Studio Arts

Creative Card Making

Thursday, October 2 ~ 5pm to 8pm

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

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

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

Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper

Fused Glass: Scarecrow

Thursday, October 2 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Discover the colorful, creative world of fused glass in this fun and beginner-friendly class. With step-by-step guidance from your instructor, you’ll design and create a charming scarecrow face, perfect for displaying on a stand or on a yard stake. No experience is necessary, and all materials are included. Each finished scarecrow will measure approximately 7 inches.

After class, your pieces will be carefully fired in a home kiln to fuse the glass. Once complete, they’ll be returned to 577 for pickup. Participants will receive an email with pick-up information from 577 once the instructor returns completed projects, generally within 7 business days after the class.

Come explore the beauty of glass and leave with functional art you’ll be proud to use!

Community Instructor: Geneen Wise

Pressed Flower Pumpkin Pair

Monday, October 6 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Decorate beautiful autumn pumpkins without the mess of carving! In this creative, hands-on workshop, you’ll use pressed flowers and foliage grown at River Bend Homestead to transform simple pumpkins into works of seasonal art.

Participants will arrange their blooms and greenery on each pumpkin, securing them with an all-natural adhesive that enhances the natural beauty. You’ll learn simple tips for composition and preservation so your creations will last well through the season. Everyone will leave with a pair of unique, handcrafted pumpkins—perfect for displaying as festive décor or gifting to someone special.

Community Instructor: Becca Mathews

Autumn Charm: Cork Pumpkin Creations

Thursday, October 9 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm

Create an adorable handmade, recycled pumpkin from wine corks, scrapbook papers, twigs, twine, and hot glue! Choose to keep it simple, or add even more fall fun with autumnal prints and colors from scrapbook pages.

Each participant will make at least one (1) to three (3) pumpkins, and can take home extra corks to continue the fun at home.

577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman

Watercolor 101

Friday, October 10 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Discover the joys of watercolor painting through a series of fun and easy exercises designed to explore a variety of basic techniques. You’ll also enjoy learning how to choose the right supplies for your needs, gain an understanding of common watercolor terms, and see examples of the wide possibilities of this amazing medium.

Participants will create a personalized 5″ x 7″ watercolor sketchbook filled with their practice exercises, notes, color samples, and charts. This sketchbook will serve as the perfect resource for beginners and a valuable reference tool for expanding and deepening existing skills. With individual attention provided in a supportive environment, you’ll gain the confidence to continue your artistic journey.

Class Note: This class is a prerequisite for advanced watercolor courses at 577.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Painted Dot Mandala: Spooky Mandala

Saturday, October 11 ~ 10am to 1pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting while creating a mesmerizing mandala. Participants will be guided to make common mandala elements and techniques such as petals, teardrops, lollipops, and swoops, with a few Halloween-themed elements added for fun!

All materials and acrylic paints will be provided along with a step-by-step pattern, allowing participants to work at their own pace with instructor support. Paintings will be completed on a 6 inch by 6 inch canvas board. Class Note: To help us honor 577’s commitment to sustainability, please bring your tools if you are a returning student. New students will receive a new set of tools to keep.

Community Instructor: Shalene Germani

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Necklace & Earrings

Saturday, October 11 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Saturday, November 1 ~ 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

Monday, October 13 ~ 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

Watercolor for Kids: Pumpkins

Monday, October 13 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Looking for a fun and creative way to spend the day off from school? This youth art class, designed for ages 7 to 12, invites young artists to explore the beauty of watercolor through seasonal subjects. We’ll begin by practicing watercolor tips and tricks, experimenting with techniques that bring color and texture to life. Then, we’ll turn our focus to observing the unique shapes, shades, and details of pumpkins, using them as inspiration for our artwork.

With plenty of guidance and encouragement, participants will have the freedom to make their work their own. Each artist can choose to use their final 9×12″ sheet of watercolor paper to create one or two detailed pumpkin paintings, or four smaller pumpkin-themed cards perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Class Notes: This class is open to children ages 7 to 12. No prerequisite or experience is required. Adults are not required to attend this youth watercolor class. Youth participants may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. Please remember to be on time.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Paper Flowers: Romantic Roses

Wednesday, October 15 ~ 1:30pm to 3:30pm

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

Community Instructor: Mary Willets

Creating an Illustrated Field Journal

Friday, October 17 ~ 11am to 1pm

Friday, November 21 ~ 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 Pour Painting: Chameleon Cell Pattern

Monday, October 20 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Unleash your creativity in this exciting hands-on pour painting class! Learn the Chameleon Cell technique as you explore color and texture to create your own stunning painting. In this class, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the essential supplies and techniques needed to continue your fluid art journey. By the end, you’ll take home a beautiful 12″ x 12″ painting showcasing your newfound skills.

Class Notes: Paintings stay at 577 to dry for at least 3 days. You will receive an email with more information when the paintings are dry and available for pick up in 577’s Welcome Center.

Community Instructor: Thomas Craley

Soft Pastels: Autumn Lake

Wednesday, October 22 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Learn how to paint a beautiful impressionistic autumn lake 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

Christmas Card Palooza

Thursday, October 23 ~ 4pm to 8pm

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

Enjoy making beautiful cards, meeting fun new people, and savoring some yummy holiday treats. Each participant will make 12 cards: 3 each of 4 different designs. No experience is required, and all are welcome. Class Note: We recommend you dress in older clothes or wear an apron to protect from ink and glue.

Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper

Whimsical Painted Book Covers

Friday, October 24 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Spend a fun and creative afternoon with 577 Staff Artists Bennett Dowling and Connie Stose creating a charming seasonal painting on repurposed book covers. Participants will choose a book cover, select either a house or window template, and learn how to transfer, paint, and personalize their image with gouache paint and ink pen. No prior drawing or painting experience is required; Bennett and Connie have you covered!

Completed projects will be approximately 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″, actual sizes and colors of book covers will vary. Projects will also include a choice of ribbon or string for displaying the finished project on a wall.

577 Staff Instructors: Bennett O. Dowling & Connie Stose

Watercolor II: Exploring Watercolor Pencils

Friday, October 24 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Enjoy exploring the various ways you can use watercolor pencils while practicing with a colorful and forgiving seasonal subject: fall leaves. We’ll use simple exercises to learn how water can be used to create different effects, and how the pencils can be layered with watercolor paints for added fun and interest. This exploration will lead to your work on a small mixed-media leaf painting using your favorite techniques. 

Participants will receive a 9″ x 12″ piece of watercolor paper. All experience levels welcome and all supplies included. *Prerequisite: This class is designed for those with prior experience. Participants must have taken at least one watercolor class at 577.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Acrylic Painting: Impressionistic Landscape

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

Enjoy a creative afternoon painting with acrylics as we dive into the vibrant world of impressionism–no experience needed! Participants will learn to fearlessly mix and apply color like the masters as we explore mark-making and paint application techniques to create depth and atmosphere.

This relaxed class will also cover building perspective and understanding color theory step by step with lots of guidance, empowering you to paint expressive landscapes full of life and movement. All supplies are included, but participants are welcome to bring their own favorite paint brushes. Each completed painting will be approximately 9″ x 12″.

Community Instructor: Sammi Dougherty

Acrylic Painting: Crashing Waves on Rocks

Monday, October 27 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

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

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

Community Instructor: Mary Claire Rose

Artist Trading Cards: Flowers & Foliage

Tuesday, October 28 ~ 6pm to 8:15pm

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, our theme will be flowers and foliage through bright colors and shapes, collage, and more, although participants may choose to explore other themes as well. 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!

577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman

Watercolor: Cat Portraits

Wednesday, October 29 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Let’s celebrate National Cat Day (October 29) by enjoying a fun evening learning how to create a portrait of your favorite furry friend using easy watercolor techniques. Participants will be guided step by step to transfer their pet’s image onto watercolor paper and paint a small portrait. No drawing experience is needed, and dog portraits are also welcome.

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

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

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Fused Glass: Set of Four Ornaments

Thursday, October 30 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Discover the colorful, creative world of fused glass in this fun and beginner-friendly class. With step-by-step guidance from your instructor, you’ll design and create a unique set of four ornaments. Participants will choose inspiration from a variety of holiday designs to personalize their ornaments, perfect for home display, gift giving, or both. No experience is necessary, and all materials are included. Finished ornaments will vary in size based on the selected designs.

After class, your pieces will be carefully fired in a home kiln to fuse the glass. Once complete, they’ll be returned to 577 for pickup. Participants will receive an email with pick-up information from 577 once the instructor returns completed projects, generally within 7 business days after the class.

Come explore the beauty of glass and leave with functional art you’ll be proud to use!

Community Instructor: Geneen Wise

Fused Glass: Clear Christmas Tree

Two-Part Class

Tuesday, November 4 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Tuesday, November 18 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Create a beautiful Christmas tree in this special two-part fused glass workshop and bring the holiday spirit to life as you design a clear glass tree that glows softly when lit—a cherished handmade piece for your seasonal décor.

On Tuesday, November 4, you’ll begin by crafting the layers of your tree, adding colorful bits of glass as “ornaments” to individual clear squares. With plenty of guidance and support, you’ll create unique pieces that will be fused together in a home kiln, ready for the next session.

When you return on Tuesday, November 18, you’ll receive your beautifully fused glass pieces along with a 20-bulb electric light set. We’ll guide you through the final assembly so your sparkling tree is ready to take home and enjoy.

Each finished tree stands about 6 to 7 inches tall. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Class Note: We recommend bringing a small box to the second class to safely transport your tree home.

Community Instructor: Geneen Wise

Creative Card Making 

Thursday, November 6 ~ 5pm to 8pm

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

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

Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper

Block Printing: Fall Leaves & Autumn Magic

Saturday, November 8 ~ 2pm to 4pm

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

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

Community Instructor: Sabrina Keller

Soft Pastels: Autumn Sunset

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

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

Community Instructor: Molly Carroll

Whimsical Watercolor House Portraits

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

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

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

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

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

577 Staff Instructors: Bennett O. Dowling & Connie Stose

Watercolor II: Mushrooms

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

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

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

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Cardmaking: Holiday Fun Folds Stamp Camp

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

Saturday, November 15 ~ 10am to 1pm

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

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

Previous card making or paper crafting experience is helpful, but those new to the art of card making are welcome. This weekend’s Stamp Camp sessions offer the same projects in each class. Participants are welcome to sign up for both sessions if they want to create more cards using the same materials and techniques; color variations will be available. Class Note: Cards made in class may be different than those shown in the photo.

Community Instructor: Chris Smith

Painted Dot Mandala: Ornaments

Saturday, November 15 ~ 10am to 1pm

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

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

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

Community Instructor: Shalene Germani

Acrylic Painting: Autumn Morning Fishing

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

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

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

Community Instructor: Mary Claire Roe

Acrylic Pour Painting: Tree Rings

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

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

Class Notes: Paintings stay at 577 to dry for at least 3 days. You will receive an email with more information when the paintings are dry and available for pick up in 577’s Welcome Center.

Community Instructor: Thomas Craley

Block Printing: Birds of the Season

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

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

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

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

577 Staff Instructor: Hannah Chen

Watercolor: Letters, Names, & Numbers

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

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

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

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

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

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Handmade Holidays: Upcycled Cards, Tags, & More!

Tuesday, November 25 ~ 6pm to 8pm

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

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

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

577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman