Recommended New England gardening course

Every season I check out adult-education home/garden/art opportunites from around the region and find tempting offerings to consider. In the past, I’ve used each of these continuing-ed web posts to promote a variety of classes available through several venues. I’ve since found that highlighting one offering per season better focuses the spotlight. Take a look at my posts from previous seasons to get a sense of the many quality programs operating in the region. Enroll in a workshop on a lark, and get your creative juices flowing.

The Eco-Elegant Garden: The Art of Function and Design with Priscilla Randall

Instructor: Priscilla Randall

July 13, 15, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

July 17, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

"Summertime and the living is easy—except for gardeners! This course will focus on a new approach to garden design based on gentle observation and ecologically-nuanced practices. Eco-elegant gardeners garden less and observe the natural world more—from frogs jumpin' to the growth of selected native plants (sometimes known as weeds!).

Garden and landscape design is both an art and a métier, coupling all the elements and passions of art with the challenges of hard work. The workshop will begin with an introduction to designing in the outside world; in the afternoon we’ll move to your, or PAAM's, yard. With tape measures, trowels, transits, and compass, we will work in teams to map selected open spaces as we notice such site factors as wind, soil, slope and drainage, actual number of sunlight hours per day, and, of course, the neighbors.

Recommended New England course about alternative photography

Pinhole photo I took with a Goya cracker tin in Marian Roth's workshop via the PAAM

Lately, I’ve developed a taste for back-to-basics photography. I’ve been experimenting with a toy camera and pinhole photography. I had hoped to find a bunch or New England workshops on the topic to suggest for the fall. Thus far I’ve only found one, which I’ve listed below. It looks intriguing. You might consider perusing The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes by Christopher James too.

New England School of Photography

I’ve taken and enjoyed many workshops here. Whether you’re a budding photographer or a practicing professional, there’s something for everyone at NESOP.

(Class and schedule are subject to change so check program website for updates.)

Alternative Process

Instructor: Ron Cowie

Mondays, Sept. 15-Dec. 8, 6:00-9:00pm

$365 before Sept. 12/$400 after Sept. 12

“This class studies and practices 19th century photo processes. We will explore salt printing, cyanotype, platinum printing, pinhole photography and more. These processes require a deeper level of connection with materials and are a jumping-off point to a world of greater creativity. Class time will be divided into demonstration, lecture, class critique and guest speakers. In short, this class hopes to create a safe space where you can take a chance, play and fall back in love with photography. Students are expected to bring negatives and purchase their own materials for each process they wish to explore beyond the demonstration.”

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

Recommended New England courses in the creative arts

(Classes and schedules are subject to change so check program websites for updates.)

Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown 

It may not be too late to register for a creative, six-day, summer workshop at this well-respected program on the outer Cape. Thanks to Cynthia Huntington, who wrote about the FAWC in her book The Salt House, I thought to inquire about their offerings. According to their website, “The founders believed that the freedom to pursue creative work within a community of peers was the best catalyst for artistic growth. The Work Center has dedicated itself to this mission for nearly 40 years … The faculty and location have established the Work Center's summer courses in creative writing and visual arts as among the nation's finest and most attractive.” Sign me up. They did. You might find that some of these workshops spark your interest too:

Click to read more ...

Recommended New England courses about house, garden and related creative arts

(Classes and schedules are subject to change so check program websites for updates.)

DeCordova Museum School

Located in Lincoln, Mass., “The DeCordova Museum School is the largest non-degree granting studio art program in Massachusetts,” according to their website. I’ve often thought that the campus of the DeCordova Museum (which specializes in regional contemporary art) would be an appealing venue for art classes. It’s near the Gropius House and boasts an impressive sculpture park. Here are two of the School’s offerings that sound tempting.

Click to read more ...

Recommended New England courses about house, garden and related creative arts

(Classes and schedules are subject to change so check program websites for updates.)

Berkshire Botanical Garden

After my recent visit to tour their gardens in Stockbridge, Mass., I became curious about their classes. “The Berkshire Botanical Garden offers visitors a peaceful refuge of natural beauty, stunning display gardens, exciting community events, and informative classes for all ages and levels of skill and knowledge,” according to their website.  This one-day offering appeals to my interest in trees and shrubs as elements of architecture. See what you think.

Click to read more ...