Programs for Adults
(16+ years)
(16+ years)
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At A Glance
Mixed Media Abstraction Kate Arslambakova Sat., Dec. 6 10AM-4PM (with a short mid-day break – bring a snack/lunch) The Lidded Pencil Box Elissa Campbell Tues., Dec. 9 & 16 4-6:30PM WINTER 2026: Introduction to the Visual Journal Michelle Lesnak 3 Sessions: Sundays, Jan. 18; Feb. 1; Mar. 1 (Enroll in 1 or all of the sessions.) 1-4PM Free Form Knitting Leslie Roth Thurs: Jan. 22 & 29; Feb. 5 & 12 4-6PM Activate your Acrylics! Craig Wiltse Fridays: Jan. 23; 30; & Feb. 6 1:30-4:30PM Creative Aging Art Meet-Up Adults ages 60+ 4 Thursdays: Jan. 29; (ALSO: Feb. 26; Mar. 26 & Apr. 23) (sign up for 1 session or all via CVCOA - see description) 1-3PM Free Inspiration at SPA Mixed Media Abstraction Kate Arslambakova Sat., Jan. 31 10AM-4PM Introduction to the Visual Journal Michelle Lesnak Sunday, Feb. 1 (3 sessions offered. ALSO: Jan. 18; Mar. 1) 1-4PM Painting with Gouache Susan Sawyer 6 Sundays: Feb. 8; 15; 22; (skip Mar. 1); Mar. 8; 15; 22 1-4PM Fundamentals of Drawing Susan Dahl Wed: Feb. 11; 18 & 25 3-5PM February Printmaking Open Studio Chelsea Clarke Sawyer Fri., Feb 20 1-4PM Two Renaissance Drawing Mediums Susan Sawyer 2 Sats: Feb. 21 & 28 1-4PM Creative Aging Art Meet-Up Adults ages 60+ Thursday: Feb. 26 (ALSO: Jan. 29; Mar. 26 & Apr. 23) (sign up for 1 session or all via CVCOA - see description) 1-3PM Free Inspiration at SPA Spotlight on Watercolor Nitya Brighenti Friday, February 27 9:30 – 4PM (½ hour break – bring a snack/lunch) Introduction to the Visual Journal Michelle Lesnak Sunday, Mar. 1 (3 sessions offered. ALSO: Jan. 18; Feb. 1) 1-4PM March Printmaking Open Studio Chelsea Clarke Sawyer Fri., Mar. 13 1-4PM Creative Aging Art Meet-Up Adults ages 60+ Thursday: March 26 (ALSO: Jan. 29; Feb. 26 & Apr. 23) (sign up for 1 session or all via CVCOA - see description) 1-3PM Free Inspiration at SPA Calligraphy Intensive Lydia Batten Wed: April 1; 8 & 15 10AM-Noon April Printmaking Open Studio Chelsea Clarke Sawyer Fri., Apr. 17 1-4PM Creative Aging Art Meet-Up Adults ages 60+ Thursday: Apr. 23 (ALSO: Jan. 29; Feb. 26 & March 26) (sign up for 1 session or all via CVCOA - see description) 1-3PM Free Inspiration at SPA Expressive Spring Landscapes in Pastel Aline Ordman Saturday, May 2 9:30AM-4:00PM |
To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Activate your Acrylics!
Craig Wiltse Fridays: Jan. 23; 30 & Feb. 6 1:30-4:30PM This workshop on the basics of using acrylics will explore ways to apply acrylic paint, mix colors and create paintings. Craig will do short demonstrations and paint-along activities in order to share his skills. Participants will use their acrylics to create both abstract and realistic compositions during the sessions. The workshop is aimed at both beginners and those who have some previous experience but wish to do more. Contact SPA for a suggested materials list. Please contact SPA for a suggested materials list. (NOTE: SPA has received donations of paints and brushes that may be borrowed during this class.) Materials fee to the instructor (for various acrylic media): $10 Members $95/Non-Members $105 Craig Wiltse has been practicing visual arts in two and three dimensional media for over forty years. He has a Masters degree in Fine Art and has exhibited his work in group and solo shows throughout the United States and Canada. Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Creative Aging Art Meet-Up
Adults ages 60+ Thursday: Jan. 29; (ALSO: Feb. 26; Mar. 26 & Apr. 23) (sign up for 1 session or all) 1-3PM Free Inspiration at SPA This winter, join us for Creative Aging Art Meet-Up activities at Studio Place Arts (SPA) on the Fourth Thursdays of January; February; March and April from 1-3PM. The sessions are informal creative and social get-togethers in the SPA Classroom where you can make use of SPA tables, easels and some other basic art supplies – or bring your own project and materials. The sessions will begin at 1PM with a 10 to 15-minute tour and discussion of the current exhibits at Studio Place Arts. MORE: This activity is in collaboration with the Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA). SPA is an accessible organization with ramp access to the rear of the building and an elevator to the upper floors. SPA is located at 201 N Main Street in Barre. ENROLL: Spaces are limited. Please pre-register for your session(s) at least 2 days before the scheduled activity via Marisa Willette at PH: 802.477.1364. Free Inspiration! Mixed Media Abstraction
Kate Arslambakova Sat., Jan. 31 10AM-4PM (with a short mid-day break – bring a snack/lunch) Discover how to start your own abstract painting using acrylics. We will explore how to use mixed media techniques using found objects (sticks, bubble wrap, tissue paper, string), as well as traditional art tools (pallet knives, brushes, layering and collage). We will work on composition, balance, and movement. Students will be encouraged to balance each composition in terms of abstract art elements on each layer of the painting. Experimentation and boldness are highly encouraged! Students will experience:
Materials are provided. However, students are welcome to bring materials with them if they would like. (SPA will share a list of key items on request.) Members $45/Non-Members $55 Kate Arslambakova is a Russian-American painter. Working primarily with oils, collage on paper, and mixed media, her current abstract work responds directly to surrounding environments and seeks to find balance between shapes and colors, calm and unrest, while she also attempts to do so in her everyday life. Arslambakova received the annual Studio Residency at SPA in 2022-23. Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Introduction to the Visual Journal
Michelle Lesnak Sunday, Feb. 1 (Session full; sign up for the waiting list) (3 sessions offered. ALSO: Jan. 18 and Mar. 1) 1-4PM NOTE: For more information about this workshop series, see comprehensive description listed at Sunday, Jan. 18. There are 3 sessions offered. The series can be done all together or stand alone. A blank journal will be provided for sessions II and III. Spaces are limited to 6 participants. Sliding Scale Enrollment Fees (See description dated Sun. Jan. 18) Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Painting with Gouache
Susan Sawyer (Session full; sign up for the waiting list) 6 Sundays: Feb. 8; 15; 22; (skip Mar. 1); Mar. 8; 15; 22 1-4PM Gouache — pronounce gooawsh — is opaque watercolor, a favorite medium of illustrators and color students, among others. In this class we’ll take advantage of all its qualities, including the use of tinted papers. We’ll begin with abstract color and paint handling exercises, then mostly focus on landscape. Come and experiment! Familiarity with painting in any other medium is recommended but not required. Most materials provided. $20 materials fee to the instructor. Members $175/Non-Members $195 Susan Sawyer is an artist-naturalist from South Woodbury with many years of experience teaching, mostly adults in college and non-formal settings. After starting life as a printmaker and decades of making art quilts, her current practice consists of drawing, painting, and biological illustration, in graphite, ink, watercolor, and silverpoint. She believes in an experimental and experiential approach to all kinds of education, as well as careful observation of worlds without and within. Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Fundamentals of Drawing
Susan Dahl Wed: Feb. 11; 18 & 25 3-5PM Drawing can be easy to learn. This course aims to provide you with skills for getting what you see onto the page, whether it is an object in front of you or an idea in your head. We will review basic concepts of line, form, texture, and shading, with plenty of in-class time for trying your new skills. In addition to basic drawing skills, and depending on class interest, we will cover landscape and perspective, figure and portrait basics and drawing from nature. Contact SPA for a suggested materials list. Members: $75/Non-Members: $85 Susan Dahl is an artist and art therapist. She taught art in the Boston area for many years and moved to Vermont two years ago. She is having fun connecting to the creative community here, while enjoying better access to the natural world and to the pleasures of a much bigger garden. Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. February Printmaking Open Studio
Chelsea Clarke Sawyer Fri., Feb 20 1-4PM SPA is offering an open studio session with Chelsea, studio host and printmaking coach, using SPA’s Wheelen X-Press in the Classroom. Some materials are provided (e.g., black ink, blotting paper, and other basic tools). Bring your own plate(s), or work in progress, and your own water-based ink(s) and paper. Some printmaking experience is needed. We are planning to offer Printmaking Open Studio sessions on a regular basis. Members $25/Non-Members $35 To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069. Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Chelsea Clarke Sawyer lives in Barre and is an artist and naturalist, and the Communications Coordinator for North Branch Nature Center. She holds a BFA in Printmaking from Main College of Art and a MS from the UVM Field Naturalist Program. A hopeless generalist, Chelsea is always experimenting with different mediums and currently works mostly in watercolor, mixed media drawing, relief printmaking, and wool. Science and nature, especially the small and overlooked plants and creatures and the far north, are her biggest sources of inspiration. Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Two Renaissance Drawing Mediums
Susan Sawyer 2 Sats: Feb. 21 & 28 1-4PM Silverpoint and dip pen and ink are two of the drawing techniques that were most commonly used by Renaissance artists and are less well known these days but well worth using. Silverpoint is the ultimate in subtlety and elegance; ink is expressive and dramatic. Both have that quality of immediacy that makes drawing so deeply human. Subject matter will be small objects from nature like seeds and bones. Most materials provided. $20 materials fee to the instructor. Members $60/Non-Members $70 Susan Sawyer is an artist-naturalist from South Woodbury with many years of experience teaching, mostly adults in college and non-formal settings. After starting life as a printmaker and decades of making art quilts, her current practice consists of drawing, painting, and biological illustration, in graphite, ink, watercolor, and silverpoint. She believes in an experimental and experiential approach to all kinds of education, as well as careful observation of worlds without and within. Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Creative Aging Art Meet-Up
Adults ages 60+ Thursday: Feb. 26 (ALSO: Jan. 29; Mar. 26 & Apr. 23 (sign up for 1 session or all) 1-3PM Free Inspiration at SPA This winter, join us for Creative Aging Art Meet-Up activities at Studio Place Arts (SPA) on the Fourth Thursdays of January; February; March and April from 1-3PM. The sessions are informal creative and social get-togethers in the SPA Classroom where you can make use of SPA tables, easels and some other basic art supplies – or bring your own project and materials. The sessions will begin at 1PM with a 10 to 15-minute tour and discussion of the current exhibits at Studio Place Arts. MORE: This activity is in collaboration with the Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA). SPA is an accessible organization with ramp access to the rear of the building and an elevator to the upper floors. SPA is located at 201 N Main Street in Barre. ENROLL: Spaces are limited. Please pre-register for your session(s) at least 2 days before the scheduled activity via Marisa Willette at PH: 802.477.1364. Free Inspiration! Spotlight on Watercolor
Nitya Brighenti Friday, February 27 9:30 – 4PM (½ hour break – bring a snack/lunch) This intensive, one-day workshop on watercolor painting with Nitya will consist of demonstrations on how to handle materials, identifying subjects to paint that one is drawn to, the painting session itself and a group discussion at the end of the workshop about works created during the day. Emphasis will be on painting what participants see in real life, such as painting a still-life or views in “the situation”. While participants are welcome to bring photographs from which to consider compositions, Nitya suggests to work from life—for instance an ordinary corner of the classroom, an object in the room, a scene through a window that unfolds outdoors, a student standing nearby. This approach of immediacy will be the focal point of the workshop. The workshop is for students who have some familiarity with watercolor painting materials. Contact SPA for a suggested materials list, including Nitya’s recommendations for supplies. Member: $85/Non-Member: $95 Nitya Brighenti is a figurative painter born in a small village in Italy. He earned a master's degree in architecture from the Istituto di Architettura Venezia in 1974, though painting remained his true passion. He began painting in Italy, then studied at the Art Students League of New York. He has lived and traveled extensively, including overland journeys from Europe through Turkey and Afghanistan and India in the 1970s, and he lived 14 years in Hawaii before moving to Barre in 2016, where he continues to work in the classical tradition. https://obrighenti.wixsite.com/nitya Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Introduction to the Visual Journal
Michelle Lesnak Sunday, March 1 (3 sessions offered. ALSO: Jan. 18 and Feb. 1 1-4PM NOTE: For more information about this workshop series, see comprehensive description listed at Sunday, Jan. 18. There are 3 sessions offered. The series can be done all together or stand alone. A blank journal will be provided for sessions II and III. Spaces are limited to 6 participants. Sliding Scale Enrollment Fees (See description dated Sun. Jan. 18) Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. March Printmaking Open Studio
Chelsea Clarke Sawyer Fri., Mar. 13 1-4PM SPA is offering an open studio session with Chelsea, studio host and printmaking coach, using SPA’s Wheelen X-Press in the Classroom. Some materials are provided (e.g., black ink, blotting paper, and other basic tools). Bring your own plate(s), or work in progress, and your own water-based ink(s) and paper. Some printmaking experience is needed. We are planning to offer Printmaking Open Studio sessions on a regular basis. Members $25/Non-Members $35 To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069. Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Chelsea Clarke Sawyer lives in Barre and is an artist and naturalist, and the Communications Coordinator for North Branch Nature Center. She holds a BFA in Printmaking from Main College of Art and a MS from the UVM Field Naturalist Program. A hopeless generalist, Chelsea is always experimenting with different mediums and currently works mostly in watercolor, mixed media drawing, relief printmaking, and wool. Science and nature, especially the small and overlooked plants and creatures and the far north, are her biggest sources of inspiration. Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Creative Aging Art Meet-Up
Adults ages 60+ Thursday: Mar. 26 (ALSO: Jan. 29; Feb. 26; & Apr. 23) (sign up for 1 session or all) 1-3PM Free Inspiration at SPA This winter, join us for Creative Aging Art Meet-Up activities at Studio Place Arts (SPA) on the Fourth Thursdays of January; February; March and April from 1-3PM. The sessions are informal creative and social get-togethers in the SPA Classroom where you can make use of SPA tables, easels and some other basic art supplies – or bring your own project and materials. The sessions will begin at 1PM with a 10 to 15-minute tour and discussion of the current exhibits at Studio Place Arts. MORE: This activity is in collaboration with the Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA). SPA is an accessible organization with ramp access to the rear of the building and an elevator to the upper floors. SPA is located at 201 N Main Street in Barre. ENROLL: Spaces are limited. Please pre-register for your session(s) at least 2 days before the scheduled activity via Marisa Willette at PH: 802.477.1364. Free Inspiration! Calligraphy Intensive
Lydia Batten Wed: April 1; 8 & 15 10AM-Noon Dive into a hands-on intensive investigation and exploration of what is involved in the art of Calligraphy. Learn how to hold the tools and use the media to create Italic style lettering. We will begin with lower case letters, add the capitals, and play with some basic layout options for creating small final pieces. The pace will be brisk and geared towards those who want to be immersed and challenged. This would be great for anyone who has had a bit of prior exposure, either with a book, you tube video, or another class a while ago! (The instructor will bring an additional alphabet for people who attended a previous SPA workshop to try.) If time and energy allow, use of color and/or other calligraphic styles can be introduced. Besides enthusiasm, everyone should bring a sharp pencil, a good art eraser, a ruler, a pad of good quality layout bond or sketch paper, and something for taking notes. There will be a $20 supply fee to the instructor for materials. This fee will cover handouts, a 3-pak of various-sized calligraphy markers, sample art papers to experiment with. If interested, students can opt to purchase at an additional cost some ink and metal nibs + holder after they have had a chance to experiment with them in class (instructor will have some for students to try out). Please indicate if you are left-handed when registering; the instructor will provide some tools and instructions for left-handed people. Members: $60/Non-Members: $70 Lydia lives in Jericho VT with her husband. She has been studying and practicing (always the practicing!) calligraphy through workshops, classes, and conferences since her college days when she received her first pen set as a Christmas gift. She works from her studio in her home on wedding invitations and envelopes, on both personal and commissioned art pieces. For more information, go to: lydiabatten.com Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. April Printmaking Open Studio
Chelsea Clarke Sawyer Fri., Apr. 17 1-4PM SPA is offering an open studio session with Chelsea, studio host and printmaking coach, using SPA’s Wheelen X-Press in the Classroom. Some materials are provided (e.g., black ink, blotting paper, and other basic tools). Bring your own plate(s), or work in progress, and your own water-based ink(s) and paper. Some printmaking experience is needed. We are planning to offer Printmaking Open Studio sessions on a regular basis. Members $25/Non-Members $35 To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069. Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Chelsea Clarke Sawyer lives in Barre and is an artist and naturalist, and the Communications Coordinator for North Branch Nature Center. She holds a BFA in Printmaking from Main College of Art and a MS from the UVM Field Naturalist Program. A hopeless generalist, Chelsea is always experimenting with different mediums and currently works mostly in watercolor, mixed media drawing, relief printmaking, and wool. Science and nature, especially the small and overlooked plants and creatures and the far north, are her biggest sources of inspiration. Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. Creative Aging Art Meet-Up
Adults ages 60+ Thursday: Apr. 23 (ALSO: Jan. 29; Feb. 26; & Mar. 26 (sign up for 1 session or all) 1-3PM Free Inspiration at SPA This winter, join us for Creative Aging Art Meet-Up activities at Studio Place Arts (SPA) on the Fourth Thursdays of January; February; March and April from 1-3PM. The sessions are informal creative and social get-togethers in the SPA Classroom where you can make use of SPA tables, easels and some other basic art supplies – or bring your own project and materials. The sessions will begin at 1PM with a 10 to 15-minute tour and discussion of the current exhibits at Studio Place Arts. MORE: This activity is in collaboration with the Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA). SPA is an accessible organization with ramp access to the rear of the building and an elevator to the upper floors. SPA is located at 201 N Main Street in Barre. ENROLL: Spaces are limited. Please pre-register for your session(s) at least 2 days before the scheduled activity via Marisa Willette at PH: 802.477.1364. Free Inspiration! Expressive Spring Landscapes in Pastel
Aline Ordman Saturday, May 2 9:30AM-4:00PM Pastures are greening up, apple blossoms are emerging, and the yellow-green of early spring leaf buds are among the beautiful aspects of our spring season in Vermont. Join Aline in this enjoyable and informative, one-day spring season workshop designed for you to learn ways to significantly loosen up, create beautiful color, strong design and expressive mark making with the aim of substantially strengthening the visual impact of your pastel paintings. Focus will be on achieving the "sensation" of the spring season rather than exacting details, an overall expressive look to the finish of the painting, using value as the organizer and color as bold statement. Work from your photos or sketches. The day includes demonstrations, critiques and plenty of painting time. Materials list, all levels from beginner through advanced are welcome. (SPA has some pastels for loan, if interested.) Member: $95/Non-Member: $115 Aline received her BFA at Cornell University and continued her training the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, earning a degree in illustration. Aline is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America, a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society, a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America and a Master Circle Pastelist with the International Assn. of Pastel Societies. She has juried the Pastel Society of America’s National Juried Show; The Pastel Journal’s top 100 Animal and Wildlife Competition, the Pastel Society of New Mexico’s Annual Juried Show and the Adirondack Plein Air Festival Awards. For more information, https://www.alineordman.com/ Register Online: To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received. |
To register by phone, call: 802-479-7069.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received.
Please note, enrollment is not finalized until tuition payment is received.
