Welcome to Poetry on the Porch! Join us at Pinecone Studio for an afternoon of creative expression and inspiration. Bring an original poem or share your favorite published verses as we gather on the porch to celebrate the beauty of words. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just appreciate a good rhyme, this event is perfect for anyone looking to connect through verse. Let's come together to share our love for poetry in a cozy and welcoming setting. See you there! .... Prompt for February is "Lines that we threw away."

Pinecone Studio welcomes our community to help kick off our 2025 programs! We will be opening our campus to all of our friends, new and old, to learn about Pinecone Studio's vision and mission. We will focus on the programs and events that will be offered in the next year and how you can get involved. Please join us for this "Warm Up" event and become part of the Pinecone Studio community!

Weather date: 2/22

Welcome to Poetry on the Porch at Pinecone Studio! Join us on Sun, Mar 02, 2025 at 2:00 PM for an afternoon of beautiful words and creative expression. Bring your original poem, share a published favorite or just come to listen and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of our porch setting. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, this event is open to all who appreciate the power of poetry. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow poetry lovers and share your love for the written word. See you there!

Come join us for a fun and interactive event where you can unleash your creativity through portraiture! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this event is perfect for everyone.

Bring your favorite art supplies (odorless, please) and get ready to draw portraits in a supportive and inspiring environment. We will provide a model for each session. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and hone your portraiture skills!

We can't wait to see you there!

Cost is $15 per ticket.

Welcome to our Figure Drawing event at Pinecone Studio! Join us for a fun and creative session where you can unleash your artistic talent. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this event is perfect for anyone looking to practice their figure drawing skills. Come and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with like-minded individuals. Don't forget to bring your favorite drawing materials (odorless only, please) and get ready to let your creativity flow! See you there!

Cost is $15 per ticket.

The Never Ending Stamp Equation

The Never Ending Stamp Equation is an ongoing collaborative relief printmaking project where participants create abstract equations using stamps of various iconography, phrases, numbers and more to fill in the empty space in a template created by program supervisor, James Sylvester. Participants will learn basic relief printing making skills in order to print their equations and then will create their own personal equation, as well as work with others to create a collaborative long equation, where they will take turns building off of each other's ideas. We will then discuss and interpret each other's equations.

James Sylvester:

James Sylvester is a Maine-based printmaker whose passion for drawing, carving, and collaboration fuels his multi-disciplinary art practice. He graduated from Maine College of Art & Design with a BFA with honors in printmaking in 2018 and is a member of Peregrine Press, Maine’s oldest nonprofit printmaking cooperative, where he produces his own fine art relief print editions, explores creative monoprinting techniques, and currently serves as President. His practice often bleeds into his surrounding creative community, whether that is through participating in the Portland, Maine’s yearly steamroller printing event and print crawl, organizing the artisan market series Art in the Garden at Bissell Brothers, or running collaborative printmaking workshops across southern Maine at such locations as the Portland Museum of Art, Hinge Collaborative, and Congress Square Park. His work has been shown at Cove Streets Arts, George Marshall Store Gallery, The ICA at MECA&D, Ocean House Gallery, CURRENTS New Media Festival, 82 Parris and more.

Cost is $45 per ticket, includes materials.

World Building for Beginners

(Please note that this a TWO part event. Part 1 is March 12th and Part 2 is March 26th. Participants should plan to attend BOTH dates for this program.)

Are you an aspiring writer, game designer, artist or just someone who loves creating new worlds? Join us at Pinecone Studio for a crash course in world building! Learn how to craft unique settings, cultures, and histories that will bring your stories to life. Whether you're diving into fantasy realms, crafting futuristic societies or simply making changes to our current world, this event is perfect for beginners looking to hone their world-building skills. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unleash your creativity and build the world of your dreams!

For Part 1, bring note-taking devices and your ideas! There will be the expectation of some work being completed after part 1 to share during the second part of this program. You may use any creative medium in this program - including digital.

Guided by Katherine Souza:

Katherine Souza is a visual storyteller and writer currently living in Maine. After being raised on a steady diet of books, games, and films, she makes narrative art that crosses between literary, interactive, and visual media.

She earned her BFA in Illustration and Game Arts at the Maryland Institute College of Art, with a small interlude to study Visual Communication at the Alberta University of the Arts. Her passion and admiration for narrative art comes through the themes of ontology, paleontology, and semiotics.

She has put passion into practice through game design, writing, and illustration. She hopes to bring her worlds to life for others to live in and enjoy.

Cost is $75 per ticket (One ticket covers both part 1 and part 2 of this program)

(Please note that this is a two part program. Part 1 will occur March 15th and Part 2 will occur on March 22nd. Participants must attend Part 1 to attend Part 2. Only participants that attend both parts will leave with a completed project).

Welcome to The Paths that Lead Us Here - A Mosaic Experience! Join us at Pinecone Studio for a day filled with creativity and connection. Dive into the world of mosaic art as we explore the different paths that have brought us together. This in-person event is a unique opportunity to learn, create, and share stories with fellow art enthusiasts. Let's come together and celebrate the beauty of art and the journeys that have led us to this moment. See you there!

Guided by Herenya Wilkey:

Since early childhood Herenya Jane Wilkey, aka Ren, has felt most at home amidst the clutter and chaos of whatever project she was working on. Her many interests took her on journeys through jewelry making, blacksmithing, pottery, pyrography, and floral design. Her love of light and color inspired the desire to explore the art of stained glass.

Loving all animals, Ren has always had a special affinity and affection for lizards and other unusual creatures. When she is not working or reading, she most enjoys traveling the world with her husband, Will, meeting the local birds and wildlife, and finding treasures and inspiration.

Cost is $75 per ticket, includes materials (One ticket covers your cost for part 1 and part 2)

Studio Notes with Juniper Ginger

Come join us for an intimate afternoon of music and storytelling at Pinecone Studio. Juniper Ginger will be sharing her latest tunes and the stories behind them. Get ready for soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Don't miss this chance to experience Juniper's music up close and personal. Limited seats available, so grab your tickets now!

About Juniper Ginger:

Juniper Ginger is a singer/songwriter from Maine.

You can hear her music at:

https://juniperginger.bandcamp.com

@junipergingermusic

Cost is $20 per ticket.

Figure Drawing

Welcome to our Figure Drawing event at Pinecone Studio! Join us for a fun and creative session where you can unleash your artistic talent. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this event is perfect for anyone looking to practice their figure drawing skills. Come and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with like-minded individuals. Don't forget to bring your favorite drawing materials (odorless only, please) and get ready to let your creativity flow! See you there!

Cost is $20 per ticket for all 3 hours.

This event is only open to those who have attended Part 1 on March 15th.

Welcome to Weaving a Life

The Weaving a Life program, originally envisioned by Maine fiber artist Susan Barrett Merrill, can be approached on many levels, including an artistic journey of self discovery. The most basic, however, is simply handweaving beautiful & symbolic objects called Key forms on a small portable Journey Loom using tapestry and sculptural weaving techniques. All seven of these key forms are common to most cultures throughout the world, and can become manifestations of personal meaning for anyone who creates them.

In this 3 hour class Cathi will give a brief overview of the Weaving a Life program, and participants will weave an Amulet on a 7-stick journey loom. The amulet is a whimsical woven pouch we can wear like a necklace to hold our personal magic, innermost thoughts and small objects that hold particular meaning for us. No prior weaving experience is needed.

All tools and materials are included for use during class: the use of a 7-stick Journey Loom and tool kit, warp threads, weft yarn, beads and other embellishments, as well as all written materials and handouts.

Guided by Cathi Belcher:

Cathi Belcher is an artist, writer, and Certified Zentangle™ & Weaving a Life™ Instructor from Topsham, Maine. She also works in the Library and Theater Departments at Bowdoin, and leads social justice programs in the area.

Cost is $45 (materials included).

This program is only open to those who attended Part 1 on March 12th.

Welcome to Realistic Into Fantasy!

Come join us at Pinecone Studio for a creative event that teaches us to see the everyday in a new and fantastical way!

This program starts with a demonstration by Katherine. We will then draw/illustrate a botanical or animal specimen of our choice (Weather permitting, we will be moving outside for observation and outdoor sketching). The second half of the program will focus on helping us modify our drawings to fit a more fantastical setting.

Whether you're a fan of mythical creatures, epic adventures, or enchanted worlds, this event is perfect for anyone willing to stretch their creative minds!

Guided by Katherine Souza:

Katherine Souza is a visual storyteller and writer currently living in Maine. After being raised on a steady diet of books, games, and films, she makes narrative art that crosses between literary, interactive, and visual media.

She earned her BFA in Illustration and Game Arts at the Maryland Institute College of Art, with a small interlude to study Visual Communication at the Alberta University of the Arts. Her passion and admiration for narrative art comes through the themes of ontology, paleontology, and semiotics.

She has put passion into practice through game design, writing, and illustration. She hopes to bring her worlds to life for others to live in and enjoy.

Cost is $45 per ticket.

Please note that Poetry on the Porch will resume spring/summer hours this month!

Welcome to Poetry on the Porch at Pinecone Studio! Join us on Sun, April 06, 2025 at 3:00 PM for an afternoon of beautiful words and creative expression. Bring your original poem, share a published favorite or just come to listen and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of our porch setting. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, this event is open to all who appreciate the power of poetry. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow poetry lovers and share your love for the written word. See you there!

Welcome to Portraiture!

Come join us for a fun and interactive event where you can unleash your creativity through portraiture! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this event is perfect for everyone.

Date: Mon April 7 2025

Time: 3:00 PM

Location: Pinecone Studio

Bring your favorite art supplies (odorless, please) and get ready to draw portraits in a supportive and inspiring environment. We will provide a model for each session. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and hone your portraiture skills!

We can't wait to see you there!

Cost is $15 per ticket.

Welcome to Begin Birding!

Watching the daily activity of our feathered friends can be calming and entertaining. This program by Eric Hynes will guide you in how to learn and enjoy bird watching. Eric will share his extensive experience studying birds; show you the tools used to document your interaction; and share techniques for listening and identifying different species. We will then create your own field guide/ journal to document your “birding” experience.

Join us, because birds of feather flock together!

Guided by Eric Hynes

Eric Hynes has been fascinated by birds and passionate about birding since he first heard the ghostly wailing of a Common Loon at summer camp in Maine more than 30 years ago. Upon completion of his B.S. at the University of Vermont, where he studied environmental studies and wildlife biology, Eric began a serious endeavor as a bird hobo that lasted more than a decade. His travels ranged across the U.S. with a number of trips to Central America as well. During this quest, Eric did everything from monitoring breeding raptors in the Snake River Canyon, to guiding for two summers in Alaska on St. Paul Island in the Pribilofs, to ground squirrel rustling in Montana, to owl banding and hawk counting in Pennsylvania.

Getting married to Christine helped settle Eric into a fulltime position at Maine Audubon but not until after a birding trip to Panama cleverly disguised as their honeymoon. As the staff naturalist and adult education coordinator, Eric taught numerous bird identification workshops and led field trips locally and abroad for Maine Audubon. His positive energy and infectious enthusiasm for all things wild has drawn many a convert to birding and conservation. Eric served several terms on the Maine Bird Records Committee.

Cost is $45 per ticket (materials included).

Figure Drawing

Welcome to our Figure Drawing event at Pinecone Studio! Join us for a fun and creative session where you can unleash your artistic talent. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this event is perfect for anyone looking to practice their figure drawing skills. Come and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with like-minded individuals. Don't forget to bring your favorite drawing materials (odorless only, please) and get ready to let your creativity flow! See you there!

Cost is $15 per ticket.

Figure Drawing

Welcome to our Figure Drawing event at Pinecone Studio! Join us for a fun and creative session where you can unleash your artistic talent. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this event is perfect for anyone looking to practice their figure drawing skills. Come and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with like-minded individuals. Don't forget to bring your favorite drawing materials (odorless only, please) and get ready to let your creativity flow! See you there!

Cost is $20 per ticket (3 hours).

Seaweed Printing Using Gelatin Plates

Come join us at Pinecone Studio for a fun and creative event where you can learn how to make beautiful prints! This hands-on workshop will teach you how to make a 2 layer gelatin monoprint using seaweed. No experience is necessary. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore your artistic side and create one-of-a-kind prints to take home.

Guided by James Sylvester

James Sylvester is a Maine-based printmaker whose passion for drawing, carving, and collaboration fuels his multi-disciplinary art practice. He graduated from Maine College of Art & Design with a BFA with honors in printmaking in 2018 and is a member of Peregrine Press, Maine’s oldest nonprofit printmaking cooperative, where he produces his own fine art relief print editions, explores creative monoprinting techniques, and currently serves as President. His practice often bleeds into his surrounding creative community, whether that is through participating in the Portland, Maine’s yearly steamroller printing event and print crawl, organizing the artisan market series Art in the Garden at Bissell Brothers, or running collaborative printmaking workshops across southern Maine at such locations as the Portland Museum of Art, Hinge Collaborative, and Congress Square Park. His work has been shown at Cove Streets Arts, George Marshall Store Gallery, The ICA at MECA&D, Ocean House Gallery, CURRENTS New Media Festival, 82 Parris and more.

Cost is $45 per ticket (materials included)

Studio Notes with Nate Winter

Come join us for an intimate afternoon of music and storytelling at Pinecone Studio. Nate Winter will be sharing his latest tunes and the stories behind them. Don't miss this chance to experience Nate Winter's music up close and personal. Limited seats available, so grab your tickets now!

About Nate Winter

Hailing from Southern Maine, Nate Winter is an emerging singer-songwriter who has hit the ground running since bursting onto the music scene in the Fall of 2021. Nate's music style reflects an eclectic blend of feel-good Reggae Rock with elements of heartfelt Americana/Folk storytelling.

The Never Ending Stamp Equation

The Never Ending Stamp Equation is an ongoing collaborative relief printmaking project where participants create abstract equations using stamps of various iconography, phrases, numbers and more to fill in the empty space in a template created by program supervisor, James Sylvester. Participants will learn basic relief printing making skills in order to print their equations and then will create their own personal equation, as well as work with others to create a collaborative long equation, where they will take turns building off of each other's ideas. We will then discuss and interpret each other's equations.

James Sylvester:

James Sylvester is a Maine-based printmaker whose passion for drawing, carving, and collaboration fuels his multi-disciplinary art practice. He graduated from Maine College of Art & Design with a BFA with honors in printmaking in 2018 and is a member of Peregrine Press, Maine’s oldest nonprofit printmaking cooperative, where he produces his own fine art relief print editions, explores creative monoprinting techniques, and currently serves as President. His practice often bleeds into his surrounding creative community, whether that is through participating in the Portland, Maine’s yearly steamroller printing event and print crawl, organizing the artisan market series Art in the Garden at Bissell Brothers, or running collaborative printmaking workshops across southern Maine at such locations as the Portland Museum of Art, Hinge Collaborative, and Congress Square Park. His work has been shown at Cove Streets Arts, George Marshall Store Gallery, The ICA at MECA&D, Ocean House Gallery, CURRENTS New Media Festival, 82 Parris and more.

Cost per Ticket $45 (includes materials).

Welcome to Poetry on the Porch at Pinecone Studio! Join us on Sun, May 04, 2025 at 3:00 PM for an afternoon of beautiful words and creative expression. Bring your original poem, share a published favorite or just come to listen and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of our porch setting. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, this event is open to all who appreciate the power of poetry. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow poetry lovers and share your love for the written word. See you there!

Welcome to Portraiture!

Come join us for a fun and interactive event where you can unleash your creativity through portraiture! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this event is perfect for everyone.

Date: Mon May 05 2025

Time: 3:00 PM

Location: Pinecone Studio

Bring your favorite art supplies (odorless, please) and get ready to draw portraits in a supportive and inspiring environment. We will provide a model for each session. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and hone your portraiture skills!

We can't wait to see you there!

Cost per Ticket is $15.

Figure Drawing

Welcome to our Figure Drawing event at Pinecone Studio! Join us for a fun and creative session where you can unleash your artistic talent. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this event is perfect for anyone looking to practice their figure drawing skills. Come and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with like-minded individuals. Don't forget to bring your favorite drawing materials (odorless only, please) and get ready to let your creativity flow! See you there!

Welcome to Making Rainbows!

Come join us at Pinecone Studio for a colorful event where you'll learn how to create your very own rainbow! You will design and string your own crystal rainbow makers to bring more light into your life. You will also develop a folded zine using a single sheet of paper depicting what we would find at the end of our own personal rainbows.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, this event is perfect for anyone who loves to get creative and have fun. Grab your friends and family and let's make some rainbows together!

Guided by Herenya Wilkey

Since early childhood Herenya Jane Wilkey, aka Ren, has felt most at home amidst the clutter and chaos of whatever project she was working on. Her many interests took her on journeys through jewelry making, blacksmithing, pottery, pyrography, and floral design. Her love of light and color inspired the desire to explore the art of stained glass.

Loving all animals, Ren has always had a special affinity and affection for lizards and other unusual creatures. When she is not working or reading, she most enjoys traveling the world with her husband, Will, meeting the local birds and wildlife, and finding treasures and inspiration.

Cost is $45 (includes materials).

Studio Notes with Kate McCann

Welcome to Studio Notes with Kate McCann! Our "House Concert" series continues with an evening of original and traditional music by folk singer and banjo player Kate McCann. Based in Midcoast Maine, Kate draws from her time spent immersed in old-time, Irish, and maritime folk music traditions— including a year working as a chanteyman at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Come listen to sea shanties as you’ve never heard them before!

Figure Drawing

Welcome to our Figure Drawing event at Pinecone Studio! Join us for a fun and creative session where you can unleash your artistic talent. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this event is perfect for anyone looking to practice their figure drawing skills. Come and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with like-minded individuals. Don't forget to bring your favorite drawing materials (odorless only, please) and get ready to let your creativity flow! See you there!

Cost is $20 for three hours.

Artistic Style: Be an Innovator, Not an Imitator!

Join us at Pinecone Studio for a creative event where you'll learn how to develop your unique artistic voice. Discover how to break free from imitation and embrace your originality, while honoring your own personal influences. This in-person gathering is your chance to connect with fellow creators and share ideas. Traditional and digital artists welcome.

Welcome to Poetry on the Porch at Pinecone Studio! Join us on Sun, June 01, 2025 at 3:00 PM for an afternoon of beautiful words and creative expression. Bring your original poem, share a published favorite or just come to listen and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of our porch setting. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, this event is open to all who appreciate the power of poetry. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow poetry lovers and share your love for the written word. See you there!

Welcome to Portraiture!

Come join us for a fun and interactive event where you can unleash your creativity through portraiture! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this event is perfect for everyone.

Date: Mon June 02 2025

Time: 3:00 PM

Location: Pinecone Studio

Bring your favorite art supplies (odorless, please) and get ready to draw portraits in a supportive and inspiring environment. We will provide a model for each session. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and hone your portraiture skills!

We can't wait to see you there!

Figure Drawing

Welcome to our Figure Drawing event at Pinecone Studio! Join us for a fun and creative session where you can unleash your artistic talent. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this event is perfect for anyone looking to practice their figure drawing skills. Come and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with like-minded individuals. Don't forget to bring your favorite drawing materials (odorless only, please) and get ready to let your creativity flow! See you there!

Print Your Own Garden

Come join us at Pinecone Studio for a fun and creative event where you can print your own garden! Participants will learn relief printmaking skills in order to create their own stamp inspired by flora/fauna observed in the garden. We will use these stamps to make "garden" prints by printing all of our stamps together in a variety of collaborative compositions. Don't miss this opportunity to unleash your creativity and bring a touch of nature indoors!

Guided by James Sylvester

James Sylvester is a Maine-based printmaker whose passion for drawing, carving, and collaboration fuels his multi-disciplinary art practice. He graduated from Maine College of Art & Design with a BFA with honors in printmaking in 2018 and is a member of Peregrine Press, Maine’s oldest nonprofit printmaking cooperative, where he produces his own fine art relief print editions, explores creative monoprinting techniques, and currently serves as President. His practice often bleeds into his surrounding creative community, whether that is through participating in the Portland, Maine’s yearly steamroller printing event and print crawl, organizing the artisan market series Art in the Garden at Bissell Brothers, or running collaborative printmaking workshops across southern Maine at such locations as the Portland Museum of Art, Hinge Collaborative, and Congress Square Park. His work has been shown at Cove Streets Arts, George Marshall Store Gallery, The ICA at MECA&D, Ocean House Gallery, CURRENTS New Media Festival, 82 Parris and more.

Cost is $45 (includes materials).

Join us at Pinecone Studio for a "House Concert" featuring Skip Bailey -- "Songs about salt of the Earth folks, for salt of the Earth folks." Don't miss this chance to see Skip in this intimate venue!

Cost is $20 per ticket.