Maine Adult Education Program
with Michael Branca
Next session: July 6th to 10th, 2026
Work together as a team to conceive, plan, and paint an acrylic mural inside one of the classrooms at Merrymeeting Adult Ed. Build your art skills, learn the process of mural-making and be a part of creating a long-lasting artwork that will be seen by countless visitors to the building. Previous painting experience is a bonus but not required. Ages 11-14.
with Ed Higgins
Next session: July 7th to August 25th, 2026
Part Two: The Sketchbook Habit. Art the old school way means habituating to working in your sketchbook. There is no better repository for inspiration, nor quicker way to mastering the basics of drawing. Sadly, in the modern age, the simple joy of recording your visual ideas on paper in a bound sketchbook is becoming a lost art. With the focus nowadays on influencers, results, clicks and likes, it appears as though individual artistic development and process is taking a back seat to group consensus. Instructor Ed Higgins will help you prepare for your artistic journey by helping you discover and record your experiences through practice and persistence with real media in your sketchbook. *No Class: 7/28.
with Cathi Belcher
Next session: July 7th to 21st, 2026
This is an introductory hands-on class designed to learn the “ins and outs” of the Japanese running stitch technique called Sashiko. We’ll discuss the history of this beautiful and utilitarian stitching; types of fabrics, threads & needles; learn basic traditional patterns and how to transfer them, and use some of the tools that help make this a mindful and enjoyable pastime. We’ll create a small sampler of stitches and patterns, which can then be made into a potholder, a small quilt. Fabric, thread and tools are supplied, along with many handouts that will help you continue your journey long after class is over. *A materials fee of $25 is due to the instructor on the first night of class.
with Joelle Webber
Next session: July 7th to 21st, 2026
Based on a historic binding, my Modern Coptic was designed for todays materials. To create this complex book, we will learn to back fabrics, cover book boards, cut down text blocks, shape concertinas, punch sewing stations, sew the unique linked stitched pattern & glue the finishing touches. Tools & materials will be provided. A materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor is due on the first night.
with Michael Branca
Next session: July 7th to August 11th, 2026
Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to brush up on previous skills, this is the drawing class for you. Working in a variety of media, we will cover all of the basics: line, shape, value, proportion, composition, perspective and markmaking. Particular focus is placed on observational skills, learning how to translate the 3-dimensional world onto a 2-dimensional surface. A materials list will be provided after registration. *This session is 6 weeks.
with Shirley Anderson
Next session: July 8th, 2026
Join us for an evening of painting, where we will focus on the Baltimore Oriole, a bright bird species known for nesting here in New England. In this class we will learn to paint the bird’s distinctive bright orange and black plumage. No painting experience needed, Shirley Anderson will guide you step by step. Canvas and paints are supplied.