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!
Upcoming Workshops and Events
Calendar of Events
Scroll down for information on each event and links to register!
Facial Studies Drawing Workshop
Friday, April 17 6pm-8pm
Continue your drawing journey at the Machias Arts Center with local artist Acadia Thimlar in the second workshop of her five‑part series.
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In this session, Acadia will guide participants through the fundamentals of drawing the human face—exploring proportion, structure, and expressive detail. This class builds naturally on the gestural drawing techniques introduced in Workshop #1, but newcomers are welcome.
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Friday, April 17 6 PM–8 PM
Cost: $35
What to Bring: Sketch pad and pencil
Family Craft Day: Kites & Pinwheels
Sunday, April 19 1pm-4pm
Lift your creativity into the sky at this month’s Family Craft Day! Kids and adults will paint and decorate their very own kite or pinwheel, using bright colors, fun patterns, and imaginative designs.
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All materials are provided, and the project is perfect for all ages. This event is free, but registration is required due to limited quantities. Each session is capped at 6 participants to ensure everyone has space and materials.
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Session Times: • 1:00 PM • 2:00 PM
Please register for one session. If you find you’re unable to attend after registering, contact us so we can offer your spot to another family.
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A fun, colorful afternoon awaits—come create a kite or pinwheel that’s ready to dance in the wind.
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Sunday, April 19 1 PM–3:30 PM
FREE – Registration Required
Chair Massage and Reflexology
Sunday, April 19, 2:00pm
Erin Crowley is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Reiki practitioner, and sound healer at Sea Salt & Sage Massage, specializing in a holistic approach to wellness. Erin will be offering 15-minute chair massages and reflexology at the Machias Arts Center.
Sunday, April 19
2-4 p.m.
No appointment necessary.
Each service is $20 plus a donation to the Machias Arts Center.
Textile Tuesday
Tuesday, April 21, 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.
Soap Making Workshop
Wednesday, April 22, 5:30pm-7pm
Discover the joy of handcrafted soap in this fun, beginner‑friendly workshop. You’ll learn the basics of melt‑and‑pour soap making using a glycerin base, fragrance oils, and vibrant color dyes—all in a relaxed, hands‑on setting. Every participant receives a complete starter kit to keep, including a soap base, electric melting pot, silicone mold, fragrance oils, color dyes, and everything needed to continue creating at home. No experience is required.
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The workshop cost is $85, with a $25 deposit required to secure your spot. Space is limited to 8 participants, so early registration is encouraged.
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April 22, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Cost: $85
Classis limited to 8 participants and pre-registration is required.
Stamped Cuff Bracelet Workshop
Friday, April 24, 6pm-8pm
Back by Popular Demand — Stamped Cuff Bracelet Workshop!
Due to high interest, we’re bringing back the Stamped Cuff Bracelet Class with Marie Smith of Pieces by Marie Jewelry on Friday, April 24th at 6 p.m.
Create your own personalized aluminum cuff using Marie’s extensive collection of letter and design stamps. Cost: $35 Includes: Unmarked bracelet + use of all tools. Please bring: Your own hammer
April 24 6pm - 8pm
Cost: $35
Classis limited to 12 participants and pre-registration is required.
Paint & Sip
Sunday, April 26 - 2:00pm
Our Ever‑Popular Paint & Sip Returns!
Join veteran art teacher Dawn Cates Wright for another fun and relaxing Paint & Sip at the Machias Arts Center!
Each participant will leave with a completed 9×12" painting, and Dawn provides all supplies. Classes run about two hours and are perfect for beginners and seasoned painters alike.
This is a BYOB party—bring your favorite beverages! Snacks will be available.
Sunday, April 26 at 2pm
$35 per person
Limited to 12 participants — register now to save your spot!
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Come unwind, sip, and create something beautiful with us!
One‑Day Clothed Figure Drawing Workshop
Saturday, May 2, 9am-4pm
Explore the fundamentals of the human figure in this focused one‑day workshop. Students will practice gesture drawing to capture energy and movement, while learning to observe and measure the major proportions of a clothed model. You’ll discover techniques that help your drawings feel alive on the page.
This workshop is suitable for both beginners and experienced artists, offering a supportive environment to build confidence, accuracy, and expressive mark‑making. A materials list will be provided to all participants.
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About the Instructors
Michael Pianta and Audra Pianta are classically trained oil painters with nearly a decade of experience as professional artists and instructors. Since marrying in 2017, they have built a thriving career teaching art through independent workshops, institutional contracts, and private instruction. In addition to teaching, they produce and sell original artwork, offer portrait services, and take commissions. Their work is rooted in traditional techniques, earning them a growing reputation among students and collectors alike.
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Michael holds an MFA from the University of Dallas and Certificates of Completion in Drawing and Painting from the Texas Academy of Figurative Art, a classical atelier recognized by the Art Renewal Center. Audra has graduate‑level training in art therapy from Lesley University and also studied at the Texas Academy of Figurative Art. The couple relocated from Texas to East Machias in 2025, where they now paint in their personal studio housed in a former church on Route 1.
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May 2 9am - 4pm
Cost: $185This workshop requires a minimum of 3 participants to run and is capped at 12 participants to ensure individualized attention. Pre-Registration required.
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.
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.
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. We are working on dates for June to repeat this very popular workshop. Check back or follow us on Facebook for the announcement of dates.
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.
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.
