Express yourself

WRITTEN BY JOANNA O’LEARY

Feeling crafty? We feel ya. There’s something uniquely satisfying about making your own personalized art, and doing so in a relaxing setting with some professional guidance is even better. Boost your springtime spirit and whisk the winter blues away by treating yourself to some creative expression at a local arts and crafts workshop. Even if you don’t find that proverbial muse, you’ll have a good time in the process — and go home with a nifty souvenir. 

Glass Art

Church-goers, do you ever find yourself tuning out the sermon because you’re looking at the windows? Stained Glass Express in Manchester may be the key to resolving your transparent distraction. This cozy shop that doubles as a studio hosts an array of “fun day out classes” where instructors help you make stained glass mandalas, picture frames, suncatchers, and the ilk. You can also learn how to blow glass ornaments, beads, and decorations, perfect for giving your house a refresh or getting a head start on the holidays.

Ceramics & Painting

For reflective rather than refractive artwork, try Generations Boutique & Art Studio in Brewer, which runs ceramics and painting classes in the form of public sessions and private parties. The walk-in ceramics workshops (Tuesday-Friday) are especially convenient for those flush with spontaneity but short on supplies, as they include studio time, paints, and basic sealing materials. Those looking to add a unique twist to a baby shower or birthday party should arrange for a private wood sign painting session, or try booking a spot at a Paint & Sip night, where adult beverages are on hand to help channel one’s inner artist. 

Crafts of All Kinds

A comprehensive crafty experience can be found at Waterfall Arts in Belfast, a non-profit community arts center that operates a wide range of workshops, exhibitions, community studios, artistic residencies, and outreach programs. Educational subjects include ceramics, sketching, photography, print-making, glass fusion, and seasonal crafts (such as pysanky egg decorating).

Summer Camps for Kids

Though at press time Monmouth’s beloved Four Pence Art Gallery had not yet finalized its new brick-and-mortar location, the Gallery has secured a temporary space (Packard Hall at East Monmouth Methodist Church) for its summer art camps for children. Check the Gallery’s Facebook page for details about the week-long camps in July and August.

Domestic Arts

Founded in 2007 by artistic mother-daughter duo Janice Hambelton and Kelly Miller, Dreams By Janice in Old Town offers a veritable cornucopia of group and private lessons for children, teens, and adults with a diverse curricula of domestic arts that include painting, fiber arts (e.g., sewing, knitting, crocheting), interior design, and cooking. Dreams is also home to a very popular after-school program for Old Town children. Attendees are provided with snacks, supplies, and instruction for a series of rotating art projects at various skill levels. Finally, if you can’t come to the art, let the art come to you via Dream’s cooking and painting classes held at independent and senior residential facilities in Bangor, Brewer, Orono, and Old Town. Program directors are invited to contact Dreams By Janice for more details about scheduling and pricing.