The Art of the Quilt

On Exhibit:  Sept. 9 - Oct. 11
Opening Reception:  Fri. Sept. 8th, 5-7pm

This favorite biennial exhibit features quilts by members of the Soo Nipi Quilters' Guild.

Sponsored by:

Bar Harbor Bank and Trust

Gallery of Gifts

Join the Inktober® Drawing Challenge at the Library Arts Center!

Inktober® 2023 is a national challenge, which the Library Arts Center is taking on at the local level.  The challenge is designed to encourage everyone (artists, non-artists, and children alike) to get more creative!  Create 31 drawings in 31 days, or go at a pace that works well for you.  Want to join in with our local group participating in Inktober®?  Sign up at the link below.  Those who sign up will be able to follow along with the posts of others from our local community who are participating.  

Gallery of Gifts

Pick up a Pen and Draw! Join the creative challenge.

Really, all you need to get started with the Inktober challenge is a simple pen and paper!  For those who would like to dive a little deeper in the world of ink drawing, the Library Arts Center is helping to get people started with this creative challenge a free ink drawing kit that includes several drawing pens, and a sketchbook.  *A limited number of kits are available–so sign up to reserve one at the link below.  

September Art Kits! The Art of Stitching

Free, monthly art kits are designed to get everyone creative.

Burlap, yarn, and plastic needles make it safe and engaging for all ages to start stitching!  Depending on age & interest, you can make it as free-form and simple, or planned out, as desired.   Pick one up in the Library Arts Center Gallery, and take a peek at the inspiring exhibit of QUILTS by the Soo Nipi Quilters’ Guild, now on display in the Gallery through Oct. 11th.

It's Magic! Class for Kids Ages 11-13

with professional magician, Bruce Cronin
Tuesdays, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, and 24 3:30-5:00pm
Library Arts Center Studio    *Pre-registration required.

Making things appear, disappear, change color, multiply… learn all the basics of magic in this fun and engaging five-week class taught by professional magician, Bruce Cronin!   Using common, everyday articles such as rubber balls, coins, ropes and playing cards, Mr. Cronin will teach through Sleight of Hand how to make these objects do miraculous things.   Not only will students learn magic, they will also learn effective presentation to best entertain friends, family and a variety of audiences. Magic is a wonderful way to develop skills, stage presence and self-confidence. And above all, it’s fun!

Gallery of Gifts

Applications are open for Gallery of Gifts!

Jury Deadlines for 2023:  Sept. 9 + Sept. 30
Gallery of Gifts:  Handmade for the Holidays!
November 4 – December 23, 2023

Summer may still be in full swing, but we are already busy planning our highly-anticipated holiday exhibit, brimming with great artisan gifts for holiday gifting!  The Library Arts Center is always looking for talented new local artists and crafters (both professional & amateur) to participate. Do you or someone you know have great work that might be a good fit? Find out more about the show and how to apply at the link below.

Gallery of Gifts

Exploring with Mixed Media

with instructor Jennifer Stark
Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8; 5:30-8:00pm
$85, for full six sessions and materials

The mixed media class will focus on some fun techniques including print making with Gelli plates by Gelli Arts, exploring a variety of mediums, how to create layers and using masks. We will have an introduction to a variety of adhesives, paper, and embellishments. Each class will teach techniques, show use of materials, and give time to experiment and create.  With the source material we create we will collage some artist trading cards, a mini journal, and small piece of wall art.

Gallery of Gifts

Collage Retreat!

with Collage Artists and Instructors:  Chris Scott and Jennifer Stark
Friday, October 6, 5:20-7:30pm   AND  Sat. October 7, 9:30-11:30am
Tuition:  $50, includes all materials

Join us for this fun, two-day collage immersive experience! Play with various technics and experiment in a friendly collaborative environment. Beginners and experienced collage artists will find a creative work environment. Art instructors  – Jenn Stark and Chris Scott – can provide advice from their experience with collage.  Spend Saturday morning fabricating collage with the papers you made on Friday evening.  The goal is to relax in a creative environment suited to beginners and experienced collage artists alike. 

Gallery of Gifts

How to Create Dynamic Watercolors with Light and Shadow

with instructor Robert J. O’Brien, AWS NWS
Sunday, November 12

This workshop will focus on creating dynamic paintings with light and shadow. Students will learn how to make color combinations for perfect transparent shadows. Composition and values with be emphasized. Reference photos will be provided. The class will begin with a demonstration by the instructor followed by class painting and a critique. All levels are welcome. Some drawing and watercolor experience suggested.

Weekly Open Studio Art Group for Adults

Wednesday mornings – ongoing
9:30am-12:30pm.

$8 for LAC members/$12 non-members.

Bring your own art supplies and work on painting alongside a delightful and supportive group of artists. Facilitator Heidi Lorenz will paint alongside all, but is available for light guidance and instruction if desired. This welcoming and friendly drop-in style group is available to artists of all styles and abilities!

Drop in–No pre-registration necessary.

Letterpress Sessions in the Studio

Explore the Library Arts Center’s little Letterpress Studio in this fun class designed for beginners to the letterpress process.  Choose your own project.  Various options include: business cards, notecards, small poster style quotes, coasters etc. 

In this class you will learn the basics of letterpress, working in our small, but wonderfully equipped letterpress studio.  From setting your own type to using the printing press, you will complete a small project of your own creation in this beginner’s class with our resident letterpress artist, Ann Stout.  

Yoga in the Gallery with Brianna

Friday Mornings| 8:30am + 10:00am in the Gallery

Classes are designed for any student looking to practice yoga. Movement will be linked with breath (as offered by the Hatha and Kripalu traditions of yoga), as well as focus on alignment, and attention paid to honoring your own organic movement. Students can expect to practice both seated and standing poses as well as focus on balance and breath.  Please bring your own mat and any props you would like.

Basket-Making Workshops with Ray Lagasse

The Library Arts Center is proud to offer these exceptional artisan basket-making workshops with artisan Ray Lagasse.  Students will spend a day in the studio learning this traditional craft and will leave with a fabulous heirloom-quality basket to keep or give as a phenomenal gift.  Workshops are typically offered monthly in the Arts Center studio.

Preserving Newport's Heritage Mural

We are beyond excited that the Library Arts Center is helping to spearhead the heritage mural reproduction in downtown Newport. 

Find out more about the Mural Reproduction.

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The Library Arts Center is generously supported in part by:

Library Arts Center

Community Arts Center | Newport, New Hampshire