Submitted by Barbara Nair
(September 27, 2025) — The following classes and workshops will be offered in October and November at Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main Street in Centerbrook. To register or for tuition information, visit spectrumartgallery.org or call (860) 767-0742.
Children’s Art Classes
Your Home Is Your Castle
For those children interested in drawing, but who missed our September drawing sessions, this class will make up for that. Design and draw a Medieval Castle while focusing on geometric shapes: rectangles, triangles, columns, spheres and arches. Your castle can have towers, doors, windows, flags and banners. Continue improving your design and drawing skills by adding your own castle flag and coat of arms. No experience necessary and all materials included. Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Go Wild with Papier-Mâché
In this three-session class, children ages 7–11 explore the fun of papier-mâché while creating jewelry and small animal sculptures. Imagination leads the way as kids learn step-by-step techniques and bring their ideas to life in 3-D form. No experience is necessary, and all materials are included. Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Adult Art Classes
Diving Into Acrylic Painting
In this acrylic class for beginners to intermediate, participants choose their subject matter from their own photographs or photographs brought to class by the instructor. The first class begins with a discussion and demonstration of canvas preparation and other acrylic medium elements. During each class painting techniques are demonstrated, such as blending colors, composition, lighting and scale. Each participant will complete one painting by the end of the five-week session. All participants will have individual guidance at their own level as needed. Material list available upon registration. Saturdays, October 4, 18, 25; November 1, 8., 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Paint a Misty Mountain Workshop in Watercolor
Discover how to create a misty mountain landscape as you learn watercolor techniques for painting receding peaks and atmospheric distance. With just a few colors and large flat brushes, participants sketch lightly and then build up transparent washes as each stage is demonstrated step by step. No drawing experience is necessary, and all levels are welcome. A material list is provided upon registration, with some supplies available to share. Saturday, October 18, 2025 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Halloween Cardmaking and Paper Techniques Workshop
Celebrate the creativity of Halloween by designing four unique handmade cards using paper strips, inks, die cuts, and more. Explore card layout and composition while learning fun techniques to bring spooky charm to your projects. Each participant receives a detailed instruction sheet, photos of the card designs, and a take-home kit with cardstock, die cuts, and coordinating supplies to make additional cards at home. All workshop cards include envelopes. Sunday, October 19, 2025 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Coptic Stitch Journal Workshop
Discover the timeless art of bookmaking in this two-day workshop where participants create a personalized journal using the traditional Coptic stitch binding technique. Learn how to design and collage custom covers, prepare signatures, and practice the step-by-step stitching method that produces a durable, lay-flat journal perfect for writing, sketching, or storytelling. No prior bookbinding experience is required, and all tools and materials are provided. Participants are welcome to bring personal collage materials to further customize their covers. Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Paint a Piping Plover Workshop in Watercolor
Celebrate one of Connecticut’s most cherished shorebirds by learning how to paint a piping plover in watercolor. Although tiny in life, this sweet bird will be painted larger-than-life for an eye-catching portrait. Participants begin with a simple contour drawing from a reference image and then follow step-by-step watercolor instructions to bring the bird to life with just a few colors and basic supplies. A material list is available upon registration. Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
