Have you written the great American novel, a cookbook or some other book that you’d like to get published? Publishing through big publishing companies can be tough. Join Heather Emerson and find out how you can publish your book quickly and easily through Amazon and get your book out to readers all over the world at no cost to you.

Heather (H.J.) Emerson currently has 23 books published through the Amazon platform and will walk you through each step to becoming a published author.

This ongoing workshop offers participants an opportunity to get the creative juices flowing, overcome the internal critic, and let heart and soul flow out onto the page! Just as importantly, it also provides a tight knit, supportive community of fellow writers. The instructor, Elizabeth Potter, will present proven writing prompts and techniques to tickle your muse and coax even the most hesitant voice onto the page.

Elizabeth Potter is a teacher and poet residing in Midcoast Maine. A collection of her poetry “T’ai Chi of Leaves” was released by Moon Pie press in September 2016. Her poems have also been widely published in literary journals both locally and nationally. Elizabeth has been leading creative writing workshops for all ages for the past twenty-one years.

NOTE: Once Skidompha resumes offering space for gattherings, sessions will be held there.

Creating a small sculpture in winter is a great way to center yourself and make new friends. Let Debra show you how to form roving into a snowy owl that will sit in his own nest when done. You may want to give as a gift or keep for yourself. All supplies included. Bring reading glasses if you use them. If time permits we can make colorful wool acorns as well.

Debra Arter holds a MA in Fine Art and has been teaching adults various art processes for many years. She has worked on her needle felting projects even while on an airplane!

The table saw is the most important tool in the shop.  It does more than just cut wood to exact dimensions; it also does joinery, molding, and with a few simple jigs that you can make, it will also do specialty cuts.  Learn how to get the most from your saw, how to use it safely, and what to look for when purchasing a saw.  The course will be taught using the amazing new SawStop, the saw with the built-in brake system that prevents injury from a spinning blade. No materials needed. 

Please note: All courses will adhere rigorously to all Covid guidelines in effect during the period of the course.

Instructor Rick Gallion has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has taught many students the craft of woodworking. His shop is designed as a teaching facility. All classes will be held at the Clary Lake Woodworking School at 777 Gardiner Road (Hwy 126), Jefferson. Class size is limited. Safety glasses provided for each class.

Learn about the late Civil War mixed race community and the eviction of their complete community living on Malaga Island in Casco Bay in 1912 by the state of Maine. Learn the prehistory of the island’s use by our indigenous people and post history of the island after the eviction. Learn a bit about the mainland African American village in coastal Maine that no longer exists but predated the Malaga Island Colony. Visit the island remotely through a slide show created by Master Maine Guide, Alice Bean Andrenyak.

Alice Bean Andrenyak is a Master Maine Guide, offering tours, training, and a range of outdoor experiences in the Midcoast. For more information, visit amaineguide.com

This is a fun and creative way to make your own greeting cards. These cards are hand made from the heart. Cards you would be proud to give anyone. In this class students will learn how to create and design their own cards using decorating techniques, finishes and additional embellishments. Students wil complete 4 cards per session. There is a door prize at each session. All supplies are provided. Students must pay a $5 lab fee to the instructor on the night of the session.

Lorna Plourde has taught adult education classes and stamping classes for 25 plus years. She is always looking for a new technique to pass on. Lorana is looking forward to getting back in the classroom after a year off due to COVID.

After a demonstration on how to throw on the wheel, each participant will have an opportunity to make their own pots on the wheel (up to 2 each). They will then have a chance to decorate them with more clay for handles, use stamps for texture and special paints called underglazes to add color.

From there, participants’ work will be dried, bisqued fire (first firing), then dipped in a clear glaze and re-fired. The result is fully dinnerware, microwavable, and dishwasher safe pottery. This process takes up to 3 weeks.

Liz Proffetty holds a BFA in ceramics and certification in teaching art. She has been working as a professional potter for over 30 years and loves sharing her passion for clay with others.

COVID Note: For everyone’s comfort and safety we suggest doing a COVID test 24 hours prior to arrival. We will be following CDC guidelines according to location and dates.

Your instructor, Chris Toy is the author of 6 popular cookbooks, a private chef, and has taught Asianfusion 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. Retreat to The Willows, a beautiful Victorian home with architecture that echoes the rich tradition and elegance of the 1800s. York Beach is just a short stroll to breathtaking views of the sand, surf, and rocks. A modern updated kitchen awaits the cooks. There is a spacious dining room and gracious living room with comfortable seating for all participants to relax, socialize and make new friends. 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. Day students are welcome. For special accommodations call Chris at 207-653-3163 or email him at christoy.net@gmail.com.

Comments from recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants, “I learned so much that Chris taught me, and the recipes were attainable.” “We became extended family.”

The $495 cost includes workshop and all meals. 

To register or for more information please call the CLC Adult Ed office at: 563-2811