Downeast Community Dance
Select Sundays 10:00am - 11:30am, Dance Studio
Join us for the Downcast Community Dance, a recurring gathering designed to bring movement, music, and connection to Bar Harbor. Hosted at ArtWaves, this inclusive event welcomes dancers of all levels to come together and share in the joy of creative expression.
The dance takes place on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month, offering a rhythm to your week and a space for both beginners and seasoned dancers to feel at home.
$10 suggested donation.
For questions or more information, please contact susan.sassaman@pronton.me
Which Stitch?
Mondays from 9 AM - 12 PM in the Kaleidoscope studio.
Which Stitch? is a community group where participants bring their current fiber and needle projects to work and converse with each other. Participants are welcome to use ArtWaves' supply of materials to knit, crochet, sew, mend, embroider, weave, felt, cross stitch, and so much more! Beginning instruction can be provided and the occasional special guest will introduce new techniques and demo their work.
This ongoing group maintains an email list for people interested in receiving regular updates and information. If you would like to be included, please email office@artwavesmdi.org.
Which Stitch? is a drop-in group, no registration is required. It is free for ArtWaves Members and a $5 suggested donation for non-members
Think of this as an art supply store/studio where the equipment and materials on the shelves are yours to use. Our monitored open studio time is a functional space to spread out, connect, and create. We offer the tools for mosaic, blockprinting, geliprinting, felting, weaving, woodburning, mixed media, batik, painting, drawing, fiber art, and fairy house construction.
The open layout creates a collaborative environment where members work side-by-side, sharing practical techniques and encouragement. Help yourself to complimentary tea while you work. There is no instruction, the studio monitor can assist in locating what you need.
"If you have the smarts, we have the parts."
Our inventory of tools and materials has been built through years of workshops, volunteer labor, and generous community donations.
This program is a core member benefit, ensuring that the practice of art-making remains accessible beyond a class or workshop.
As a community-funded center, we continue to accept donations of quality art supplies, tools, and materials. We exist because of your support.
Zumba! With the YMCA
In collaboration with the MDI YMCA, we are excited to offer a new Zumba class!
Zumba is a mix of low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie burning dance fitness party! Come ready to sweat, and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong!
Register through the MDI YMCA at https://www.mdiymca.org/
Or call 207-288-3511 for more information.
Improv!
Improv: Collaborative Comedy is a weekly meetup for anyone interested in improvisational comedy, storytelling, and creative play in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.
Through games, scenes, and group exercises, we will collaborate as an ensemble, connect with friendly community members, and create spontaneous stories together — with laughter along the way!
No experience necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to jump in and have fun!
Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM Fine Arts Studio at ArtWaves Community Arts Center
Free for ArtWaves members — Become a member today!
Sliding scale $5–20 for non-members.
Yoga
Join us for an all-levels yoga class designed to cultivate strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Through mindful movement, breathwork, and gentle stretching, participants will have the opportunity to connect with their bodies, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Whether you are new to yoga or have an established practice, this welcoming class offers modifications and variations to meet you where you are.
This class is offered through a partnership between the MDI YMCA and ArtWaves Community Arts Center. Registration is managed through the MDI YMCA. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.
https://www.mdiymca.org/
Mommy & Me Ballet (for Pre-K & Kindergarten children & their caregivers)
Saturdays at 10 am in ArtWaves' Dance Studio!
An introduction to the foundations of classical ballet for young children alongside their caregivers. This class includes simple barre and center exercises, as well as creative movement activities. Students will explore dance in a supportive environment that fosters connection, family, and community.
Recommended dress code: Students should wear ballet slippers and form fitting clothing to best see body alignment. Hair should be tied back and out of face.
About your instructor:
Cate Pope is a dancer, choreographer, and performer from Mount Desert Island, Maine. She graduated from Bates College in 2025 with a B.A. in Dance Choreography and a concentration in Music and Culture. Cate began dancing at the age of three and has studied extensively in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. She has trained with Robinson Ballet (2012 – 2021), as well as with Bossov Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, Joffrey Ballet, Nimbus Dance, and others.
During her undergraduate studies, she attended semester-long performing arts programs at Trinity La MaMa in New York City and Accademia dell’Arte in Italy. Since graduating, she has choreographed for MDI High School’s fall musical and currently choreographs for Connors Emerson’s show choir. She has also taught at the Summer Festival of the Arts and currently teaches at Two Shoes Dance. Cate continues to share her love for dance through teaching and creating work at the intersection of movement, music, and community.
Photos courtesy of Cate and Jason Pope.
Open Level Ballet for Adults
An introduction to classical ballet techniques for dancers of all levels. This class begins with barre exercises and moves to center work including across the floor combinations. Students will develop a strong understanding of ballet positions and terminology, while building strength, coordination, and musicality. Tuesdays - Saturdays in the ArtWaves Dance Studio!
Tuesdays: 6-7 pm
Wednesdays: 7:30-8:30 pm
Thursdays: 6-7 pm
Saturdays: 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Contemporary / Modern Dance for Adults ~
Tuesdays at 7 pm in the ArtWaves Dance Studio!
An exploration of contemporary and modern techniques with a focus on choreography. The class begins with a warmup that includes stretching, light cardio and across the floor sequences. Students will then learn and create choreography, emphasizing collaboration, creativity and community.
Modern / Contemporary: Students should wear athletic clothing that’s comfortable for full range of movement. We will dance barefoot and occasionally in socks. Hair should be tied back and out of face.
Open Level Ballet for Grades 5-12
An introduction to classical ballet techniques for dancers of all levels. This class begins with barre exercises and moves to center work including across the floor combinations. Students will develop a strong understanding of ballet positions and terminology, while building strength, coordination, and musicality.
Thursdays at 3:45 pm in the ArtWaves Dance Studio!
The Dance Studio:
Monotype Printing
In this class, you'll learn the art of monotype printing on gelli plates. Unlike other printing methods, monotype printing creates a single, original piece of art. Using a Gelli Plate is simple and fun without the need for a printing press. The gratification is immediate, each print is truly unique. You'll get hands-on experience inking gelli plates and creating your own unique images, which you will then press onto paper to create a finished work. Recommended for ages 8 and up with an accompanying adult. All materials are included, complimentary tea as well!
About the Instructor: Juliana Ramirez is a non-toxic printmaker and conservation biologist who works with seabirds during her summers. Inspired by her fieldwork, she mainly practices relief, collograph, and intaglio, and is currently exploring printing marine debris/found objects from the ecosystems that she finds herself in.
ArtWaves Cancellation Policy
In this two-hour workshop, you'll discover the simple art of stamp making, a fun and easy way to turn your own designs into something you can print on paper or fabric. You'll learn how to transfer your design, safely carve the block, and then ink it up to make your own custom prints. Whether you want to make stamps for cards, art prints, or to decorate textiles, this class will give you the skills you need to get started.
Recommended for ages 8 and up with an accompanying adult. Registration includes $10 materials fee.
In this 3 hour workshop geared towards beginners you will make a small 2-dimensional mosaic with vitreous and unglazed porcelain tiles using the direct technique. You will learn how to safely cut and break tesserae (in this case tile), lay and glue your tile using rules of andamento and grout your piece. All materials, supplies and use of tools are provided. No experience is necessary.
Free Margaret Dwyer Watercolor Magic Demo
Kick off a week of creativity with an inspiring evening of watercolor demonstrations by our Artist in Residence. Watch as simple washes become glowing skies, reflections shimmer across the water, and expressive brushstrokes transform blank paper into beautiful landscapes. Along the way you'll discover tips on color mixing, layering, brush techniques, and how to let watercolor do what it does best.
This informal event is the perfect opportunity to meet the artist, ask questions, observe techniques up close, and gather inspiration for your own artwork. Whether you stay for twenty minutes or the entire evening, you'll leave with fresh ideas and a greater appreciation for the magic of watercolor.
Attend any portion or all of the demonstrations.
More on Margaret:
Margaret Dwyer holds a BFA and MFA in visual art. She has a passion for watercolor, her primary medium for the past 45 years. Her paintings have been recognized in numerous national and international juried exhibitions. Images of her watercolors have they been featured in fine art books and magazines that include: “Splash, America’s Best Watercolors “- (North Light Books) “How Did You Paint That?”- (International Artist Books) “American Artist Magazine” “The Artist’s Magazine” “Southwest Art Magazine” “Manhattan Arts Magazine” Margaret recently served 3 years as the artist in residence at MBR National Historical Park in Woodstock VT. She has decades of professional experience teaching watercolor throughout New England and has facilitated watercolor workshops for the Maine Art Education Association at Haystack in Deer Isle ME, and Monson Arts.
Currently, she teaches and demonstrates watercolor for art centers and galleries on the seacoast of ME, NH, & MA. Through a deep exploration of both materials and themes, her imagery reflects an emotional connection with nature, water, and the wonder found in the everyday. Margaret loves to develop experimental watercolor techniques. Her clean, vibrant paintings often combine unconventional methods with traditional ones, branding her work with a unique style. “Being willing to respond to your painting during the process rather than forcing it to conform to a preconceived outcome makes a big difference with this incredible medium. Opening the world of watercolor to people has been and continues to be a purposeful mission for me. Ideas and artistic methods are constantly in motion in my studio, and it is a joy to share that with others.”
Gifts from the Ocean: Watercolor Textures with Margaret Dwyer
Watercolor is an amazing, transparent medium that creates luminous effects when layered. It is also very responsive to creative ways of textural mark-making that complement more traditional methods. Creating natural looking textures in watercolor can enhance all genres of subject matter. It can transform the character of simple specimens from the natural world, suggest detail in landscapes, flora and fauna.
Our subject matter will focus on ocean treasures such as shells, rocks, starfish, seaweed, and sea creatures. Create an underwater scene or individual nature studies. There will be lots of beautiful natural specimens in the studio to inspire us along with colorful printed references. Color choices and the timing of techniques will be stressed. We’ll learn a few tricks using masking fluid, salts, and other materials.
Demonstrations will show how a painting is brought to life through the layering process. Being surprised by this magical medium and then bringing an image to completion with one’s own artistic voice is what makes working with watercolors so gratifying.
Teens & Adults Welcome, all materials and supplied, just bring a bag lunch - Check out the neighborhood possibilities.
About Your Instructor:
Flowers By The Sea
Watercolor is the perfect medium for flowers! Their organic forms and colors lend themselves to the techniques of this amazing medium. Learn more about brushwork, color,
and learning to simplify what you see. We’ll also learn some tricks and techniques for creating textures. This workshop, taught by our Artist in Residence: Margaret Dwyer will demonstrate how the paint itself can create magical results with minimal or no drawing. Celebrate what’s in bloom in the unique setting of MDI and create a lasting image of your island experience.
More about Margaret Dwyer:
Margaret was the Artist in Residence for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock VT for 3 years, followed by a residency at Woodstock’s Billings Farm & Museum. She has extensive experience teaching watercolor throughout New England. Currently, she teaches watercolor in Maine’s seacoast area. Margaret has recently been a facilitator for the Maine Art Education Association at Haystack in Deer Isle ME, and Monson Arts. The imagery in her work means to convey a sense of wonder found in the everyday. Margaret also loves to develop experimental watercolor techniques. Her vibrant paintings often combine unconventional methods with traditional ones, branding her work with a unique style.
BATIK From Your Photos
Come learn the ancient art of Batik Painting with Master Batik Teacher Gloria Avner!
Using wax as a resist, we will create layers of brilliantly graduated color and experience effects not possible with other painting techniques.
Learn to use ink, wax and watercolor on delicate Japanese rice paper. You will be guided step by step through the creation of beautiful artwork.
You will go home with increased skills, self-esteem and two completed, lovely batik paintings, subjects of your own choosing, ready for matting and framing in 11x14 frames. You don’t need to bring anything. All is provided, including a great array of subject matter (though you can bring a specific picture if there is something you’d really like to paint).
This is a fun class for anyone from age 8 to 88. No experience necessary, The class is equally effective for beginners, professional artists and those taking the course multiple times.
Your Instructor
Ms. Avner's recent work takes ancient Batik techniques and reinvents the age old process, painting successive layers of ink, wax, and watercolor on delicate rice paper. Building vibrant color from lightest to darkest hues, the wax-resist holds the color to be preserved while the next layer is intensified. The final step, a waxing of the whole painting and crumpling of the entire piece before ironing out the wax, is daunting, but produces the mysterious quality in her backgrounds.
Free GIANT Bubbles Event with Margaret Dwyer
(please register ahead of time)
Giant bubbles. They dance and shimmer through the air. We'll provide a variety of handmade bubble makers, from giant rope wands to nets and specialty tools—and show you the simple techniques that create bubbles several feet long.
This hands-on outdoor event is perfect for families, friends, photographers, and anyone who enjoys playful experiences. Learn the science behind bubbles, experiment with different tools, and enjoy an evening filled with laughter, movement, and wonder. Whether you're making your first giant bubble or trying to create the biggest one of the day, you're sure to leave smiling.
Registration for this program is done through
our partner Acadia Senior College
Intro to Watercolor Landscape with Rick Osann
Thursdays, September 3rd - September 24th (4 Sessions) in the Kaleidoscope Studio
Join instructor Rick Osann for a four-week introduction to watercolor with a focus on landscapes. Watercolor is a fun and freeing form of painting that allows paint, paper, water and artist to play together to create luminous works of landscape art. This course is open to everyone and is perfect for beginners or those who are new to the medium.
This studio-based course class will explore tools, materials and basic skills with the intent of finding each participant’s vision of the landscape. Over the course of four-weeks, participants will cover visual art basics such as the elements and principles of design, color, light and shadow, basic drawing and perspective, and how to use them to improve our designs. Drawing experience is not needed.
Participants will paint in every class, and will tackle more complex challenges each week and will end the course with at least one completed landscape painting.
*No experience necessary | All materials supplied
Rick Osann has been painting in watercolor since the early 1970’s. After various careers as a professional Scenic Artist working for stage, film & TV in New York City, and teaching art/theatre/film at Bonny Eagle High School in southern Maine, Rick is now happily focusing on his painting in Bar Harbor, Maine, one of the beautiful places of our world, in his studio adjacent to Acadia National Park.
From his background as a theatrical set and lighting designer, Rick is most interested in exploring light, shadow and color in dramatic moments of nature through his painting. His work celebrates the beauty of the Maine landscape. His recent painting "Morning Light" has been accepted into the North American Watercolor Society (NAW) International Online Exhibition.
Watercolor Sip & Paint
Grab a friend, bring your own beverage and experience the accessibility of this amazing medium. "Uncork" your creativity with Guest artist Margaret Dwyer and get ready for a fun watercolor sip-and-paint night!
Dive into the world of water color painting! Absolutely zero experience required. Whether you are holding a paintbrush for the very first time or a pro, you will create something beautiful as you learn more about water color painting. We will guide you step-by-step to bring your canvas to life while you sip & socialize. Gather your friends, and let’s make some colorful memories together!
About Your Instructor
Watercolor Postcards from Maine
Join us in a relaxed setting and create a set of watercolor keepsake postcards of your Maine experience. References will be on hand as we paint local scenic views, rocky coastline, waves, distant islands, and dramatic skies. Learn to simplify a scene with minimal drawing and let the paint work its magic. Watercolor is a uniquely transparent medium with its own set of techniques. Knowing when to interact with fluid paint in motion, and understanding the timing of techniques are key. Depth and contrast happen as the painting is layered with color by glazing, negative painting, and “saving whites. Demonstrations and individual assistance will be ongoing throughout the class. Whatever your level of experience is, knowing how to keep your colors clean and clear will produce brilliant results. You’ll be surprised by how accessible watercolor really is!
Design spiral bound sketchbooks and journals featuring your original artwork on front and back covers. Using fluid acrylic paints and inks, we’ll create permanent, colorful patterns and images inspired by nature on heavy water media paper. Playful ways of mark-making that produce beautiful textures will be demonstrated, along with accessible painting techniques. You will learn how to layer transparent colors to achieve unique results. Determine what size you wish your book(s) to be, and match beautiful decorative papers for the inside face pages.Then select the type of paper for the inside pages. A variety of different weights and colors will be on hand to choose from. Your books will be spiral bound with sturdy coils at the end of the workshop. These keepsake notebooks can be used for artwork, journaling, guestbooks, cookbooks, or whichever way you may wish to personalize them. Bring a lunch, all materials are included
No experience necessary, The class is equally effective for beginners, professional artists and those taking the course multiple times.
This is a fun class for anyone from age 8 to 88.
Bring a friend, colleague or family member. 95- non or not yet members/ 85- members
This playful workshop moves beyond traditional brushwork to include experimental methods that yield surprising results. Fluid watermedia responds beautifully to methods that involve pouring, creating texture, staining, and working with veils of color. There will be lots of materials on hand for you to try and experiment with. You will be amazed by what you can do once you know a few "tricks and techniques".
Discover the beauty of Maine one sketch at a time as we combine drawing and watercolor in this relaxed, exploratory workshop. Using watercolor pencils along with a variety of water-soluble drawing materials, you'll learn how to capture the character of rocky shorelines, quiet harbors, forests, wildflowers, and island landscapes. We'll explore simple sketching techniques that help you see shapes, values, and composition without getting bogged down in details.
Watch your drawings come to life as a brush and water transform pencil marks into luminous washes of color. Demonstrations will cover blending, layering, texture, and expressive line work, with plenty of individual guidance throughout the workshop. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist looking for new techniques, you'll leave with fresh skills, greater confidence, and a sketchbook full of colorful island discoveries to inspire your future adventures
Margaret Dwyer holds a BFA and MFA in visual art. She has a passion for watercolor, her primary medium for the past 45 years. Her paintings have been recognized in numerous national and international juried exhibitions. Images of her watercolors have they been featured in fine art books and magazines that include: “Splash, America’s Best Watercolors “- (North Light Books) “How Did You Paint That?”- (International Artist Books) “American Artist Magazine” “The Artist’s Magazine” “Southwest Art Magazine” “Manhattan Arts Magazine” Margaret recently served 3 years as the artist in residence at MBR National Historical Park in Woodstock VT. She has decades of professional experience teaching watercolor throughout New England and has facilitated watercolor workshops for the Maine Art Education Association at Haystack in Deer Isle ME, and Monson Arts. Currently, she teaches and demonstrates watercolor for art centers and galleries on the seacoast of ME, NH, & MA. Through a deep exploration of both materials and themes, her imagery reflects an emotional connection with nature, water, and the wonder found in the everyday. Margaret loves to develop experimental watercolor techniques. Her clean, vibrant paintings often combine unconventional methods with traditional ones, branding her work with a unique style. “Being willing to respond to your painting during the process rather than forcing it to conform to a preconceived outcome makes a big difference with this incredible medium. Opening the world of watercolor to people has been and continues to be a purposeful mission for me. Ideas and artistic methods are constantly in motion in my studio, and it is a joy to share that with others.”
Mono Printing the Night Sky
Create gorgeous, one-of-a-kind prints using brilliant inks and endless layers of color and texture!
Gelatin printing is an easy and accessible printmaking technique that's perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. We'll guide you step by step as you roll, dab, swipe, brush, layer, and pull beautiful prints from the printing plate. Each print is unique, and every pull is a delightful surprise. Experiment with color, texture, stencils, botanicals, and found objects, or create a striking triptych—a series of three coordinating prints.
You'll leave with a collection of original artwork, including handmade cards, a matted print ready for framing, or a fabric banner to display at home, some new skills, and a memorable shared experience. All materials and tools are provided in our fully equipped studio, so simply come ready to create.
This workshop is especially fun with friends, making it a wonderful choice for groups, team gatherings, or creative afternoons together. Feel free to bring a brown-bag lunch or snacks to enjoy while you print.
$36 ($20 special appreciation evening fee for members)
Teens/Adults of all skill levels
About the instructor:
Liz Cutler.com My paintings are inspired by a spark, something that wows me or quietly invites me to linger. I love capturing what transports me to being right there, to share and return to spectacular moments.
Liz is a founder (2013) of ArtWaves a 501c-3, where she continues her practice through figure drawing, teaching, workshops, conversational critiques and working in her personal studio. Her artwork is expressed in a variety of media primarily oil painting, including glass, fiber and printmaking. She graduated with a B.A.in Painting from Swain School of Design including a year at Worcester Art Museum School and Boston Museum of Fine Arts and recently a Masters from Heartwood College of Art. Liz is a member of the American Society of Marine Artists, Fiber Arts Network and Maine Crafts Association.
Young Families Create the Night Sky
Celebrate the wonders of the night sky with a creative morning designed especially for young children and their caregivers. Since little ones are often asleep when the stars come out, this workshop gives families a chance to explore the beauty of the night through art.
Together, you'll rotate through several hands-on art activities, including:
This relaxed, process-based workshop encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and family connection while introducing children to different artistic techniques.
After creating, families are invited to bring a snack and stay for a little social time together. If the weather is pleasant, we'll gather under the tent outdoors.
Fee: $15 per family ArtWaves Members: $5
All materials are included. Just bring your imagination—and a snack to enjoy afterward!
Private workshop for YMCA Afterschool Kids. Registration not available.
Registration for this program is done through Acadia Senior College
https://www.acadiaseniorcollege.org/courses
Private workshop for YMCA Afterschool Program. Registration available through the MDI YMCA.
MCA.
Intermediate Watercolor Workshop with Rick Osann
This workshop will focus more on advanced watercolor techniques, applying lessons to complete a painting in one sitting. Rick will demonstrate methods and then work with students individually to improve skills and techniques.
Materials: Students should come prepared with paint, palette, brushes, paper, spray bottle, pencil & eraser. Materials are not provided.
About the Instructor
From his background as a theatrical set and lighting designer, Rick is most interested in exploring light, shadow and color in dramatic moments of nature through his painting. His work celebrates the beauty of the Maine landscape and encourages us to think about protecting our environment and the precious bounty that surrounds us.
Private workshop for YMCA Afterschool program. Registration not available.
Ecstatic Yoga is a playful fusion between yoga and ecstatic dance that rides a wave of energy to a curated playlist.
The practice starts slow: breath, visualization, dropping in, and getting connected to your body.
We gradually move into a yoga flow that builds in energy until it's time to let you LOOSE for the intuitive/free form dance portion of practice.
Let the music and your body guide you - your mind will CLEAR and your body will be FREE.
After the energetic peak, we gradually slow our movements, get closer to the ground, and flow into a nourishing restorative/yin yoga practice and closing integration meditation.
Expect to release tension in your body and ignite your spirit.
This practice is for everyone; no experience necessary.
The guided movements will be gentle and the intuitive movement is for you to tap in with the body you have, no need to force anything!
Jess is an embodiment coach/yoga teacher, rock climbing guide, and budding herbalist who has devoted the last 8 years of life to the ancient wisdom of using movement, breath, sound, and food as medicine. They are fascinated with the human body and in love with being a creature of this Earth. Jess’ purpose is to support other humans in better understanding and connecting to their own bodies, as well as becoming more in tune with nature. Whether in the mountains, on the yoga mat, or with feet on the forest floor, Jess curates movement journeys for people to ease tension, build confidence, clear clutter from their minds, and develop closer relationship to their own bodies and our Earth home.
There are 4 sessions , once a month. 7-8:30 PM - Fridays: June 26, July 32, August 21, and September 25
Private workshop for YMCA Afterschool Program. Registration not available.
MDI Nonprofits Association Meeting in the Fine Arts Studio
12 - 2 PM
Connors Emerson Move Camp
Fire, Glass, and Barbed Needles -- Oh, My!
This is not your average craft camp.
Here's where young artists dive into five mornings of bold, hands-on artmaking using real tools, real techniques, and just the right amount of thrilling challenge. Guided by an experienced instructor, in a safety-first environment, students explore art forms that feel a little daring — and a lot empowering.
Throughout the week, campers will:
Work with Fire — Create vibrant batik pysanky eggs using hot wax resist techniques.
Cut Glass — Learn to safely score and cut glass to design colorful mosaics full of pattern and light.
Wield Barbed Needles — Needle-felt dragons and other mystical creatures, sculpting wool into dimensional forms with texture and personality.
Dip Hot Wax Orbs and candles — Experiment with layering and surface design to create glowing, sculptural wax forms.
Each morning builds skill, confidence, and craftsmanship while encouraging creativity and imagination. Campers will learn proper tool handling, studio safety, and the patience required for detailed work — all while making artwork they’re wildly proud of.
Details:
For curious, focused makers who love a little adventure in their art — this camp is pure creative adrenaline (the safe kind).
Connors Emerson Move Clay Camp (ages 6-10)
Squish it, roll it, pinch it, coil it, carve it, and create! If you love getting your hands messy and making amazing things, this is the camp for you.
Spend the week discovering the fascinating journey of clay—from how it forms deep within the earth to the many ways artists transform it into beautiful works of art. We'll explore the different types of clay, including air-dry clay, Model Magic, oven-bake clay, and polymer clay, learning what makes each one unique and the best ways to use them.
Young artists will focus on essential hand-building techniques like pinching, coiling, slab building, rolling, texturing, carving, and joining pieces together as they create whimsical gnomes, colorful fish, wise owls, tiny creatures, decorative bowls, imaginative sculptures, and more. Along the way, they'll experiment with texture tools, stamps, and found objects to add personality and detail to every creation.
We'll also discover how artists finish their work using sanding, painting, glazing, sealing, and other decorative techniques to transform simple clay into lasting works of art.
Please note: Projects will focus on air-dry, Model Magic, and oven-bake clays. We'll still learn about pottery clay, firing, glazing, and the complete ceramic process so campers are ready to explore the kiln when it opens.
By the end of the week, campers will head home with a collection of unique clay creations, new sculpting skills, and a deeper appreciation for one of the world's oldest and most versatile art forms.
Savannah Steiger has been creating art for most of her entire life. For the past eleven years(or rather since she became a parent) she has been focused on making art accessible for kids. In teaching art to young people she finds joy and learns just as much, if not more than the students.
Most recently Savannah was an Educator and Care Coordinator for Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council; facilitating various parenting classes, groups, community trainings and playgroups. She also has been a parent advocate for Ascend at the Aspen Institute and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Savannah recently moved to MDI with her two children(ages 11 and 7), two dogs and one cat. So far the family loves island life and is looking forward to more. Savannah’s personal focus in art is illustration but she feels well versed in most art activities. Her goal as children’s art teacher is to help kids follow their hearts and fill the page.
Private workshop for YMCA Afterschool Program. Registration available through ArtWaves partner the MDI YMCA
1345-A State Highway 102Bar Harbor, ME 04609207-266-0010office@artwavesmdi.org
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