ornament will be durable and ready to enjoy for years to come. No prior experience is needed, and all supplies are included. Participants will also take home shaping and detailing tools, along with any leftover clay, to continue creating at home. Completed ornaments will measure approximately 3.5″ x 3.5″.

Class Notes: Polymer clay can stain clothing. Please dress accordingly.

577 Staff Instructor: Dan Jensen

Pysanky: Ukrainian Decorated Ornaments

Saturday, December 12 ~ 1pm to 4pm

Pysanky are eggs decorated with intricate designs, created by “writing” on the shells with wax and dyeing them in a variety of colors. In this beginner-friendly, hands-on class, learn the basic techniques of this traditional Ukrainian art form by creating your own egg ornament and discover the history and meaning behind the symbols, patterns, and colors.

Each participant will complete one ornament in a beginner design, and leave with the tools, supplies, and confidence to continue this art form on their own. Participants will each take home a kit that includes a kistka (writing tool), 5 dye packets, beeswax, and pages of information, instructions, and patterns.

Class Notes: Participants will leave their completed ornaments at 577 to dry. Everyone will receive an email with pick-up information from 577 once the ornaments are dry, generally within 7 business days after the class. Dyes are safe but will stain, so please bring an apron or wear appropriate clothes.

Community Instructor: Julie Richardson

Acrylic Pour Painting: Christmas Ornaments

Monday, December 14 ~ 6pm to 7pm

Get into the holiday spirit in this festive and beginner-friendly acrylic pour class! Learn fun acrylic pouring techniques while creating 4 one-of-a-kind ceramic ornaments perfect for decorating your tree or giving as handmade gifts. No experience is needed, and all supplies are included.

Class Notes: Ornaments will be left to dry and cure, and participants will receive an email when they are ready for pickup in 577’s Welcome Center & Curiosity Shop. 

Community Instructor: Thomas Craley

Family Art: Tie Dyeing ~ Merry & Bright

Tuesday, December 15 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Ages 7-17/Adults 18+

Get into the holiday spirit by creating a festive red and green tie-dye design in this family class. Each participant will design and dye their own T-shirt while learning the basics of color placement, pattern folding, and dye application. With different color combinations and dye patterns, every shirt will be one-of-a-kind.

All materials are provided; simply note your T-shirt size at registration. Participants will take their shirts home damp and sealed in a bag, along with rinse-out instructions and textile detergent to help preserve the vibrant colors. Red and green are the featured dye colors, but other colors can be accommodated upon request. Please come dressed to get a little messy and have a lot of fun!

Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) or two (2) youth between the ages of 7 and 17, with one accompanying adult age 18 or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the registered youth participant(s). 

Community Instructor: Michelle Fisher

Watercolor: Simple & Festive Botanicals

Tuesday, December 15 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Let your imagination blossom in this joyful watercolor class inspired by the season’s flowers, berries, and foliage. Perfect for beginners and artists of all skill levels, this relaxed and supportive class invites you to explore the beauty of watercolor while creating your own colorful works of art.

Class will begin with a series of guided exercises as participants learn watercolor basics and practice a variety of brushstrokes to create simple flowers and leaves. In the second part of class, everyone will use their new skills to create a series of paintings that can be framed as small gifts or turned into note cards or gift tags.

Each participant will receive a 9″ x 11″ piece of watercolor paper and high-quality practice papers to complete their projects.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Make Your Own Hand-Decorated Tea Towels

Friday, December 18 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Learn how to use simple stenciling, printmaking, and hand stitching techniques to create charming, one-of-a-kind tea towels perfect for adding whimsy to your kitchen or for meaningful gift giving.

Class begins with easy to follow demonstrations, hands on practice, and lots of inspiration to get the creative juices flowing. Each participant will receive three (3) 11″ by 17″ white cotton towels, and will spend the rest of class designing and decorating their towels by hand.

Fabric safe paints, embroidery thread, and fabric scraps will be available in a variety of colors, along with several pre-carved stamp block designs, and pre-made stencils to use. Feeling extra creative? We’ll also have materials available for anyone interested in creating their own stencils.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Acrylic Painting: Snowy Friends

Friday, December 18 ~ 5:30pm to 8pm

Enjoy a relaxed evening getting creative as you learn the basics of acrylic painting and explore a simple approach to creating a sweet winter scene on 11″ x 14″ canvas. We’ll have hot cocoa and tea on hand to keep things cozy–no experience needed. Bring a friend and double the fun!

Class will start with simple warm-up exercises as we practice how to hold the brush and apply the paint. Participants will also have the opportunity to personalize their painting by adding or subtracting different elements and using a color palette of their choice.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Introduction to Hand Lettering

More classes coming soon

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