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    • Friday, January 03, 2025
    • Friday, December 19, 2025
    • 56 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills

    Looking for more space to spread out and work on a project? Or maybe you want to work amongst other artists to feel inspired and get some helpful feedback on your work. Join other local artists any time between 9am-12pm, for Open Studio. Please pay $10 cash at the door. Bring all supplies you need to use, NRAS has easels available. 

    No registration, drop in only, cash or check.

    • Saturday, February 22, 2025
    • Saturday, April 12, 2025
    • Horan Gallery at Ventress Memorial Library

    Join us in celebration of the works by Doug Aaberg, on display February 22 to April 12, 2025 at the Ventress Memorial Library. The opening reception will take place Friday, February 28, 5:30-7:30pm at Jeanne Horan Gallery at Ventress Memorial Library

    Statement from Artist: What makes each of us human are our stories. Our stories are reflected in the expressions on our faces, the postures we hold, the lines on our hands. We can glean a story from the child’s impish grin, the adolescent’s guilty glance, the sorrow of rounded shoulders, the desire held in half-closed eyes. Add to the portrait the figure’s surroundings and the possible story lines become endless. As we view the subject in a specific environment, our imaginations can conjure up past history, current events and possible scenarios for what the future may hold for the person captured on the canvas. Even the posed professional model could have come into the studio that morning with a flat tire or cold coffee or life-changing news. In this collection of Doug Aaberg’s work, you are invited to take a moment and search behind the faces of the subjects and imagine the mystery each holds within. This is how paintings come alive!

    Biography: Doug Aaberg is a software consultant who has been painting whenever time allows for over thirty years. In addition to the valuable instruction he has received from other artists, he holds a Certificate in Portrait & Figure Painting from the Paier College of Art where he won their Joseph Funaro Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in the Area of Figurative Art. He is the recipient of a variety of awards from numerous art shows both in Massachusetts and Connecticut. He lives in Scituate with his wife Ann and boasts four grandchildren.

    • Wednesday, March 05, 2025
    • Wednesday, April 30, 2025
    • 8 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street

    This is a private class taught by Margaret McWethy. All inquiries please email the office NorthRiverArts@gmail.com.

    • Wednesday, March 05, 2025
    • Wednesday, May 14, 2025
    • 10 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
    • 5
    Register

    Please note: Class time is 1:30-3:30 PM to accommodate late release times from Gov. Winslow, Eames Way and Daniel Webster Schools. However, students are welcome to arrive at 1PM and enjoy snack and journaling time with the teacher from 1-1:30PM.

    During the three 10-week sessions, students in grades 1-5 will enrich their artistic expressions in a fun and nurturing environment where children feel comfortable expressing their unique talents to create works of art. Students will work with a wide variety of media including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture and more. Art from the world’s varied cultures and the contributions of major artists will serve as inspiration. 

    Register siblings for a discount! At registration, add additional children as "guests" and register siblings for discounted price of $220/each. 

    About the Instructor: Arbrenne Valle

    Arbrenne got her BA from UMass Amherst in Theatre and her MA in Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University. She spent 5 years teaching first grade at South Shore Charter. Now she spends her time chasing around her toddler and painting during his nap times. 

    • Saturday, March 29, 2025
    • Thursday, May 01, 2025
    • Dolphin Gallery at Hingham Public Library

    Join us in celebration of the works by Heather Kinney, on display March 29 - May 1 at the Dolphin Gallery at Hingham Public Library. The opening reception will take place Thursday, April 3, 5:30-7:30pm.

    Statement from Artist: I am a visual artist, lover of color and a painter. I create art to share my experience of the world around me and because it brings me joy. My paintings, like me, tend to be vibrant, happy and engaging. I find abstraction to be a great space to express emotions and to connect with others. Experiencing art with others strengthens our connections, helping to create a vibe of understanding, respect and inclusion, the world I want to live in.

    • Tuesday, April 01, 2025
    • Tuesday, May 06, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    In this 6-week class, students will learn the basics of clothing construction from threading a sewing machine and reading patterns to sewing seams and hemming a finished garment. This class is perfect for students who are complete beginners or have a few simple sewing projects under their belts and would like to learn more. 

    This class is open to adults and high school students, please contact the office with any questions at northriverarts@gmail.com.

    Materials List:

    • Sewing machine (North River will have a few machines for students to share if you do not have your own machine.)

    • Fabric scissors

    • Pins

    • Seam ripper

    • Soft measuring tape

    • Pencils/sketchbook

    • After students learn the basics, they will be asked to purchase a simple pattern and fabric for a project

    Olivia Harvey is an avid sewist and upcycler who first learned how to sew as a kid right here at NRAS with Brooke Stanton — and she hasn’t stopped since! Along with making and embellishing her own clothes, Olivia also sells her upcycled creations through her online shop OHpleeze. She believes that everyone should learn how to sew because it makes life (and your closet) a lot more interesting!

    • Thursday, April 03, 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills

    Registration is full at this time. Please email the office with any questions.

    Calling all artists interested in participating in our Festival Feature! Join us for a creative gathering where you can immerse yourself in a craft alongside fellow artists. This year, our Festival Feature will spotlight handmade bird houses, created by local artist Rick Verzone. You're invited to express your creativity by decorating these bird houses in your unique style. Once adorned, they'll be showcased in a silent auction during the Festival as a fundraiser for NRAS.

    Our event will function as an open studio, complete with complimentary drinks and snacks. While some materials will be provided, feel free to bring along any additional supplies you'd like to incorporate into your design.

    NRAS will provide acrylic paints, brushes, glue, and any extra bits and bobs we have around. Please bring any additional materials that you wish to use for your craft.

    Admission to this event is completely free, but we kindly ask that you RSVP so we can ensure an ample supply of materials for all attendees.

    Let's make this Festival Feature an unforgettable celebration of artistry and camaraderie. See you there!

    • Friday, April 04, 2025
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
    • 6
    Register

    Join Focus on Figures Judge, Laurel Stern Boeck, for a 2-hour demonstrationIn this demo Laurel will be painting a portrait in oil using a live model. She will demonstrate and explain her artistic process while painting. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn through observation. 

    Award-winning artist Laurel Stern Boeck is known as one of the nation’s foremost Portrait Painters. From her earliest years, Boeck has been fascinated with the human subject and the art of portraiture. Educated at the prestigious Art Students League and receiving a Bachelor’s of Fine Art from the School of Visual Arts in New York, Boeck now boasts a client list that includes prominent leaders in the fields of business, government, and education. Her work can be seen in major capitols, banks, board rooms, universities, supreme courts, private homes, and Washington institutions.

    Learn more about Laurel and her work at https://www.boeckstudio.com/ 

    • Saturday, April 05, 2025
    • Sunday, April 06, 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
    • 7
    Register

    This class is for those who are fascinated with capturing the likeness and character of a person.  From observation of the live model, we will examine the effect of light falling on the structures and forms of the head.  Discover techniques for mixing colors to achieve realistic and nuanced complexions.  We will cover the use of atmosphere and background towards creating a finished portrait.  Regardless of their stage of development (practicing professionals, students, beginners), specific information is given to artists individually, guiding them through each phase of creating a painting.  Students will be given individual attention to help reach their personal goals. While the primary medium is oil painting, participants are welcome to use drawing, pastels, or acrylics. Be prepared to work hard, make new friends and best of all have fun.

    About the Instructor: Laurel Stern Boeck’s dedication to her craft is evident in the timeless quality of her work. A classically trained artist with an award-winning career in both portraits and landscapes, she invites viewers to explore the rich tapestry of human experience through her paintings. Laurel’s lifelong passion for figurative art forms the foundation of her practice. She began her studies at the Art Students League of New York, earned a BFA from the School of Visual Arts, and further honed her skills at the John Murray Atelier before completing her MFA at the New York Academy of Art.Through her authentic approach and attention to fine detail, she captures the likeness and essence of her subjects. Her work can be seen in private collections, boardrooms, universities, supreme courts, and Washington institutions.

    Materials List:

    LSB Supply List - Workshop 2025.doc

    • Saturday, April 05, 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 157 Old Main Street

    Join us as we celebrate the 31st Annual Focus on Figures Exhibit! The show consists of 71 beautiful, impressive works from around the nation. This is an incredible show that you don't want to miss! Winners will be announced at 7:30pm. Cash bar! 

    • Tuesday, April 08, 2025
    • Tuesday, May 13, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield MA
    • 11
    Register

    Embark on an exploration of creating a portrait with artist and educator, Lauren Bass. Portraiture, a time honored tradition, is commonly regarded as being exact and difficult. However. over the course of this 6-week class Lauren will breakdown the process into simple steps and tricks that make rendering the head easier and help achieve likeness. Students will enjoy gaining a solid foundation in understanding the structure and solidity of the human head. They will learn essential principles such as proportion, perspective, light logic and color theory. Also discussed will be gesture, composition, edge quality, planar division of the head, comparative measuring, the anatomy of the features and more. This class starts with drawing, progresses to monochromatic painting (grisaille), and culminates in the vibrant world of full-color painting. From week to week we will build our knowledge base. Clear instruction will be given weekly through demonstrations, lectures and handouts. Students can progress at their own pace and will receive individual critiques appropriate to their level.

    Class price includes weekly live model fees. 

    “Faces are the most interesting things we see; other people fascinate me, and the most interesting aspect of other people - the point where we go inside them - is the face. It tells it all.”  - David Hockney

    About the Instructor: Lauren Bass

    I have been an artist my entire life, but my path as an artist hasn’t been linear. Whether doodling in the margins of notebooks or sketching at home, I was always drawing as a child. However, the high school I went to didn’t offer art so I had no formal training until college. There I took my first painting class and was hooked. I would observe a still life setup, mixed colors, replicate the abstract shapes and then step a few paces back. Incredibly, there was the image on my canvas. It felt like magic! I found that time stood still when I was painting I was so absorbed! After getting a BA in Humanities, I got a BFA in graphic design and worked in advertising for several years. I put my career on hold when I had children but continued taking painting classes. As my children got older and more independent, I was able to be more serious, paint more frequently and study with many fabulous artists whose work I admired. I sought out some of the best artists in the country that work in my area of interest to study with. Luckily, many live locally.

    Supply_list_portrait_class.pdf

    • Thursday, April 10, 2025
    • Thursday, May 08, 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield MA 02051
    • 3
    Register

    This class will focus on the basic elements of design, values and color. It is open to all levels and any medium but some experience with painting is required. We will focus on how to have an interesting painting that reflects and elevates your personal style. The intention of the class is to have fun, keeping it simple like a kindergartener yet creating something worthy. Come with an open mind and a sense of humor

    About the Instructor: Page Railsback 

    Page Railsback has painted and taught in our South Shore community for many years.She received a Masters In Education and her natural talent as a teacher is a reflection of her ongoing workshops and classes here and in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.She was privileged to receive a Residency at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown in 2013 through the Copley Society.She is a Gallery artist at the Copley Societ,CO/SO and the South Shore Art Center  She also shows her work at Solace Gallery in Long Beach Island  New Jersey. She has a Studio at the Sandpaper Factory in Rockland and teaches private classes there . PageRailsback.com

    Materials List:

    • Canvas pad  16x20 or 4 small canvas boards ex. 8x8 12x8..
    • Sketch pad
    • Twig Charcoal and or Sharpie
    • 4 Larger canvas 20x20, 20x16 or larger…one for each class
    • Water container or turps
    • Brushes 3 or more -1/2 inch, 1 inch ,2 inch…Big Brushes
    • Palette knife
    • Paints: 6 Essentials 
    • Light yellow, medium yellow (or ochre)
    •  Ultramarine blue and one other : Thalo blue,cerulean or manganese. 
    • Alizarin red or deep magenta, Cadmium red light 
    • Big tube of White titanium 
    • Black, optional
    • Any other color you like is optional…Viridian green, orange, pink etc
    • Palette, paper palette is an option
    • Water spray bottle for acrylics or watercolor
    • Rags or paper towel
    • Apron
    • camera (phone)
    • Thursday, April 10, 2025
    • Thursday, April 24, 2025
    • 3 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield MA
    • 3
    Register

    This 3-week class will dive into the world of block printing, covering a crash-course on all things blocks for artists of all sorts who want to bring their creativity to life in the printed world. This class will cover techniques for drawing, carving, and printing block prints on a variety of mediums. Rachel will help you bring to life a block and a variety of prints in different mediums of your own imagination.

    About the Instructor: Rachel Nerger (Ray Prints)

    I started block printing in 2020 when I was looking to reconnect with my creativity outside of the everyday hustle and bustle and a full-time job in finance. I have always been an artist at heart, and have continued to explore new mediums even as I jumped into the professional world.

    Over the past few years, all the hours of drawing, carving, and printing blocks has led me to “launch” Ray Prints where I’ve been able to share my love of block prints with the south shore at different pop ups and markets. I have fallen in love with block printing for the way that it fits into life - it is accessible, affordable and has provided me with hours of escape as I work through each step in creating totally unique pieces of art with each stamp and Speedball carve.

    Materials List:

    (1 per student) 8"x10" block, black ink, rollers and paper provided by NRAS. Students should bring a set of carving tools, Rachel recommends this one for beginners. Rachel also suggests bringing watercolor supplies, different ink colors if you want and any old clothing, canvas bags, etc. that you may want to play around printing on! 

    • Saturday, April 12, 2025
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
    • 11
    Register

    Do you want to explore your creative side? Do you want to experiment with colors without fear of making a mistake? Come join me in this easy, magical, and relaxing adventure into the world of freedom and creativity, after which you will get a masterpiece created by your own hands.

    What does red taste like? Of course, it tastes of strength, joy, energy, maturity and love. The taste of red is the taste of the King of all fruits - the Pomegranate! Let's paint together this symbol of sun, life, abundance, rebirth and immortality. Symbol of Love.

     

    We will be working for 2.5 – 3 hours in a small group. The maximum number of participants is 12 people. You don’t need to bring anything. All necessary materials will be provided.

    Looking forward to painting on silk with you!

    About the Instructor: Lidia Mikhaylova is an abstract artist inspired by the simple beauties of everyday life. Her work ranges from sensual artwork and still life to fine floral paintings. The elegance, playfulness, and depth of her work are demonstrated through rich, vivid colors composed on silk fabric, with oil or watercolor paintings and pastel drawings. Her creative facilitation creates a space where participants can truly tap into their natural creativity to help bring it out to the surface.

    ·Lidia is a highly creative artist and art facilitator with more than seven years of professional experience delivering visual art classes in the areas of painting.

    ·In 3 years, Lidia has conducted over 70 different workshops in art studios, public libraries, educational centers, and private and corporate events among people of all ages.

    ·Lidia’s work has been featured in international art festivals, Art Hole Magazine, A5 Magazine, and art galleries from Brooklyn, NY to Laguna Beach, CA.

    ·Lidia is the winner of the Billboard Contest 2022, and her work has been featured on the billboard in Sacramento, CA.

    • Sunday, April 13, 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills
    • 14
    Register

    Join us for yoga and artwork at North River Art Society! Ages 3+

    This is a super fun program designed to teach children the basics of mindfulness, meditation and movement. We’ll be using provided materials to make crafts for our yoga story flow lead by yoga instructor, Chrissy Sullivan. 

    We’ll also be learning helpful breathwork techniques to calm our nervous systems at any age! Each class will have an educational theme and will include partner and group poses, easy alignment tips and some singing and dancing!

    To register a sibling: please add a "guest" at registration for discounted price.

    Chrissy is a certified Vinyasa Yoga instructor with an additional specialization in youth and mindfulness. She has two beautiful babies who can often be found flowing beside her. Ever since she was a child herself, Chrissy has been drawn to a more spiritual and artistic way of life. She is greatly influenced by her grandmother, a lifelong montessori teacher and her great aunt, a Harvard professor and yoga guru. As a true nurturer, Chrissy has always been drawn to helping others. She believes it’s so important to start with our youth. If we can teach children the basic principles of yoga and how to calm their own central nervous systems we can directly benefit their lives and our communities as a whole. Chrissy created MinniYogi in 2020, a carefully curated yoga program for children and caregivers of all ages. The program includes flashcards which teach the child and caregiver the basics of yoga and meditation and how to apply them to everyday life. Chrissy incorporates the cards in all of her classes. Come join us for lots of silliness and learning! Because children learn best when having fun!


    • Tuesday, April 15, 2025
    • Tuesday, May 06, 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street
    • 9
    Register

    This is a class for iPhone photographers who want to practice shooting and editing and then discuss their results in a collegial setting. Each week, each class member will present recent work and relate which Camera and Edit tools were selected and why.

    Mike will lead the class in a conversation on the presenter’s choices for the final image. Our goal is to gain a deeper understanding for how different people use the iPhone and Apple Photos to drive the creative process. We welcome people with a wide range of Apple photo experiences -- from those who have recently begun to experienced users.
    About the Instructor: Mike Dick
    Mike Dick has been shooting and displaying photographs for over fifty years. He has a BA in photography and video from the University of Connecticut, Inner College and also trained in photography at the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY.

    Mike is a Gallery Artist at the South Shore Art Center in Cohasset, Member of North River Arts Society in Marshfield, MA and Member of Plymouth (Mass.) Center for the Arts.

    South Shore Art Center presented two solo shows of Mike’s work, the first in December 2019 and the second in April, May, and June 2024. He has displayed work in juried shows at SSAC, NRAS, and Plymouth Center for the Arts. Mike took Best in Show -  Photography at the NRAS Festival in 2018 and First Place, Color Photography at the Fine Art of Photography Show, Plymouth Center for the Arts, 2024.

    Mike lives in Cohasset, Mass. with his wife, Lisa; they have two sons and two grandsons. Lisa and Mike are active with community civic groups and local non-profits.

    Class members need to bring their own iPhones - updated with the latest iPhone operating system. If class members own an iPad or a Mac Notebook, they should bring one.

    • Saturday, April 19, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    Register

    Have you ever wanted to create your own giant puppet or participate in the Festival Parade? Join us for an exploration of how to create your own giant puppet!

    Artists Michelle and Sally will share their experiences, creative tips, and practical techniques for designing and constructing these eye-catching creations. Together, we’ll brainstorm ideas, discuss different materials and building methods, and provide handouts and resources to guide you in making your own puppet.

    In addition to learning about giant puppets, participants of all ages will have the opportunity to paint and embellishsmall, pre-made creatures mounted on tall poles. These vibrant creations will be left at the Arts Society to be proudly displayed in the upcoming parade!

    Whether you’re an artist, a community member, or just someone who loves the magic of parades, this is a fantastic opportunity to get creative and be part of something special. We hope you’ll join us!

    This is a free offering for our Festival of the Arts which will take place May 24 and 25, 10am-5pm with a Giant Puppet Parade at 1pm both days! Registration is not required but highly encouraged so we can anticipate material needs. 

    • Saturday, April 26, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield MA 02051
    • 7
    Register

    This fun workshop is designed for experienced painters working in any medium who want to explore ways to create more modern, bold, and expressive paintings using a less representational approach. After a brief presentation on Modern Painting, we will do some quick exercises using the abstract elements of painting: line, value, color, shape, and texture to express an unexpected idea or statement. This is not a “how to paint” class; instead, it serves as a space for exploration and experimentation with fellow artists. We will work independently, using materials of your choice, from still lives and/or photos. There will be a brief conversation about our discoveries at the conclusion of the class.

    Any specific materials needed will be emailed prior to the workshop.

    About the Instructor: Nancy Colella 

    Nancy earned a BA in Fine Art from Muskingum University, then studied painting at the Aegean School of Fine Arts in Paros, Greece and at the Instituto Allende in San Miquel Mexico. After a career in the hospitality business and while raising two children, she resumed her studies at Mass College of Art. She teaches numerous on-line and live workshops throughout New England. She lives in Norwell with her husband and yellow lab Limoncello. 

    • Thursday, May 01, 2025
    • Thursday, June 26, 2025
    • 8 sessions
    • Various Locations
    • 5
    Register

    Is there anything more exciting and rewarding than painting plein air?  Join us as we navigate the thrills and challenges of painting in nature this Spring!  Learn or master the skills of judging the light, fending off the breeze, capturing that certain something that appeals to you in an outdoor setting!  This highly engaged, friendly and supportive group is intrepid and inclusive. 

    Each week we are at a different location - we’ll paint the ocean, marshes, architecture and gardens!  Perhaps this year we will add a figure in the landscape?!?!  I will get all of your phone numbers so I can text you if there is a sudden change in location due to weather, or any other reason. Students can use any media they have familiarity with.  All levels, but I will be painting in acrylic or gouache.  I usually know where there is a nearby restroom.  Some weeks I will demo but will mostly be occupied with your progress and efforts.  

    MATERIALS LIST: Materials List for Safari 2023.pages

    About the Instructor: Kelley MacDonald 

    After getting her Art History degree at Wheaton College, Kelley continued taking art classes at various Art Associations for 10 years before she started painting.  First with watercolor, then oil and now happily with acrylic and mixed media, it has been a lifetime of growing and exploring all things art.  

    Kelley has won numerous awards, and has taught classes and workshops for many years.  While for the majority of her career Kelley has been a literal, representational painter, in the past 4 years she has been diving into abstraction, particularly Intuitive Abstraction.  The history involved on the canvas, the multiple layers, the reveal and conceal and push and pull are what attracts her to this method. 

    A favorite thing to do is to travel, and be inspired by different landscapes and  cityscapes.  Kelley has traveled to Holland to paint, along with many places on this side of the ocean, namely Nova Scotia, Sedona, Santa Fe, St. Simon’s Island, Seattle, San Miguel de Allende, MX, California and Maine. 

    In 2009 Kelley founded the Artists’ Challenge Group “Girls Just Wanna Paint” which is a collection of award winning artists  who post a response to a new topic every month consecutively since July of 2009. Aside from the Providence Art Club Kelley is a member of the North River Arts Society in Marshfield, MA.  She has taught at the Art Club, Bristol Art Museum, and at North River Arts Society.

    • Thursday, May 01, 2025
    • Thursday, May 15, 2025
    • 3 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills
    • 10
    Register

    In this class, students will explore and develop a deeper connection with their internal artistic voice—the inner guide that inspires, critiques, and shapes creative expression. Through a combination of abstract drawing exercises and exposure to influential artists from history, students will learn how spiritualism and other esoteric themes have informed artistic practice.

    By embracing abstraction, students will experiment with mark-making, intuitive gestures, and freeform composition to access a more instinctual mode of creation. They will also study artists who used art as a tool for channeling subconscious thoughts, emotions, and mystical ideas, such as Hilma af Klint, Wassily Kandinsky, and Emma Kunz.

    Through guided exercises, discussion, and personal exploration, participants will open new channels of creativity, deepen their artistic intuition, and discover fresh ways to engage with their own practice. Whether new to abstraction or looking to expand their creative process, students will leave with a greater sense of artistic freedom and connection to their unique visual language.

    About the Instructor: Lindsey Caputo

    Lindsey Caputo is an everywhere based artist. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a BFA in Art Education. During her time at Massart, she volunteered in several Boston Public Schools while earning an initial teaching license in K-12 Visual Arts education. Caputo received an MFA in Studio Art at Maryland Institute College of Art with a Certificate for College Teaching. Since then, she has been expanding her studio practice by engaging in her interest in “the weird” and the Avant Garde.

    In 2022, she became an Adjunct Faculty member in the Arts and Humanities Pathway at Tidewater Community College where she taught Art Appreciation, 2D Design, and Foundations of Drawing. You can view her portfolio at knotlindsay.com

    Materials: 

    Charcoal (hard, vine, etc)

    Charcoal pencils

    Blending tool or rag

    18x24 drawing paper

    Drawing pencils

    Sharpie

    Drawing pens any brand

    Newsprint paper


    • Sunday, May 04, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield
    • 9
    Register

    In this half-day workshop, we’ll practice essential watercolor techniques while creating beautiful hand-painted paper crafts that are perfect for giving on all types of occasions! Materials, demonstrations, and instruction will be provided to create one-of-a-kind cards, gift tags, wrapping papers and more. We’ll discuss finding ideas and inspiration, creating color palettes, how to layout your own unique designs, and the basics of painting with watercolor. This workshop will spark your creativity whether you are new to watercolor or are an experienced artist in need of some playful no-pressure painting.


    All levels are welcome and all materials including paints and papers will be provided. 

    About the Instructor: Tara Connaughton

    Tara Connaughton is an artist/illustrator & art instructor living near the coast in Scituate, MA. Her botanical and nature-inspired paintings have earned multiple awards, and she has exhibited her artwork through numerous local and regional galleries and venues around the Boston area. 

    Tara teaches watercolor and botanical illustration through local workshops, privately, and at organizations around the Boston area and South Shore. She has a Certificate in Botanical Art & Illustration, and uses her passion for painting and love of nature to teach and inspire others to find their creative spirit and connect with the world around them.

    Tara also creates custom art and illustration for clients across a wide range of subjects, with a focus on custom art for wedding invitations and stationery. 


    • Friday, June 06, 2025
    • Sunday, June 08, 2025
    • 3 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street, Marshfield Hills, MA
    • 4
    Register

    Ken will discuss strategies for creating better artworks with a variety of common and creative tools. The workshop will focus on concepts for making better starts, compelling artworks, going to new places in your work, and how to make fine art.

    Together, we will be going deeper into the how-to of making more appealing artworks with a variety of ideas and tools. After the day's sessions, the group is invited to further discussions and dinner.

    After the Sunday session, Ken will present Photoshop techniques for taking your works to the next level and creating better pathways for finishing your artworks. You will be given a simplified Photoshop guide and have access to a large photo file of over 2000 inspiring artworks. Ken will demonstrate painting using oil and pastels, if requested. In addition to making art works, Ken will talk about business and promotion, necessary tools for success in the marketplace.

    There will be serious discussions, laughs, and your questions with more continuing after class hours. We will all come away with new tools to take your art to the next level. Ample time will be given to live problem solving, daily critiques and creative options. We won’t be pushing to make completed works during this short time. Rather, we will be looking at making good starts and strategies for going beyond your comfort level.


    Artist Statement: 

    “From an early age, I’ve been fortunate to have seen remarkably good works of art and met some of the best painters in the field.

    My friendships with Wolf Kahn and Forrest Moses along with Wolf’s master classes have been invaluable.

    The paintings I create are rarely portraits of places but rather, they are investigations into color and composition. My goal is to create something more remarkable and outside the familiar scene. To do that, many ideas and moves are used to alter nature in exaggerated, but somehow believable ways.

    If successful, what emerges is art that is expressive, apart from the everyday and filled with life and joyfully, II never tire of chasing that goal.

    To learn more about Ken Elliot visit https://www.kenelliott.com/about


    Supply List:

    Write out the things you want to get from this class. 

    You are invited to bring whatever you wish to paint with and work on. Bring works to start, works in progress, and finished works to evaluate. You won’t need many images, just a few to begin with.

    Art supplies:  Easel, paints, brushes, palette knives if you choose, and minimal supplies and accessories that you typically paint with. Don’t overload yourself. We can share.

    One sheet of any paper, copy paper at 8 1/2 x 11 will do fine, along with any kind of pencil in graphite or pastel, charcoal stick etc. We will be doing one abstract drawing exercise and it will be useful to have something to draw with that is more expressive than a pencil.

    Canvas (large is good: 30 x30 canvas, 30 x 40, 36 x 36 etc.) or reasonably large paper for acrylic studies or pastels.

    • Saturday, June 28, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield
    • 9
    Register

    In this one-day workshop, we will work on understanding color and value, focusing on how to make informed color choices and create color harmony in a pastel painting. Color speaks to emotions when we view a painting, and knowing how to manipulate color and value allows us to shift and shape a painting’s mood. We will discuss the vocabulary of color (hue, chroma, value and temperature) and the way in which our perception of color can be influenced by the quality of light, by distance and by surrounding colors. In the morning, you will create a number of different studies, all from the same photo reference, exploring distinct schemes for color harmony. In the afternoon, you will create a larger piece, using the approach you find most appealing – there are no wrong choices! All students will have personalized feedback and guidance as you explore the pastel medium and see the power of color and value in a composition. This class is appropriate for all levels. A materials list will be provided in advance.

    About the Instructor: Heather Quay

    “My goal is to have my paintings capture the feeling of a particular time and place. I have always been fascinated by the way that painters portray the quality and temperature of light. As a pastel painter, I continue to be drawn to scenes where the light is the central character. Whatever I am painting – from landscapes, both natural and manmade, to figures, animals, and portraits – I’m always striving to render the light I see onto the surface of my artwork.”

    Heather’s work has been included in juried exhibits across New England and online, and has won a number of awards. She is an Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America, and a Signature Member of the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, the Connecticut Pastel Society and the Maryland Pastel Society. She is also a member of the North River Arts Association, the Central Massachusetts Pastel Society, the Pastel Society of New Hampshire and the Lyme Art Association. Heather is a Featured Artist on the Artsy Shark website. More about Heather and her work can be found at www.heatherquay.com

    Materials list:


    • Monday, July 07, 2025
    • Friday, July 11, 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
    • 14
    Register

    North River Arts Society is thrilled to announce our Summer Art Camp, running for four exciting weeks in 2025 for children entering grades 1-4. 

    Throughout each week of the camp, young artists will embark on a journey of imagination as they explore captivating themes! This week the theme is "The Ocean Blue" the class will take a dive into the sea to explore the wonders that lie above and below. Guided by our dedicated instructors, campers will have the opportunity to experiment with an array of materials and techniques to bring their artistic visions to life.

    To ensure a tailored experience, our class will be led by two experienced teachers who will engage campers in daily activities. Whenever possible, we'll organize the class into smaller groups, allowing for personalized attention and age-appropriate instruction.

    Don't miss this chance for your child to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and fun at our July Summer Art Camp!

    *For sibling discount, please select "guest" at checkout to add a sibling*


        • Monday, July 07, 2025
        • Friday, August 01, 2025
        • 20 sessions
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
        • 14
        Register

        North River Arts Society is thrilled to announce our Summer Art Camp, running for four exciting weeks in 2025 for children entering grades 1-4. Throughout each week of the camp, young artists will embark on a journey of imagination as they explore captivating themes such as "The Ocean Blue," "All About Animals," and more. Guided by our dedicated instructors, campers will have the opportunity to experiment with an array of materials and techniques to bring their artistic visions to life.

        To ensure a tailored experience, our class will be led by two experienced teachers who will engage campers in daily activities. Whenever possible, we'll organize the class into smaller groups, allowing for personalized attention and age-appropriate instruction.

        Don't miss this chance for your child to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and fun at our July Summer Art Camp!

        *For sibling discount, please select "guest" at checkout to add a sibling*


            • Monday, July 14, 2025
            • Friday, July 18, 2025
            • 5 sessions
            • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
            • 15
            Register

            North River Arts Society is thrilled to announce our Summer Art Camp, running for four exciting weeks in 2025 for children entering grades 1-4.

            Throughout each week of the camp, young artists will embark on a journey of imagination as they explore captivating themes! This week the theme is "A Trip Around the World" - Grab your passports as we uncover the art and culture of many countries. Guided by our dedicated instructors, campers will have the opportunity to experiment with an array of materials and techniques to bring their artistic visions to life.

            To ensure a tailored experience, our class will be led by two experienced teachers who will engage campers in daily activities. Whenever possible, we'll organize the class into smaller groups, allowing for personalized attention and age-appropriate instruction.

            Don't miss this chance for your child to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and fun at our July Summer Art Camp!

            *For sibling discount, please select "guest" at checkout to add a sibling*


                • Monday, July 21, 2025
                • Friday, July 25, 2025
                • 5 sessions
                • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
                • 14
                Register

                North River Arts Society is thrilled to announce our Summer Art Camp, running for four exciting weeks in 2025 for children entering grades 1-4.

                Throughout each week of the camp, young artists will embark on a journey of imagination as they explore captivating themes! This week the theme is "All About Animals" - Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Let's explore the world of animals! Guided by our dedicated instructors, campers will have the opportunity to experiment with an array of materials and techniques to bring their artistic visions to life.

                To ensure a tailored experience, our class will be led by two experienced teachers who will engage campers in daily activities. Whenever possible, we'll organize the class into smaller groups, allowing for personalized attention and age-appropriate instruction.

                Don't miss this chance for your child to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and fun at our July Summer Art Camp!

                *For sibling discount, please select "guest" at checkout to add a sibling*

                     


                    • Monday, July 28, 2025
                    • Friday, August 01, 2025
                    • 5 sessions
                    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
                    • 14
                    Register

                    North River Arts Society is thrilled to announce our Summer Art Camp, running for four exciting weeks in 2025 for children entering grades 1-4.

                    Throughout each week of the camp, young artists will embark on a journey of imagination as they explore captivating themes! This week the theme is "Famous Artists" - Discover the techniques of famous artists as we draw, paint, and sculpt our own masterpieces! Guided by our dedicated instructors, campers will have the opportunity to experiment with an array of materials and techniques to bring their artistic visions to life.

                    To ensure a tailored experience, our class will be led by two experienced teachers who will engage campers in daily activities. Whenever possible, we'll organize the class into smaller groups, allowing for personalized attention and age-appropriate instruction.

                    Don't miss this chance for your child to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and fun at our July Summer Art Camp!

                    *For sibling discount, please select "guest" at checkout to add a sibling*

                         
                        • Friday, September 05, 2025
                        • Saturday, September 06, 2025
                        • 2 sessions
                        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield
                        • 18

                        This comprehensive and enjoyable workshop will better familiarize participants with color palettes, the effective blending of colors, use of brushes, and responsiveness of the medium on different papers. A range of exercises will allow painters to explore and apply various wash methods – wet-on-wet, dry-brush, glazing, blending, sharp and soft edges, dilution control, among others. Each dynamic session will address some of the many aspects of color theory. Using still life subjects & from the instructor’s demos, participants will learn ways to structure & simplify a composition, while learning to see and achieve the dynamic elements of light, contrast, values, movement, textures, etc., which make paintings come alive. Experimentation and interpretative methods will also be demonstrated, discussed and encouraged during the workshop. The workshop will comprise two studio classes, for about 8 hours each day, with a 45-60 minute lunch.

                        The workshop will provide a relaxed place for participants to quickly understand and then develop their skills, with the watchful input of the instructor. Some previous painting experience would be preferable, but not required. Participant’s abilities should include basic drawing, and a comfort level with watercolor. With a likely diversity of skills, capabilities will vary widely, but one-on-one instruction will be tailored to each individual’s level. Expectations are for a creative, exciting environment from which the collective energies and interests will allow everyone to learn much more than otherwise struggling to discover alone. Also, expectations are for making “mistakes”, and for having fun while learning with an award-winning watercolorist.

                        About the Instructor: Frank is  an accomplished watercolor painter of urban scenes, landscapes, homes, portraits and still life in a plein air, or a direct alla prima colorist style. He is continually inspired by the effortless, masterful works of watercolorists from many eras and cultures; particularly Sargent, Homer, Turner, Wyeth, Zorn, Reid, Prendergast, Hiroshi and fellow Winthrop native, John Whorf. Frank enjoys the fluid challenge and unexpected possibilities of watercolor. Given the inherent transparency of his preferred medium and infinite range of possible values and colors, he strives to express watercolor’s rich, luminous qualities in his pieces. He also enjoys working on figurative sketches in pencil, pen & ink, and other mediums. Frank is a signature member of the New England Watercolor Society (N.E.W.S.) Boston, and elected member of the Salmagundi Club of New York. He is also a multiple award-winning architectural illustrator for over five decades of collaborating with renowned national architects to produce striking illustrations of projects around the world.

                        "Light, shade, shadow, color, values, textures; the substantive and the fleeting, the design and contours of shape and form; the intersection and interplay of the tangible and intangible – these life qualities are always capturing my attention. The interpretative and unexpected possibilities of the watercolor medium present an exciting artistic challenge to capture these very qualities in every work. "

                        Materials List: Coming Soon

                        • Saturday, September 20, 2025
                        • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
                        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills
                        • 12
                        Register

                        The goal of the class will be to simplify painting watercolors, from Planning, Materials, Composition,

                        Washes, Shapes, Perspective, Values, Edges and anything else that comes up. The day will start with a short talk and demo followed by the class trying to paint following the advice given.

                        1. Materials: Paper, Brushes, Paints, Palettes, Easels, etc..

                        2. Vision: Perspective, Shapes, Positive, Negative, etc.

                        3. Paint: Washes, Consistency, Values, Mixing, Application, Edges, etc.

                        4. Composition: Subject, Contrasts, etc.

                        All levels welcome


                        About the Artist

                        Watercolor artist Jack Haran is the past president of the New England Watercolor Society (NEWS) and past President of North River Arts Society (NRAS). He sits on the Board of Directors for NRAS. He earned a BS in Fine Arts from Northeastern University and a School of the Museum of Fine Arts Diploma. He has studied with Tony Van Hasselt and Judi Wagner, Zygmond Jankowski, John Kilroy, Alvaro Castagnet and Joseph Zbukvic.


                        Materials List

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                      157 Old Main Street
                      Marshfield Hills, MA 02051
                      P.O. Box 307

                      781 837 8091
                      NorthRiverArts@gmail.com

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