Classes for Adults
Explore a variety of arts experiences including painting, collage, felting, basket-making and more.
Classes are available in a variety of mediums for both accomplished artists, and those wishing to explore.
ONLINE REGISTRATION BELOW.
PLEASE NOTE: If the class of your choice is full or canceled due to lack of enrollment, you will be notified and entitled to a full refund. Class tuition is due in full on or before the first day of the class session. Make-up classes will only be offered when the instructor is unable to teach his/her class.
Members of the Library Arts Center may subtract 10% from tuition prices of select classes, or can enter the code MEMBER when registering online to receive the discount.
Our open studio art group meets for plein air painting trips throughout the warmer months.
Art Camp for Grown-ups
Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:30pm
$15 per student, per session
New projects each week.
Why should kids have all the fun? This series is designed to get adults creating, regardless of experience or perceived creative ability; artists and complete novices alike will enjoy these sessions. Sign up for one, several, or the whole series as you see fit. Get messy, learn new techniques, and leave each session with finished art projects and the know how to make more at home. Sign up yourself, and make friends with other participants, register with friends and make a night of it, or even turn it into a date night!
CAMP NIGHTS 2025:
June 26 – Zentangle with Laura Jean Whitcomb
Start a practice of this relaxing artform in this class. Laura Jean will teach the basic elements of this design practice and get participants creating “tangles” of their own. Each participant will receive a beginner kit to use in the class, and take home to continue.
July 3 – Water-based Screen Printing with Kris Cairelli
Get creative with traditional screen-printing techniques, made friendlier with non- toxic, easy to clean up, and water based materials. Bring copies of reference images if you have specific themes you’d like to incorporate. Print will be created on paper. Students will leave with finished prints and a whole new technique in their artist tool box.
July 10 – Dot-painted Plant Pots with Kathy Hanson
Go Aboriginal Dot art style in this plant pot workshop. This addictive technique will have you adding dots to everything! Leave with a finished plant pot (provided) and a new art technique.
July 17 – Paper Orbs with Pam LaFountain
Learn to make a paper orb with simple supplies. Many choices of paper will be available or create your own design. Then head home with a pattern and make more on your own. Orbs can be used as Christmas ornaments, fill a bowl with orbs with a color theme for the holidays, design an orb mobile, or make one as a gift with a special message. You should be able to make two different orbs in our class so you can try different materials.
July 24 – Art Design Sweatshirts with Patti Warren
Bring your own sweatshirt, and leave with an artistically altered piece that is an art statement unique to you! These techniques will be simple to do, but will be sure to garner compliments every time you wear it!
July 31 – Suminagashi Paper Marbling with Kris Cairelli
Discover the ancient art of Japanese paper marbling, where intricate designs are achieved by floating inks on the surface of water! Finished papers can be viewed as stand-alone art pieces, or can used for greeting cards, art book covers etc.
August 7 – Sumi Painting with Heidi Lorenz
This Japanese painting style was created by Zen monks. In this Zen practice, reality is expressed by reducing it to its pure, bare form, creating stunning, simple paintings with painted black ink. Leave the studio totally relaxed and focused, with finished paintings and a new artistic practice.
August 14 – Redwork Stitching with Pam LaFountain
Learn and practice the basic stitches of Redwork, a traditional form of hand stitching that mostly uses red thread, although other colors can also be used. Create a Redwork art piece in this studio class. Projects work up fast and there are many free patterns available online, making this a really rewarding sewing style to continue past class.
August 28 – Zentangle with Laura Jean Whitcomb
Start a practice of this relaxing artform in this class. Laura Jean will teach the basic elements of this design practice and get participants creating “tangles” of their own. Each participant will receive a beginner kit to use in the class, and take home to continue.
September 4 – Step-by-Step Landscape Painting with Heidi Lorenz
With no painting experience necessary, beginner and intermediate painters can enjoy this step-by-step painting that will land participants with a finished painting they can leave the studio proud of. Color mixing, painting techniques, and creative expression will all be explored in the creation of this landscape.
Mixed Media, Monoprints and Mark-Making
with instructor Jennifer Stark
First Tuesday of the Month: July 1st, Aug. 5th, and Sept. 2nd
10:00am-12:00noon each session
Tuition: $10 per session, all materials included
Join us for creative exploration of mixed media, creating monoprints with Gelli plates, printing with paint, paper transfers, using masks, expressive mark making and more. Each session will have a different basic focus, with plenty of time for open-ended exploration with the materials and techniques. Attend each session, or sign up for the ones that work with your schedule; this welcoming creative group will help beginners through professional artists explore materials and techniques to make a variety of papers to use as finished pieces, or materials to work into future mixed media and collage.
Color Charts Workshop
with Peter Granucci
Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8
9:00am-3:00pm each day
Tuition: $225
This workshop will be a hands- on practical approach to utilizing and understanding color. Color is always inspiring but it’s often difficult to “get it right”. It can be frustrating. We’ll study color harmony and create color charts that will give you the understanding and ability to use it creatively and expressively. Color has to come out of your own brush and experience to be useful. I’ll show how to mix and match any color, anytime, on demand.
This will be a fun weekend immersing ourselves in color and color alone, appreciating it for the beauty it will bring to your paintings. You will produce multiple charts and make example images to take home and use as references in developing your own color sense. Color is always very individualistic so this class will also show you how you can explore color on your own after the workshop is over.
What could be more fun than a weekend mixing beautiful colors?
Click the link HERE for a recommended MATERIALS LIST.
Drawing for a Painting
with Peter Granucci
Wednesdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30
4:00-6:00pm
Tuition: $185
In art, drawing is the most useful stage in the creative process. Virtually everything made by a human being has begun with a drawing, it’s where you think and dream.
This sequence will show you how to get a strong clear drawing ready for a painting (which will make the painting process much easier). We will start simply and build it from there. This will be a step by step method meant to empower you to utilize your ideas and references to create your world and how you can modify your ideas to more fully represent what you are interested in. This method can open doors to utilizing the world as your oyster.
Gouache
with Peter Granucci
Saturday and Sunday, August 9 & 10
9:00am-3:00pm each day
Tuition: $225
People often ask “What is Gouache?”. Often, it’s confused with watercolor because they both use water to as the diluent, but in fact, they are opposite of each other since gouache is opaque and watercolor is transparent. Gouache is an ancient medium that stands the test of time in its archival qualities and when learned and used as intended is its own unique medium. Some of its advantages are that it dries fast and can be developed and is the only paint that is re-workable after it’s dried. When used correctly it rivals oil painting or, dare I say, can exceed it in beauty and clarity. It’s very useful for studies is wonderful as stand alone Fine Art paintings.
In this class you will learn multiple techniques in how to use the paint and mix and match colors accurately. You will also produce a painting of your own. (There will be new lessons that weren’t included in last years class.)
Another advantage is that the materials are reasonably priced and it doesn’t require a big investment.
It is a hands down beautiful, inspiring technique that every artist can benefit from using.
Maine Plein Air Drawing Workshop
with Peter Granucci
September 9-13
Workshop is Sept. 10, 11, & 12
Lincolnville and Camden Maine
Instructional Fee: $315.00
**Please note that the cost of accommodations are not included in the cost of the workshop.
Come and enjoy drawing along the coast of Maine! This year we will return to the Camden/Lincolnville area. There are endless beautiful and interesting things to draw there. This three day class will consist of a morning drawing lesson and and afternoon drawing on location session then an evening session to continue and finish the work begun that day or don something new. This class is meant to enable and encourage artists to draw regularly in their own life and work. Drawing is where the artist thinks and ideas are born all the while increasing our powers of perception and observation. Not to mention it’s really fun! Great place, great people, food and art!
We will be staying at the Glenmoor by the Sea Motel. A great place. www.
Book early if you want to go!!!
Painting the Many Moods and Facets of Water in the Watercolor Medium
with Robert J. O’ Brien, AWS NWS-M
Saturday, July 26
9:30am-4:00pm
Tuition: $90
Open to all levels of painting experience with some watercolor experience suggested.
This workshop will focus on the many moods and facets of painting water in the watercolor medium. Students will learn techniques from rendering a simple reflective pond to a swift moving mountain stream and everything in between. Foreshortening and the ability to suggest a flat plane will be taught when painting a meandering river or a lake. Water provides the artist with an endless variety of interpretations given its reflective qualities as well as its restlessness. The class will start with a demonstration by the instructor followed by class painting. A critique will be offered at the end of the session. Reference photos will be provided and students are encouraged to bring their own as well. Click HERE for a recommended Materials List for this class.
Painting the Portrait in Watercolor
with Robert J. O’ Brien, AWS NWS-M
Saturday, November 8
9:30am-4:00pm
Tuition: $90
Open to all levels of painting experience with some watercolor experience suggested.
The human portrait will be explored in this workshop. Students will learn to paint a portrait with all of its nuances and subtleties in watercolor using a layering process. Students will paint from a photo reference. The instructor will paint, as a demonstration, a finished portrait, and will explain each step of the painting process. A critique and class discussion will be held at the end of the session. The class is open to all abilities though some drawing experience is recommended. Click HERE for a recommended Materials List for this class.
Beginner Rug Hooking Workshop
with Sandra Grant
Saturday, September 13
9:00am-1:00pm
Tuition: $60 (includes kit with all materials to take home)
Open to all levels of painting experience with some watercolor experience suggested.
This workshop includes a basic introduction to rug hooking on a basic geometric pattern. We will discuss options of hooks, frames and materials. The kit includes the pattern on linen, a hook and small hoop. Along with a variety of cut wool stripes, yarns, and varieties of other fibers. A gripper frame will be available to use in the class. No experience necessary. Students age 16 + welcome
Participants should bring embroidery scissors and a basket/tray to put the materials in while hooking.
Instructor Bio:
Sandra Grant is a fiber artist and rug hooker with an MFA background in teaching and Fiber Arts. She is a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen since 2016.
EXPLORE THE
Felting Series
Needle Felting: Landscape Painting in Wool: Beach Scenes
with Jennifer Boyd
Saturday, June 14th
9:00am-12:30pm
Tuition: $50, includes all materials
Create an 8×10 felted beach scene landscape in this session, learning the skills of needle felting and using them to “paint” in wool to create a gorgeous beachy landscape. Follow step- by -step instructions but add your own twists and charm to make the scene uniquely yours.
Basket-Making Workshops
with artisan Ray Lagasse
Upcoming Sessions:
Sat. June 28 – FULL
Sat. Aug. 23 at the Apple Pie Crafts Fair – FULL
Sat. Sept. 27
SUNDAY Oct. 5
Sat. Nov. 22
Sat. Dec. 20
Jan 17, Feb.21, March. 21, April 18, May. 16, June. 20th, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12.
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm (bring a bag lunch)
Tuition: $135-172 depending on basket choice *LAC members may enter the code MEMBER at checkout to receive a 10% tuition discount.
Location: Library Arts Center Studio
In this one-day workshop students will create an artisan, heirloom-quality basket from start to finish! The baskets will be woven using reed with a hardwood base, rails, and rim. All materials are created and prepared by instructor Ray Lagasse–a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen. Each participant will be asked to choose which basket he or she will be making upon registration. View all of the basket options HERE.
Each student will leave the workshop with the completed basket of his or her choosing. Registration will close a week before the class starts.
Please Note: **Students who cancel before the class will still owe a $35 fee for materials preparation.
Open Studio Art Group
Facilitator: Heidi Lorenz
Wednesday Mornings, ongoing
9:30am-12:30pm
*Next Open Studio Date: October 2025
The group will meet for weekly plein air sessions June-September! See below for details and a link to the full plein air calendar.
$8 Members / $12 Non-Members, per session
After a fun summer of plein air painting, our weekly art group returns to the Arts Center Studio! Bring your own art supplies and paint 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.
Plein Air Painting Dates
An ‘En Plein Air’ Art Experience
Guided and Coordinated by artist Heidi Lorenz
Wednesdays Weekly, June – September – 9:30am-12:30pm
Saturdays, once per month – 1:00-4:00pm
Fee: $8/session for LAC members, $12 for non-members
This drop-in class meets in different inspiring locations throughout the year to draw, paint, sketch or photograph nature in comradery with other outdoor art enthusiasts. This inclusive and welcoming group is designed to engage artists at all levels & to consider the natural effects of light & its ever changing influences on our landscape. Careful consideration of comfort in your outdoor gear is important when creating art in the open air. Feel free to bring a full plein air kit or for ease & simplicity bring a simple sketchbook with pencil & pen, or anything you like, whatever works in your favor. This drop-in series is an opportunity to create a fun community of artists, to be inspired, creative, adventurous, & to be amidst nature in all seasons throughout the year!
**You can register and pay online in advance, or if needed Heidi can collect cash or check for the class upon arrival.
For any questions, or to ask to be added to the group contact list, please contact Heidi at heidi.libraryartscenter@gmail.com.
Art for Differently-Abled Adults
Instructor: Susan Feige
Thursday Mornings, ongoing
9:00am-12:00 noon
Library Arts Center Studio
$6 per session for each team of student and caregiver. Includes materials.
This inclusive group meets in the studio for inspired art projects with artist and instructor Susan Feige. This class is designed to engage differently-abled adults as well as their caregivers in fun, creative art projects! Class themes change weekly. Please register if you are interested in the class, then each session is a stand-alone drop-in which won’t require pre-registration.
Master Class with Peter Granucci – 2025-26
Paint Quality and Color Usage
Developing a Unique Style and Vision
A Continuation of the Master’s Series
Saturdays, Oct. 4, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Dec. 13, 2025
Jan. 3, Feb. 7, Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2, 2026
9:00am-4:00pm each session
Library Arts Center Studio
Tuition: $1,150 for all nine sessions, or $135 each session with the understanding that you are committing to the full series of classes and payments. Students can choose to pay for the whole series at once, or to pay month by month if necessary; pay for the full series and save. Make-up sessions are offered for missed sessions.
Membership Discount (10% discount for members! = $1,035 for full series and /or $121 session.) Use code MEMBER when registering online.
This class is designed for students who have been attending this annual Master’s Series. If you would like to join the class and have not been part of the series so far, Peter is happy to offer private sessions to catch students up and prepare them for this series.
Register and pay online, or check payments may be sent to Library Arts Center, 58 N. Main St. Newport, NH 03773.
Letterpress for Beginners
Instructor: Ann Stout and Sarah Chaffee
*classes are currently being offered by appointment
*If you would like to schedule an appointment, please send us an email at info@libraryartscenter.org.
*max capacity of two students per class for our small letterpress studio. Sign up individually, or with a friend.
Tuition, includes all materials: $35 per person* *Sign up two people for a session and receive a discount, $60 for two.
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.