Studio Arts

Watercolor II: Daffodils

Friday, April 3 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Watercolor enthusiasts will learn a variety of ways to approach painting joyful daffodils, including how to paint from a transferred image, tricks to draw & paint daffodils, and how to paint daffodils with simple brush strokes.

Participants will also enjoy a visit from special guest 577 Organic Landscape Horticulturist Bennett O. Dowling, who will stop by to share the interesting features that make daffodils unique.

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

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Watercolor 101

Saturday, April 4 ~ 10am to 1pm *Rescheduled date; registration is open!

Friday, May 15 ~ 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

Acrylic Pour Painting: Sunflower

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

Celebrate the joy and warmth of sunflowers in this fun, beginner-friendly acrylic pour painting class! Inspired by the bold yellows, rich browns, and organic movement of sunflowers in bloom, participants will learn how to create a vibrant, 12″ x 12″ abstract floral piece using fluid acrylic techniques.

You’ll be guided step-by-step through paint mixing, color selection, and a pour technique designed to mimic the flowing petals and textured center of a sunflower. Each piece is completely unique—no drawing or painting experience required.

Class Notes: You will receive an email with more information when the paintings are dry and available for pick up in 577’s Welcome Center. Once paintings are available, if you are unable to pick up your projects within 30 days, please contact us as soon as possible. Any projects either not picked up or no contact with 577 has been made 30 days after paintings are available for pickup, will become the property of 577. Please contact us with any questions.

Community Instructor: Thomas Craley

Soft Pastels: Spring Stream

Wednesday, April 8 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Wednesday, April 22 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm 

Capture the beauty of a spring stream in soft pastel as you explore color, expressive mark-making, perspective, and the basics of working with pastels. No drawing 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

Introduction to Hand Lettering

Wednesday, April 8 ~ 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

Creative Card Making

Thursday, April 9 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Thursday, May 14 ~ 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 & Patricia Piper

Creating an Illustrated Field Journal

Friday, April 10 ~ 11am to 1pm

Friday, May 8 ~ 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

Intro to Green Door Open Studio

Friday, April 10 ~ 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

Green Door Open Studio Time

Friday, April 10 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Monday, May 4 ~ 10am to 12:30pm

Monday, May 18 ~ 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

Painted Dot Mandala: Cherry Blossom

Saturday, April 11 ~ 10am to 1pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting as we work to create a mandala inspired by cherry blossoms. In the first part of class, participants will receive step-by-step guidance to practice making common mandala elements such as uniform dots, teardrops, walking the dots, and top dots. 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

Acrylic Painting: Pine Trees on Rocky Cliff

Monday, April 13 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Discover your inner artist as you learn how to paint pine trees on a rocky cliff with a cloudy sky and distant mountain in this fun and friendly hands-on 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

Jewelry: Upcycled Knitting Needle Bracelets

Tuesday, April 14 ~ 6pm to 8pm

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

Junk Journaling 101

Thursday, April 16 ~ 5:30pm to 8pm

Junk Journaling is a relaxed, creative way to collect life’s sweet but fleeting moments without the pressure to be perfect. In this class, participants will create two pages, including an introduction page, while learning how to get started and how to find materials that match their personal style and memory-collecting goals.

Participants will receive extra materials and a junk journal pack with paper and stickers to take home and continue the junk journaling fun.

Community Instructor: Jessica Rheinholz

Watercolor: Exploring Ferns

Friday, April 17 ~ 1:30pm to 4pm

Explore simple techniques for painting ferns with watercolors in this special Earth Month class. Open to anyone with or without watercolor experience, we’ll start with simple warm up exercises and learn easy techniques to create our own fern paintings. We’ll also use the upcycled pages of a vintage botanical guide as inspiration and even paint on! Fun and eco-friendly, painting on old book pages adds an element of interest and whimsy to the transparent layers of watercolor paint.

Everyone will receive two (2) fern guide pages, a 4.5 x 6 inch piece of watercolor paper, and a variety of practice sheets. All book pages were collected from a damaged book destined to be recycled or thrown away.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Embossing Tin: Create a Whimsical Shrine

Friday, April 17 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Learn to emboss metals using upcycled materials and create a personalized shrine to celebrate a unique pet, person, or place. Participants will emboss designs into aluminum or tin with instructor guidance, and use ribbons, wire, beads, and decorative papers to design a whimsical mixed-media piece sure to spark joy in their home.

Completed projects will be approximately 3″ x 5″ and are lightweight enough to decorate a shelf, turn into a magnet, or use as a hanging piece.

*Class Note: Each participant must bring a 2″ x 3″ photo of their pet. Photos can also be emailed as a PNG or PDF attachment. See registration for details. 

577 Staff Instructor: Etta Gallaway

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Necklace & Earrings

Saturday, April 18 ~ 2:30pm to 4:30pm

Saturday, May 16 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Learn how to turn scrap metal into unique wearable art with just a few tools! Each participant will receive lots of support and guidance to create, customize, and assemble two items using copper, brass, or German silver metals. The first pair will be copper on copper, and you will choose from various styles of earrings or necklaces for your second project.

All experience levels are welcome. Each participant will receive a polishing cloth and a gift box. The size of completed earrings will vary but will be approximately one to two inches.

Class Note: Please bring reading or safety glasses. All other supplies included.

Community Instructor: Snookie Viviano

Watercolor II: Vintage-Inspired Botanicals

Two-Part Class:

Monday, April 20 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Monday, April 27 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

In this two-part class, watercolor enthusiasts will learn how to paint a detailed botanical image reminiscent of vintage floral illustrations.

In the first session on Monday, April 20, participants will choose from a limited selection of botanical images and spend time transferring the image onto our watercolor paper, either with a template or drawing by hand. After guided practice exercises, the remaining class time will be spent painting the first light layers of color in preparation for more detailed work in the second session.

In the second session on Monday, April 27, we’ll gather again in the Green Door Studio to add deeper colors and finer details, bringing dimension and depth to our flowers and leaves.

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

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Stained Glass Workshop: Hanging Box

Tuesday, April 21 ~ 12pm to 3pm

Create your own stunning 3D hanging glass box with four or five sides in this beginner-friendly stained glass workshop. Join new instructor, Kara O’Dea, in the Green Door Studio as she guides you step-by-step through the basics of stained glass, including cutting, grinding, soldering sheet glass using the Tiffany copper foil method, and how to use a jig.

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 box, ready to hang and display, measuring approximately 4 × 5 inches.

Kara is a Columbus native who’s been passionate about making stained glass for 17 years. She seeks out vibrant colors and whimsical subject matter, bringing stained glass out of its traditional places and into modern decor. Kara teaches workshops all over Ohio and in her own storefront in Columbus.

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Stained Glass Workshop: Grasshopper Flowerpot Friend

Tuesday, April 21 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Add a touch of whimsy to your favorite flower pot with this handmade stained glass grasshopper made by YOU. Join new instructor, Kara O’Dea, in the Green Door Studio and learn 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 weather-proof stained glass grasshopper, ready to display and measuring approximately 3 × 6 inches.

Kara is a Columbus native who’s been passionate about making stained glass for 17 years. She seeks out vibrant colors and whimsical subject matter, bringing stained glass out of its traditional places and into modern decor. Kara teaches workshops all over Ohio and in her own storefront in Columbus.

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Printmaking: Carving Floral Stamps

Thursday, April 23 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Learn the art of carving and stamping in this beginner-friendly, printmaking class, while making your own customized floral stationery and gift wrap inspired by Spring. First, participants will receive a small block and get hands-on to carve a simple floral design. Sustainable block alternatives will also be covered.

In the second part of class, everyone will have access to a variety of carved floral stamps and will spend time designing and creating their own stationery and large sheets of decorative paper. These sheets can be used for wrapping, scrapbooking, and more.

Participants will make and take home two large sheets of paper and two cards, in addition to their carved rubber stamp, and the knowledge to create one-of-a-kind wrapping and stationery materials for years to come.

577 Staff Instructor: Etta Gallaway

The Art of Alcohol Inks

Tuesday, April 28 ~ 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

Soft Pastels: Seaside Waves

Tuesday, May 5 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Tuesday, May 19 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Capture the drama and beauty of a lake landscape 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

Paper Flowers: Garden Lavender

Wednesday, May 6 ~ 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

Stained Glass Workshop: Floral Suncatcher

Monday, May 11 ~ 12pm to 3pm

Create your own stunning floral corner window accent in this beginner-friendly stained glass workshop. Join new instructor, 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. Participants will choose from a few pre-selected flower options upon arrival.

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 box, ready to hang and display, measuring approximately 7 x 7 inches.

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Stained Glass Workshop: Mushroom

Monday, May 11 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Create your own sweet little mushroom in this beginner-friendly stained glass workshop. Join new instructor, 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 ready-to-display mushroom measuring approximately 6 x 4 inches.

Community Instructor: Kara Cullenen-O’Dea

Whimsical Watercolor & Ink Collab: Bird Nests

Two-Part Class

Friday, May 15 ~ 1pm to 3pm

Friday, May 22 ~ 1pm to 3pm

Spend two fun and creative Friday afternoons with 577 Staff Artists Bennett Dowling and Connie Stose as you explore watercolor and pen & ink techniques to create an adorable bird’s nest composition. No prior drawing or painting experience is required—Bennett and Connie have you covered.

In the first session on Friday, May 15, Connie will guide you through simple exercises to build confidence with watercolor as you begin painting the first layers of your nest and eggs. Bennett will then introduce pen & ink techniques to start bringing your composition to life. In the second session on Friday, May 22, you’ll return to Virginia’s House Dining Room to deepen color, refine details, and add dimension and depth to your work. Each participant will receive a 9 x 12-inch piece of watercolor paper. Final projects will vary based on individual artistic choices.

577 Staff Instructors: Bennett O. Dowling & Connie Stose

Card Making Stamp Camp: Interactive Cards

Friday, May 15 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Saturday, May 16 ~ 10am to 1pm

Explore “out-of-the-box” ideas for your hand-stamped cards at Stamp Camp! This session features a fun new twist—every card will be interactive or include moving elements. Participants will have fun experimenting with creative designs, techniques, and products as they make five (5) interactive cards that wobble, spin, slide, pop up, or cascade like a waterfall.

Step-by-step instructions and plenty of support will be provided, along with options for personalizing sentiments on each card. To continue practicing your new skills at home, you’ll also receive a small paper crafting pack and a PDF tutorial. Beginners are welcome, though previous card making or paper crafting experience is helpful.

Class Notes: Stamp Camp will be offered on May 15 and May 16, with both sessions featuring the same projects. Participants are welcome to register for both sessions if they would like additional time to create more cards using the same materials and techniques. Cards made in class may be different than those shown in the photo.

Community Instructor: Chris Smith

Painted Dot Mandala: Moxie

Saturday, May 16 ~ 10am to 1pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting as we work to create a mandala with moxie. In the first part of class, participants will receive step-by-step guidance to practice making common mandala elements such as swoops, petals, and walking-the-dots. 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

Motherhood & Memory-Making

Saturday, May 16 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Curated for moms and caregivers in honor of Mother’s Day month, participants will take part in a guided photo-making experience, print a photo (or two) on site, and begin an analog memory journal using provided materials and prompts.

This workshop offers a chance to slow down, honor the motherhood or caregiving experience, and learn how to document everyday life and preserve memories of themselves and their families/children through photographs, writing, and reflection.

Everyone will receive a blank, hardcover sketchbook approximately 5 x 8 inches to start and continue their analog practice, and one or two 4 x 6-inch photo prints taken in class.

Community Instructor: Mariah Maddox

Acrylic Painting: Rocky Shore at Sunset

Monday, May 18 ~ 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

Acrylic Pour Painting: Chameleon Cell

Monday, May 18 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Discover the magic of movement and color in this Chameleon Cell Acrylic Pour class. Learn how to create dynamic, color-shifting cells that seem to change and come alive as the painting flows. We’ll cover paint mixing, layering and special techniques used to encourage beautiful cell formation with depth and contrast. Completed paintings are 12 x 12 inches.

Community Instructor: Thomas Craley

Beaded Plant: Baby Fern

Friday, May 22 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Learn to make a small beaded plant that will be beautiful all year long–no green thumb needed! Participants will create a baby fern from start to finish using seed beads and craft wire, and take home their fern along with the knowledge to make more on their own. Completed projects are approximately 4 inches tall and 3-4 inches wide.

Class Notes: This class requires no prior experience but does need ample finger dexterity to work with the small materials. If you wear glasses or readers, it is highly recommended that you bring them.

577 Staff Instructor: Kylee Crist

Alcohol Inks: Abstract Florals

Tuesday, May 26 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Discover the beauty and fluidity of alcohol inks in this hands-on class. Learn how to create stunning abstract florals using simple yet effective techniques that allow the inks to flow and blend naturally. Each participant will receive three (3) ceramic tiles, each measuring 4 inches, to transform into vibrant, one-of-a-kind art pieces.

This class is ideal for those with basic knowledge of alcohol inks who want to explore new techniques and experiment with color. All supplies are included.

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

Community Instructor: Melissa Thomas

Watercolor II: Chickens

Friday, May 29 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Watercolor enthusiasts will have fun exploring a variety of techniques and materials as we learn different ways to capture the whimsy of chickens, including a special opportunity to give colored watercolor paper a try. We’ll get started with simple warm up exercises before diving into more detailed paintings that begin with hand-drawn or transferred chicken images–no drawing experience required.

Participants will also have the opportunity to use colored pencils, watercolor pencils, and gouache paint together with watercolors for fun pops of color and finishing touches. Everyone will receive practice paper, a 4.5″ x 6″ piece of white watercolor paper, and a 4″ x 8″ piece of toned watercolor paper that can be turned into a notecard or used to paint two smaller paintings.

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

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Drawing Made Easy!

Friday, May 29 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

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