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.

Find out more about becoming a MEMBER of the Library Arts Center.

Our open studio art group meets for plein air painting trips throughout the warmer months.

Fall Classes

FOR ADULTS

Art Camp for Grown-ups

Handmade for the Holidays Series!

Select Thursday Evenings, 6:00-8:00pm
Library Arts Center Studio

Teens are welcome in these classes, as well as adults.

These classes are designed to get everyone making, and specifically making handmade gifts for the holidays! Sign up on your own, or with friends. These classes are all welcoming of beginners alongside more seasoned makers. Join the fun, sign up for one, several, or the whole series! All supplies are provided for these classes, and classes are designed for participants of all abilities to succeed.

Teens are welcome in these classes as well as adults

$15 per session.

Register for two sessions, and get a third session FREE with discount code ‘THREEisFREE’ at checkout.

November 7 – Pop-up Style Watercolor Cards with Patti Warren

This hybrid class will have you water coloring, then using those watercolors to create absolutely unique and stunning pop-up style artist cards, perfect to send this holiday season to a special creative person on your list.

November 14 – Gnomes with Pam LaFountain

There is gnome place like the studio to get creative this fall! Create an adorable classic gnome for gifting, and get inspired to make a whole family of them once you return back home.

November 21 – Painted Beverage Glasses with Kathy Hanson – Paint and Sip (21+)

Enjoy a glass of wine while learning to paint a set of wine classes, or other beverage glasses! This fun class will teach you how to paint on glass and you will leave with a pair of glasses ready for gifting.

December 5 – Upcycled Quilled Paper Ornaments with Kris Cairelli

Transform papers destined for the recycling bin into unique and beautiful quilled ornaments. Leave class with your finished quilled ornaments and the inspiration and know how to make many more at home!

Teen Art Class in the Studio

Fridays, Nov 15th-Dec 13th (5-wk session)

3:30-6:00pm

Instructor: Heidi Lorenz
Tuition: $50, includes all materials.
Full & partial scholarships available. Please inquire by calling 603-863-3040 or emailing us at info@libraryartscenter.org

In our classes we begin with the basics & by understanding the foundations in art we can take our art to new levels.

First in class we will do exercises that build and develop our visual language & skills. Learning to ‘see’ our subject & the world around us will be what informs our art. We’ll study form & what works or does not work. We will look at positive and negative space & learn how to use perspective to aid our art study. Breaking down shapes, form and color & learning how to pull all these building blocks together to create a compelling piece of art.

We also want to consider what draws us to art & creating & which artists excite you!

In the second part of each class we encourage free form expression. A time to draw, paint and be expressive. You may work on any new or ongoing piece of artwork of your choice. Bring good quality reference pictures to class with you if you like! This is a great learning experience that welcomes teen artists of all skill levels and interests and encourages each artist to grow his or her skills and portfolio.

Experiments in Collage with Chris Scott

Third Tuesday of each month, 9:00am to 12:00pm
Next Session: Tues. Nov. 19th

$15.00 per session
Pre-register for class online.

November Project: What’s Black & White and Grey all over?

This month, the group will have the fun opportunity to explore the use of value (dark to light, light to dark) in collage as a way to create depth and compositional rhythm. Experienced and beginner collage artists alike will benefit from the opportunity to arrange shapes into a collage in a bright creative studio space, materials provided.

Intrigued by the possibilities of collage and mixed media techniques? Already captivated, and interested in a communal opportunity to explore and generate new assemblages? Instructor Chris Scott has been making collage for several years using textiles and paper along with various other materials and will act as facilitator; offering her experience and encouraging an exchange of ideas and knowledge by other members of the group. Supplies for projects will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own project. Completely new to mixed media? Chris can provide a short supply list for getting started.

Please refrain from bringing turpentine or mineral spirits to this class.

Basket-Making Workshops
with artisan Ray Lagasse

Upcoming Sessions:

Sat. Oct. 12th – FULL
Sat. Nov. 16th – FULL
Sat. Dec. 14th – FULL
Sat. Jan. 11, 2025 *registration for 2025 classes coming soon
Sat. Feb. 15
Sat. Mar. 8
Sat. Apr. 19

Time: 8:30am-4:30pm (bring a bag lunch)
Tuition: $128-165 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.

Letterpress for Beginners

Instructor: Ann Stout
Select Tuesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm OR 1:00pm-3:00pm

*evenings upon request.

*max capacity of two students per class for our small letterpress studio. Sign up individually, or with a friend. **other times available by appointment (or special arrangement). Please inquire.

Tuition, includes all materials: $35 per person* *Sign up two people for a session and receive a discount, $60 for two. (Use discount code: FRIEND)

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.

Open Studio Art Group

Facilitator: Heidi Lorenz
Wednesday Mornings, ongoing
9:30am-12:30pm

$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 for All Seasons

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 monthly drop-in class meets in a 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.

Sat. Nov. 16th (UPDATED) – New London Green at the Gazebo

New London, NH gazebo, between The New London Inn & the police department, on street parking

Sat. Dec. 14th (UPDATED)– The Fells – Winter admission

December through March is $5 per household, payable at the self-serve Welcome Kiosk.

Gardens and Trails – Gardens and trails are open daily year round. Visitors may hike the trails and visit the gardens from dawn to dusk.

The Main House closes after Columbus Day and reopens Memorial Day weekend each year.

The Fells is a former home of John Hay, a prominent American diplomat and secretary of state, with beautiful gardens and wildlife refuge.

Pre-pay for Plein Air Session.

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.

Pre-pay for Class Sessions HERE.

Art for Differently-Abled Adults
& their Caregivers Friday Workshops: Celebrate the Seasons!

Special Once-a-Month Friday Sessions
Typically held the 2nd Friday of the Month – 9am-12pm

with instructor Susan Feige
$6 per session

This fun group will meet monthly to create art and community themed on monthly holiday or seasonal celebrations. All participants from the Thursday group are welcome to join in this additional monthly session as well as anyone who can’t make the Thursday group, or would like to just join in for a monthly session. There is no need to pre-register for this drop-in. First time participants will be asked to fill out a registration form at their first session, or beforehand online.

Pre-pay for Class Sessions HERE.

Master Class with Peter Granucci – 2024-25

Paint Quality and Color Usage
Developing a Unique Style and Vision

A Continuation of the Master’s Series

Saturdays, Oct. 5, Oct. 26, Nov. 9, Dec. 7,
Jan. 4, Feb. 1, Mar. 1, Apr. 5, Apr. 26, 2025

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.

How we utilize our understanding of color is a sure way of developing a unique and recognizable style. Then, the way we apply the paint is also a dynamic way to make a personal statement that will set you apart. In this workshop we’ll learn various ways to think about color and paint qualities. Then, you’ll be able to experiment with how you might proceed with your body of work. Art is more than the image, it’s how you express your feelings and thoughts about the image, the world at large and the human experience.

This year we’ll work towards creating a style through color choices and paint handling. We’ll use our understanding of artistic principles to confidently develop our images to reflect our personal approach and intentionality of style. Some of our individual style is innate with our natural ‘handwriting’ which is automatic but then, there are things we can do to become conscious of a unique and personal style. All of the historical artists that you can think of made conscious decisions as to how they painted. Monet and the impressionists did what they did on purpose. They deliberately developed their vision to reflect their ideas, philosophy and emotions. This is when creating is exciting!

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.