New! Advance your MJ skills and strategies. This class is for everyone who knows how to play Mah Jongg and wants to play faster and better. Join the company of Mah Jongg enthusiasts and practice playing with other players who want to hone their skills. The instructors will deconstruct the NEW 2018 Mah Jongg card. Bring the new 2018 card to the first class. Card may be purchased from the National Mah Jongg League: www.nationalmahjonggleague.org. 

Sharon is a social worker who has a private practice in Portland. She’s been enthusiastically playing and teaching Mah Jongg for many years and enjoys spreading its joys!

Four Mondays, 05/07 to 06/04/2018

no class 05/28 holiday

6:30 to 8:00 pm, $26

Instructor: Sharon Ash Tancredi   

Using all-natural, non-toxic additive that transforms paint - turn worn, outdated pieces from flea markets, thrift store, basement or attic into refreshed cottage furnishings you can be proud of. All with no stripping, sanding or priming! Learn chalk painting technique, while exploring your own personal style – whether vintage, cottage, shabby chic or even modern - and leave with a completed project. Wear paint clothes; bring 8 oz. jar of flat sheen low-primer latex paint in your choice of color (Behr Premium Plus sample jars work well); and one small piece you can easily carry, such as an end or side table, a wooden tray or frame, a shelf, decorative piece, stool or small bench; small drop cloth. All other supplies, finishes and tools provided. Miki Earle developed Royal Chalk paints and products out of love for beauty in the home, months of research and testing, as well as her desire for greater affordability and selection of boutique chalk paint.

Wednesday, 04/25/2018, 5:30 to 8:30 pm

$35, plus required $25 material fee payable to instructor at class

Instructor: Miki Earle

Have you dabbled in tempera, acrylics or watercolors, but have become curious about trying oils? Learn to navigate oil’s challenges and take advantage of the benefits: brighter colors, slower dry time, ease in blending, minimized color change through drying process, etc. Gain an understanding of mixing oil colors, paint application, composition, and value, and be introduced to new styles such as Impressionism and American Tonalism. In a supportive, meditative and relaxed setting, get to know oils, while further exploring your own unique style of landscape painting through photographs and demonstrations. Open to those with experience as well to build on previous oil painting skills. Supply list provided once class determined to run. 

Chris graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in Visual Arts. He is a painter, exhibitor, and art teacher inspired by the synthesis of nature, the evolving play of light, and each artist’s unique, mindful expression of feelings and interpretation.

Six Tuesdays, 05/22 to 06/26/2018

6:00 to 8:00 pm

$80, plus approx. $70-90 in supplies

provided by student

Instructor: Christopher Reed

MINDFUL PORTRAIT DRAWING FOR BEGINNERS AND UP

New! This class will introduce students to the techniques of capturing the human face using pencil, pen, charcoal and conte crayon. We’ll be working from photos, to mirrored self-portraits, to a live model - incorporating the principles of line, form, texture, value, and composition. Mindfulness exercises will allow the inner artist to unfold naturally without judgment and fears that impede the creative process. Open to students with portrait drawing experience as well. Supply list provided once class is determined to run. 

Chris graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in Visual Arts. He is a painter, exhibitor, and art teacher inspired by the synthesis of nature, the evolving play of light, and each artist’s unique, mindful expression of feelings and interpretation.

Six Thursdays, 04/26 to 05/31/2018, 6:00 to 8:00 pm

$80, plus approx. $40-50 in supplies provided by student

Instructor: Christopher Reed