Submitted by Barbara Nair
(March 5, 2026) — The following classes and workshops will be held at Spectrum Gallery at 61 Main Street in Centerbrook, unless otherwise noted. For information on fees, or to register and pay, visit spectrumartgallery.org or call (860) 767-0742.
Creating Welcome Door Signs
Time to think about Spring and decorating to welcome the season. Learn to paint accents and paper flower layouts. Choose either the 12” circle sign or the house welcome sign to design. Arrange the die-cut flowers and leaves, shade the flowers, add background or patterned papers adding accent pieces or trim. Additionally, create two mini cards using your extra flower pieces. Envelopes included. Bring scissors, liquid glue (Elmer’s white, clear or glue stick) and a ruler. All other materials included. Happy Spring! Saturday, March 28, 2026 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Painting a Still Life in Acrylics
Participants paint fruit using a fun mosaic style. Simple shapes are outlined with bold lines and filled with bright translucent colors. This project features practice with color choices, brush control, paint layering and creativity while learning how small pieces can come together to make a complete picture. No experience is needed, just enjoy the process. All materials are included. Sunday, March 29, 2026 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Pebble Mosaic Workshop
Who hasn’t collected colorful smooth beach rocks found in rivers or on the shoreline? Here’s your chance to take these stones and combine them to create a wonderful piece of art for your home or garden. Participants learn how to create two small mosaics using pebbles, beads and other found objects. Basics of design, cutting, and adhering the materials with thin set mortar so that the mosaic can be placed indoors or outside are covered. Feel free to bring stones which you may have collected over the years and also to use materials supplied by the instructor. Sunday, April 12, 2026. 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Learn to Paint a Chicken and Her Chicks with Bivenne Harvey-Staiger
In time for Mother’s Day and the burst of life that comes with Spring, have fun learning how to paint in watercolor a sweet hen brooding her little chicks. Instructor will provide a reference (about a week in advance) that’s reasonably easy to draw (without shading) and will guide you through all the steps needed to complete this family portrait. If you prefer, you may work from your own reference. Among other things, learn how to achieve negative-space painting, feather textures, and painting a realistic eye. Supply list provided upon registration. Saturday, April 18, 2026 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Power of Doodling
Often dismissed as a mindless distraction, doodling is actually a powerful tool for creativity, focus, and insight. In this hands-on workshop, participants explore doodling as a creative practice through guided prompts, playful experimentation, and reflective discussion bringing to the surface new ideas, fresh perspectives and loosening rigid thinking. Leave with an easy, pressure-free way to use doodling to connect with your natural creativity. Engaging, thoughtful, and fun. All materials provided. Sunday, April 19, 2026. 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Children’s Spring Art Classes for Ages 7-11 (Session III)
Session III focuses on the line – a moving point that can vary in length, width, direction, and curve. Students explore how lines form letters by designing an Egyptian cartouche using hieroglyphic symbols inspired by their names. They’ll also create colorful name drawings while reviewing color theory (primary, secondary, tertiary, warm, cool, and complementary colors). Using line and color, students will complete an abstract crayon-resist watercolor, practice word art animal drawings, and finish by designing a poster featuring a short, positive message with illustrations. Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20. For more info, email Barbara@spectrumartgallery.org. To register, visit https://essexct.recdesk.com/Community/Program. (Scroll down to Spectrum Gallery Session III Classes.)
