Whether you are a lifelong journal-keeper or eager to start now, learn ways to incorporate multiple mediums of expression into your writing. Are you tired of simply ruminating in your journal and never looking back at what you read? Do you have a milestone event you want to capture in words and images?  This class offers inspiration for deep engagement with your life experiences. Raye Leonard teaches a fusion of journaling techniques, including freewriting, proprioceptive writing, poetry and recipes, collage, scrapbooking, nature journaling, illuminated autobiography, and more. Students must have an audio- and video-enabled laptop, desktop, or tablet with reliable internet to participate in class. We do not recommend using a smartphone.

Acadian Arts Asian Fusion Cooking Retreat at Homeport Inn, Searsport, ME 

Your instructor, Chris Toy is the author of 6 popular cookbooks, a private chef, and has taught Asian-fusion cooking for several Maine community education programs. Cooking students will learn how to prepare a variety of recipes from Asia, Europe, and the Americas incorporating traditional and local ingredients. Each meal will actively engage cooks with the tools, techniques, and stories behind the dishes being created.

Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their “beautiful little island” in the Canadian Maritimes, Campobello Island. We will be exclusive guests of the international park, staying in historic Victorian cottages. Workshop participants will explore and paint the same coastal scenery enjoyed by the summer residents at the turn of the 20th century. All meals are included in the workshop fee as well as specially planned optional evening activities designed to extend your learning from the day’s workshops, including a private concert by award winning Celtic Fiddle player, Katherine Moller, in the Victorian parlor of Hubbard House. Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight accommodations in the park. 

Comments from recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants: 

“I learned so much that Chris taught me, and the recipes were attainable."  “Chris speaks slowly and encourages questions."

Mary Laury is an accomplished watercolorist and highly esteemed teacher. She encourages all her students to believe they can be successful. Painting is an exciting medium; it flows and moves and does beautiful things. If you have never painted in watercolors, we will start at the beginning. If you have painted before, you will pick up some new tips and tricks as well. We all learn together!

Two three-hour classroom sessions plus an instructional semi-private shooting lesson at a range for an additional fee. You will learn how to create a personal and home protection plan and why. You will learn self-defensive firearm basics and fundamentals. You will learn about legal use of force and what happens during a deadly encounter and afterwards. You’ll be introduced to different gear and equipment, especially pistols and ammunition. You will practice during class using a SIRT Laser pistol to learn to shoot both accurately and defensively. Range time will be when you will shoot live rounds. No handguns may be brought to class. Beginners are welcome but best for those that have some shooting experience.  Course certificate is accepted for Concealed Carry Permit application.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to do yoga, this class will teach you the basic postures, breathwork, and flow to get you started on your yoga journey. No experience necessary. If you are already comfortable on the mat, this class is an invitation to deepen your practice by slowing down. Yoga mats and blocks provided. Please bring a blanket and other props, if you’d like. No class 11/28 (Thanksgiving); dates: 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, and 12/12.