Studio Arts

The Art of Alcohol Inks: Christmas in July

Tuesday, July 8 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Get into the spirit of Christmas in July 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) 4.25″ x 4.25″ 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

Creating an Illustrated Field Journal

Friday, July 11 ~ 11am to 1pm

 Friday, August 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

Paper Flowers: Whimsical Daisy Bouquet

Wednesday, July 9 ~ 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Wednesday, August 20 ~ 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Create a whimsical bouquet of paper daisies with just a few folds, a couple of snips, and a touch of glue. Participants will learn all the skills needed, and everyone will take home a charming vase ready to brighten the perfect spot in their home or office. All materials provided. Completed projects are approximately 8″ x 5″.

Community Instructor: Mary Willets

Creative Card Making: Birthday Card Palooza

Wednesday, July 9 ~ 4pm to 8pm

Celebrate your loved ones in style with a dozen handmade birthday cards—each one crafted by you. In this creative, hands-on class, you’ll learn a variety of cardmaking techniques while building new skills and designing a collection of unique, heartfelt greetings.

Making and sending cards is a timeless way to show appreciation and stay connected. Whether you’re celebrating a friend, family member, or coworker, a handmade card adds a personal touch that truly stands out.

No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm! Each participant will leave with 12 completed birthday cards, approximately 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ in size. All supplies are provided.

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

Fused Glass: Set of Four Coasters

Thursday, July 10 ~ 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 coasters—each one a vibrant work of art.

No experience is necessary, and all materials are included. Each finished coaster will measure approximately 4 inches by 4 inches, perfect for brightening up your coffee table or gifting to someone special.

After class, your pieces will be carefully fired in a home kiln to fuse the glass together. Once complete, they’ll be returned to 577 for pickup. Come explore the beauty of glass and leave with functional art you’ll be proud to use!

Class Note: 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.

Community Instructor: Geneen Wise

Watercolor: Abstract Bubbles

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

Enjoy a relaxing class painting a fun and colorful abstract watercolor image in this soothing Create Calm experience, a perfect way to learn or improve your watercolor skills.

Begin class creating your color scheme and learning how to paint your “bubbles.” The second part of the class will be reserved for quiet time as we add dark lines with markers to define organic shapes while you relax and focus. Completed projects will be approximately 9″ x 11″. No experience is necessary and all supplies included.

Create Calm classes are designed to allow anyone to experience simple, creative projects in a soothing environment. The calming nature of watercolors, quiet work time, and gentle music, will encourage participants of all levels to tap into their innate ability to create a state of calm.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Watercolor: Monarch Butterfly

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

Learn to capture the beauty of the monarch butterfly with watercolor paint in a relaxed and supportive environment–no drawing experience needed. We’ll use simple practice exercises to get familiar with our paints, learn how to mix the right colors, and use a template to transfer our butterfly image onto watercolor paper. Participants are also welcome to draw their own Monarch.

Using your new skills and transferred image of your choice, we’ll spend the second part of class working to complete our own beautiful butterfly paintings. Finished paintings will be approximately 4.5 inches by 6 inches. All experience levels welcome and all supplies included.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

A Relaxing Paint Night: Step by Step Landscape

Friday, July 18 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

Enjoy a relaxing evening getting creative as we paint a beautiful landscape in a calm, encouraging setting—no experience needed.

Using acrylics, we will paint a peaceful landscape featuring vividly colored rolling hills, golden highlights, and soft shadows. We’ll learn basic techniques like layering, blending, and color mixing. Bring your curiosity and spend the evening enjoying the creative process at your own pace. All supplies included. Each completed painting will be approximately 9″ x 12″.

Community Instructor: Sammi Dougherty

Painted Dot Mandala: Joyful Journal

Saturday, July 19 ~ 10am to 1pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting as we decorate the cover of a journal. In the first part of class, participants will receive step-by-step guidance before practicing how to create common mandala elements such as petals, teardrops, walking-the-dots, swooshes, and top dots. In the second part of class, participants will work independently to create their own beautiful journals with instructor support as needed. All materials will be provided, including a 5 1/2″ x 8″ journal for each person. Participants are also welcome to bring their own journal of a similar size.

Class Note: This class is open to both beginners and intermediate dot painters. 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: Quiet Country Road

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

Discover your inner artist and create your own work of art in this fun and friendly class. Learn the stages of building an acrylic painting from start to finish. A great project for any level of experience, we will explore easy techniques to make a monochromatic painting, using just one color plus black and white. 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

Drawing Nature: Tropical Plants

Thursday, July 24 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Enjoy exploring the fundamentals of drawing with pastel pencils as we work to create a vibrant, full-color image of tropical plants inspired by those in our Geodesic Biodome.

We’ll begin with a quick visit to the Biodome for inspiration, followed by step-by-step instruction on how to sketch a variety of tropical plants. No drawing experience is necessary—participants will be guided through techniques to add color and texture that capture the look and feel of these lush specimens.

Lots of support and all materials are provided, including 9″ x 12″ drawing paper.

577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

 Fused Glass: Create Your Pet ~ Dog or Cat

Thursday, July 24 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Bring your favorite furry friend to life in glass! In this playful fused glass class, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance as you design and create a colorful dog or cat—your choice. Whether you’re inspired by a real-life pet or dreaming up a whimsical new companion, this project is a fun way to explore the art of fused glass.

No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided. Each finished piece will stand approximately 7 to 10 inches tall. After class, your project will be kiln-fired to fuse the glass together and then returned to 577 for pickup. A great opportunity to create a heartfelt keepsake or a one-of-a-kind gift!

Class Note: Participants will receive an email with pick up information from 577 once the instructor returns completed projects, generally within 7 business after the class.

Community Instructor: Geneen Wise

Watercolor: Simple Misty Landscape

Friday, July 25 ~ 2pm  to 4:30pm

Learn how to paint a misty, moody landscape in watercolor. A perfect project for anyone new to this watery medium, AND for watercolor enthusiasts looking to stretch their skills. Participants will enjoy guided exercises and practice paintings leading up to their final 6″ x 9″ painting in the color scheme of their choice.

All supplies are provided. Come as you are and enjoy a relaxed, encouraging space to create.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Watercolor: Painting Zinnia Flowers

Friday, July 25 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Explore the art of painting zinnia flowers in watercolor, a simple and inviting subject perfect for beginners or anyone looking to unwind with color and creativity. Participants of all levels will enjoy guided exercises and practice paintings with plenty of support.

In the second half of class, you’ll receive a sheet of 9″ x 12″ watercolor paper along with a notecard and envelope. You can choose to use the paper to create four 4.5″ x 6″ cards, one full 9″ x 12″ painting, or two 9″ x 6″ paintings—whatever inspires you most.

All supplies are provided. Come as you are and enjoy a relaxed, encouraging space to create.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Sun Printing: Cyanotype Napkins

Saturday, July 26 ~ 2pm  to 4pm

Bring a touch of artistry to your everyday table and special occasions with a set of custom dinner napkins crafted using the fascinating cyanotype process. In this class, you’ll learn how to design and print a stunning botanical composition on four (4) cotton napkins, provided by 577.

Your instructor will guide you through each step of the cyanotype printing method. By the end of the class, you’ll leave with four (4) freshly printed 15″ x 15″ cotton napkins. Your family and friends will be impressed by the unique touch and personal flair these napkins bring to your meals and gatherings.

577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Necklace & Earrings

Tuesday, July 29 ~ 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 a pair of earrings and a necklace to match using copper, brass, or German silver metals. All experience levels are welcome. Each participant will receive a polishing cloth and a gift box. 

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

Community Instructor: Snookie Viviano

Makers Circle: Art Inspired by Birds

Friday, August 1 ~ 6pm to 8pm

The theme for the August Makers Circle is birds! To kick off the workshop, staff artists will share a fun and simple technique for creating colorful bird silhouettes in the art medium of your choice—absolutely no experience needed to get fantastic results.

After the initial demonstration, participants can continue experimenting with the techniques introduced or choose their own art adventure to create a bird-themed—or other inspired—project using any of 577’s available materials, including graphite and colored pencils, chalk pastels, watercolor and gouache paints, watercolor pencils, and brush markers.

Makers Circle workshops are a great opportunity to try something new, experiment with mixing mediums, hone your skills, relax, and learn how to get over the fear of the blank page.

Class Note: A selection of student-grade drawing and watercolor papers will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook or their preferred drawing or watercolor paper if they have any. Plenty of bird references will be on hand, and participants are welcome to bring their own images.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Cardmaking: Stamp Camp – Fun Folds

Friday, August 1 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Saturday, August 2 ~ 10am to 1pm

Explore “out of the box” ideas for your hand-stamped 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 included!

Everyone will have some options for personalizing the sentiments in your cards and receive lots of support and step-by-step instructions. To help practice their new skills, class participants will take home a PDF tutorial and a small paper crafting pack to create additional cards.

Although having previous card class/card making or paper crafting experience is helpful, those new to the art of card making are welcome. This weekend’s Stamp Camp sessions on August 1 and 2 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.

Class Note: Cards made in class may be different than those shown in the photo.

Community Instructor: Chris Smith

Acrylic Pour Painting: Waves

Saturday, August 2 ~ 12pm to 2pm

Unleash your creativity in this exciting, hands-on pour painting class! Learn how to mix vibrant acrylic paints, pour them onto canvas, and create a crashing wave painting using vibrant shades of blue on a 14″ x 14″ canvas without lifting a paintbrush. All supplies are included, and all levels of experience are welcome.

Class Notes: Paintings must stay at 577 to dry for at least three 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

Jewelry: Industrial Chic Earrings

Saturday, August 2 ~ 3pm to 5pm

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

Drawing: Portraits Made Simple

Monday, August 4 ~ 10am to 1pm

Explore the vibrant world of portraiture through chalk pastels and/or charcoal, with a special focus on capturing accurate proportions, understanding color, and the effects of light and shadow. Learn classic master artist “tricks” and techniques that will help participants break down complex forms into simple shapes, resulting in realistic facial features. All skill levels welcome, and all supplies included. Each completed drawing will be approximately 8″ x 8″.

Class Note: Most participants will start and complete at least one drawing, but because everyone will work at their own pace, some projects may need to be finished at home.

Community Instructor: Sammi Dougherty

Creative Card Making

Thursday, August 7 ~ 4pm to 8pm

Enjoy an evening creating and join us in sending a little love into the world. Participants will receive a packet full of paper, envelopes, ephemera, and more, and will learn how to make twelve (12) 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

Sun Printing: Fun with Cyanotype

Friday, August 8 ~ 2pm to 4pm

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 4 one-of-a-kind 4.75” x 6.75” pieces of stunning botanical art to pair with provided 8×10 mats. No experience is necessary; all supplies are included.

577 Staff Instructor: Isabelle Tucker

Watercolor: Dog Portraits

Monday, August 11 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Let’s celebrate National Dog Day (August 11) 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 cat 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.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Whimsical Watercolor Window Boxes

Friday, August 15 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Spend a fun and creative Friday afternoon creating a pen & ink + watercolor window box painting with 577 Staff Artists Bennett Dowling and Connie Stose. 577’s window boxes are exploding with beauty this season, and we’ll use this as our inspiration. No prior drawing or painting experience is required. Bennett and Connie will guide you every step of the way!

Connie will begin with simple practice exercises to help you get comfortable with watercolors, then show you how to loosen up and create expressive washes that capture the feel of flourishing plants in a window box. Bennett will demonstrate a simple transfer technique and share pen and ink tips and tricks to add depth and detail to your artwork. Finished projects will be approximately 9″ x 9″.

577 Staff Instructors: Connie Stose & Bennett O. Dowling

Painted Dot Mandala: Peacock

Saturday, August 16 ~ 10am to 1pm

Learn the basic techniques of dot painting as we work to create a mesmerizing mandala in peacock feather colors. 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

Soft Pastels: Peony Field

Tuesday, August 19 ~ 2pm to 4:30pm

Learn how to paint a beautiful impressionistic landscape 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

Acrylic Painting: Eastern Bluebird

Monday, August 25 ~ 10am to 2:30pm

Discover your inner artist and learn to paint an Eastern Bluebird perched on a branch in this 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

Creative Nature Collages: Flower Power

Thursday, August 28 ~ 6pm to 8pm

Create a late summer floral collage by cutting & pasting recycled book pages, scrap paint and marbled pages, scrapbook paper, magazines, old greeting cards, and more into a beautiful and one-of-a-kind piece. Experiment with fun petal shapes and sizes, vase patterns, and bold color palettes. Inspiration and examples will be provided.

Stabilo woody pencils and other drawing utensils, such as crayons and oil pastels, will also be available to add more detail and fun mark-making to paper scraps. Finished collages will be on 9″ x 12″ blank or speckled paper. Depending on the weather, we will take a quick walk around the grounds to draw inspiration from the flower landscapes around 577. All supplies are included, but feel free to bring any ephemera you would like to incorporate.

Class Note: Participants ages 12 to 15 may attend with a registered adult.

577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman

Watercolor II: Hummingbirds

Friday, August 29 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Designed for those with some watercolor experience, this class will help to build your creative skills while we have fun painting a colorful hummingbird. We’ll start with a series of practice exercises that will focus on lifting, layering, and wet-on-wet techniques. Next, we’ll put our experience to use as we work step-by-step to paint our hummingbirds together. Completed paintings will be approximately 4.5 inches by 6 inches. All supplies provided, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have taken at least one watercolor class at 577.

577 Staff Instructor: Connie Stose

Watercolor 101

Friday, August 29 ~ 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