Studio Programming, Fall 2024

M YST I C M U S E U M O F A R T E D U C AT I O N P R O G R A M S

FALL STUDIO 2024

REGISTRATION

Register in any of the following ways:

Online at MysticMuseumofArt.org
By telephone at 860.536.7601 x211
By mail to Mystic Museum of Art: 9 Water Street, Mystic, CT 06355

PAYMENT

Advance registration for Mystic Museum of Art classes is required to secure a student’s place in class and to ensure that the class will run. Full payment is required at the time of registration. There will be a fee of $20 for returned checks.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

A Program Participation Packet must be completed for students under 18 years of age by the start of each class. Please see our website for the packet and important class policies.

WAYS TO SAVE

Refer a Friend Participants may refer a friend (new to MMoA studio classes) to any class and both will receive $15 off registration fees of $100 or higher. Both parties must register for classes running during the current season before the discount is applied.

The Two-Fer

Any student signing up for two classes during the same session will receive $15 off his or her second class (both classes must be $100 or more).

CHILDREN AND TEEN

CREATIVE PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN

Jerelyn Abicca-Smestad

Join us for a fun and educational workshop and explore the wonderful world of printmaking! In this workshop, children will explore both traditional and unconventional printmaking techniques to create unique works of art. Using a variety of materials including dried leaves, recycled papers, and old fabrics, participants will experiment with textures and patterns to develop their own artistic style. Bring along your inspirational photos from magazines, trips, or nature outings. We’ll use these images as a starting point to transform your original ideas into stunning prints.

Additionally, the workshop includes a guided gallery tour of the current museum exhibition, Printmaking and the Unconventional Pathways of African American Artists, to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the art form.

Saturday, 10am – 2pm

September 21

Ages: 8 – 12

Members $70/ Non-Members $90

All supplies included with registration.

ART ABCs: AGES 3.5 – 6

Jerelyn Smestad

Introduce children to a variety of materials and processes through projects that stimulate imagination and creativity. We offer a supportive and encouraging atmosphere where budding artists will experiment with drawing, painting, and 3D sculpture.

Choose to register for all classes or specific classes:

Mondays, 4:30pm – 5:30pm

September 23 – December 23 (No Class on October 14 and November 11)

12-class series:

Members $140 / Non-Members $170

Individual classes: Members $14 / Non-Members $16

September 23, September 30, October 7, October 21, October 28, November 4, November 18, November 25, December 2, December 9, December 16 and December 23

All supplies included with registration.

ART EXPLORERS- CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN ART: AGES 6 – 12

D Derek

Introduce your child to the wonderful world of art through our engaging Art Explorers program! Your child will experience the museum’s professional studio, special exhibitions and discover educational, creative and fun art projects. From painting to sculpture, textile art to collage, and printmaking, your child will engage in a variety of artistic mediums. They will learn about famous artists from around the world and gain insight into art history and diverse cultural expressions. Our classes encourage children to step out of their comfort zones and explore art in a new way. Art Explorers also emphasizes collaborative learning experiences, fostering teamwork, communication skills, and a sense of community among young artists. By focusing on experimentation and imagination, we aim to cultivate a supportive environment where students can explore, express, and grow as artists.

Choose to register for all classes or specific, individual classes:

Tuesdays, 4:15pm – 5:45pm

September 24 – December 17

12-class series: Members $190 / Non-Members $225

Individual classes: Members $18 / Non-Members $21

September 24, October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, November 26, December 3 and December 10

All supplies included with registration.

DRAWING AND PAINTING FUNDAMENTALS: AGES 9 – 13

Lisa Lyman Adams

Working from various sources, including still lifes and other subject matter, young artists strengthen their skills in drawing and paint application. Foundational elements like form, color, space, and line will be explored. The teacher encourages returning students to advance their abilities and develop their style.

Wednesdays, 4:30pm – 6pm

Session 1: September 25 – October 23

Session 2: November 6 – December 4

Members $115 / Non-Members $135

All supplies included with registration

HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM: AGES 5 – 12

The Mystic Museum of Art (MMoA) offers specially designed homeschool classes for children ages 5 – 12. Taught by MMoA artist educators, these programs are a combination of discussion and hands-on art making in our galleries and KTJ studios. All programs focus on a variety of art techniques, elements of art and design, art vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Homeschool programs are usually eight-week sessions that run for 2.5 hours on Monday afternoons from 1:30pm to 4pm. The MMoA homeschool program offers a variety of courses throughout the year.

DISCOVERING COLOR IN WATERCOLORS

Ben Ellcome

Dive deep into the wonderful world of color and experience the magic of watercolor painting. We will journey through the color wheel one hue at a time and learn how each color behaves and what it can express—from the realism of objects to the depths of emotions. We will compare and experiment with colors to understand their unique properties and how they interact with each other. Through hands-on activities, we will also learn essential watercolor techniques.

Each student will receive their own watercolor travel set and a set of three watercolor brushes to kickstart their artistic journey.

Mondays 1:30pm – 4pm

September 30 – December 2 (No Class on October 14 and November 11)

Members $225 / Non-Members $260

All supplies included with registration.

Maximum number of students is limited to 15.

Advanced registration required: register online or call 860.536.7601 x211.

A minimum of 5 students is necessary to run this program.

PEN AND INK ART FOR TEENS

Rachel Featherston

Explore the timeless art of pen and ink. Whether you aspire to create realistic drawings or dynamic comic art, this course is designed to inspire and equip you with essential skills. Learn about different types of ink and their characteristics. Master the use of various tools including the classic dip pen and modern multi-liners. Discover different ink styles ranging from elegant calligraphy to dynamic cartooning. Experiment with unconventional materials such as coffee as ink. Whether you are new to the world of pen and ink or looking to refine your existing skills, this class provides a comprehensive learning experience.

Thursdays, 4:30pm – 6pm

October 3 – November 7

Members $115 / Non-Members $135

All supplies included with registration

DISCOVER: Mommy and Me Art, Music and Storytime. AGES 2 – 3

Liane Bassin

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, join us for our delightful Mommy and Me classes where you can bond with your little ones over the joy of creativity! Designed for 2- and 3-year-olds, this class combines storytelling, singing, and hands-on art projects in a nurturing and playful environment. Our program’s focus is on hands-on exploration so children can learn to express themselves freely through the art-making process. This program provides a wonderful opportunity for children to interact with their peers and caregivers can also connect with other parents and share experiences.

Choose to register for all classes or specific classes:

Wednesdays, 11:00am – 12:00pm

October 16 – November 20

6-class series:

Members $100 / Non-Members $120

Individual classes: Members $18 / Non-Members $20

All supplies included with registration

COMIC ART: A COMIC BOOK MAKING CLASS. AGES 7 – 14

Brett Swanson

Become a comic book creator in this exciting 5-class series designed for children. Learn to craft your own short comic book from start to finish. From basic drawing techniques, including shapes, objects, and figures, to layout, design, and the essentials of storytelling in comics, learn the foundational elements of comic book art. Explore the art of inking and techniques for adding shadows, depth, and texture to enhance the visual impact of your comics. Put your ideas into action by drafting and drawing your own superhero and comic story.

Sundays, 10:00am – 12:00pm

October 20 – November 17

Members $115 / Non-Members $135

All supplies included with registration.

EXPRESSIVE PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP FOR TEENS

Faith Satterfield

Embark on a journey into the world of printmaking with this workshop tailored just for teens. This hands-on experience will guide you through every step, from mastering basic techniques to creating your own unique prints. Learn foundational relief printing techniques that form the basis of creating prints. Experiment with a variety of materials to discover their unique textures and effects in printmaking. Learn to transfer printed pictures onto soft print blocks, followed by carving to create personalized designs. Each student will produce several prints, and a final matted print ready for display. Take home your carved print block to continue creating prints beyond the workshop.

Saturday, 10am – 2pm

November 2

Ages: Teens

Members $70/ Non-Members $90

All supplies included with registration.

FREE CREATIVE FAMILY AFTERNOON

Join us for free, drop-in art activities for the whole family! Registration required.

Winter Ornament Crafts. All Ages

Jerelyn Smestad

Join us for a winter ornament crafting afternoon! Make holiday gifts this season by painting, drawing, and building with a variety of materials. Hand craft original ornaments and design our own wrapping paper and gift cards, so your gift is ready to give.

Saturday, 1pm – 4pm

December 14

ADULT

DRAWING

OPEN STUDIO MIXED MEDIA FIGURE

Robert Anderson, Monitor

From academic to abstract, pencil on paper to oil on canvas, highly-rendered to expression-driven, this studio allows you to follow your own path at your own pace. It is a great opportunity for artists at all-levels to get together and create, in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Open Studio at MMoA is a fun way to retain and advance your visual art skills while working with a live model each week.

Tuesdays, 6pm – 9pm

September 17 – December 17

Members $15 / Non-Members $20 per session

OR Member $60/Non-Members $80 for each 5 classes

NUTS AND BOLTS OF DRAWING

Lisa Lyman Adams

Discover the essence of realism drawing through the “art of seeing.” In this class, you will hone your ability to observe keenly and gain the confidence to illustrate anything you envision. Develop essential skills in setting up your drawing, understanding materials, and mastering techniques that enhance your observational ability. Explore the art of accurate measurement with your eyes and gain insights into how light behaves, discerning the intricate patterns it forms. You’ll learn pencil strokes and visual strategies that bring depth and dimensionality to your drawings effortlessly.
For those excited to continue their artistic journey beyond drawing, consider joining our upcoming 5-week course, Watercolor Essentials starting on November 5th, 2024. With foundational drawing skills firmly established, this course offers the perfect segue into learning the basics of watercolor. Mark your calendars and embark on this enriching artistic adventure with us.

5-week series

Tuesdays, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Session 1: September 24 – October 22

Members $240 / Non-Members $280

PURE PIGMENT: Pastel Techniques

Laura L. Gorian

Explore the rich world of pastels where vibrant pigments come alive on paper. Discover how to create painterly images through a variety of drawing techniques, from basic mark-making to advanced methods. We’ll cover essential pastel painting fundamentals such as blending, layering, and color theory, unlocking the potential to craft your own expressive artworks. No prior art training is needed—just a desire to explore and create with a medium that offers endless possibilities.

Five-week series

Wednesdays, 6pm – 8:30pm

October 9 – November 6

Ages: Youth and Adults

Members $210 / Non-Members $250

PAINTING

COLOR, VALUE AND THE PICTURE PLANE: How To Create Depth And Atmosphere In Your Paintings

Howard Park and Lisa Miceli

Visualize and utilize the picture plane intuitively to create a sense of depth and perspective in your paintings. Learn to effectively use value contrasts and harmonious color to draw viewers into the scene. Overcome challenges in designing landscapes or seascapes such as creating a receding picture plane and mastering atmospheric and linear perspective. Begin with sketching to design the elements of your painting’s picture plane. Translate sketches into compelling paintings by focusing sequentially from the sky to the horizon, then from horizon to middle ground, and finally from middle ground to foreground.
Each class will include demonstrations by the instructors, and you may work from your own images, sketches, or provided demo images, allowing you to apply learned techniques to subjects that inspire you.

5-week series

Tuesdays, 9am – 12pm

September 10 – October 8

Members $240 / Non-Members $280

ANYONE CAN PAINT: Between Abstraction and Realism

Sunil Howlader

This class will combine abstract and realistic elements to create a painting that is complex, dynamic, and interesting. Abstract realism opens a whole new world of creation. Students will translate thoughts, emotions, and ideas to the canvas using texture, form, and color. A basic understanding of painting is recommended. This class is open to either oils or acrylics and is designed to cater to a range of levels. Whether you want to start from scratch or work on an already started artwork that is in need of new ideas or inspirations, this is the class for you!

Five-week series

Wednesdays, 1pm – 4pm

October 2 – October 30

Ages: Youth and Adults

Members $240 / Non-Members $280

PHOTO TO CANVAS

Sarah Stifler Lucas

Advance your skills, technique, and personal style using acrylics or oils and a photo reference to inspire your piece. Bring your favorite photographs, magazine images, calendar pictures, etc., and explore the process of transforming them into your own work of art. Instructor demonstrations focus on design, composition, and value. Previous painting experience required. (Not a class for beginners)

Five-week series

Thursdays, 9:30am – 12:30pm

Session 1: October 03 – October 31

Session 2: November 07 – December 12

No Class Nov 28

Members $240 / Non-Members $280

COLOR IS MAGIC, VALUE IS VITAL

Howard Park and Lisa Miceli

Learn to develop the unique atmosphere and spirit of a scene through effective use of color and value. Explore how colorists use color contrast and color balance to create daring and vivid works of art. Create landscapes that are tonal and moody or vibrant with sunlit areas and shadows with dimension and color.

In this class, students will learn to use the color wheel as a completely different tool, gain an understanding of the use of analogous and complementary colors, and see color as value. Students will learn to design a custom color wheel to help create signature colors to reflect their own unique vision of the landscape. Painting with these signature colors will allow students to use color more effectively to achieve a sense of light and atmosphere in the artwork.

Any medium may be used, there will be instructor demos in oil and watercolor. Students can work from demo images or bring their own photo references

Five-week series

Tuesdays, 9am – 12pm

October 22 – November 19

Members $240 / Non-Members $280

WATERCOLOR ESSENTIALS

Lisa Lyman Adams

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced artist wanting to refine your skills, this class is designed to build your confidence and enhance your understanding of watercolor techniques. Starting with the basics of watercolor painting, we will study the principles of color theory, palette selection, mixing, blending, texturing and detailing. Working with still life and photo references, we will explore painting techniques for landscapes, portraits, water scenes, and shadows. Drawing skills will be integrated to accurately transfer your ideas onto paper before applying watercolor. Instruction will be supplemented with demonstrations and ample practice time will be provided for hands-on learning.

5-week series

Tuesdays, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

November 5 – December 3 (No class on November 28)

Members $240 / Non-Members $280

MIXED MEDIA

INTRODUCTION TO NEEDLE FELTING: Fiber Art Sculptures

Carol Mann

Discover the art of needle felting in this engaging class! Needle felting utilizes specialized barbed needles to interlock wool fibers, enabling the creation and manipulation of intricate three-dimensional forms. Participants will learn to sculpt animals using wool on flexible wire armature, gaining essential skills in shaping, detailing, and finishing their creations.

The fundamental techniques taught in this class can be easily adapted to craft two-dimensional artworks and wearable pieces, showcasing the adaptability and artistic potential of needle felting.

Five-week series

Tuesdays, 1 pm – 4 pm

October 01 – October 29

Members $240 / Non-Members $280

PHOTOGRAPHY

SMART PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Peter Glass

Discover the power of your smartphone camera in this enriching workshop! In today’s world, smartphone cameras have evolved to deliver stunning image quality, making them more than just tools for selfies. Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, this workshop is designed to empower you to create high-quality photographs with your smartphone.

Learn how to navigate and utilize the specific camera controls on your smartphone to achieve optimal results. Explore fundamental concepts of photography and discover various smartphone camera apps and learn how to select and use apps that suit your creative needs and style. Discover useful accessories and the art of composing photographs with your smartphone. Engage in practical exercises to reinforce your understanding of camera controls and composition techniques.

Don’t forget to bring your fully charged smartphone as well as any accessories you have, including the smartphone’s charger.

Saturday, 10am – 3pm (Includes Lunch Break)

October 19

Ages: Youth and Adults

Members $125 / Non-Members $140

DIGITAL ART

DIGITAL ART: Draw And Paint on your iPad Using Procreate

Rachel Featherston

Are you a traditional artist curious about exploring the modern art world? Digital art is not just a trend—it’s a powerful and evolving form of artistic expression. In this 5-week digital art course, you’ll discover the basics of Procreate, a program embraced by many traditional artists for its ability to produce stunning artwork. Learn to navigate its tools and develop techniques to translate your canvas creations to a digital screen. All you need is an iPad and either an Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon. Whether you’re new to digital art or looking to refine your skills, this class is designed for all levels of experience.

Thursdays, 4:30pm – 6:30pm

November 14 – December 12

Members $170/ Non-Members $200

Please note that Procreate is required for the class and costs $12.99 for a one-time purchase on the App Store.

SIGNATURE MMoA ART EVENTS

ARTINI

Mix cocktails and creativity for your next happy hour! Take on a creative project with one of our instructors, as you learn to play with a variety of media in the studios. We provide instruction, supplies, a tasty beverage, and plenty of time to socialize.

Fridays, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Members $35 / Non-members $40

DOTTED BEAUTY. Nature Inspired Wall Decor

Faith Satterfield

Explore the beauty of nature through dotting techniques in this relaxing and creatively stimulating class. Using wooden canvas boards, create intricate designs featuring concentric circles, waves, and progressive ripples of dots. You’ll have the opportunity to work with circular stencils, dotting tools, and a palette of vibrant colors. By the end of the session, you’ll take home a unique piece of art that reflects your creativity and newfound skills in dotting techniques.

September 27

FELTED FALL

Kimberly Lutts

Create handmade decorations and embrace the spirit of fall with fellow craft enthusiasts. Explore the art of felting with natural fibers to create charming fall decorations using traditional felting tools and techniques. Receive hands-on instruction to create each ornament from start to finish. Explore your own designs and ideas under supportive instruction. This program is suitable for beginners and for those looking to create personalized decorations for any occasion.

All necessary materials and tools will be provided for use during the class. Just bring your creativity!

October 25

GORGEOUS GOURDS

Carol Mann

Gourds have a long history of being used as fashion functional vessels and utensils. They offer a lot of creative potential with their unique shapes and surfaces. They are perfect objects for creating one-of-a-kind works of art when scribed and decorated with pigments. Whether you’re into carving intricate designs or prefer a simpler approach with oil sticks or wax, there’s something for everyone to explore.

November 22

JEWELRY TREES

Meredith Andrews

Join us for a festive and creative art class where you’ll transform old costume jewelry into stunning Christmas trees on velvet! Guided by our experienced instructor, you’ll embark on a step-by-step journey, crafting sparkle-by-sparkle to create your masterpiece. All the necessary materials, including a variety of jewelry pieces, crafting supplies, and a beautiful frame will be provided. You may bring along any treasured jewels you rarely wear or ones that hold sentimental value — they’ll add a special touch to your unique holiday tree.

December 20

W E E K E N D W O R K S H O P S

MAKING AN IMPRESSION: Monotypes & Block Printing

Laura LoTurco-Gorian

Discover the captivating world of monotypes and lino printing in our immersive workshop. These creative techniques offer a unique opportunity to produce spontaneous and distinctive prints, ranging from bold and colorful artworks to delicately detailed drawings. Throughout the workshop, we will explore the interplay of color, line, texture, and tone, discovering how these elements translate through various printing methods.

No prior painting or drawing experience is necessary to create compelling works of art using these techniques. The workshop will begin with demonstrations and discussions on materials and techniques. Participants will then have the chance to set up and work on projects tailored to their interests, with guidance from the instructor. We’ll explore different papers, plates, mark-making practices, and transfer methods to expand your artistic horizons.

We’ll wrap up the workshop with a dedicated session for questions, sharing insights, and discussing the discoveries made during our creative journey together.

Saturday, 10am – 3pm

August 31

Ages: Youth and Adults

Members $125 / Non-Members $140

RELIEF PRINTING AND PAINTING ON SILK SCARF

Jerelyn Abicca-Smestad

Explore the vibrant world of silk painting in this hands-on workshop where creativity flows freely, and each scarf becomes a unique masterpiece. Participants will learn the art of painting on silk, utilizing dyes and various techniques to create stunning designs on white silk scarves.

White silk scarves are meticulously hand-washed and stretched on large frames to prepare them for painting. The use of high-quality, 100% silk ensures vibrant and lasting colors. Using dyes as the medium of choice, participants will learn to apply layers of color using foam brushes, creating textures and natural motifs. Each layer is dried with blow dryers and manipulated with brushes, paper, and rubbing alcohol to achieve desired effects. Up to 30 layers of color on a single scarf can be added, each adding depth and complexity to your design. After the painting process is complete, scarves are steamed, rinsed and ironed to set the colors permanently to ensure the vibrancy and longevity of your artwork. Participants have the option to hand-bead their scarves for added personalization.

By the end of the workshop, you will have a beautifully hand-painted silk scarf to take home, reflecting your individual creativity and the techniques learned during the class. Whether you’re looking to explore a new hobby or expand your artistic skills, this workshop offers a delightful journey into the world of textile artistry.

Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm (includes one hour lunch break)

October 5

Ages: Youth and Adults

Members $125 / Non-Members $140

Class Supply List

INTRODUCTION TO SERIGRAPHS AND MONOPRINTING

D Derek

Serigraph (also known as silkscreen) printing is a versatile and widely used method in both printmaking and textile design. It involves creating images on a screen and transferring ink through fine mesh onto various surfaces using a squeegee resulting in vibrant, precise shapes of color.

In this introductory course led by artist and experienced printmaker D Derek, we will learn the rich history and techniques of serigraph printing and create unique monoprints using the serigraph process. We will explore water-based serigraph techniques using water-soluble watercolors and gouache. We will also learn about color theory, drawing techniques, and composition principles to gain an understanding of creating visually compelling artworks.

No prior experience in printmaking is necessary to enroll in this workshop, making it accessible for beginners and those looking to expand their artistic skills. The workshop is limited to 15 students, allowing for ample opportunity for individualized guidance from the instructor.

Saturday, 10am – 3pm

October 12

Ages: Youth and Adults

Members $125 / Non-Members $140

CREATIVE MAP MAKING WORKSHOP

Lisa Lyman Adams

Mapmaking fulfills one of our deepest desires to understand the world around us and our place in it. This all-day workshop with artist Lisa Lyman Adams, fine artist and illustrator known for her illustrative maps created for the New York Times and mainstream magazines focuses on seeing the world creatively through mapping. The workshop is perfect for map lovers, travelers, or neighborhood enthusiasts who like to share their stories of places they are going or have been through creative illustrations. Using various art tools, specialty paper, imaginative exploration, graphic expression, and drawing skills, students will discover and learn the basics of creative map making and create their own unique map.

Saturday, 10am – 3pm (Lunch Break 12pm – 1 pm)

October 26

Ages: Youth and Adults

Members $125 / Non-Members $140

INTRODUCTION TO THE ART AND CRAFT OF CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Caroline Joy Adams

Now is the perfect time to learn the art of calligraphy, or “beautiful handwriting.” In this workshop, you will work on creating hand-crafted bookmarks, greeting cards, favorite quotes ready to frame, journals, and other projects. Participants will find it to be a fun, calming, experience, and will be surprised how quickly they can make wonderful creations in this both practical and excellent art form. Four different calligraphic styles will be introduced, including Bookhand, Uncial, Italic, and Blackletter, so you will come away with a variety of techniques and creative possibilities, and can then focus on the styles you most personally enjoy and resonate with. Various tools and materials will be used in class, and are listed in the list of suggested materials below.

Saturday, 10am – 3pm

November 9

Ages: Youth and Adults

Members $125 / Non-Members $140

SPEED PAINTING WORKSHOP

Howard Park & Lisa Miceli

In this fast paced and fun workshop, students will learn to simplify a still life through a series of 20-minute paintings. To begin with, students will create a still life painting of 3 objects. A new object will be added to the original setup and a new painting will be created. At the end of each painting, a new object will be added, and the process will be repeated till there are at least 7 items in the still life set up. The final painting will be an abstract version of the original 3 items.

The goal of this workshop is to help students learn quick, effective techniques that allow for freer more expressive brush and palette work, minimizing detail, and capturing the spirit of the still life by finding proper values and colors.

Students can paint in any medium: oil, acrylics, watercolor, or pastel and will need to bring 6-8 small painting surfaces (9 X 12” canvas, board, or watercolor paper) and painting supplies.

Saturday, 10am – 3pm

November 6

Ages: Youth and Adults

Members $125 / Non-Members $140

FREE OPEN STUDIOS

Bring your own materials and enjoy working in a relaxed studio environment.

Mondays, 1pm – 4pm

September 16 – December 16 (No open studio on October 14 and November 11)

Free

From the Executive Director

Thank you to our Generous Sponsors