Studio Arts

Creative Card Making

Thursday, March 27 ~ 5:30pm to 8pm

Enjoy an evening of creating and join us in sending a little extra love out into the world. Create five (5) beautiful seasonal cards for friends and loved ones. Learn the best stamping techniques, how to apply card-based adhesives, and fun ways to use various card-making tools.

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

Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper

Watercolor: Botanical Inspiration

Friday, March 28 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Looking for a fun way to stay inspired? Join us to create a personal decorative watercolor painting featuring a favorite quote or mantra. Choose from preselected phrases or bring one of your own. With step-by-step guidance, you will create and paint the design, including a decorative botanical border in a color palette of your choice. Let your creativity flow, and embark on a journey of self-expression through art.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Printmaking: Exploring Gelli Plates

Friday, March 28 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Unleash your creativity and dive into the world of monoprinting with the fun and versatile Gelli Plate. A perfect entry point for beginners, the Gelli Plate is easy to use, versatile, and fun. In the first part of class, we’ll cover a variety of ways to make prints with this method. In the second part of class, participants will get lots of support as they work independently at their own pace to experiment with these new techniques in the colors of their choice. Completed prints will be 8″ x 10″, and participants can expect to take home three or more prints.

Class Note: All materials will be provided including an assortment of papers and recycled bookpages, but participants are welcome to bring their own stencils or papers.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Makers Circle: Exploring Art Through Flowers *New!

Saturday, March 29 ~ 10am to 1pm

Embark on a brand-new creative adventure with the first-ever 577 Makers Circle Workshop! This choose-your-own art-making experience lets you explore your creativity in a way that’s uniquely yours. Each workshop will have a theme, but what you draw or paint is entirely up to you! Participants can create using graphite, colored pencils, chalk pastels, watercolor paint, watercolor pencils, or a mix of these mediums. All necessary tools will be provided, along with a selection of student-grade drawing and watercolor papers to bring your ideas to life.

The theme for the March Makers Circle is flowers! To kick off the workshop, staff artists will share creative ideas, techniques, and tips for drawing and painting flowers using a variety of supplies. Plenty of floral references will be available, and participants are encouraged to explore the beautiful 577 grounds for inspiration. Most of the class will be dedicated to hands-on creating, experimenting, gathering inspiration, and engaging with fellow art enthusiasts—all with plenty of instructor support. Plus, learn how to overcome the fear of the blank page and let your creativity bloom!

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

577 Staff Instructors: Connie Stose and Isabelle Tucker

Enchanting Dragon: Candle & Holder

Monday, March 31 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Create an adorable dragon candle holder from polymer clay and customize tea lights to go with it.

Begin by sculpting and shaping your dragon around a glass candle holder, adding unique details to bring it to life. While the sculptures bake, you’ll craft three (3) beeswax candles, choosing from a variety of fragrances, colors, and finishing touches.

By the end of the class, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind dragon candle holder, approximately 4.5 inches tall, along with handcrafted tea lights to complete the set.

577 Staff Instructor: Elena Bleyer

Watercolor 101

Tuesday, April 1 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Discover the joys of watercolor painting through a series of fun and easy exercises designed to explore a variety of basic techniques. We’ll learn a bit of watercolor history and create a personalized 5″ x 7″ watercolor sketchbook filled with your exercises, notes, color samples, and charts.

This sketchbook will serve as the perfect resource for beginners and a valuable reference tool for expanding and deepening existing skills. With individual attention provided in a supportive environment, you’ll gain the confidence to continue your artistic journey.

Class Note: Exciting update ~ this class is now a prerequisite for advanced watercolor courses coming to 577 in 2025.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Acrylic Painting: Wildflower Landscape

Thursday, April 3 ~ 10am to 12:30pm

Learn to paint a beautiful sun-filled landscape with wildflowers using acrylic paints. Participants will be guided step-by-step to practice simple color mixing techniques and will learn about perspective to bring depth into their painting. Participants can also add a personalized touch to their painting by choosing to paint their flowers from various images. All supplies are included, and everyone will receive instructional handouts.

Community Instructor: Elyse Simko

Watercolor & Gouache: Painted Pages

Friday, April 4 ~ 10am to 12:30pm

Explore painting on recycled book pages in this special Earth Month class. Fun and eco-friendly, painting on old book pages adds an element of interest and whimsy to the transparent layers of paint. Participants will use both watercolor and watercolor’s “chalky cousin,” gouache, as they are guided to paint a selection of simple nature-themed subjects.

Everyone will receive at least five book pages in a variety of sizes to use in class and to take home for more painting fun. All book pages were collected from old, outdated, or damaged books that were destined to be recycled or thrown away.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Explore Gelli Prints: Botanical Prints & Cards

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

Explore Gelli Plate printmaking and create handmade prints and cards using acrylic paint, leaves, and other botanicals. Gelli plate printing is a unique form of printmaking that allows for unique and endless design possibilities.

Participants will choose their favorite color combinations, press their botanicals onto the painted plate, and pull the paper at different times for different effects. Experiment to see what textures you can create!

Each participant will create four (4) to six (6), 7″ x 5″ cards, and two (2) to three (3) 8″ x 10″ prints.

577 Staff Instructor: Elena Bleyer

Acrylic Pour Painting: Sunflower

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

Unleash your creativity in this exciting hands-on pour painting class! Explore color and technique as you create your very own stunning sunflower. 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 14″ x 14″ painting showcasing your newfound skills.

Class Notes: Paintings will stay at 577 to dry for at least 3 days. Participants 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

Pysanky: Ukrainian Decorated Eggs

Tuesday, April 8 ~ 5pm to 8pm

Exciting New Class Alert! 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 new hands-on class, learn the basic techniques of this traditional Ukrainian art form by creating your own egg and discover the history and meaning behind the symbols, patterns, and colors.

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

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

Community Instructor: Julie Richardson

Alcohol Ink Abstract Florals

Wednesday, April 9 ~ 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

Drawing Nature: Native Plants

Thursday, April 10 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Enjoy exploring the fundamentals of drawing in pastel pencils and ink as we work to create a beautiful, full-color image of a native plant of your choice–no drawing experience needed. Weather permitting, we will take the class outdoors to explore plein air drawing, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of 577’s grounds.

Participants will receive lots of guidance as we learn to use color and create texture to mimic the variety of native plants on the 577 grounds. All materials will be provided, including 9-inch by 12-inch drawing paper.

577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

Creative Card Making

Thursday, April 10 ~ 5:30pm to 8pm

Enjoy an evening of creating and join us in sending a little extra love out into the world. Create five (5) beautiful seasonal cards for friends and loved ones. Learn the best stamping techniques, how to apply card-based adhesives, and fun ways to use various card-making tools.

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

Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper

Fused Glass: Bunny

Thursday, April 10 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Create an adorable bunny that will add a touch of spring whimsy to your house or garden. Receive step-by-step guidance as you explore the art of creating fused glass.

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

Community Instructor: Geneen Wise

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Earrings

Tuesday, April 15 ~ 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. *Important note: Please bring reading or safety glasses. All other supplies included.

Community Instructor: Snookie Viviano

Fused Glass: Green Clover Plaque

Thursday, April 17 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Create a whimsical clover fused glass piece in this fun, evening class. Receive step-by-step guidance as you explore the art of creating fused glass.

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

Community Instructor: Geneen Wise

Watercolor 2: Dandelions

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

If you’ve taken a watercolor painting class at 577 before, this is the perfect next step! Designed for those with some watercolor experience, this fun class will help expand painting skills through a variety of practice exercises, culminating in a painting of dandelions.

Weather permitting and if available, we’ll use real dandelions as our reference to explore drawing techniques, color mixing, and how to use watercolor pencils for added definition.

Class Note: To participate, you must have taken a watercolor painting class at 577.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Kindness Rocks: Creative Rock Painting

Friday, April 11 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Welcome to the world of rock painting: the amazing craft where the canvas has a shape! Painted rocks are perfect for adding flair to your house, garden, or for hiding out in the world to surprise strangers and spread joy. Create a creature, paint a flower, or write an inspirational message– the possibilities are endless. Plenty of example rocks and inspiration photos will be on hand if you’re not sure what to make.

While we’re painting, we’ll talk about the Kindness Rocks Project and how to brighten your community with art. Participants will have the option to brush varnish on their finished rocks to make them more durable for displaying outdoors. Join us to discover the fun of rock painting, and be ready to rock your socks off!

Class notes: This class is open to participants ages 7 to 117. Participants ages 7 to 17 must attend with a registered adult. Each participant will paint at least three (3) rocks and is welcome to bring their own to paint. Rock sizes will vary, but all will be no larger than the palm of your hand.

577 Staff Instructor: Elena Bleyer

Creating an Illustrated Field Journal

Friday, March 21 ~ 11am to 12:30pm

Friday, April 18 ~ 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: Create a Travelling Studio

Friday, April 18 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Create a travelling art studio in a repurposed cigar box, complete with the skills and supplies needed to paint on-the-go. This convenient kit allows you to be flexible and incorporate creativity into your life just about anywhere–a small space at home, outside, or when travelling.

Participants will practice easy watercolor exercises to get started and learn how to best use and take care of their new supplies. We’ll also discuss how to find inspiration when you don’t know where to start. Participants have the option to personalize their box with a collage during the final part of class.

Kits will include: Repurposed cigar box; Water jar/container; One (1) round paintbrush; Six (6) different high-quality watercolor paints; Travel palette; Color mixing palette; Two (2) watercolor postcards; Watercolor pencil

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Storybook Journals: Upcycled & Handmade

Saturday, April 19 ~ 10am to 1pm

Celebrate Earth Month with a fun eco-friendly journal-making class at 577. We will dive into the art of journal-making by repurposing and commemorating old children’s picture books (paperback) into fun journals or sketchbooks–perfect for note-taking, to-do lists, diaries, recipes, sketches, and more. Each participant will personalize their spiral-bound journal with an assortment of paper types such as scrapbook paper, lined paper, and pages from the children’s book of choice. Journal sizes will vary based on children’s book size.

At the end of class, participants will have the chance to start their journals with a few writing and/or sketch prompts targeting childhood memories, storytelling, gratitude, and more. Everyone will take home their handmade journals and a card with writing and sketch prompts to continue at home.

All supplies are included, but participants are welcome to bring a special paperback children’s book they would like to use, as well as any extra papers they’d like to include as journal pages to further personalize their book. Examples include scrapbook paper, art papers, marbled papers, graph paper, etc.

Class Note: Hardback books are not compatible with the cinch binding machine we will be using to create our journals.

577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman

Acrylic Painting: Spring Meadow

Monday, April 21 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Discover your inner artist and learn to create your own work of art in this fun and friendly class. Learn step-by-step how to paint a spring meadow with blossoming cherry trees and meadow flowers, all in an easy, impressionistic style. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are included for you to create an 11” x 14” painting in a relaxing atmosphere.

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

Community Instructor: Mary Claire Roe

Sun Printing: Fun with Cyanotype

Friday, April 25 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm

Cyanotype is a fun and easy art form where art, science, photography, and printmaking overlap. Cyanotype paper is light-sensitive, and by laying objects on the surface and exposing it to the sun, ghostly white images are left on a distinctive deep blue background.

In this hands-on class, participants will enjoy a step-by-step guided experience of creating their own photosensitive cyanotype paper. Together, we will collect flowers and botanicals from the 577 grounds, and you will use this beautiful inspiration to design and develop a one-of-a-kind 8 ½” x 11” piece of stunning botanical art. No experience is necessary, all supplies are included.

577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

Painted Dot Mandala: Springtime

Tuesday, April 29 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting while creating a mesmerizing springtime mandala. Participants will receive step-by-step guidance on creating common mandala elements and techniques, including petals, teardrops, lollipops, and swoops.

All materials will be provided along with step-by-step patterns, allowing participants to work at their own pace with instructor support. Paintings will be completed on 6-inch canvas boards. This class is open to both beginners and intermediate dot painters. Beginners will use guidelines, while experienced dotters are encouraged to refine their symmetry and spacing skills by working freehand (if desired).

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