Spoon Carving for Beginners
Learn to carve a spoon from a tree. This class will focus on gaining skills with two main tools of spoon carving – the sloyd (straight) knife and the hook knife. We will explore wood grain, learn different strokes and maintenance with each knife, and learn how to care for your body while carving. Students will leave the class with their own spoon, handouts of further resources, and the empowerment to continue learning and making things out of wood. This is a great class for beginners, as well as folks with some experience carving who are looking to brush up / reengage!
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner
Glass and Resin Art
Bring your creativity for this introduction to glass and resin art. Stacey will guide students though designing and building their own 8x10 art piece using glass pieces, ground glass, beads and more. You will then learn how to prepare and pour epoxy resin to turn your design into a framed, finished piece perfect for a sunny spot.
All materials included, students are encouraged to bring inspiration images from photographs to coloring pages.
Resin will need to cure overnight in the studio, MAXT staff will arrange pickup of cured pieces shortly after the class.
Wood Turning for Beginners: Mushrooms
Join us for an evening with fun guy Bryan to learn the basics of turning and create your own set of mushroom ornaments. This is a great introduction to spindle turning and working with live edge blanks.
Mural in a Weekend
Make a Big impression this summer! Join Lorin from Letterly, professional muralist and sign writer for this exciting crash course.
Have you ever wanted to paint a mural but weren’t sure where to start? Let an experienced muralist lead you through the process of designing, transferring and painting your art on a wall, all while beautifying MAXT’s new home at Noone Falls!
You’ll receive design pointers, review the many techniques for transferring your design, and play with industry-favorite tools and materials for installing your mural right on the walls of MAXT Makerspace.
Each student will take on a letter in our large MAKERSPACE mural at MAXT. We'll start the weekend with design and image transfer methods with Lorin. Students will then have Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to work independently, Lorin will return midday Sunday to help with those final installs.
Students will have access outside of class hours if they need additional time to finish their piece.
Please bring some inspiration from drawings to found images to kick start your design.
Chainmail Dice Bag
Join Eric for a deep dive into chainmail in this day long course. Students will learn the basic of making chainmail fabric in the process of creating a drawstring bag, perfect for dice as a coin purse or for other small items.
The piece is based around European 4-1 chainmail weave, one of the most versatile weaves for creating fabric and the classic look seen in Hollywood movies! We'll talk about design, materials selection and construction. Students will learn how to create expanding circles and making three dimensional shapes..
All materials are provided and students will learn all the skills required in the class. Depending on your pace some additional time at home (pliers not included) or open work time at MAXT using our tools may be required.
Quilt in a Week
Get some great new quilting skills in this one week crash course with Patricia!
Students will create a traditional log cabin quilt of their own design - from planning to cutting, stitching the quilt top, quilting a binding. This is a great skill building course for new sewists or those just stepping into the world of quilting.
Students will be able to complete a small lap quilt or table runner sized piece during instruction hours, students are welcome to work in the space at MAXT outside of contact hours and during our weekly Open Studios to complete a larger quilt.
We have an assortment of fabrics available at MAXT but, you will need to mostly use your own. This block can use strips as narrow as 1 ½ inch wide and is an excellent project for scrap fabrics. Please bring an assortment of light, dark, and medium colored cotton fabric pieces to the first class.
Your instructor, Patricia, loves to collaborate with other creators, so feel free to have a project idea of your own and to bring completed or unfinished blocks that you might want to add to your project.
Relaxing with Zentagle
Join Gracie for our ongoing Zentangle series, great for beginners and experienced tanglers - we'll all work on a single tile and set of patterns in this relaxed session. Come to one or join us monthly!
Materials are provided, students are welcome to bring their own preferred supplies.
If you think you are not an artist, or that you have no creativity, or that you can’t even draw a straight line, then this class may be for you.
If you are looking to relax and unwind from the stresses of life, then this class may be for you.
If you are looking for an artistic type of meditation, then this class may be for you!
Anyone can learn the Zentangle Method. When we “tangle”, we draw simple lines that form into patterns; these patterns are put together to create something beautiful.
Zentangle is meditative by nature. It is a great way to take time out and relax. In Zentangle, we start with gratitude, and we believe that everyone has an inner artist, and everyone is creative. Even though we are drawing structured patterns, no two tiles ever come out the same. The size of a Zentangle tile is small, about 4 by 4 inches, so in no time at all you will have created your little masterpiece!
Member Showcase: Final Friday Lecture Series
Join us for an evening of introductions and explorations. A selection of MAXT makers will show off their work with slides, examples and tell us about their inspirations in 10minute mini seminars. We'll end with an opportunity for discussion, to meet makers and explore the new MAXT facility.
Members interested in presenting should contact Dave to get on the schedule: david@maxtmakerspace.org
Stained Glass for Beginners: Suncatcher
Bring some sparkle and shimmer to your life by learning all about stained glass!
Learn to create in stained glass, making a beautiful 5 pointed star in vibrant colored glass. Students will learn how to safely handle glass, to select the correct pieces for their project, cut, grind, foil, solder, and polish. A full introduction to this beautiful artform.
Single session
Miniatures Painting 101
Get your geek on with this intensive miniatures painting introduction. Students will learn how to prepare a commercial miniature, collectable or 3D print for painting then work with a pre-prepared example piece to learn techniques. This class will cover the principals of lighting, airbrush use, brush layering, washes, drybrushing, metallics, organic textures and weathering. We'll also cover the best practices for choosing paints and tools for future projects.
Solar Printing
Join us for a unique way to capture the sun! Students will use sun activated dyes to print their own unique designs on a cotton tote. A huge variety of images can be captured and the class will include some time to forage for fallen leaves and other natural materials to include in their designs. We'll also have on hand some fun tools and items from the makerspace to incorporate!
Here Be Dragons: Mini Makers Summer
Go on an epic making quest this summer with the Mini Makers! Step into a world of fantastic beasts, princesses, castles and knights all made by you. Over the course of 5 days our brave adventurers will conquer a host of skills from fiber arts to 3D printing, cardboard to chainmail. They’ll end the week with a dragon’s horde of medieval masterpieces to take home.
Mini Makers is for kids entering grades 1-4
CNC for Beginners: Make a Sign
The perfect introduction to CNC with expert Vince! V-Carve a sign or decorative item on our CNC. Over 3 sessions, the class will cover:
What is v-carving?
Compiling and customizing a 2D design using InkScape. (Sample designs and fonts will be provided.)
Importing and preparing your design for v-carving using Fusion 360 and Simulating your toolpaths.
Setting up and cutting your design on the CNC, and finishing your item.
Age Range: 18+
Level: Beginner
MAXT has computing available for all students and can provide access to them outside of class hours for those who do not have their own machine available.
It is recommended that students bring their own laptop with InkScape and Fusion 360 personal version installed to easily be able to continue sign design outside of class hours. These are both free and can be found at the following links.
InkScape: https://inkscape.org/
Fusion 360: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal
Exploring Embroidery: Throw Pillow
Join us for a unique fiber arts class where you’ll learn the art of hand embroidery, while transforming a plain pillowcase into your own work of art! Learn the fundamentals of hand embroidery under the guidance of embroidery artist, Erin Boyle. Incorporate mixed media techniques, like needle felting and beading, to add additional textures and visual interest to your designs. This class will include a component on hand dyeing threads with instructor, Dave Broughton, so you can learn to create your own unique hues. By the end of this course, you’ll have all the necessary skills and inspiration to continue your fiber arts crafting at home! No prior experience necessary.
Class Highlights
*Learn popular embroidery stitches
*Transform your designs into patterns for hand embroidery
*Explore needle felting and beading appliqué techniques
*Discover the art of custom dyeing threads
*Create a unique throw pillow applying all the techniques from class
Craft + Beer @ Post and Beam - Leather Key Fob
Learn the basic of leather work in this make and take class with Donlin and Jaya of Horse Hill Studio. Create your own, unique embossed leather key fob - plus your first beer is on us!
Art Jam!
Come and join local artist Hannah Banana and MAXT staff for a fun filled night of community art!
We'll have a host of art materials to share and we encourage you to bring your own. Create art to keep, give or share something you've created. Its a night of free expression for all ages.
This is a FREE event.
Glass and Resin Art: Lanterns
Join Stacy for this summery session of glass and resin art. Students will have the opportunity to create 4 coordinating designs, using their own drawings or from patterns and coloring pages in sparkling glass and beads. Stacy will lead you through how to design your piece, cut glass safely, build and resin pour to complete your piece. Your four pieces will be mounted in a beautiful lantern to enjoy during those warm summer evenings.
Students will need to collect their finished pieces after curing (1-2days). We will assist with arranging pickup
Introduction to Wood Turning: Green Wood Bowls
A wonderful introduction to woodturning and using green wood, this is a perfect introductory class. Bryan will take students through the first steps of safety and use of the wood lathe including tool sharpening and blank preparation. Then students will be guided through turning a bowl with a single gouge using green wood, to produce a beautiful bowl that will naturally change shape into a softened organic form as it dries.
The MAXT County Fair
Step right up for a whole host of new games and activities at the MAXT County Fair! We had so much fun last year making a whole host of fairground games and decorations that we’re doing it again - with all new projects! From wood working to textiles, problem solving and painting. Spend the week creating with us, then celebrate with your very own fair for family and friends.
Junior Creatives is for youth entering grades 5-8
Make a Book Series: Papermaking
Discover the art and craft of handmade paper in this immersive workshop! Join us as we explore traditional papermaking techniques, from pulping fibers to forming and pressing sheets. You'll learn the history behind this beautiful craft, experiment with textures and inclusions, and leave with your own unique creations. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this hands-on experience will inspire creativity and connection with the materials. Come ready to get a little wet and a lot inspired!
Make a Book is a three part series - choose 1, 2 or all 3 programs. Students enrolling in all 3 parts will get a FREE MAXT t-shirt.
Basically Drawing - Intensive
Sue Ann offers some sketching and drawing FUN! Let her take you from "I can't draw a straight line" to the confidence of realizing you don't usually use straight lines to draw. :-)
In just two days, you'll discover you can draw anything better!
Beginners through experienced artists - Anyone who just wants to come and play!
Instruction * Exercises * Fun!
* * *
Things you'll learn about:
Tools - how to use them
Pencils
Papers
Erasers
How to measure
Art Terminology
Value
Hue
Shade
Skills
How to see like an artist
How to edit what you see Light on Form
Why basic geometric shapes are your friends
We'll draw a cone, cylinder, cube, sphere, pyramid, mobius strip
Concave and convex drawings
All materials included along with a set of beginner materials to continue your journey at home.
Carve a Butter Knife
Come learn to carve a butter knife from a branch! In this class, we will use just one tool, the straight carving knife (sloyd knife), to carve an elegant butter knife from green wood. Students will learn about wood grain, wood selection, design features, knife grips and maintenance, and how to care for your body while carving. This class is an opportunity to focus entirely on using one tool to make something useful and beautiful with your hands. Students will leave the class with their own finished butter knife, for mixing nut butters, spreading jams, mixing sauces, sauteeing vegetables…
This is a great class for beginners, as well as folks with some experience carving who are looking to brush up/ reengage and learn a new form!
Upcycled Adventures: Mini Makers Summer
Turn trash to treasure in this week-long program for Mini Makers. We’ll dive into a whole world of thrifted finds and surplus supplies, to create some fun and functional art pieces. Explore mosaics, woodwork, papercraft, textiles and more as we make our way to a more sustainable summer!
Mini Makers is for kids entering grades 1-4
Flower Petal Resin Tray
Interested in working with resin but don't know where to start? Join Kerry from The Tragic Whale to create your own, one of a kind, flower petal tray! You'll learn the basics, including mixing, de-bubbling, and removing sharp edges from the finished piece. At the end of this class, you'll have the skills to continue exploring this medium at home. Dried flower petals will be provided.
Students will need to pick up their cured work from MAXT in the week following the class.
Acrylic Abstracts - painting by intuition
Do you overthink your painting, feel stuck in your head? Do you ever feel locked up or immobilized?
Join local artist Carole Gourvellec in an Intuitive Acrylic Abstract Painting Class and
learn to turn your brain off and be free in your painting.
You will learn how to use a variety of different tools, create texture and add contrast.
Experience how to loosen up and just play, gain ideas and have fun in your artwork.
And simply Let Go.
Join in and capture that fresh, creative spark that you’ve been wanting!
In this class we’ll be using brayers, silicone paint brushes, spatulas, regular paint brushes and fine tip bottle applicators, markers and perhaps other tools to allow your intuitive artistic self to explore!
Feel free to bring your own favorite tools and supplies if you’d like. Some of us have our favorites!
Make a Book: Block Printing
This block printing workshop is a hands-on creative experience where participants learn the art of relief printing. Using linoleum or rubber blocks, attendees carve intricate designs, ink their creations, and press them onto paper or fabric to produce stunning prints. This workshop typically covers essential techniques such as design transfer, carving methods, inking processes, and printing variations. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, lino printing offers a unique way to explore texture, pattern, and composition. Expect a relaxed yet engaging environment where creativity flows and each participant leaves with their own handmade block and prints!
Make a Book is a three part series - choose 1, 2 or all 3 programs. Students enrolling in all 3 parts will get a FREE MAXT t-shirt.
Lidded Coil Baskets
Join fiber artist Devin for a deeper dive into the meditative art of coil basket making. Using natural rope and locally produced yarns, students will learn the foundations of coil basketry and build up a unique and beautiful medium sized vessel. Students will learn how to size and fit a lid as well as more complex shaping techniques.
This class is suitable for beginners and students from previous colorful coil basket classes from Devin.
Woodworking for Beginners: Outdoor Chairs
Get down to basics in the woodshop with Carter.
This is a perfect beginner class to lead you through how to quickly create something you can be proud of from basic materials using the tools in the MAXT woodshop. Learn how to work from a plan, measure, cut, build and seal projects for outdoor use.
Students will create 2 outdoor chairs from easy to source lumber, one to live on our deck at MAXT and one to take home
Public Art Party: Junior Creatives Summer
Make a BIG impression this summer at MAXT. A full week of art to really show off your creativity, we’ll work on multiple pieces of public art: designing and installing part of our permanent murals at MAXT, creating a Little Free Art Library and designing a mini art trail for public display later in the year. Plus lots of fun and fast large scale art to get that inspiration going!
Junior Creatives is for youth entering Grades 5-8
Silver and Brass Bangles: Beginner Jewelry Smithing
Making bangle bracelets is a great way to give metalsmithing a try. Students will learn to shape, solder, texture and polish wire to create several bangles in brass and silver. Come to discover the joys of jewelry making and leave with a fabulous new fashion statement!
Any students with long hair will need to wear it up for this class.
Relaxing with Zentagle
Join Gracie for our ongoing Zentangle series, great for beginners and experienced tanglers - we'll all work on a single tile and set of patterns in this relaxed session. Come to one or join us monthly!
Materials are provided, students are welcome to bring their own preferred supplies.
If you think you are not an artist, or that you have no creativity, or that you can’t even draw a straight line, then this class may be for you.
If you are looking to relax and unwind from the stresses of life, then this class may be for you.
If you are looking for an artistic type of meditation, then this class may be for you!
Anyone can learn the Zentangle Method. When we “tangle”, we draw simple lines that form into patterns; these patterns are put together to create something beautiful.
Zentangle is meditative by nature. It is a great way to take time out and relax. In Zentangle, we start with gratitude, and we believe that everyone has an inner artist, and everyone is creative. Even though we are drawing structured patterns, no two tiles ever come out the same. The size of a Zentangle tile is small, about 4 by 4 inches, so in no time at all you will have created your little masterpiece!
Make a Book Series: Coptic Bookbinding
In this workshop participants will learn the ancient technique of Coptic stitch binding. This method, which dates back to the 2nd century A.D. and marked the significant shift from scrolls to the codex format. Coptic bookbinding features an exposed spine with decorative chain stitching, allowing the book to lay completely flat when open—a favorite among artists and journal makers! Attendees will learn how to work with materials such as paper signatures, waxed thread, and sturdy covers, and master the art of sewing individual sections together to create a durable and beautiful book. Whether you're new to bookbinding or refining your skills, this workshop offers a perfect blend of historical craft and modern creativity, ensuring each participant leaves with a handmade book and the knowledge to continue exploring the technique.
Make a Book is a three part series - choose 1, 2 or all 3 programs. Students enrolling in all 3 parts will get a FREE MAXT t-shirt.
Art Jam!
Come and join local artist Hannah Banana and MAXT staff for a fun filled night of community art!
We'll have a host of art materials to share and we encourage you to bring your own. Create art to keep, give or share something you've created. Its a night of free expression for all ages.
This is a FREE event.
Custom Fit Two Piece Swimsuit
Hate trying on swimsuits, or always struggling to find the right fit? Then this is the class for you!
We're making our pattern, based on our body measurements, for a basic two-piece women's bathing suit, so you can customize and sew as many well-fitting suits as you need!
This class is suitable for an adventurous beginner to intermediate sewist - some experience sewing stretch fabrics will be helpful.
Swimsuit fabric is included with the class, in black. Students are welcome to bring their own fabric to class if different color is desired. A great option is to make the first suit in the fabric provided to test fit, then sew another suit in the fabric pattern of your choice. We'll discuss fabric selection during class.
Class 1: Bottoms - We'll measure ourselves, and create our patterns for a pair of basic, full coverage, bathing suit bottoms. We'll also go over some customizing options for high-waisted or ruched details, depending on wearer preference and sewing experience. Get started with the basics of sewing swimwear fabric, using swim elastic, and using a serger. Please bring a pair of well fitting bathing suit bottoms or underwear to help with pattern making.
Class 2: Tops - We'll build on our swimsuit sewing skills and create a pullover sport bra style swim top based on our body measurements. Additional options for customizing straps and neckline given. If possible, please bring a well fitting bathing suit top or sports bra to help with pattern making.
Female Faces with Sue Ann Hum
Gain confidence in drawing and painting faces! Join local artist specializing in lively female portraits Sue Ann Hum.
Sue Ann will teach basic proportion and shapes, and photo transfer. You’ll be encouraged to embrace your own style and abandon any attempt at perfection!
Students will explore drawing techniques and watercolor in this course. Copyright-free photos will be provided, or student may use their own photos.
Students may use whatever medium they want to develop the final project, watercolor, canvases and a selection of other materials will be available. Students are encouraged to bring their own materials to allow them to work in their favored media.
Students are required to have basic drawing skills, this is a great course to continue education from Sue Ann's Basically Drawing or from previous offerings at MAXT.
Accompanying images represent Sue Ann's work and class subjects may vary.
Stained Glass for Beginners: Suncatcher
Bring some sparkle and shimmer to your life by learning all about stained glass!
Learn to create in stained glass, making a beautiful 5 pointed star in vibrant colored glass. Students will learn how to safely handle glass, to select the correct pieces for their project, cut, grind, foil, solder, and polish. A full introduction to this beautiful artform.
Single session
Fashion Week: Young Creatives Summer
Get ready for your own runway show in this week of fashion exploration in our textiles space at MAXT. Create pieces for your own personal style - from a mix of creative challenges to structured tuition in garment sewing, this week has it all! Create your own fabrics with dye and printmaking techniques. Learn how to sew from patterns, how to use a serger, perform some alterations and embellish to make your work truly unique. We’ll end the week with a Friday evening fashion show - bring your family and friends.
Young Creatives is for youth entering grades 9-12
Miniatures Painting: Vehicles and Weathering
In this course we'll cover techniques for making your vehicles look factory fresh with the airbrush and brush painting. Then we'll mess them all up with weathering! Take your model making to the next level.
This class will cover model preparation, preshading, color selection, track and wheels, heat blooms and exhaust soot, glow effects, decals, chipping, dusting, oils and weathering powders.
Some example models will be available for this course but it is recommended you bring your own piece to work on. Please let us know ahead of time if you don't plan to bring a model.
Examples of suitable pieces to work on:
Any 28mm scale wargames piece (Games Workshop or similar). 1/35 scale military models, cars or similar. Fully assembled and primed grey.
Adirondack Pack Basket
Learn the traditional craft of weaving a sturdy, functional backpack-style basket! In this workshop we will explore techniques for shaping and weaving durable materials like reed or ash splints, creating a basket designed for carrying gear, firewood, or personal belongings. The workshop typically covers essential skills such as forming the base, weaving the sides, attaching a rim, and adding straps for comfortable wear. Whether you're new to basket weaving or honing your craft, this workshop offers a blend of history, artistry, and practicality, ensuring each participant leaves with a beautifully handcrafted pack basket ready for everyday use.
Fly Tying for Beginners
It's Summer! Time to fill up those fly boxes, and get out on the river. Students will leave this class with the foundation necessary to tie all the patterns needed to catch trout in the Monadnock Region.
We'll focus on easy to tie but very effective patterns in four different categories - Nymphs, Wet Flies, Dry Flies, and Streamers. Tying several flies in one or two patterns in each category, students will learn general techniques, knots and whip finishing, and how to select the proper materials for each pattern. Everyone will go home with up to a dozen flies for their fly box. We'll start with basic patterns, but all flies will be tied in sizes that are usable on local waters.
All tools and materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own toolset if you have one.
No experience necessary. If you've tied before, this class might provide a good review and a way to improve your foundational techniques.
Sewing Alterations 101
Get more comfortable in the sewing room and in your clothes! Alterations 101 will teach basic skills of how to alter and repair your garments. From hems to patching, darts to denim. It's a two day crash course with Marybeth. We'll provide some pieces to work on for practice and encourage you to bring your own garments to alter.
Relaxing with Zentagle
Join Gracie for our ongoing Zentangle series, great for beginners and experienced tanglers - we'll all work on a single tile and set of patterns in this relaxed session. Come to one or join us monthly!
Materials are provided, students are welcome to bring their own preferred supplies.
If you think you are not an artist, or that you have no creativity, or that you can’t even draw a straight line, then this class may be for you.
If you are looking to relax and unwind from the stresses of life, then this class may be for you.
If you are looking for an artistic type of meditation, then this class may be for you!
Anyone can learn the Zentangle Method. When we “tangle”, we draw simple lines that form into patterns; these patterns are put together to create something beautiful.
Zentangle is meditative by nature. It is a great way to take time out and relax. In Zentangle, we start with gratitude, and we believe that everyone has an inner artist, and everyone is creative. Even though we are drawing structured patterns, no two tiles ever come out the same. The size of a Zentangle tile is small, about 4 by 4 inches, so in no time at all you will have created your little masterpiece!
Maker’s Workbench: Carpentry 101
Join Carter for this practical carpentry course for makers.
Over the two day sessions (1-6p Sat and Sun) you'll learn the skills to build your own workbench for use in a home studio or workshop, each student will leave with their own sturdy finished bench to fit their specific needs. Perfect for working with heavy tools and equipment or for holding a machine or art supplies. The class will cover basic design, types of construction and cover best practice in the woodshop.
Students will be provided materials to create a 2' x 4' plywood topped bench at a comfortable working height of around 36". Smaller or lower benches can be built. If you want to create a larger bench in class, students are responsible for additional materials.
Art Jam!
Come and join local artist Hannah Banana and MAXT staff for a fun filled night of community art!
We'll have a host of art materials to share and we encourage you to bring your own. Create art to keep, give or share something you've created. Its a night of free expression for all ages.
This is a FREE event.
Craft + Beer @ Post & Beam - Chainmail Jewelry
Learn some basics of chainmail jewelry in this special Craft + Beer session.
Eric will teach you how to create a boxchain weave from chainmail links. Everyone will work at their own pace to create at least once piece using the technique from a keychain to a set of earrings or a bracelet.
As always, your first beer is on us!
Art Jam!
Come and join local artist Hannah Banana and MAXT staff for a fun filled night of community art!
We'll have a host of art materials to share and we encourage you to bring your own. Create art to keep, give or share something you've created. Its a night of free expression for all ages.
This is a FREE event.
Art Jam!
Come and join local artist Hannah Banana and MAXT staff for a fun filled night of community art!
We'll have a host of art materials to share and we encourage you to bring your own. Create art to keep, give or share something you've created. Its a night of free expression for all ages.
This is a FREE event.
Craft + Beer @ Post & Beam - Dye a Silk Scarf or Tie
Add some swirling color to your wardrobe - or get ready for the gifting season, with this fun dye class.
Splash some prepared acid dye colors on your choice of scarf of tie blank and watch them set into beautiful iridescent finished pieces, ready to wear!
As always, your first beer is on us!
Art Jam!
Come and join local artist Hannah Banana and MAXT staff for a fun filled night of community art!
We'll have a host of art materials to share and we encourage you to bring your own. Create art to keep, give or share something you've created. Its a night of free expression for all ages.
This is a FREE event.
Introduction to Gouache
Join local artist Hannah Banana for this fun introduction and exploration of gouache.
Students will begin by learning how to control gouache colors, how they differ from watercolors and create a piece on pre drawn outline.
The second part of the class with allow students to experiment with technique and create their own unique pieces with guidance from Hannah.
*NEW lower cost registration*
Design and Build: Wooden Lamps
Get creative in the woodshop with John. We'll follow the process from a simple sketch through to techniques for building and finishing with a variety of tools in the shop. This is a great class for adventurous beginners.
Students will have a choice of beautiful hardwoods from our MAXT supply to create their lamps. Your lamp can be built with either traditional bulb fittings or led strips depending on your design.
3 sessions 6.30-9.30p June 10, 11 and 12
Large Scale Painting - The Big Wave
Create your own 30x40 mixed media Wave Art on Canvas with Hannah Banana!
In this workshop, we will explore Hannah Banana's favorite mixed media techniques & mediums while participants create their very own masterpiece.
From light washes to stencils, paint markers, heavy texture paints, even glitter and glow in the dark materials for the adventurous - you will get to explore and unleash your creativity on a large scale canvas.
This workshop will be 6hrs with a 30minute break for lunch whilst our first layers of paints dry.
Travel Sketchbooks
Join us for this charming class with Liz Knight.
We all take photographs when we travel, but they are fleeting moments captured in our phones. A travel sketchbook is a way to record important memories with words and visuals. This documentation slows down your thoughts and describes your trip with more detail and emotion.
You will learn basic quick sketching techniques that will help you find your style. Perfection is not the goal, taking the time to reflect and draw has more power than a perfect sketch.
There will be an introduction to perspective, techniques for capturing a space or object quickly and insights into light and contrast. We will use pen and watercolor and create a small sketchbook for you to use during the class.
Students are invited following the class to join Liz’s ongoing Monadnock Sketchers meet ups to draw together throughout the region.
Art Jam!
Come and join local artist Hannah Banana and MAXT staff for a fun filled night of community art!
We'll have a host of art materials to share and we encourage you to bring your own. Create art to keep, give or share something you've created. Its a night of free expression for all ages.
This is a FREE event.
Young Creatives - Gallery Show Opening
Come and join us for a celebration at MAXT for our very first Young Creatives Gallery Show Opening!
Our high school aged makers have been working and learning for 16 weeks in all kinds of making, this show is a culmination of their work.
Introduction to Wood Turning: Green Wood Bowls
A wonderful introduction to woodturning and using green wood, this is a perfect introductory class. Bryan will take students through the first steps of safety and use of the wood lathe including tool sharpening and blank preparation. Then students will be guided through turning a bowl with a single gouge using green wood, to produce a beautiful bowl that will naturally change shape into a softened organic form as it dries.
Final Friday Lecture Series: Paul Tuller - Japanese Wood Turning
In the fall of 2024, Paul Tuller had the opportunity to visit the workshops of 2 woodturners in Japan. Paul will share some photographs of the visit and talk about the Japanese approach to turning
Paul Tuller has been using Japanese hand tools for woodworking since 1980. Please visit Paul’s website at: www.paultuller.com to learn more about his background.
3D Printing: Desktop Bust
Feeling regal? Need a touch of whimsy for your desk? Always thinking about the Roman Empire? Then this fun 3D printing class is for you.
Learn how to use an AI modelling tool to create your own personal stature STL from a photograph. Then get trained on our FormLabs SLA resin printers to print your creation. Models will take several hours to print and cure.
In the second class we'll learn how to clean up a print, prepare for use and paint with our airbrushes here at MAXT to create a faux marble, before mounting your piece on a beautiful hardwood plinth.
Finished bust will be around 2.5" tall, 5" including plinth. Students will need a forward facing photograph on a plain background of their sculpture subject.
Relaxing with Zentagle
Join Gracie for our ongoing Zentangle series, great for beginners and experienced tanglers - we'll all work on a single tile and set of patterns in this relaxed session. Come to one or join us monthly!
Materials are provided, students are welcome to bring their own preferred supplies.
If you think you are not an artist, or that you have no creativity, or that you can’t even draw a straight line, then this class may be for you.
If you are looking to relax and unwind from the stresses of life, then this class may be for you.
If you are looking for an artistic type of meditation, then this class may be for you!
Anyone can learn the Zentangle Method. When we “tangle”, we draw simple lines that form into patterns; these patterns are put together to create something beautiful.
Zentangle is meditative by nature. It is a great way to take time out and relax. In Zentangle, we start with gratitude, and we believe that everyone has an inner artist, and everyone is creative. Even though we are drawing structured patterns, no two tiles ever come out the same. The size of a Zentangle tile is small, about 4 by 4 inches, so in no time at all you will have created your little masterpiece!
Natural Soap Making - Cut Loaf Luxury Soaps
In this two part class students will learn how to make luxurious cold process soap safely and with confidence including colors, clay, herbs and other inclusions.
This class covers safety procedures and the knowledge of formulating a recipe using lye, water and oil as well as how to enhance and embellish your soaps! A perfect introductory course, or a deeper dive after taking Kristen's beginner program.
Each student will be hands on and guided making their very own loaf of soap in the first 2hr session. Students will then return for a second 1hr class and learn to demold, cut and finish their soaps ready to use.
Exploring Watercolors - Freeform Session
Join us for a fun night of creative watercolors with Liz Knight.
The studio will be set up with watercolors and paper ready for you to relax and explore the magic of watercolor. Liz will demonstrate the fundamentals of mixing and layers and then send you off on your own explorations. Students are encouraged to bring their own projects and enjoy the community of painters. We will share encouragement and tips along the way.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Introduction to Quilting: Using the Long Arm Quilter
Stretch your sewing skills and get started with our long arm quilter here at MAXT. Students will learn how to prepare and load a fabric 'sandwich' for quilting and learn the basics of operating the long arm before practicing on a simple whole cloth piece.
Craft + Beer @ Post & Beam - Decorative Calligraphy
Learn some basics of hand lettering and decorative design with Lorin from Letterly in this special Craft + Beer session.
Grab one of our prepared wood boards and use wood scorch markers guided by Lorin's expert tuition to create your very own decorated, solid wood serving tray. Plus as always your first beer is on us!
Colorful Coil Baskets
Dive into the meditative art of coil basketry with local artist Devin. Using natural rope and locally produced yarns, students will learn the foundations of coil basketry and build up unique and beautiful small vessel. A perfect beginners class for relaxation and colorful expression!
Age Range: 14+
Level: Beginner
Spring Bike Tune Up
Get ready for spring and summer biking with experts Tausey and Zach. Bring your bikes to this special event for our Repair Cafe to learn how to get them in peak condition and back on the road. FREE
Introduction to Sound Recording
Join Ben Rogers of Loud Sun Studios for this introduction to sound recording and editing. Students will learn basic principals from Ben and have an opportunity to record their own audio in his professional studio in Jaffrey!
Perfect for budding musicians, podcasters and more!
Three sessions:
Digital Recording and Microphone Fundamentals
Learn about audio interfaces and digital audio workstations, how they work and how to use them.
We’ll study the difference between analog and digital formats as well as a brief history on the matter.
Come to understand the world of microphones, the different types and their applications.
Audio Production in a Recording Studio
Your chance to visit a local professional recording studio, learn how an audio production facility works and hear it in action.
Learn about the workflow in a studio, how a project is produced from start to finish.
Learn the basics of mixing, how to balance multiple signals and how to make your audio sound its best.
Working with Avid Pro Tools
Learn the basics of Pro Tools, one of the world’s most popular audio production software platforms.
We’ll discuss file structure, track types, editing tools and modes, recording, importing media, session navigation, using plug ins, tempo settings, working with MIDI, exporting audio, and more.
Sewist Skills: Introduction to the Serger
Join Siobhan for this dive into the sometimes scary world of sergers.
This 4 week course is a great step for sewists who have the basics but want to try working with stretch fabrics to create lounge and athletic wear.
Students will finish the class with a set of athletic leggings and a matching hoodie from the following pattern: https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m8244?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gclid...
CONCEPTS
What is a serger?
Develop your serger skills
Learn to read and use a pattern
How to take your measurements
Working with stretch fabrics
Pinning and cutting
Finishing
MAXT will provide all thread, notions, elastic and practice fabrics.
Students will need to provide 6yds total of Athletic knits /75% 4 way stretch-knits (4yds in color A, 2yds in contrast color B) in the color/pattern of their choice.
Very limited selections are available free of charge at MAXT, please check and reserve fabrics before class.
Flower Petal Resin Tray
Interested in working with resin but don't know where to start? Join Kerry from The Tragic Whale to create your own, one of a kind, flower petal tray! You'll learn the basics, including mixing, de-bubbling, and removing sharp edges from the finished piece. At the end of this class, you'll have the skills to continue exploring this medium at home. Dried flower petals will be provided.
Students will need to pick up their cured work from MAXT in the week following the class.
Steampunk Sculpture - Vehicles
Join the incredible Bruce Rosenbaum of ModVic for this flight of fancy. Students will dive into a world of imagination, fusing antique components and modern devices to create a piece straight of Victorian sci-fi.
Over the course of the workshop students will learn steampunk design principals and building techniques to create their own kinetic steampunk vehicle with rider from either an antique loom shuttle (similar to those used at Noone Falls during it’s textiles heyday) or wooden shoe mold. At the end of the workshop students will leave with their own completed sculpture.
About Bruce and ModVic:
ModVic is a Steampunk art and design company started in 2007 by my wife Melanie and myself. Together, we created the first functional Steampunk house in the world.
ModVic repurposes and infuses modern technology and cool gadgets into historic antiques and salvaged objects. We work with clients in the U.S. and internationally to design one-of-a-kind pieces, creatively combining eras and ideas to transform the ordinary into incredible Steampunk functional art.
The Steampunk design process celebrates history through telling the personal stories of individuals, organizations, hotels, bars, restaurants, corporations, museums, brands, and locations by reimagining period artifacts in new and meaningful ways. By repurposing objects, as well as the space around us, we take steps on a path towards re-imagining a better future.
I see Steampunk, the fusion of history + art + technology and adaptive reuse as a beautiful, functional solution to a variety of design challenges. I also believe strongly in achieving a return on “novelty”.
Over the years, our functional art and design business has been prominently featured in the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, CNN, Huffington Post, NPR and featured on MTV, A&E, Discovery, HGTV and Netflix among many other local and national media
Art Jam!
Come and join local artist Hannah Banana and MAXT staff for a fun filled night of community art!
We'll have a host of art materials to share and we encourage you to bring your own. Create art to keep, give or share something you've created. Its a night of free expression for all ages.
This is a FREE event.
Zero Waste Dish Soap Making
Join Kristen from The Vintage Herb Company for this great way to celebrate Earth Day!
Students will learn to safely blend oils and lye in this cold process method to create their own solid dish soap bars. A great introductory step into soap making and sustainable living. Each student will make over 1lb of soap, enough to last for months in the kitchen.
Soap will need to cure in molds for 2+ days, pickup can be arranged at the MAXT entry desk in the following week.
3D Printing: Lithophane Suncatchers
Create a unique suncatcher from your own photograph in this fun introduction to 3D printing.
Lithophanes are images printed in relief, which when held up to a light source reveal a stunning, translucent grey and white photograph.
This class teach students how to use online software to generate a .stl file from your own photograph. The class will focus on teaching students how to import and setup files in PreForm then prepare and begin a print on our Form3 SLA resin printers.
Students will also prepare frames for their finished pieces, which will be ready to pick up at MAXT during the following week.
Students will need to bring a USB key containing a photograph of their choice or have easy access to their photos online. The finished image will be 3" x 4"
Final Friday Lecture and Demo Series: Jim Cusmano - Contemporary Silk Painting
This is a FREE event open to the public, please RSVP as space is limited
Peterborough Artist Jim Cusmano will present an interesting and informative introduction to the Fine Art of Contemporary Silk Painting. The presentation will include a brief history of the medium from its wax resist origins in China and India during the second century A.D. through its journey to the Indonesia islands where some of the modern materials and techniques were developed. There will be a demonstration of the design and execution process with a Q&A session and an opportunity to try a “Hands On” experience for yourself.
After the talk there will be an opportunity to tour MAXT and connect with other makers and attendees.
“My inspiration comes from Nature. My paintings are all unique “One of a Kind” compositions created by applying transparent liquid French Dyes to White China Silk by hand, using a brush. The silk is stretched on a frame similar to canvas and various resists and holding techniques are used to manage the “Flow” of dye across the silk fabric. The finished painting is steamed to permanently set the colors and is re-stretched for framing. “
James Cusmano is a native New Jersey artist working in Silk, Pastels, Oils, Printmaking, Textile, Pottery and Ceramic Tile. His current focus is on vibrant nature themed paintings using transparent liquid French Dyes on white China Silk. He has a degree in Fine Art and Design from Pratt Institute, NY with specialty studies at School of Visual Arts, Manhattan and VACNJ, Summit, NJ. He has taught silk painting at VACNJ, and at the Center for Contemporary Art, Bedminster. Exhibitions include the Morris County Arts Workshop-Solo, Bernardsville Public Library-Solo, Washington Square outdoor, Gracie Mansion outdoor, Center for Contemporary Art outdoor, and VACNJ Members Shows. Cusmano owned and operated a successful art and framing gallery for over 10 years. His work is included in corporate and private collections ranging from 6” x 6” to 96” x 192”. He currently lives with his wife Christine and Peterborough, NH.
Stained Glass for Beginners: Suncatcher
Bring some sparkle and shimmer to your life by learning all about stained glass!
Learn to create in stained glass, making a beautiful 5 pointed star in vibrant colored glass. Students will learn how to safely handle glass, to select the correct pieces for their project, cut, grind, foil, solder, and polish. A full introduction to this beautiful artform.
2 2hr sessions per course
Pen Turning
Get on the Lathe for this quick primer on how to create your own custom turned pens! Working from kits and your choice of wood, penmaker Bryan Field will walk you through the process of making your own pen. You'll learn how to safely use a lathe and turning tools, precision measuring and shaping, adding hardware, and finishing techniques. It's a perfect beginning turning class and you will go home with a beautiful pen of your own making!
Pebble Mosaics
Create an outdoor pebble mosaic for your garden!
Session 1- Students may bring their own special pebbles they have collected or use some that will be available for the class. We will cover the proper techniques and materials to use for outdoor mosaics, Students will begin their pebble mosaic piece and finish on their own before the 2nd session.
Session 2- Students will learn proper techniques for grouting, sealing and maintenance of natural stone mosaics. There will be a demonstration and then students will grout their own pieces to take home for their garden or other outdoor space.
Introduction to Woodworking: Book Tree
Get a great introduction to the woodshop at MAXT and make yourself a fun, rustic shelf for your home. In this 3 part class students will learn how to select, measure, cut, plane, use the router and finishing techniques. Your finished book tree can be wall mounted or free standing and makes a beautiful addition to a reading space.
3 Sessions 6-9p
Giant Puppet Workshop
Please join us for a giant puppet making workshop. In collaboration with MAXT Makerspace, Children and the Arts is hosting a puppet making workshop to prepare for this year’s festival, Greatest Hits: Celebrating 30 years of Children and the Arts. Come and work collaboratively on puppets for our local elementary schools or make your own puppet. During this workshop, we will focus on cardboard sculpting and papier-mâché. Puppets may not be completed by the end of the workshop but will be finished by local schools or at home.
No experience necessary. Bring an open mind (and a sack lunch) and be ready to get your hands dirty!
Ages 14+ Limited to 20 participants.
Pysanky: Traditional Wax Resist Egg Dyeing
Get eggcited for this cracking class! Learn the satisfying art of Pysanky, the traditional Ukrainian art of wax resist egg dyeing. Students will learn how to use the kitska tool to apply layers of wax, dye their creations in successive colors and how to finish their piece by blowing the egg for preservation. Students will end the class with at least one intricate egg, depending on their pace most students will create multiple pieces.