Make a colorful pop-art inspired portrait using acrylic paint on canvas! Choose an image of a person or animal (family member, friend, pet, celebrity, anything etc.!) to translate into an original painting.  Bring at least two reference images (of the image you would like to paint). With the help of the instructor, you will grid-out and draw your image and then use acrylic paint to add value and vibrancy.  All experience levels welcome.  Materials fee of $22 payable to instructor at class.

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SCAEaasmore

Stiles

This experience is for adults who want to tap into their own creativity... or for anyone who wants to play with shapes and colors! Allow your subconscious to surface, and create in a safe space for personal expression. The workshop will begin by inviting you to tap into your creative potential through a gentle 45-minute yoga practice designed to remove any external distractions and support you in grounding, centering and focusing your energy. Afterwards, you will take part in a mandala coloring session on a template specially designed for this workshop. Mandalas and sacred geometry have been used for centuries across many cultures as a tool to explore the innermost layers of the self. Join artist and yoga teacher Jeannine Burgess for a transformative workshop that brings together art and yoga to expand your vibration. In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to explore the mandala and experience new forms of creative expression. Art is the creative expression of the subconscious mind. It allows what is unconscious to come to the surface and be seen, heard, felt, and experienced. Yoga movements allow one to bypass the thinking mind and tap into the creative wisdom of the body.

The unmistakable image of a mandala, circle, or life wheel, is a representation of the universe through the use of sacred geometry. Throughout history and around the globe these images have been used as an act of worship or meditation. Often used as a calming practice for its creator, mandalas are meant to conjure emotions and energetic responses from the viewer. Each piece may resonate with a certain thought, emotion or physical sensation. Presented by artist and yoga teacher Jeannine Burgess, whose own mandala exploration has quite literally, brought her life full circle; combining her mutual loves for decorative painting and healing. In this workshop, Jeannine will lead you through some meditative techniques which calm the nervous system as well as open up creative potential. There will be additional information provided on the energetics of sacred geometry patterns and how they can be used to compliment a relaxation practice. Using watercolor paints, pencils, and pastels on an original template drawn atop the Flower of Life, you will be able to create your own 12x12" mixed-media expression of the universe. This experience is for adults who want to tap into their own creativity as well as calm the body and mind... or for anyone who wants to play with shapes and colors! Allow your subconscious to surface, and create in a safe space for personal expression.

Artists will work closely with their mentor to establish technical, conceptual, and professional goals. This customized program is intended for artists seeking to advance their artistic practice. Overcome your artistic obstacles; whether they be speaking about, making, presenting, or selling your artwork. Your goals + areas of concentration (medium) will determine which mentor you are paired with. With your mentor, you will co-create a self-designed program; addressing your practice, process, and aesthetic barriers. When necessary, mentors will provide medium specific demonstrations and constructive criticism of both process + product. Mentorship can take place at Arts Afire Studio or another agreed upon location. For rates and more information, please contact Kristin Fitzpatrick: kfitzpatrick@sanford.org  207-608-8738

This is your opportunity to finish any projects that aren't done or that you need help finishing.  We had a lot of big baskets this year. I want you to be able to enjoy your beautiful, finished baskets.

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Csmith

With this exciting process, you never know what beautiful patterns will be created until the paint is poured. We'll cover what types of paint and additives work best to create beautiful abstract art. This class is appropriate for any artistic skill level, from beginner to pro, who wants to learn this technique. You will be transporting your wet paintings home in a container provided by the instructor, but you may want to have some plastic or cardboard in your car for the trip home.  There is a $30 materials fee payable to the instructor at class.

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Finlay

This boho dream catcher wall hanging is fun and easy to make. The instructor will have beads, trims, ribbons, hoops, and some feathers but if you have specific colors you would like to work with, you should bring them. Yarn, ribbon, decorative trims will all work. For health reasons, please only bring store-bought feathers. Materials fee $10 payable to instructor. If you have a glue gun, please bring it. You can use a doily for your center if you have it-  make sure you bring a hoop (like a wooden embroidery hoop) that will fit it. The materials fee will be adjusted for students bringing their own materials. 

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Finlay

This class will be introduction and exploration of gelli printmaking and  simple bookmaking. 

In this first part of this workshop, participants will explore the many uses of Geli plates (mono printing without a press using soft gel “plates”).  We will explore both the uses of texture as well as working with stencils. Materials will be available for participants to make their own stencils and  will learn how to create layered designs as well as “narrative“ pieces. Other demonstrations include: rainbow roll for background as well as using gel mediums for transparency. No experience necessary. Whether you want to create designs for bookmaking and collage or work on a narrative piece, this workshop offers a variety of techniques. 

The second part of this workshop is the introduction of simple bookmaking techniques using the papers students have designed previously .

This workshop offers a balance between creative experimentation with a variety of materials along with developing concrete skills in the book arts. Using papers that students themselves have designed is very satisfying. All materials included, no experience necessary.

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