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.
FALL ADULT CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
New Sewing Classes
ADULT INTERMEDIATE SEWING: Pattern Making
Dates: (5 weeks) September 30 – November 4 (no class Oct 14)
In this class, you’ll take your sewing skills to the next level by mastering essential techniques for creating flat paper patterns. We’ll guide you through the process of accurately measuring and cutting fabric, sewing clean seams, and finishing hems with precision. You’ll also learn how to incorporate buttons and zippers into your projects, ensuring a professional finish. This class is perfect for those who have some sewing experience and are eager to expand their skills in garment construction. Bring material or sample to the first class and a materials list will be provided based on your project for closures and amount of material needed.
Max 6 attendees
ADULT GUIDED SEWING PROJECT STUDIO
Dates: (6 weeks) September 26 – November 7 (no class Oct 10)
Join us for a guided sewing session designed for those with sewing experience. Whether you’re working on a new project or mending a beloved item, this space is yours to create and complete at your own pace. Our expert sewing instructor, Satsi Schimelpfenig, will be on hand to offer suggestions, guidance, and support as you work. Bring your materials, your creativity, and your questions—this is a time for you to focus on your craft in a collaborative environment.
Max 6 attendees
Ceramics Classes & Workshops & Open Studio
ADULT CERAMICS CLASS with Hannah
* Two Sessions and Times Available
Dates: SESSION 1: September 21-October 19, 2024 (5 weeks)
Fall SESSION 2: October 26-November 23, 2024 (5 weeks)
When: Saturday Mornings 10am-1pm or Afternoons 1:15pm-4:15pm
Instructor: Hannah Medovnikov
One Session Members $200 (+$25 materials fee) / Non-members $220 (+ $25 materials fee)
Discounted BOTH Sessions $376 Members +$40 materials fee ($34 savings) / $414 Non-Member +40 materials fee ($36 savings)
Come join ceramic artist Hannah Medovnikov for an engaging and educational journey into the world of clay!
In this session, participants will explore a variety of hand-building techniques, crafting both beautiful and practical pieces inspired by the nuances of everyday life. Embracing individual creativity, students will be encouraged to delve into their unique inspirations while receiving expert guidance throughout the process. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to hone their skills on the potter’s wheel, shaping delightful mugs and bowls.
The final week of the session will focus on the fundamentals of glazing, ensuring that all creations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable for everyday use. Whether you’re an intermediate level artist seeking to expand your repertoire or a seasoned ceramic enthusiast looking to refine your craft, this session promises to enrich your skills and ignite your creativity.
Max 9 attendees
NEW: CERAMICS OPEN STUDIO TIME
*** In order to make use of open studio for ceramics, students must be a current member and have taken a ceramics class at RTA in the past 18 months.***
Join Flora Brown, co-owner and farmer-florist of Frinklepod Farm, for an immersive, hands-on guide to creating stunning floral arrangements from the comfort of your home. In this engaging workshop, Flora will share her extensive knowledge and passion for gardening to help you transform your cutting garden flowers into beautiful, professional-quality arrangements. Materials included: Vase and flowers from Frinklepod Farm. We invite you to also bring flowers and your own vase if you would like to experiment further!
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 and their custom block. This class is for beginners. All materials are provided. Come relax and create! Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Max 16 Attendees
HAND PAINTED WINE GLASS SET WORKSHOP
When: Saturday, November 16th, 3-5pm
Cost: $40 Members ; $45 Non-members (all supplies included)
Join us for a fun and creative evening where you’ll learn how to transform ordinary wine glasses into personalized pieces of art. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this workshop offers a relaxed and supportive environment to explore your creativity and create unique wine glasses that you can proudly use or gift to someone special. All supplies included.
A mandala is a circular design with a central point that is thought to represent the wholeness of the person who creates it. In nature, we are attracted to mandalas. Flowers and seashells, for example, can beautify our lives and bring a sense of peace. We often experience feelings of relaxation when coloring pre-designed mandalas so popular in coloring books. However, the meditative aspects of creating and coloring our own mandalas have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, and promote feelings of well being through self discovery. This tends to have a more positive impact on both physical and mental health. In this class we will explore the significance of mandalas as we create our own. We’ll discover their meditative properties as we relax, de-stress and learn about ourselves through the colors, symbols, and patterns we choose. The creation of mandalas provides a window to ourselves that is not only revealing, but enjoyable. In this class, we will focus on the process of self-discovery through the meaningful communication between our inner and outer worlds. All materials provided.
Maximum attendees: 16
ADULT INTRO TO OBSERVATIONAL DRAWING CLASS
Dates: (6 weeks) October 21-November 25
When: Monday mornings, 10am-1pm
Cost: $235.00 Members ; $260.00 Non-members (students provide their own supplies for this class)
Line, value, shape, perspective, composition and more! In this foundational class you’ll learn how to capture what you see in real life, on paper. With plenty of studio time working from set-ups, artist/ teacher Heather Lewis will introduce you to age-old exercises and techniques. Gain confidence as your drawing skills develop! Students provide their own supplies for this class.
* Materials Needed: drawing board, pad 18 x 24 newsprint, vine charcoal, compressed charcoal, sandpaper block, kneaded eraser, Book suggestion: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, by Betty Edwards
*Observational Drawing 2 will be offered for Winter Session.
Max 12 attendees
ADULT INTRO TO ILLUSTRATION CLASS
Dates: (6 weeks) September 23-November 4 (no class October 14 Indigenous Peoples Day)
When: Mondays 6-8pm
Cost: $235.00 Members / $260.00 Non-members (materials provided, bring a sketchbook)
Illustration is all about visual communication–how do we tell a story with our art? This class will explore the fundamentals of illustrative art, helping students develop the skills they need to be successful with their visual storytelling. We will work on sketching, idea development, composition, character design, color theory, and much more! Drawing materials will be provided for this class, however students are welcome to bring in their own. Please bring a sketchbook, 8”x10” or larger!
Max 12 attendees
ADULT OUTDOOR SKETCHING AND PAINTING CLASS
Dates: (4 weeks) September 23 – October 14 (note: class will run on 10/14)
When: Monday mornings, 10am-1pm
Cost: $160.00 Members / $175.00 Non-members (students provide their own supplies for this class)
Sketch breathtakingly beautiful scenes* from the ocean, to harbors and farms. All classes meet at River Tree Arts then move off-site to a scenic predetermined local location each week with instructor Heather Lewis, a long-time artist/ instructor. Classes begin with an instructional talk and discussion, then students will break off to sketch at their own pace. This is a great class for all levels of experience. In the event of rain, the class will be held indoors at River Tree Arts.
* Offsite locations include: The Fransican Monastery, DiMillos Marina Kennebunk, The Nonantum Resort and Frinklepod Farm. All classes meet at River Tree Arts then move to their destination.
Max 12 attendees
Painting CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
GOAT ISLAND WATERCOLOR INTENSIVE with Russel Whitten
When: Saturday, September 21st, 10:45am-5:15pm
Cost: $115 member / $125 non-member
Departs from River Tree Arts via shuttle provided by the Nonantum Resort
Join Russel Whitten for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to spend a day painting on Goat Island. Thanks to a special partnership with the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, we’re excited to offer this unique watercolor intensive. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of one of the most picturesque locations in the Kennebunks, with limited public access. Goat Island, part of the KCT, features a fully operational lighthouse in Cape Porpoise Harbor, guiding boaters since 1883. Accessible only by boat during high tide, this experience is truly all about perfect timing.
Russel, a highly accomplished local watercolor artist and a two-decade member of the River Tree Arts Faculty, will lead the workshop. This experience is made possible by the generous support of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust and our shuttle sponsor, The Nonantum Resort, which will provide transportation from River Tree Arts to the Cape Porpoise Pier and back, as there is no parking available at the Pier. The Lightkeepers will ferry participants to and from Goat Island aboard a KCT vessel.
A rain date is set for September 22 to ensure this magical day goes ahead. Please note that the schedule may vary slightly due to changing tide times.
What to bring:
Bag lunch or a pre-purchased lobster roll lunch box from Three Seas Lobster, located nearby in Cape Porpoise. The lunchbox includes a Maine lobster roll, coleslaw, kettle chips, and Maine blueberry whoopie pie. Optional add on for $35.00 per person.
Plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated.
Dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather. Remember, this is Maine—conditions can shift quickly, and it may be cooler on the island than on the mainland.
Sunscreen and a hat.
A towel or small packable blanket.
Materials list (click link to view).
Space is limited, with a maximum class size of just 10 participants.
The Nonantum Resort is also offering a special stay partnership to contribute to the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust this fall. To secure a stay for this intensive or to ensure your stay this fall supports the KCT CLICK HERE
We will create fresh, acrylic paintings inspired by nature. You will learn brush strokes and basic acrylic 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.
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 12 attendees
WEDNESDAY PAINT NIGHTS: Intro to Gouache Workshops
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 12 attendees
ADULT BEGINNER WATERCOLOR CLASS
Dates: (6 weeks) October 3 – November 14 (no class October 31)
This class will explore the fundamentals of watercolor, from which materials to use, which techniques will work best for you, and how to best get your ideas from your head to your paper. In-class projects will help you develop the skills and confidence to continue painting after the class is over. This class is recommended for beginners with little to no experience. Materials will be provided for this class, however students are welcome to bring in their own.
Max 12 attendees
Paint and Sips
PAINT AND SIP with Marguerite
When: various options – see below
Cost: $40 Members / $45 non-members per workshop (all supplies included)
Instructor: Marguerite Genest
Saturday October 5: 3-5pm ; Fall Theme REGISTER HERE
Friday November 1: 6-8pm ; Day of The Dead Theme REGISTER HERE
Saturday December 7: 3-5pm ; Prelude Theme REGISTER HERE
Enjoy an evening of painting and socializing with friends while sipping wine. Channel your inner Picasso as we paint a predetermined themed canvas. Local artist Marguerite Genest will guide you through the step by step process of developing your composition, colors and technique, using acrylic paints on a stretched 9 x 12” canvas which will be a keepsake. Glasses of wine and mini snacks available for donation. Thank you to our Paint & Sip Sponsors.
Max 16 attendees
PLEASE BE ADVISED:
Don’t dress in your best attire for art classes; art can get messy!
ADULT INTRO TO ILLUSTRATION CLASS
GOAT ISLAND WATERCOLOR INTENSIVE with Russel Whitten
The Nonantum Resort is also offering a special stay partnership to contribute to the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust this fall. To secure a stay for this intensive or to ensure your stay this fall supports the KCT 
WEDNESDAY PAINT NIGHTS: Botanical Watercolor Workshop
WEDNESDAY PAINT NIGHTS: Intro to Gouache Workshops
ADULT BEGINNER WATERCOLOR CLASS
