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.
Magic Class for Adults
with professional magician, Bruce Cronin
Wednesdays, October 22, 29, November 5, 12
4:00-5:45pm each session
Location: Richards Free Library, Hale Room
Tuition: $50
Make things appear disappear, change color, multiply- learn all the basics of magic in this fun and engaging four week class taught by professional magician, Bruce Cronin. Using common, everyday articles such as rubber balls, coins, ropes, and playing cards, Bruce 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, stave presence and self -confidence. And above all, have fun!
Painting Fundamentals
A Playful Exploration
with instructor Heidi Lorenz
Using your own preferred art medium or explore different mediums from within our studio supplies
Nov 6, 13, 20 (break 27th) Dec 4, 11, 18
Tuition: $220.00
Painting Fundamentals is an enriching and fun course for adults looking to delve into the expressive world of painting. In this light-hearted series, each session offers 3 hours of guided exploration with fun and innovative ways to learn both foundational techniques and playful approaches. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a painter seeking to sharpen your skills, this course aims to enhance composition, form, and hand-eye coordination in a supportive and engaging environment.
Teen Art Classes – Fall 2025
SESSION ONE: Exploring Watercolor: A Journey Through Art
Fridays, October 3, 10, 17, 24 (4-wk session)
Instructor: Heidi Lorenz
$40 for four weeks.
Tuition includes all materials.
Full & partial scholarships are available. Please inquire by calling 603-863-3040 or emailing us at info@libraryartscenter.org
This engaging four-week course invites teenagers to dive into the world of watercolor painting. Each session is 2.5 hours long, with the first half dedicated to structured lessons inspired by celebrated artists and the second half offering students the freedom to explore their own creative projects. The course aims to fuse foundational watercolor techniques with the inspiring styles of well-known artists, encouraging students to discover and nurture their artistic voices.
SESSION TWO: Vibrant Expressions: Exploring Gouache Art
Fridays, November 14, 21 and December 5, 12, and 19 (5-wk session) 3:30-6:00pm
Library Arts Center Studio (Lower Level)
Instructor: Heidi Lorenz
$50 for five weeks.
Tuition includes all materials.
This exciting five-week course follows the introductory watercolor course, guiding teenagers through the vibrant world of gouache painting. Building on foundational techniques, each session provides structured lessons focused on both modern and classic gouache artists, accompanied by free time for students to explore their artistic voices through personal projects. This course aims to deepen artistic skills and inspire creativity using the versatile and rich medium of gouache.
Mixed Media, Monoprints and Mark-Making
with instructor Jennifer Stark
First Tuesday of the Month: Upcoming Sessions: Nov. 4, Dec. 2
90:00am-12:00noon each session
Tuition: $12 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.
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.
Felting Workshop Series
with instructor Jennifer Boyd
ongoing Felting Series
Open to all levels.
Learn the fundamentals of felting in these individual workshops designed to introduce you to a variety of felting techniques, while also leaving with a fun, finished project, and the know-how to continue felting on your own.
Felted Ghosts
Saturday, October 18, 9:00am-1:00pm
Tuition: $40, includes all materials
In the spirit of the season, get ghosty in this needle felting class! Create a three dimensional ghost with needle felting with step-by-step instructions with plenty of room to add your personal style and whim. Leave with a spooky finished needle felting piece. REGISTER ONLINE.
Basket-Making Workshops
with artisan Ray Lagasse
Upcoming Sessions:
Sat. Sept. 27 – FULL
SUNDAY Oct. 5 – FULL
Sat. Nov. 22 – FULL
Sat. Dec. 20 – FULL
REGISTRATION FOR 2026 WORKSHOPS is NOW OPEN!
Sat. Jan. 17, 2026
Sat. Feb. 21
Sat. Mar. 21
Sat. Apr. 25
Sat. May 16
Sat. June 27
Sat. Sept. 12
Sat. Oct. 10
Sat. Nov. 14
Sat. 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
$8 Members / $12 Non-Members, per session
October 8th: Plein Air Event at RVCC, CANCELED DUE TO THE WET WEATHER – No Indoor Studio due to the opening reception at the college.
October 15th: Return to LAC Studio, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
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
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.
Sound Bath Series
with practitioner Beth Pollari
Immerse yourself in a transformative one-hour Sound Bath, designed to guide you on a journey of deep relaxation and inner peace in the beautiful ballroom of the Richards Free Library! The soothing melodies of the crystal harp, crystal singing bowls, and singing triangles will wash over you, allowing the tension and stress to melt away from your body and mind. The gentle vibrations will lull you into a state of profound relaxation, where you can let go of the day’s worries and embrace a sense of tranquility.
This immersive experience includes a guided meditation, crafted to help you release mental and emotional blockages, fostering a renewed sense of clarity and focus.
Benefits include:
– Reduced anxiety and stress levels
– Enhanced sleep quality
– Increased mental clarity and focus
– Improved emotional balance and resilience
– A deeper connection to your inner self and intuition
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. 15, 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.