Programs   Fine Art / Crafts

**Inclement Weather – If Region 15 is closed or delayed, please call the Gallery for class updates. A decision will be made by 9 am whether the daytime classes will be cancelled or delayed. For evening classes, a decision will be made by 4 pm. NBC will also post our information on the TV and on your phones if you have the app.

*For Information, enrollment, cancellations and tickets:
call the Arts Escape office at: 203-586-1474.

All registrations need to be paid for before program/workshop date.
There are no refunds for programs not attended.

Welcome to Lightroom Classic CC for Beginners – A Photo Editing Course

Instructor, Chuck Fleischman
January 7, 14, 21, 28
Mondays – 10 am – 12 noon

This course is designed to give individuals with little or no proficiency in Lightroom the tools to perform the key functions involved with storing images in a way that they than can be readily located and edited so they can be enhanced and shared.  The course will concentrate on two major segments of the program, the Library Module that deals with importing, storing, finding and exporting images and the Develop Module that deals with enhancing images. This is a hands-on course and students will, for the most part, use their own images to explore the capabilities of Lightroom.



Learn More and Register

Independent Studio Acrylic Painting

Instructor, Linda Marino
Mondays, January, 7, 14, 21, 28
10 am – 12 noon

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. Please bring reference images to work from.



Learn More and Register

Acrylic Basics, Focusing on the Atmosphere

Instructor, Linda Marino
Mondays, January 7, 14, 21, 28
1 pm – 3 pm

This class is designed to assist students in understanding how light reflects in the atmosphere which creates the dramatic feelings we have with sunrises/ sunsets and storms.  Students will work on cloud formations using a multiple colored pallet.  Brush strokes, glazing and other techniques will be demonstrated to help students understand how to create a dramatic painting.



Learn More and Register

Discovering the Art of Oil Pastels

Instructor, Dita Carley
Mondays, January 7, 14, 21, 28
2 pm – 4 pm

Oil pastels have a lovely creamy quality when applied to a surface, feeling (and looking) somewhere between lipstick and crayon. They are made with wax and oil, so they always stay workable, but do dry enough to be stable, and stay on the surface fairly well. Oil pastels can be applied on just about any […]



Learn More and Register

Drawing for Painters

Instructor, Zufar Bikbov
Mondays, January 7, 14, 21, 28
6 pm – 8 pm

Award winning Plein Artist, Zufar Bikbov will share his secrets for creating his award winning paintings beginning with basic drawing techniques. This course will provide students with the opportunity to explore and develop drawing skills which are essential for creating a successful painting. Students will examine and explore  the importance of line, shapes and values in a landscape composition through exercises.  Students will produce a series of representational landscape drawings to use as a reference for future paintings.



Learn More and Register

Pints, Paints & Pencils Returns! Men’s Art Class

Instructor, Priscilla Watson
Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Looking for something to do these long winter nights?  This 7-week art class is for men who  would like to learn some basic drawing skills while learning about color, various mediums and the principles of design.  Students who have taken previous classes will be encouraged to work on their own projects independently with guidance from the instructor. Students may bring their beverage of choice to enhance their creativity if they choose.  Most supplies are included.



Learn More and Register

Mixed Media + Abstraction – All Levels

Instructor, Priscilla Watson
Wednesday, January 9, 16, 23
1 pm – 3 pm

Mixed media is just that: mixing whatever material students want in whatever ways they want, with unexpected combinations often yielding some very interesting results.  The instructor will facilitate practice and play to allow for individual discovery, directed exercises will ensure a solid introduction to the possibilities of working with pastels, watercolor, ink and acrylic.  Techniques for cutting, gluing and layering will be explored to create a one-of-a kind piece. This class is for beginners as well as those with experience.



Learn More and Register

Independent Watercolor

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31
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

Beginning Watercolor Painting

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31
1 pm – 3 pm

The workshop is for beginners as well as experienced students who want to review or learn new techniques.  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 workshop with a finished watercolor painting.



Learn More and Register

NEW TEEN CLASS for the Serious Student Artist

Instructor, Priscilla Watson
Fridays, January 11, 18, 25, February, 1, 8, 15, 22
4 pm – 6 pm – (New start time)

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 also 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 Art which will provide students the opportunity to build their portfolio, reinforce basic skills and advance their own artistic growth.  Students will work on exercises as well as their own personal projects.  Class size is limited to 8 students.



Learn More and Register

Independent Oil Painting Workshop

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Fridays, January 11, 18, 25
10 am – 1 pm

Are you interested in painting with oils in an Open Studio environment but with guidance from an instructor? Well, this is the 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 3-week workshop is $100 which does not include supplies.  Some supplies are available for purchase or use during the workshop.



Learn More and Register

The Art of Sketching

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Fridays, January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15
1:30 pm - 3 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 6 – week class is designed to help student’s observe and quickly document their observations.  There will be a couple of exercises each class to get students started.  Students are encouraged to try different drawing tools such as pencil, colored pencil, maker and ink for different effects.



Learn More and Register

Intermediate Colored Pencil

Instructor, Rita Paradis
Tuesday, January 22
10 am – 2 pm

Students will work in a small group setting of no more than 10 students  and those that have attended the beginner workshop or have some previous colored pencil experience 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 more independently on their own work.



Learn More and Register

Creative Cards

Instructor, Lynne Henriquez
Tuesday, January 22
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

Watercolor Painting on Rice Paper

Instructor, May Phillips
Wednesday, January 23
10 am – 3 pm

The 1-day workshop will include demonstration and instruction where students will learn to transfer their line drawings onto rice paper using a waterproof pen. Students will take their line drawing and paint the design with their watercolor paints on the rice paper using very little water and paint, making sure the paint does not spread. All students will paint the same scene, Red Poppies. The instructor will supply a line drawing of the scene/design which will be transferred to the rice paper. Following painting, students will learn to transfer their paintings to canvas using a wax transfer process.



Learn More and Register

Independent Colored Pencil

Instructor, Rita Paradis
Tuesday, January 29
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.



Learn More and Register

Independent Oil Painting Studio

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Fridays, February 1, 8, 15,
10 am - 1 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 3-week workshop is […]



Learn More and Register

Oil Painting Winter Scenes

Instructor, Zufar Bikbov
Saturday, February 2 or Sunday, February 3
10 am - 4 pm

Love it or hate it, snow has always been an inspiration for artists, There are invariably long shadows in winter and these are essential to describing the contours of the landscape under snow. On a white surface, such as snow, the shadows will be the complementary color of the light source.  Have you noticed the color […]



Learn More and Register

Paint Your Pet with Acrylics – An Independent Class

Instructor, Lorraine Chapin
Mondays, February 4, 11, 18, 25
6 pm – 8 pm

PAINT YOUR PET  – This Class is for students with some acrylic painting experience.  Students will work independently with the guidance from the instructor.  Students will learn how to paint fur creating different textures through layering and brush strokes. Students are ask to email the instructor a photo of the pet that they would like to paint during the class.  The instructor will resize the photos for class – students can choose from an 8X10 or 9X12 canvas.  (small size works best for smaller animals)  All supplies are provided and will be painted in acrylic paints.  When emailing your photo, please specify the size of canvas you will need as well.



Learn More and Register

Independent Acrylic Painting Studio

Instructor, Linda Marino
Mondays, February 4, 11, 18, 25
10 am – 12 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

Acrylic Basics, Focusing on the Atmosphere

Instructor, Linda Marino
Mondays, February 4, 11, 18, 25
1 pm - 3 pm

(Ex. – Clouds/Sunrises/Sunsets/Storms/Dusk) This class is designed to assist students in understanding how light reflects in the atmosphere which creates the dramatic feelings we have with sunrises/ sunsets and storms.  Students will work on cloud formations using a multiple colored pallet.  Brush strokes, glazing and other techniques will be demonstrated to help students understand how […]



Learn More and Register

Theorem Painting

Instructor, Jean Hansen
Tuesday, February 5 - 10 am - 1 pm
Tuesday, February 12 - 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

GET TO KNOW YOUR Digital CAMERA

Instructor, John Munno
Thursdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28
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

Keep Warm with Watercolors – An Independent Watercolor Class

Instructor, Grace McEnaney
Thursdays, February 7, 14, 21
6 pm – 8 pm

Keep warm this winter month while working on a watercolor painting where students will be learning about warm vs cool color palettes.  Students are asked to bring in a photo of their choice, or choose from some the instructor will have available. Students we will explore this concept as it relates to their individual piece, all the while sipping hot tea or cocoa and enjoying the warm company of creative companions.  Supplies are included but feel free to bring your own if you have them.



Learn More and Register

Beginning Watercolor

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Thursdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28
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 workshop with a finished watercolor painting.



Learn More and Register

Studio Class – Independent Watercolor

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Thursdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28
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

Intro to Botanical Art in Watercolor

Instructor, Betsy Rogers-Knox
Saturday, February 9
1 pm - 4 pm

Ever wanted to illustrate that beautiful rose, lily or iris blooming in your garden? Spend an afternoon exploring what contemporary botanical art is all about! In conjunction with describing the process of building an accurate portrayal of a plant, students will complete a small botanical painting of a single subject. Designed for beginners but all […]



Learn More and Register

The Art of Zentangle – Beginners Workshop

Instructor, Kothy Hafersat
Monday, February 11
10 am – 12:30 pm

This workshop introduces the Zentangle method through drawing intentional structured patterns and creating beautiful personal works of art. (The art of doodling) Students will learn tangles and simple techniques that will inspire and spark their very own inner artist to glow!  Zentangle is a very portable mindful activity that can be accessed at any time. Not an artist? Even better! Absolutely no artistic experience needed!



Learn More and Register

Independent Zentangle

Instructor, Kothy Hafersat
Monday, February 11
1 pm - 3 pm

This one-day workshop is for those students that completed the Beginning Zentangle class and would like to Zentangle a project.  Instructor, Kothy Hafersat will have items to purchase for those students that want to take their skills to a 3-dimensional item or a specialty paper.  The sky’s the limit.  Please bring your pens from the […]



Learn More and Register

February Beginning Colored Pencil

Instructor, Rita Paradis
Tuesday, February 12
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

Intermediate Colored Pencil

Instructor, Rita Paradis
Tuesday, February 19
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 more independently […]



Learn More and Register

Independent Colored Pencil

Instructor, Rita Paradis
Tuesday, February 26
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

The Art of Sketchbooking

Instructor, Betty Ann Medeiros
Friday, March 1, 8, 15, 22, April 5, 12
1:30 pm - 3 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 6 – 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

Creative Cards Workshop

Instructor, Lynne Henriquez
Wednesday, March 27
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