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!
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS FOR adults
Adult Dance: Learn the basics to dance anywhere! 
Instructor: Mari Mattuchio Step onto any dance floor with confidence! This 6-week dance adventure will get you moving with confidence and style! Learn simple, go-to steps and a few spicy Latin-inspired moves to keep things interesting. Perfect for anyone who wants to feel great dancing anywhere — parties, weddings, or just your living room. No experience required — just bring your enthusiasm! Partners or Individuals both welcome. |
| SEE DRAW PAINT: The Art of Seeing and Responding [PART 2]
Instructor: Heather Lewis Bring color and warmth to your winter, with this class!… and a bag lunch. Students will continue to explore the practice of seeing and responding to studio set-ups and a model, building skills and confidence, while exploring a variety of drawing and painting materials and techniques. Our final week we will take a field trip to a museum to celebrate the work that has been done. * Field Trip fees and transportation are not included in class registration. Location and time will be decided in the class. |
Ceramics: Intro to Handbuilding & Wheel Throwing (Winter Session)
Instructor: Leah Payne In this class, students will learn the basics of hand building and wheel throwing with clay. Students will learn to make functional ware such as bowls and mugs, as well as decorative sculptural objects. This class serves as an introduction to the medium of clay. |
Metalsmithing Class: Intermediate Stone Setting
Instructor: Marrick Auger A great way to expand your basic metalsmithing knowledge. Over this 8 week course we will design and construct a piece of jewelry around a cabochon of your choice. We will discuss intentional design, refine basic metalsmithing skills with hand tools and a torch, bezel setting and finishing. |
Exploring Watercolors with Leah
Instructor: Leah Payne This class will explore the basics of painting with watercolors. Perfect for beginners or those with limited experience in the medium. We will go over materials and techniques for mastering your watercolor paintings. Students will experience guided paintings, as well as opportunities to paint their own ideas with the help and advice from the instructor later in the session. Community materials are provided. After the first class, students are welcome to purchase their own or continue to use materials provided. |
Ceramics: Intermediate Studio (Winter Session)
Instructor: Leah Payne In this class, students will be encouraged to pursue their own ceramics projects with guidance from an instructor. Perfect for those who have some experience in the medium but are not yet confident with their skills. Students will have the opportunity to use both wheel throwing and hand building methods in this session. The instructor will provide insight into techniques for assembling pieces, as well as surface design. |
Clothed Figure Drawing Intensive
Instructor: Heather Lewis This exciting workshop offers the artist/ student the chance to work observationally from a professional live model (clothed). Through fast action to longer poses you will have plenty of studio time to practice, and gain a better understanding of the importance of the skeleton, weight bearing, motion, scale, measuring, and more. All skill levels are welcome. * Materials- 18×24 newsprint pad, willow and compressed charcoal. |
Birdhouse Painting and Assembly Workshop [2-Day Workshop] 
Join Dani Beaumont of West End Birdies in Portsmouth as she takes you step-by-step through the process of selecting, painting and assembling your own handmade birdhouse. All necessary materials will be provided, and you’ll leave with your own custom birdhouse ideal for New England cavity nesters like wrens, titmouse, and finch.
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Ceramics: Unifying Form and Surface (2-day Intensive)
Instructor: Charlotte Middleton This two-day workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced students, providing an opportunity to explore and problem-solve the integration of form and surface in pottery. The first day will focus on creating functional sets, with an emphasis on preparing forms for specific surface designs. In the morning, there will be a lecture and demonstrations, followed by hands-on instruction in the afternoon to guide students in designing their own unique pieces. On the second day, students will learn a variety of surface design techniques, from working with leather-hard clay to bisque-fired work. Sgraffito, slip-trailing, and glaze-inlay techniques will be demonstrated. The afternoon session will allow participants to apply these new skills, experimenting with different methods to enhance the visual and tactile qualities of their work. |
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 |
SEE DRAW PAINT – The Art of Seeing and Responding [PART 1]
Instructor: Heather Lewis This class is designed 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. Heather Lewis, artist/instructor, introduces you to age-old exercises and techniques which will help the student develop skills and gain confidence! In the first 2-3 weeks we will use drawing materials (graphite pencils, and charcoal, on paper) and then, will 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! You will have plenty of studio time working from set-ups and the model, and as the weather gets warmer enjoy an outdoor sketching session or two! |
Ceramics Intermediate Studio (Spring Session)
Instructor: Leah Payne In this class, students will be encouraged to pursue their own ceramics projects with guidance from an instructor. Perfect for those who have some experience in the medium but are not yet confident with their skills. Students will have the opportunity to use both wheel throwing and hand building methods in this session. The instructor will provide insight into techniques for assembling pieces, as well as surface design. * Additional clay is available for purchase for $40.00 per 25# bag & glaze fee, clay and glazes must be used from RTA stock to fire in our kilns. |
Metalsmithing Class: Brooch Design 
Instructor: Marrick Auger Over the course of this 8 week session we will design and construct brooches. We will dive into wearable art and discuss the balance between style and function. Students should have at least a basic metalsmithing skills set including experience with hand tools and an acetylene torch. |
Exploring Watercolors with Leah
Instructor: Leah Payne This class will explore the basics of painting with watercolors. Perfect for beginners or those with limited experience in the medium. We will go over materials and techniques for mastering your watercolor paintings. Students will experience guided paintings, as well as opportunities to paint their own ideas with the help and advice from the instructor later in the session. Community materials are provided. After the first class, students are welcome to purchase their own or continue to use materials provided. |
Ceramics Intro to Handbuilding & Wheel Throwing (Spring Session)
Instructor: Leah Payne In this class, students will learn the basics of hand building and wheel throwing with clay. Students will learn to make functional ware such as bowls and mugs, as well as decorative sculptural objects. This class serves as an introduction to the medium of clay. * Additional clay is available for purchase for $40.00 per 25# bag & glaze fee, clay and glazes must be used from RTA stock to fire in our kilns. |
Parent & Child Dance (recital optional class) Grades 3-12
Instructor: Dolly Nguyen 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! |