GALLERIES CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION UNTIL JUNE 28

CURRENT HOURS: Monday - Sunday 11AM - 5PM

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: Discovering Color in Watercolors. 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 1

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

Register online or drop-in and pay at the door.

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

 

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 a 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

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

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

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