Programs   Fine Art / Crafts


Read Our Payment & Cancellation Policies

GET TO KNOW YOUR Digital CAMERA

Instructor, John Munno
Wednesday, May 1, 8, 15, 22
6:30 pm – 8 pm

Learn how to better use your digital camera’s functions and modes to take more creative and compelling images. Recommended camera is a digital DSLR or Mirror-less camera with various modes and functions.   No Cell Phones. Upon completion of this course students will have a better understanding of their camera and how to use it to take better pictures as well as learn the fundamentals of photography regarding how to properly expose, focus, and composed images.  This course will also include  teaching students how to take  photos from their cameras to their computers for resizing and formatting for use on social media, web and print use.



Learn More and Register

Anime and Cartooning for Ages 8 – 11

Instructor, Taylor Albee
Thursdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23
4:30 pm - 6 pm

Anime is short for animation which comes from Japan. Manga is the comic book version in which this class will be taught. The aim of this class is to help students learn to draw by hand. Students will learn to create their own unique characters and learn not only the basics, but the skills that […]



Learn More and Register

Independent Watercolor Studio Class

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Thursdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23
10 am – 12 pm

This class is for returning students and students that have watercolor experience. Independent students will be able to work at their own pace with the help and guidance of the instructor. New techniques will be introduced during this workshop as well. Students are encouraged to work independently in this class on their own project. Students […]



Learn More and Register

Beginning Watercolor

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Thursday May 2, 9, 16, 23
1 pm - 3 pm

The workshop is for beginner students and those students that have taken a previous beginning class. The instructor will cover wet and dry techniques, color mixing, layering with glazes texturing and masking out. Emphasis will be on learning how to understand watercolor’s spontaneous nature and how to work with color successfully. Students will complete the […]



Learn More and Register

Oil Painting for Beginners

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Friday, May 3, 10, 17, 24
10 am - 12:30 pm

This is a step by step oil painting class for the beginner student or the student who wants to refresh their painting skills and not invest in all the supplies. Students will learn how to prep their canvases, block in the shapes and colors to start their painting. This is important for setting the general […]



Learn More and Register

Independent Oil Painting

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Friday, May 3, 10, 17, 24
1 pm - 3 pm

Are you interested in painting with oils in an Open Studio environment but with guidance from an instructor? Well, this is the studio workshop for you. Award winning artist, Betty Ann Medeiros will work with students on individual projects demonstrating techniques to aid students in their painting journey.  The fee for the 4-week Studio workshop […]



Learn More and Register

Teen Studio Class

Instructor, Priscilla Watson
Fridays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14, 21,
4 pm - 6 pm

This series of classes are for those students ages 12 to 18 who are serious about art and want to study and learn more. The instructor is a working artist with over 30 years of teaching experience in the school system.  Students will focus on the Elements and Principles of Design and Three Theories of […]



Learn More and Register

Portrait Head Drawing Part II

Instructor, Linda West
Saturday, May 11, & 18, June 1, & 8
1 pm - 4 pm

Portrait Head Drawing Part I explores the structural foundation of the head.  Part II teaches you to use tone to create form. Students should have taken a previous portrait class with Linda or another instructor. Students will draw from observation, interpreting the human form through light and shadow while using a full range of values […]



Learn More and Register

Intro to En Plein Air (painting outdoors) for the Beginner

Instructor, Ellie Boyd
Tuesday, May 21 & Wednesday, May 22
10 am - 1 pm

“Plein Air is the New Golf” says CEO of Streamline Publishing, Eric Rhoads- it is an easy way to take your paint and brushes outside and learn to capture a scene! If you have never tried “painting out”, this will be a gentle introduction, chock full of tips from plein air pro, Ellie Boyd.  Some […]



Learn More and Register

Creative Card Making

Instructor, Lynne Henriquez
Wednesday, May 22
2 pm

This is an interactive workshop where participants will learn to create their own personal cards from recycled and new papers, ribbon, cutouts, stamps and many other materials.



Learn More and Register

Advanced Colored Pencil

Instructor, Rita Paradis
Tuesday, May 28
10 am - 2 pm

This workshop is designed for those students who have completed the beginner and intermediate workshops or for those students that have previous colored pencil experience.  Students will continue to learn more tips and techniques for working with this versatile medium.  Students will work on their own projects independently. The fee for this 4-hour workshop is […]



Learn More and Register

Pen & Ink One-Day Workshop

Instructor, May Phillips
Wednesday, May 29
10 am - 1 pm

Line drawings with ink and watercolor can create a bold and exciting painting. This class is an introduction to pen and ink with some watercolor to add a pop to your black and white painting.  Students will learn how to use Micron pens, Higgins Inks and watercolor to create a bold and interesting painting.  The […]



Learn More and Register

Perspective Made Easy, A Sketching Workshop

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Thursday, May 30
10 am - 1 pm

Face your fears and learn a simplified version of perspective. Perspective is a challenge to many because it is drawing a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface. Perspective done correctly gives your drawing the the right impression because the height, width, depth, and position in your drawing is in relation to the other objects viewed […]



Learn More and Register

Evening Beginning Acrylic Painting Class

Linda Marino
Mondays, June 3,10,17,24
6 pm - 8 pm

This 4-week class is for the beginner student or the student who would like to refresh their painting techniques and knowledge. Acrylic paint lays a foundation for learning to work with other water-based paint and is invaluable in skill-building for any painter. Students will practice simple painting exercises, including how to apply paint, color mixing, […]



Learn More and Register

Independent Acrylic Studio Class

Instructor, Linda Marino
Mondays, June 3, 10, 17, 24
2 pm - 4 pm

This 4-week, 8-hour workshop is for students that have worked with Acrylics and would like to work on a project of their own with the assistance of an instructor. Students of all abilities are welcome to come to this Studio painting class. There are two ways to register for this class: with supplies or without. […]



Learn More and Register

Exploring the Color Wheel

Instructor, Rita Paradis
Tuesday, June 4
10 am - 1 pm

Learn how to utilize every bit of the color wheel … it’s loaded with useful information! Study color schemes and the resulting color harmony you can create in your paintings. We’ll unlock shades, tones, tints, triads & tetrads and other fun stuff. We will be using colored pencils – but this is not a colored […]



Learn More and Register

Step by Step Acrylic Painting for the Beginner

Instructor, Linda Marino
Mondays, June 3, 10, 17, 24
11 am - 1 pm

This 4-week class is for the beginner student or the student that would like to refresh their painting techniques and knowledge. Acrylic paint lays a foundation for learning to work with other water-based paint and is invaluable in skill-building for any painter. Students will practice simple painting exercises, including how to apply paint, color mixing, […]



Learn More and Register

The Art of Sketchbooking

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Tuesday, June 4, 11, 18, 25
10 am - 12 pm

A sketchbook is a book or pad with blank pages for sketching and is frequently used by artists for drawing or painting as a part of their creative process. … Observation: this focuses on the documentation of the external world to use as references for future work.  This 4– week class is designed to help student’s observe and quickly document their observations.  Previous students are welcome in this class, new exercises will be taught.  All levels welcome.



Learn More and Register

A Floral Journey in Watercolor

Instructor, Grace McEnaney
Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 & 25th
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Have you ever taken the time to really look at a flower? In this class students observational skills will increase resulting in new ways to see and experience the beautiful summer flowers around us. Students will explore the many different ways artists have painted flowers over time and then will decide how they would like […]



Learn More and Register

Urban Sketching: What, Where, Why & How

Instructor, Agnes Wnuk
Wednesday, June 5, 12, 19, 26
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

What is Urban Sketching? Documenting places, people & events in real time, on location. Plein air sketching inside and outside, locally or while traveling Inside: restaurants, museums, theaters, cafes, schools, public buildings, malls, buses, trains… Outside: cityscape, townscape, landscape,  parks, gardens, seaside, beaches, street scenes. Events inside and out: parades, fairs, meetings, concerts, parties, strikes, […]



Learn More and Register

June, Theorem Painting

Instructor, Jean Hansen
Wednesday, June 5 & Tuesday, June 11
10 am - 1 pm & 6 pm - 9 pm

This workshop is for everyone and NO artistic talent is needed. This is the opportunity to learn a painting technique that dates back to the late 1800’s woman of “means.” Each student will receive their own kit which includes all stencils and the material to stencil on. Stencils are for the students to take home […]



Learn More and Register

Summer Waterfront Plein Air Painting

Instructor, Linda Marino
June, July, August & September
Thursdays, 9 am - 12 pm

Arts Escape’s Acrylic instructor, Linda Marino will be hosting 5, 4-week Plein Air classes on the Branford, Madison & Guilford coastline for all levels of students. The scenery and challenges are much different than those inland. All levels are welcome! Linda’s goal is to introduce  students to the wonderful world of plein air painting and […]



Learn More and Register

June, Independent Watercolor

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
10:00 am – 12 noon

This class is for returning students and students that have watercolor experience. Independent students will be able to work at their own pace with the help and guidance of the instructor. New techniques will be introduced during this workshop as well. Students are encouraged to work independently in this class on their own project.



Learn More and Register

Art: Where to Start

Instructor, Priscilla Watson
Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Have you wanted to incorporate art into your life, but are unsure of where to start? Do you think you have no artistic talent, and shy away from trying anything creative? Well this class is for you. Students will explore what art is, in a non-threatening, expectation-free environment. Students will explore a variety of mediums, […]



Learn More and Register

Beginning/Intermediate Watercolor

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
1 pm - 3 pm

This class is for beginner students and those students that have taken a previous beginning class. The instructor will cover wet and dry techniques, color mixing, layering with glazes texturing and masking out. Emphasis will be on learning how to understand watercolor’s spontaneous nature and how to work with color successfully. Students will complete the […]



Learn More and Register

Beginning Plein Air Painting

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Friday, June 7 & Friday, June 21
10 am - 1:30 pm

Plein air painting is about leaving the four walls of the studio behind and experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. The practice goes back for centuries but was truly made into an art form by the French Impressionists. This two-day workshop is for those students who would like to try painting outdoors under the […]



Learn More and Register

Beginning/Independent Zentangle

Instructor, Kothy Hafersat
Monday, June 10th
10 am - 12:30 pm & 1 pm - 3 pm

This one-day workshop is for beginners and those students who have completed the beginning Zentangle class and would like to Zentangle a project. Beginning students will be given a set of pens to learn the basic techniques and patterns.  For the Independent student, the instructor will have items to purchase for those students that want […]



Learn More and Register

June Beginning Colored Pencil

Instructor, Rita Paradis
Tuesday, June 11
10 am - 1 pm

This is a 3-hour, colored pencil workshop with award winning artist, Rita Paradis and is designed for Beginners only. Students will work in a small group setting of no more than 8 students and will start with value exercises and basic layering techniques that will serve as a foundation for more advanced work. This is NOT an adult coloring activity. Once basic skills are taught students are welcome to join the intermediate and advance workshop where students work more independently on their own work.



Learn More and Register

Touch This – Acrylic Techniques – Petals & Palette Knifes

Instructor, Linda Marino
Wednesday, June 12
10 am - 2:30 pm

This 4.5-hour workshop is open to all levels.  Building skill and knowledge of the wide range and versatility acrylic paints and mediums have to offer is a great way to jump start creative new ideas.  Creativity will flow from “playing” with materials or testing out techniques that are new to you.  This month students will […]



Learn More and Register

William McCarthy’s Atmospheric Landscape Painting Workshop

Instructor, William McCarthy
Saturday, June 15th & Sunday, June 16th
Saturday, 10 - 4 pm Sunday, 10 - 3 pm

Inspire your imagination and loosen up your flow, as Will engages his students by sharing his techniques which enable him to paint from his imagination and achieve an atmospheric style that captures in essence, the beauty and the emotion of the landscape. ALL LEVELS ARE WELCOME! Day 1 – begins with a lecture and demonstration, […]



Learn More and Register

June, Intermediate Colored Pencil

Instructor, Rita Paradis
Tuesday, June 18
10 am - 2 pm

Students will work in a small group setting of no more than 10 students and for those students that have attended the beginner workshop will work on more advanced techniques gearing up for their own personal project.  Once basic skills are taught students are welcome to join the Advanced Colored Pencil workshop where students work […]



Learn More and Register

Repurposed Wooden Succulent Planters

Instructor, Jan Peterson
Wednesday, June 19th
10 am – 12 pm & 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Have you ever thought, what can I do with all the wood I have left over from the tornado?  This class has your answer.  We will take scrap wood pieces that fell in the woods in Southbury and repurpose them into planters for succulents.  You’ll learn the names of different plants and understand the fine […]



Learn More and Register

June, Advanced Colored Pencil Workshop

Instructor, Rita Paradis
Tuesday, June 25
10 am – 2 pm

This workshop is designed for those students who have completed the Beginner and Intermediate workshops.  Students will continue to learn more tips and techniques for working with this versatile medium.  Class size is limited to 8 students with award winning artist/instructor Rita Paradis. Advance students should bring reference materials to work from and their own […]



Learn More and Register

Oil Painting, One-Day Workshop – Alla Prima

Instructor, Rita Paradis
Saturday, June 29
10 am - 2:30 pm

Wet-on-wet, or alla prima (Italian, meaning at first attempt), direct painting is a painting technique in which layers of wet paint are applied to previously administered layers of wet paint. Fresh strokes of color! Alla Prima (or wet on wet) paintings are vibrant, lively and completed in one session. This is not a beginner painting class. Prior knowledge (in […]



Learn More and Register

Evening, Independent Watercolor Studio

Instructor, Grace McEnaney
Tuesdays, July 9, 16, 23 & 30th
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Are you working on a painting at home and are at the point where you would appreciate some advice from a professional artist? Do you prefer to create your work among fellow artists? If so, bring a piece or two that you are working on to this class and we’ll work through any obstacles you […]



Learn More and Register

Cartooning Around the World for Kids 8 – 11 years

Instructor, Taylor Albee
Thursdays, July 11, 18, 25
10 am- 12 noon

A cartoon is a type of  illustration, possibly animated, typically in a non-realistic or semi-realistic style. The specific meaning has evolved over time, but the modern usage usually refers to either: an image or series of images intended for satire, caricature, or humor; or a motion picture that relies on a sequence of illustrations for its […]



Learn More and Register

Summer OPEN Studio


Thursday, July 11, 18, 25
12:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Tired of working alone? Would you like to work with other budding artist? Come out of the heat on Thursdays in July and enjoy working with others in our studio. This is a drop-in OPEN Studio. Participants should bring their own supplies. Easels and basic supplies are available. Canvas, Canvas Boards and some supplies are […]



Learn More and Register

Touch This, Acrylic Techniques – Fracturing

Instructor, Linda Marino
Wednesday, July 17
10 am - 2:30 pm

This 4.5-hour workshop is open to all levels.  Building skill and knowledge of the wide range and versatility acrylic paints and mediums have to offer is a great way to jump start creative new ideas.  Creativity will flow from “playing” with materials or testing out techniques that are new to you.  This month students will […]



Learn More and Register

Color Theory – 101

Instructor, Derek Leka
Friday, July 19
10 am - 2 pm

Learn about color and expand your color possibilities in this intense one day color workshop. Using natural forms as a model you will see and mix with paint; bright, saturated, light, dark, muted and soft colors. Students will learn to use the properties of both mineral and moderns paint pigments to create opaque and transparent […]



Learn More and Register

Creative Cards Workshop

Instructor, Lynne Henriquez
Wednesday, July 24
2 pm – 4 pm

Are you tired of trying to find the perfect card and settling for one that really doesn’t have any meaning and spending a lot of money on them as well. This 2-hr workshop may be just what you are looking for. Every workshop introduces a new technique with new ideas so students can continue to learn while taking this knowledge home to make their own personal cards as needed for various occasions.



Learn More and Register

Alain J. Picard – The Painterly Landscape Workshop

Alain Picard
Friday, July 26 & Saturday, July 27
Friday, 7 pm - 9 pm & Saturday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Have you always wanted to explore a looser, bolder approach to painting, but just weren’t sure how to accomplish this style in your own work?  Hold tight, because help is on the way!  Loosen up your landscapes using the painterly approach!  In this workshop students will learn practical approaches and techniques to help simplify complex […]



Learn More and Register

Summer Camp – Who’s in the Garden Ages 5 – 8

Camp Leaders, Annie Grilli & Priscilla Watson
Monday July 29th - Thursday, August 1st
9:30 am - 12:30 pm

A fun interactive multi-arts program for ages 5 – 8 celebrating the wonders of nature through hands-on art, music, and dance culminating in a performance showcasing the activities the children participated in during the week. The children will be “in the garden” discovering, fruit, vegetables, rabbits, birds, butterflies, flowers and trees. Music will be lead […]



Learn More and Register