Upcoming Workshops and Events
Welcome to our Workshops and Events page! Here, you'll discover a variety of workshops and events designed to inspire your creativity. Join us as we explore various forms, connect with fellow artists, and unleash your imagination. We can't wait share these enriching experiences with you!
At the Machias Arts Council, we believe the arts should be accessible to everyone. Financial concerns should never stand in the way of creativity, community, or learning. If you’d like to participate in one of our workshops or events but cost is a barrier, please reach out. We offer confidential support, including pay‑what‑you‑can options and, in some cases, full coverage of workshop fees.
Calendar of Events
Scroll down for information on each event and links to register!
​Upcoming Workshops & Events
Click on any flyer for additional information and to register!
Stained Glass Quilt Workshop
Sunday, May 3 10am-2pm
Learn the striking technique of creating a stained glass–style quilt block in this hands‑on workshop with Judy Hanscom. Designed for those with prior quilting experience—or anyone who has taken Quilting 101—this class will guide you through the process of using color contrast, and appliqué methods to achieve the signature stained‑glass look.
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Participants should bring a working sewing machine, along with fabric, cutting tools, thread, and basic quilting supplies.
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More experienced quilters are welcome too. Settle in for a relaxed, creative day of stitching, learning, and community.
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Sunday, May 3
10am–2pm (bring a lunch)
$45 (includes the $5 pattern)
Workshop is limited to 6 participants. Pre-registration required.
Quilting 101 with Judy Hanscom
Mondays May 4 - June 22 5:30pm
Back by popular demand - 8 week course May 4 – June 22.
Learn the basics of quilting in this 8‑week Monday evening course with instructor Judy Hanscom. No experience is needed—just bring a working sewing machine and know how to turn it on, wind a bobbin, and thread it.
Your course fee includes a full starter quilt kit (cutting mat, ruler, rotary cutter, scissors, and more). Students will purchase their own fabric, batting, and thread after the first class.
This course is limited to 5 participants to ensure plenty of individual guidance. Cost: $225 for the full course. A deposit is required to secure your place.
Art Exhibition - Dave Ross
Alloy Origami
Opening Reception
Friday, May 8 4PM - 7PM
The Machias Arts Council is proud to present metal sculptor Dave Ross as our May Artist of the Month. On view throughout the month of May at the Machias Arts and Education Center, this exhibition showcases Ross’s imaginative sculptures crafted from reclaimed metal and found objects. His signature “Alloy Origami” technique blends hand‑bending, hand‑cutting, and riveting to create expressive forms inspired by the natural world—and occasionally by creatures of pure imagination.
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A Meet the Artist Reception will be held Friday, May 8, from 4–7 PM. Visitors are invited to explore the exhibition, speak with the artist, and enjoy light refreshments.
Marie Smith Open Studio
Friday, May 8 6PM
Join Marie Smith of Pieces by Marie Jewelry for a special Open Studio session. This time, you choose your project: ring, pendant, or bracelet. Bring your previous stamping experience and dive straight into creating a personalized piece using Marie’s extensive collection of letter and design stamps.
Friday, May 8 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $35
Includes your choice of ring, pendant, or cuff bracelet.
Don't forget your hammer!
Limited to 12 participants.
Charm Bar Workshop
Saturday May 9 11am - 12:30pm
Design a bracelet that’s uniquely yours! Join us on Saturday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a fun, hands‑on Charm Bar Workshop where you’ll create your own custom charm bracelet.
Choose from a variety of charms, assemble your design, and leave with a finished piece that reflects your style or makes a perfect handmade gift.
This workshop is brought to us by Dream In Gold Jewelry, Dream Charm Bar & PJ of Bangor, ME.
Cost: $45 All materials included. Space is limited; registration required.
Family Craft Day - Paint Your Own May Flowers
Saturday May 9 1pm - 3pm
Forget about April showers—let’s jump straight into blooming season! This month’s Family Craft Day invites kids and grownups to paint and assemble their own standing wooden flowers. Each flower is made from interlocking wooden cutouts that fit together so your finished piece stands upright—perfect for brightening a windowsill, desk, or Mother’s Day gift.
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Recommended for ages 4 and up, this project is simple, colorful, and fun for all skill levels. All materials are provided.
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Session times: 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM
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This event is FREE, but due to limited supplies, pre‑registration is highly encouraged.
Celebrate spring with a burst of creativity.
Painted Baseball Cap Workshop
Friday May 15 6pm - 8pm
Learn to paint on fabric with this fun spring project—a custom painted baseball cap you’ll take home at the end of class!
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Join instructor Barbara Johnson, who has spent years teaching creative painting on unique surfaces, for a relaxed, hands‑on workshop perfect for all skill levels.
All supplies are provided, including the hat. The class is limited to 12 participants to ensure plenty of individual guidance.
Friday, May 15, 6–8 p.m., $45 per person, All materials included
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Come welcome spring with color, creativity, and a one‑of‑a‑kind accessory.
Stained Glass Suncatcher Workshop
Saturday, May 16 & 23, 1pm-3pm
Due to popular demand, we’re offering our stained glass workshop again this spring. This is a two‑day, beginner‑friendly class, and you’ll need to attend both sessions to complete your project.
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Over the two sessions, you’ll learn the full stained glass process:
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Day 1 (May 16): Template cutting, glass cutting, and grinding
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Day 2 (May 23): Foiling, soldering, and finishing your suncatcher
Each participant will create their own piece from a selection of beginner‑friendly designs. No experience or tools required—all glass, supplies, and equipment are provided.
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The workshop is taught by Dave and Lisa Roy, stained glass artisans with over 20 years of experience. For a decade, they owned and operated a full‑service stained glass studio in Bucksport, and their work appears in hospitals, businesses, churches, and private homes around the world. You can explore more of their work at www.stubborncowglass.com.
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Cost: $125 Registration required; a deposit is needed to hold your spot.
Class size: Limited to 8 students—early registration is recommended.
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This workshop has sold out. Another class has been scheduled for June 20 and 27. Registration will open on May 1st for the June class.
Beginning Appliqué Workshop
Sunday, May 17, 10am-2pm
Learn the basics of machine appliqué in this hands‑on workshop with Judy Hanscom. Designed for those with prior quilting experience—or anyone who has taken Quilting 101—this session will introduce essential appliqué techniques and help you build confidence for future projects.
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Participants should bring a working sewing machine, along with fabric, cutting tools, thread, and other basic quilting supplies.
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More experienced appliqué enthusiasts are welcome too. Settle in for a relaxed day of stitching, creativity, and community.
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May 17 10am - 2pm
Cost: $50
Classis limited to 6 participants and pre-registration is required.
Textile Tuesday
Tuesday, May 19, 5:30pm
Textile Tuesday is a low-key hangout where you can work on your fiber projects, share knowledge, and make friends. Bring a project to work on or one that has you stumped — we'll see if we can help! All textile mediums and all skill levels welcome.
We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Candle Making Workshop
Friday May 22 6pm - 8pm
Back by Popular Demand!
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Experience the joy of crafting with this workshop, where creativity lights up our community. Learn the art of candle making in a hands-on workshop that blends artistry and warmth. This event offers a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local art scene and connect with fellow art enthusiasts.
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All supplies are provided and each participant will take home a complete candle making kit that includes electric melting pot, wax, fragrance oil, color, everything needed to continue making candles at home.
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May 22 6pm-8pm
Cost: $85 and includes all supplies plus candle making kit to take home!
Limited to 10 participants! Early registration recommended.
Watercolor Workshop
Friday May 29 6pm - 8pm
Join watercolor artist Lana Quann of The Wandering Brush Studios for a hands‑on workshop exploring simple, approachable watercolor techniques. Participants will create a series of miniature landscapes inspired by our local scenery while learning how to work with color, light, and texture.
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This beginner‑friendly workshop is designed to help you relax, experiment, and enjoy the creative process—no prior experience needed.
The cost is $35, and all supplies are provided, so you can simply show up and paint.
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Space is limited, and early registration is recommended
Painted Wine Bottle Workshop
Friday May 29 6pm - 8pm
Learn the basics of painting on glass as you transform a simple wine bottle into a bright, spring‑themed decorative piece.
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Instructor Barbara Johnson, known for her years of teaching creative painting on unique surfaces, will guide you step‑by‑step through techniques perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike.
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All supplies are provided, including the bottle. Class size is limited to 12 participants to ensure plenty of individual attention.
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Friday, May 15, 6–8 p.m., $45 per person, All materials included
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Come celebrate spring with color, creativity, and a one‑of‑a‑kind piece of art for your home.
Acrylic Painting Workshop
Saturday, May 30, 11am-1pm
Join us at the Machias Arts Council Center for a hands‑on acrylic still‑life class led by Aida Wojcik, an international painter, mosaicist, and street artist whose work has been exhibited in Poland, Portugal, Spain, the US, and Taiwan.
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In this workshop, participants will create a still life in acrylic on their choice of canvas, wood, or cardboard. All materials are provided. A still life will be set up for inspiration, but you’re welcome to bring your own subject if you prefer to paint something personal.
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Come spend a creative session exploring color, composition, and technique with a talented instructor in a supportive, welcoming environment.
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April 18 11am - 1pm
Cost: $45 (All supplies provided)
Classis limited to 12 participants and pre-registration is required.
First Friday Art Nights
Friday, June 5 - 3pm - 6pm
Kick off summer with First Friday Art Nights, our monthly celebration of creativity, community, and the joy of making art together. Each First Friday transforms the Machias Arts Center into a lively outdoor‑indoor arts experience featuring local artists, live music, great food, and hands‑on activities for all ages.
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Stroll through artist booths, watch live demonstrations, try your hand at creative projects, and explore a dedicated kids’ art area designed to spark imagination. Whether you’re here to browse, create, listen, or simply soak in the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
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These evenings are all about bringing our community together to celebrate local talent and shared creativity — and admission is always FREE.
Acrylic Painting Workshop
Saturday, June 6, 11am -1pm
Join us at the Machias Arts Council Center for a hands‑on acrylic still‑life class led by Aida Wojcik, an international painter, mosaicist, and street artist whose work has been exhibited in Poland, Portugal, Spain, the US, and Taiwan.
​
In this workshop, participants will create a still life in acrylic on their choice of canvas, wood, or cardboard. All materials are provided. A still life will be set up for inspiration, but you’re welcome to bring your own subject if you prefer to paint something personal.
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Come spend a creative session exploring color, composition, and technique with a talented instructor in a supportive, welcoming environment.
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April 18 11am - 1pm
Cost: $45 (All supplies provided)
Classis limited to 12 participants and pre-registration is required.