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
Art Workshop: Seashell Artist Palette/Trinket Dish or Sea Glass Ornaments at the Nonantum Resort
Instructor: Ava Bajakian Located at the beautiful Nonantum Resort, this workshop is a great way to relax and stay creative this summer! Participants will have a choice to create a handmade trinket dish perfect for housing your treasures, a palette to inspire your next creation or ornaments using locally found shells, sea glass and air dry clay. Led by RTA instructor, Ava Bajakian, this outdoor workshop is great for all levels of experience. In the event of rain, the workshop will be held indoors. Price includes all supplies. |
Ceramics Class: 4-Week Hand-Building Ceramics Class
Instructor: Susan Palmer 4-week Hand Building Class – Learn the basics of hand building pottery. Throughout the class, you’ll be guided through various clay handbuilding techniques such as pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction. You’ll create functional ceramic pieces like cups, bowls, and plates. Plus, you’ll get to explore glazing techniques to add your own personal touch to each piece. By the end of the course, you’ll have your own handmade pottery pieces ready to take home, along with a newfound appreciation for the art of clay. No wheel required—just your hands and imagination! Clay and all glazes and firing included. Max class size: 8 attendees |
Art Workshop: Collaged Tote Bag at the Nonantum Resort
Instructor: Ava Bajakian Located at the beautiful Nonantum Resort, this workshop is a wonderful way to relax and stay creative this summer! Participants will try their hand at a collage technique to create a unique piece of wearable artwork using fabric scraps, ribbon, beads, buttons, and other found objects. Led by RTA instructor, Ava Bajakian, this outdoor workshop is great for all levels of experience. In the event of rain, the workshop will be held indoors. Price includes all supplies. |
| Ceramics: Open Studio Sessions
Dates: (4 session dates)
Adults 18+
Instructor: Susan Palmer 4-week session of Open Studio Class – This 3 hour studio time is for students who are interested in handbuilding or wheel throwing at their own pace. The instructor would be present but not providing active instruction, this is a self guided class. Attendees need to purchase a 1 x 25lb bag of clay for use during studio time. Glazed and kiln firings included in class fee. Max class size: 8 attendees |
Ceramics Class: 4-Week Hand-Building Ceramics Class
Instructor: Susan Palmer 4-week Hand Building Class – Learn the basics of hand building pottery. Throughout the class, you’ll be guided through various clay handbuilding techniques such as pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction. You’ll create functional ceramic pieces like cups, bowls, and plates. Plus, you’ll get to explore glazing techniques to add your own personal touch to each piece. By the end of the course, you’ll have your own handmade pottery pieces ready to take home, along with a newfound appreciation for the art of clay. No wheel required—just your hands and imagination! Clay and all glazes and firing included. Max class size: 8 attendees |
| Ceramics: Open Studio Sessions
Dates: (3 session dates)
Adults 18+
Instructor: Susan Palmer 4-week session of Open Studio Class – This 3 hour studio time is for students who are interested in handbuilding or wheel throwing at their own pace. The instructor would be present but not providing active instruction, this is a self guided class. Attendees need to purchase a 1 x 25lb bag of clay for use during studio time. Glazed and kiln firings included in class fee. Max class size: 8 attendees |
3 Week Hand-Building Clay Session for Teens & Adults
A focused hand-building clay workshop for beginner teens and adults. Participants create functional and sculptural pieces inspired by natural and fruit forms, exploring form, texture, and surface design. Examples of projects: wall vases, fridge magnets, or fruit-shaped trinket/jewelry dishes. |
Paint Night with Instructor Erin Ripton
Join us for a fun and relaxing Paint Night at RTA, led by artist Erin Ripton. Channel your inner Picasso as we paint a predetermined “Summer” themed canvas. Erin 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. No experience is needed, and all supplies are included. Just bring yourself and enjoy a creative night out! If you like, BYOB. |
Ceramics: Intro to Wheel Throwing Class over 2 Weeks
Instructor: Susan Palmer Two-week session – Intro to Wheel Throwing Class over 2 Weeks. This 2 ½ hour class is for students who want a quick experience learning to throw and trim on a wheel. Classes will run 1 x week on Mondays for two weeks. Students will learn to throw bowls and cups, and learn to trim their pieces. White clay, glazes and firings included. Max class size: 3 attendees |
Build a Beautiful Kaleidoscope Workshop with Sue Rioux 
Create your own beautiful kaleidoscope while learning about the history and artistry behind this fascinating optical instrument! The workshop begins with a brief introduction to the history of kaleidoscopes, along with the instructor’s personal journey and experience as a kaleidoscope artist. To allow enough time for assembly and design, the instructor will prepare the kaleidoscope body in advance, so no glass cutting or soldering is required. Students will build the internal mirror system and create a colorful oil-filled object cell using a beautiful assortment of glass and beads provided in class. You’re also welcome to bring your own small treasures such as sea glass, shells, or other meaningful objects to personalize your kaleidoscope. Everyone will leave with a one-of-a-kind handcrafted kaleidoscope! ARTIST BIO: Sue Rioux is an acclaimed glass artist known for her captivating creations, including jewelry and kaleidoscopes. Her unique works have gained international recognition, with pieces featured in prestigious galleries, museums, and private collections worldwide. Sue’s artistic journey hit a milestone in 2009 when she designed a piece for an esteemed kaleidoscope quilt exhibit at The American Folk Art Museum in New York City. Celebrities like Selena Gomez, James Earl Jones, Jim Nance, Pierce Brosnan, as well as former President George H. W. Bush, are among the admirers of her masterpieces. Residing and working from her home-studio in Kennebunk, Maine, Sue finds inspiration in the serene beauty of nature that envelops her. The tranquil surroundings and the harmony of the landscape influence her artistic vision, resulting in kaleidoscopes that evoke a sense of wonder and transport viewers to a world of ethereal beauty. |