Step back in time and discover the magic of tintype photography! Learn the history and context of wet plate collodion, the 19th century's most popular photographic process which gave working class Americans their first chance to own a picture of themselves or a loved one. Students will also have a hands-on chance to make their own tintype in this darkroom-based class. The instructor will work through each step in the process, from coating, sensitizing, shooting, developing and fixing the plate. Each student will go home with their own, heirloom quality, finished, half-plate tintype. No prior photography experience required.

Materials fee is included in the cost of the class.

Minimum: 4 | Maximum: 6 

MEET TROY!
Troy R. Bennett is an artist, journalist and musician from southern Maine. An award-winning daily Maine newspaper photojournalist for 25 years, Bennett began making wet plate collodion photographs 15 years ago. He lives in Portland. www.themysteryjig.com 

Have you ever wanted to learn the guitar but simply find it difficult to find the time? In just a few hours you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you yearsof musical enjoyment, and you won’t have to take private lessons to do it. This crashcourse will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your favoritesongs right away. Since this class is being held online with ZOOM, you will be able tosit at home with your guitar and take this class without any pressure at all. And sincethe class includes an online book and online follow-up video lessons, you will be ableto continue your practice and study on your own. An optional periodic online questionand answer session is also included. A recording of the class is included as well. Class limited to 15 students. For ages 13+.

Topics include:
• How chords work in a song
• How to form the three main types of chords
• How to tune your guitar
• Basic strumming patterns
• How to buy a good guitar (things to avoid)
• How to play along with simple tunes

Bring your own crochet project and enjoy a relaxing, creative evening with fellow yarn lovers! Whether you’re just getting started or have been crocheting for years, this open studio class is the perfect place to work at your own pace, socialize, and get inspired. 

Lisa, an experienced crocheter, will be on hand to offer guidance, answer questions, and help troubleshoot any tricky stitches. She’ll also have patterns and yarn available for anyone looking to try something new or needing a little extra inspiration. 

Come unwind, create, and connect - no matter your skill level, you’ll find support, community, and plenty of yarn-filled fun!

Minimum: 4 | Maximum: 8 

Create Colorful Wax Blossom Branches! 

Bring a touch of spring into your home with this fun and creative class! Using a small branch and colorful wax, you’ll craft beautiful, vibrant “flowers” that are perfect for decorating your space or gifting to a friend. No experience is needed— just your creativity and a love for all things bright and cheerful. 

A perfect spring craft you’ll enjoy making and showing off! 

Materials fee of $5.00 payable to the instructor. 

White pine, Maine’s state flower, and Red pine, are ubiquitous throughout the state and provide a vital pool of resources for human and nonhuman Mainers alike. Pine needles are beautiful and strong! They can be coiled and sewn together to make hats, lovely usable baskets, and/or adorably tiny ones.

Learn to identify, regeneratively gather and harvest, properly store and process, and weave with pine needles. We'll cover the basics of coiled basketry, which is a global, ancient human skill, and create a wonderful pine-needle basket. Every participant will make a basket to take home.

Materials fee is included in the cost of the class!

** BROCHURE CORRECTION: Cost of the class is $75, not $65. 

Minimum: 4   |   Maximum: 10

 Join us for a fun, no pressure knitting experience! This 6-week knitting class is great for not only beginners, but for anyone who may be a little rusty. You'll learn how to cast on, master the basic and purl stitches, learn some tips and tricks on repairing mistakes, and learn how to read a pattern! Vicky is a passionate knitter and always makes classes fun for her students. 

Cant make a full session? Student drop-ins are welcome! Drop-In fee is $13 per class.

No class: 4/21

Learn to weave a quick basket that is perfect for storing your garlic, onions, or anything! This twill technique comes together quickly and easily for a beautifully finished product in just one class!

Please bring to class:
• A full size bath towel

A material fee of $7 is due at the start of class to the instructor.

Get hooked on the fun of surprise stitches! In this 4-night class, a pattern will be randomly selected with a different granny square pattern each week. We will crochet two of that week’s design. From classic to quirky, no two weeks are the same! By the end of the session, you’ll have a colorful collection of squares ready to be stitched into a one-of-a-kind pillow sham. Students should have a basic knowledge of crocheting.

Minimum: 4   |   Maximum: 8