Explore a variety of classes for all experience levels in drawing and painting, as well as printmaking, paper crafts, fused glass, photography, metals and jewelry making, woodcrafts, and more. Classes are taught by dedicated 577 staff members and community members with a passion for their chosen art medium. Class topics vary each month and are taught in the Cottage, House, and outdoors around the beautiful gardens and grounds of 577.
Upcoming Classes
Fused Glass Classes
Fused Glass Witch • Thursday, October 6 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Fused Glass Pumpkins • Thursday, October 20 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Fused Glass Turkey • Thursday, November 3 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Fused Glass Santa Suncatcher • Thursday, November 17 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
FUSED GLASS ~ WITCH: Learn to make a fused glass witch and choose whether it becomes a candy bowl or a stake decoration. Enjoy a fun evening together as you are guided step-by-step to make this project, perfect to add to your Halloween décor.
FUSED GLASS ~ PUMPKIN: Learn to make your own fused glass pumpkin and choose whether it’s a simply adorable pumpkin or whether it becomes a jack-o-lantern with a face. Enjoy a fun evening together as you are guided step by step to make this project, perfect to add to your Halloween décor inside or out.
FUSED GLASS ~ TURKEY: Gobble, gobble! Join us at 577 as we gather to learn and make an adorable, fused glass turkey! Students will enjoy a fun evening together as they are guided step by step to make this fun fowl—too sweet to eat, but perfect for displaying in your home.
FUSED GLASS ~ SANTA MOON SUNCATCHER: Students will enjoy a fun evening together as they are guided step by step to make this charming decoration sure to bring holiday cheer to your window. The project will be returned with a metal chain for display.
All projects are left with the instructor who will “fuse” the glass together by firing in a home kiln before returning them to 577 for pick-up. No experience is necessary, all supplies are included.
Community Instructor: Geneen Wise
Photography: An Exploration of 577
Mondays, October 10, 17, 24 ~ 5:30pm to 7pm
Photography: An Exploration of 577, is exactly that! Geared towards beginners, but open to all, this three-week photography class will give you a chance to explore the grounds of 577, capture its beauty in ways unique to you, and find a new appreciation for what makes a great photo. Each class will include a short presentation providing examples, history, and techniques, a fun photography game, and a chance to share your photos with the rest of the group. This class is built to grow your confidence behind the camera as you learn the basics of aesthetics and composition in photography. You will walk away with great photos, taken BY YOU, and a new skill you can continue to build upon, or just use in your day-to-day life.
*Please note: If it isn’t raining, this class will be spending time outdoors—be sure to dress for the weather.
577 Program Intern: Mason Deane, Photographer and Artist
Acrylic Painting
Dutch Country Windmill • Monday, October 10 ~ 10am to 2:30pm
Autumn Waterfall • Monday, November 7 ~ 10am to 2:30pm
Join us for an in-person Adult Acrylic Painting Workshop inside Virginia’s House. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included for you to create your own work of art on an 11” x 14” canvas. Bring a snack or two to enjoy throughout class or bring a lunch for our midday break.
DUTCH COUNTRY WINDMILL: Students will be guided step-by-step to paint a charming old windmill, sky, clouds, water, and more.
AUTUMN WATERFALL: Students will be guided step by step to paint a rushing waterfall with fall trees and rocks.
Community Instructor: Mary Claire Roe
Creative Card Making
Wednesday, October 12 ~ 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Join us in Virginia’s House as we gather for fun, making creative cards with that personal touch, no experience is needed. Each student will be making 5 fall-themed cards and a gift bag.
Students will receive all the support and inspiration needed to make beautiful cards and will have plenty of options for individual creativity. Come and enjoy creating together–all supplies included!
Community Instructors: Pat Szymanowski & Patricia Piper
Stamped Cards & Papercrafts
Thursday, November 3 ~ 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Come enjoy some creative stamp therapy with a fun group of stampers! Each student will create several cards– some with special holiday themes and some all-occasion cards, which can be further personalized with your choice of sentiment.
Projects include a variety of creative elements, pre-made by the instructor, for you to assemble in your own unique way. All supplies provided.
Community Instructor: Chris Smith
Creating an Illustrated Field Journal
Friday, October 14 ~ 11am to 12pm
Friday, November 11 ~ 11am to 12pm
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
Exploring Handmade Inks
Class: Friday, November 11 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Optional ~ Watch Ink Making Process: Friday, November 4 ~ 10am to 4:30pm
Join the creative and curious in this exciting two-part class to experience making and using your own handmade inks.
Friday, November 11, from 6pm to 8pm, students will gather in Virginia’s House to use 577-made Black Walnut ink and onion skin ink to learn tips and tricks for writing and drawing. Traditional pens and nibs will be available to use during the class, and students will work to create a hand-drawn greeting card. All supplies are included, but students are encouraged to bring a sketchbook for practicing. Each student will take home a bottle of 577 Black Walnut ink and their completed card.
Optional: Students and visitors can observe the ink-making process firsthand, as your instructor makes a batch of Black Walnut ink in the 577 Log House on Friday, November 4. Drop in anytime between 10am and 4pm—bring a hot drink and spend as much time as you’d like in this cozy space watching your ink being made and learning about sourcing & ink recipes.
577 Program Intern: John Baldwin, Printmaker and Artist
Watercolor: Fall Leaves
Friday, October 28 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Learn to capture the colorful but fleeting beauty of fall leaves in a watercolor painting. Great for all levels but a perfect entry point for beginners, fall leaves are a forgiving subject to paint, as variety and imperfections abound in nature.
Students can choose to draw by hand or trace the leaf shapes. For color inspiration, students are encouraged to bring their own leaves, personal photos, or magazine clippings, or choose from a selection gathered by the instructor. Join us for a fun & supportive afternoon exploring the possibilities of watercolor and come away with a simple but beautiful painting.
577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose, Program Manager & Professional Artist