The Marion Art Center (MAC) has scheduled an exciting new slate of fall classes for both children and adults.
Adult Classes
Fundamentals of Drawing — A new class at the MAC, instructor Patty White returns with a course for adults who want to learn drawing fundamentals in an encouraging environment. During the eight-week session, participants will work on paper using pencil or ink and cover topics such as basic mark-making, line, value, volume, perspective, and texture. Ample time is provided for in-class studio practice, drawing still life, florals, manufactured items, the human face and figure, or nature. This course suits both beginners and more experienced students. The eight-week Fall Session 1 runs Tuesdays, September 8 through November 3 (with no class on October 6) from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The course is $215 for MAC members and $255 for nonmembers. More information and registration are available at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.
Six-Week Acting Class: Scene Study for Adults — The new acting class is geared toward those curious about standing on stage or returning to acting after other paths. The class offers a chance to explore acting in a supportive environment with experienced instructors guiding participants. Actors will dissect classic texts or scenes from modern plays, dust off their funny bone with theater games, and explore acting fundamentals. Participants will practice reading texts, character analysis, voice work and more. Whether preparing for an audition at the MAC or elsewhere, or trying something new, all are welcome. The Fall Session 1 runs Wednesdays, September 23 through November 4 (with no class on October 14) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the MAC’s Patsy Francis Gallery, upstairs at the MAC, 80 Pleasant St., Marion. The cost is $195 for MAC members and $225 for nonmembers. More information and registration are available at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.
Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom — Lisa Elliott returns to the MAC to teach weaving or help students refine their techniques. Over five weeks, students will create and take home a woven project. They will weave one of the following: a scarf, table runner, set of placemats or set of tea towels. Looms and weaving equipment are provided for a $10 fee, but students may bring their own rigid heddle loom. Classes are held Thursdays, September 11 through October 9, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the MAC Studio. The five-week class costs $150 for MAC members and $160 for nonmembers. More information and registration can be found at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.
Improv Workshop — The popular Improv Workshop is back for one night only. Garett Olson and Jess Ellis-Wilson will conduct the workshop on October 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater. This course is a basic introduction to improvisation. Coursework includes beginner games and exercises exploring awareness, relaxation, observation, the senses, voice and physicality. Students should dress comfortably and be ready to move during class because anything can happen in improv. Students are encouraged to bring any questions about improvisation. The cost is $40 for MAC members and $50 for nonmembers. More information and registration are at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.
Silk Painting: The Color of Taste — RED: Painted Pomegranates on Silk — What does red taste like? 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 this symbol of sun, life, abundance, rebirth, immortality and love together. Explore your creative side by experimenting with color and paint without fear of mistakes. Join instructor Lidia Mikhaylova in this easy, relaxing silk painting workshop. At the end, students will take home their own work. Instead of complex techniques, students will observe how paint moves on fabric using various application methods. The workshop is Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in the MAC Studio. The cost is $60 for MAC members and $75 for nonmembers. All materials will be provided. The workshop is limited to a small group —more information and registration at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.
All Levels Watercolor Painting for Adults — Instructor Jay Ryan continues at the MAC with a new autumn schedule. His course suits those with some painting experience and is a perfect next step for those wanting to explore watercolor beyond basic color and brush strokes. In each class, students will start a new painting together using landscape, still life, figure, abstract or imaginative, or narrative subjects. At the end, there will be a brief, supportive group critique. Students will leave with expanded knowledge of technique and traditional and contemporary watercolor uses. Ryan offers a two-hour Thursday session from 10 a.m. to noon in the MAC Studio, and a three-hour Friday session from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The eight-week session begins September 10/11 and runs through October 29/30. The two-hour Thursday session costs $215 for MAC members and $255 for nonmembers. The three-hour expanded Friday session costs $320 for MAC members and $365 for nonmembers. Drop-ins are also welcome, at $35 to $50 per day — more information and registration at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.
Children’s Classes
Early Release/Half-Day Camp (Ages 6–12) — The MAC’s half-day camps are special, one-time themed sessions for students released early from school. Children will be walked over from Sippican School and then enjoy time in the MAC Studio. On Friday, October 9,from 12:20 pm to 3:00 pm., the focus is Wild Art. Campers will explore the animal kingdom through paint, clay, collage and more. Each project is inspired by a different creature and introduces a new art technique, from texture-making to color mixing. No art experience is needed, just a love of critters and a willingness to get messy. The cost is $75 for MAC members and $85 for nonmembers. More information is at marionartcenter.org/art-lab.
MAC Dance Academy (Ages 2.5–9) — MAC Dance Academy is a classically taught dance studio that fosters individuality and fun for children ages 2.5 to 9. These two relaxed programs provide instruction in ballet, tap and jazz, with touches of contemporary, hip-hop and gymnastics, all in a safe, fun environment. Registration for fall classes is now open.
Preschool/Kinderstep Dance (Ages 2.5–5) — This class is a joyful introduction to ballet, tap and basic tumbling, with a strong focus on movement and music. It is designed to be exploratory and fun, giving young dancers freedom to express themselves, whether following along or dancing to their own beat. The cost per 12-week session is $225 for MAC members and $260 for nonmembers.
Elementary Dance/Tumbling (Ages 5–9) — This class suits children ready to explore ballet and tap and build basic tumbling skills in a structured yet fun environment. Teachers provide classical dance instruction paired with games and creative activities to keep young dancers engaged and excited. The cost per 12-week session is $290 for MAC members and $330 for nonmembers. More information and registration at marionartcenter.org/mac-dance-academy/.
Art in the Afternoon: The Maker Club (Ages 6–12) — In this hands-on art club, kids will have access to a wide variety of arts and crafts materials, tools and textures each week. From paint and paper to recycled bits, fabric, wire and more, every session is an invitation to explore, invent and make something uniquely their own. With creative prompts to spark ideas and a supportive instructor to guide their process, students are free to experiment, tinker and express themselves in a relaxed, imaginative environment. Whether building, drawing, gluing or sculpting, Maker Club is about the joy of creating without pressure, where the process matters more than the final product. It is perfect for curious minds who love to explore and make art their own way. Fall Session 1 sessions are September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 16 and 23. There are two options: a one-hour session or a 1.5-hour session after school. The longer option allows an extra half hour for creation and exploration and more time for guardians to arrive for pickup. The one-hour option runs from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the MAC Studio and is $155 for MAC members and $185 for nonmembers. The 1.5-hour option runs from 3:00 to 4:30 pm and is $235 for MAC members and $275 for nonmembers. More information and registration are available at marionartcenter.org/art-lab.