River Tree Arts offers a variety of art classes and workshops for adults throughout the year. Gain fresh perspectives through a wide range of programs and resources for the novice as well as the expert.
Our instructors are marvelous and very talented. If you are interested in learning more about the faculty, please see our faculty page. By becoming a member of River Tree Arts, you will gain access to special events and also save money on each class. Read more about membership here.
PLEASE BE ADVISED:
- Don’t dress in your best attire for art classes; art can get messy!
- Please read all of River Tree Arts’ Policies and Procedures before registering for any event.
- In the case that a class is canceled due to weather and a student cannot attend the rain-date, refunds will not be issued.
- Programs are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment so don’t delay and register today!
- PLEASE BE ADVISED RTA is a NUT-FREE facility.
PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION DUE TO LOW NUMBERS, SO DON’T DELAY; REGISTER TODAY AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
FALL CLASSES & WORKSHOPS FOR adults
| *NEW* – INDEPENDENT CERAMICS (OPEN STUDIO)
We’re pleased to offer potters use of our studio to work independently or order supplies. Read below for high level details: Open Studio Hours:
View our policies, more details and sign our Agreement HERE. Anyone wishing to practice independent ceramics at River Tree Arts must have a signed Agreement on file. After registering, Kym will contact you to verify your agreement, membership and schedule an orientation if required. |
OCTOBER
Dance for Adults (Ballet focused)
Discover the beauty, strength, and grace of ballet in a supportive, welcoming environment. This class is designed for adults with little to no prior dance experience who want to explore the fundamentals of ballet while improving posture, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Through gentle barre work, center exercises, and across-the-floor combinations, students will build confidence and body awareness at a comfortable pace. Whether you’re brand new to dance or returning after many years, this class offers an encouraging space to move, learn, and enjoy the artistry of ballet. |
|
Parent & Child Printmaking Workshop: Halloween Tote
Explore the joys of printmaking with this themed workshop! Learn basic linoleum block printing skills with a spooky twist. Attendees will learn how to design an image for printing, how to transfer to the block and carve, and how to print onto fabric. Each attendee will get to go home with their very own Halloween tote bag! This class is for beginners. All materials are provided. Come relax and create! Children ages 12+ are welcome to accompany an adult taking the workshop. |
SEE, DRAW, PAINT: The Art of Seeing and Responding
The purpose of this class is to help the student-artist, see and accurately capture what is seen in 3D, on a two-dimensional surface. Understand the importance of the “Big 3”- the key elements of drawing and painting: measuring/ composition, line, and value; while identifying and importing what inspires them. In the first 2-3 weeks we will use drawing materials (graphite pencils, and charcoal, on paper) and then, begin working with color media, including ink, watercolor, acrylic on canvas paper, and more. With plenty of studio time learn through foundational exercises that take the guesswork out of color mixing, setting-up a palette, and exploring materials and processes. Learn from the work of masters past and present, and paint! You will have plenty of studio time working from set-ups and the model. Heather Lewis, artist/ instructor, will introduce you to age-old exercises and techniques which will help you gain confidence as your skills develop! Studio materials provided and additional materials will be recommended during classes but not required. |
NOVEMBER
|
Paint Night – Botanical Watercolors
We will create fresh, loose watercolor paintings inspired by nature. You will learn brush strokes and basic watercolor techniques to create beautiful art without needing to draw. Demonstrations will be projected onto a large screen as well as students receiving personal instruction. This class is for beginners. All materials are provided. Come relax and create! Please bring a water bottle with your beverage of choice. Max attendees 14. |
|
Paint Night: Exploring Gouache
REGISTER HERE Wednesday September 17 REGISTER HERE Wednesday November 12 We will create fun, stylized, paintings inspired by nature. You will learn basic gouache techniques to create beautiful art without needing to draw. Demonstrations will be projected onto a large screen as well as students receiving personal instruction. This class is for beginners. All materials are provided. Come relax and create! Please bring a water bottle with your beverage of choice. Max attendees 14. |
|
Watercolor Figure Study Intensive with Russel Whitten
Join Russel Whitten for this full day figure study watercolor intensive. Russel will guide you through composition, figure study, and different watercolor techniques with a nude model. Please bring a lunch, snack and plenty of hydration. BYOB brushes. Easel, all paint & watercolor paper provided. |
2026
Winter Watercolor with Russel Whitten @ KTC Emmons Preserve : Indoor & Outdoor
Join Russel Whitten at the Kennebunk Conservation Trust Headquarters on the Emmons Preserve for a crisp winter watercolor intensive. Participants can paint indoors in the HQ building, or outside. The outside materials list has a few additions that will not be needed if you choose to stay indoors. Please pack a lunch and plenty of hydration. River Tree Arts will host a grazing, coffee & tea station inside the HQ building for participants. If you intend on spending time outdoors please make sure you bring warm snow clothes and snowshoes, and or boots to explore the trails. Indoor Materials / Additional Outdoor Materials |
Parent & Child Dance (recital optional class) Grades 3-12
Share the joy of movement with your little one in this fun, supportive class designed for parents and children to dance together! Over six weeks, you’ll explore learning a dance routine together, movement, and rhythm that builds coordination, confidence, and connection. This class is perfect for families looking to bond while discovering the joy of dance. Multi age class for all abilities. ** Families enrolled will also have the special opportunity to participate in River Tree Arts’ Annual Dance Recital—creating a memorable experience both in the studio and on stage! |