Learn how to create colorful paste papers to use in collage making, illustration, or book arts. You will apply colors mixed with a thick paste to create beautifully textured designs on paper. Each paste paper is unique, and it is an easy and joyful process. No previous experience is necessary. The paste recipe will be provided as a handout.

 There will be a half hour lunch break (bring your own lunch; water and gf cookies provided). Participants will need to arrange to pick up their work outside of the workshop time to allow the paste papers to dry.

The workshop will be taught by Diane St. Jean, resident printmaker at the Art Center and member of The Boston Printmakers.

The class will focus on each individual to help everyone find their voice or style, and what it means to develop one’s skill set in painting and hone one’s vision. We will emphasize strengths and build a plan to address weaknesses. We will look at known artists to see what characteristics and attributes they have and how they might be instructive in the development of the students needs.We will talk about identity, goals, experience, dedication, schooling and the formal aspects of painting. All forms of painting are welcome; oils, acrylics, watercolor, gouache and even collage. Each student will be asked to bring more than one substrate to paint on.

This course is offered for beginning and intermediate photographers. Digital concepts, camera functions common to most photographic instruments, exposure, depth of field, composition, and Solutions to typical camera challenges will be discussed in this fun and energetic class. Small weekly assignments will be given to help students understand the class content through their own explorations.

Guy Freeman

I have been a photographer since 1970 when I processed my first roll of film. I can still remember how it felt when I took the film out of the developing tank. Magic had happened.Decades later after more than 50 years as a professional photographer, I still feel that excitement when I see the images on my screen. Magic by another name. I want to pass on what I’ve learned. I want to help people connect to the artist inside them and help them achieve the best version of themselves as a creative person.

In this workshop, students will learn how to create a cardboard and cloth portfolio for protecting and carrying their artwork. Using traditional bookbinding techniques, participants will create at least one foldable professional portfolio. Students will be given a list of tools to bring.

Instructor will provide the materials and there will be a materials fee of $15

Try the amazing medium of watercolor! This workshop will cover many of the core techniques alongside an overview of materials. Learn about brushwork and the different properties of transparent and opaque paints so that you can make informed choices during your painting process. We will work on small-scale paintings so that you can go home with some finished studies. Step-by-step demonstrations followed by individual instruction will keep things accessible to you. Knowing some watercolor tricks will inspire you to keep exploring this medium without needing to rely on drawing. This class is for beginners and those simply wish to try this magical medium in a relaxed setting.

Materials fee payable to the instructor. $15

Margaret Dwyer holds a BFA and MFA in visual art. Her thesis work focused on trauma and its effect on women and creativity. This continued with an on going study of how the unconscious processes trauma. She works with a variety of mediums, but her favorite is watercolor.

Her paintings have been recognized in numerous juried national and international exhibitions and have been published in fine art books and magazines that include: Splash, America’s Best Watercolors - North Light Books - How Did You Paint That? - International Artist Books American Artist Magazine, The Artist’s Magazine, Southwest Art Magazinen and Manhattan Arts Magazine.

This intensive, six-week workshop is designed for artists who are new to abstract painting or have some experience with it but want to know more. In this course, we will explore the foundations of successful abstract paintings, including composition, rhythm, mark making, emotion, color, developing one’s voice, and more. We will also discuss and work with different techniques, materials, and methods of different abstract masters, and get a sense of how to move deeper into one’s practice.

Using a book you created or one you bought, this workshop will guide you through drawing byfocusing on the object in front of you. This type of drawing is a good technique for improving your observational skills. We’ll use objects from nature to practice line drawing and shading techniques. Letting yourself get “in the zone” is a great way to find a sense of calm. This workshop is more about skills to practice rather than creating a masterpiece, so beginners arevery welcome.

Come explore “cereal box collagraphs,” though any recycled packaging will do. The magic of inking and wiping the plate and printing on damp paper = collagraph love! All materials and tools for this workshop will be provided. No previous experience is necessary. Advanced Printmaking with Upcycled Paperboard Materials will be offered in the future, and this workshop will provide the required experience for the advanced class.

There will be a half hour lunch break (bring your own lunch; water and gf cookies provided).

The workshop will be taught by Diane St. Jean, resident printmaker at the Art Center and member of The Boston Printmakers.