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. 

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.

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. Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Only Acadian Arts Retreats participants will be allowed to reserve overnight accommodations in the park. 

Your instructor, 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! 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. Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Only Acadian Arts Retreats participants will be allowed to reserve overnight accommodations in the park.

This class will cover building a small end table that is 30” high, and 16” square.  The course is for beginner to experienced woodworkers.  The student will make all components of the table using both power tools and hand tools.  The project will include most of the procedures required in Basic Woodworking, including: tapering table legs, gluing up panels, cutting multiple parts and making mortise and tenon joints. All tools, safety glasses and hearing protection provided.

A materials fee will be charged based on which type of wood the student chooses upon registration;  Poplar (best if the project is to be painted) $100; or  Oak - $150.  Students will use the SawStop table saw that has the revolutionary new braking system which eliminates the chance of injuries from the blade. Because of this, a $50 refundable deposit will be required. The materials fee and refundable deposit are payable to the instructor the first day of class.  

No refunds after 9/29

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.

The Router is the second most important power tool in any shop. It is also the most versatile. Learn the basic techniques of using this tool, some of the shop made jigs that make it do more, and what to look for when purchasing a router. No materials needed. 

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.

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. 

Retreat to The Willows, a beautiful Victorian home with architecture that echoes the rich tradition and elegance of the 1800s. For the painters, York Beach is just a short stroll to breathtaking views of the sand, surf, and rocks.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 weekend accommodations call Chris at 207-653-3163 or email him at christoy.net@gmail.com.  This is an in-person retreat.

Comments from recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants: 

“I learned so much that Chris taught me, and the recipes were attainable.”  “We became extended family.”

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, 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!

Retreat to The Willows, a beautiful Victorian home with architecture that echoes the rich tradition and elegance of the 1800s. For the painters, York Beach is just a short stroll to breathtaking views of the sand, surf, and rocks. 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. 

The registration fee includes workshops and all meals.  For special weekend accommodations call Chris at 207-653-3163 or email him at christoy.net@gmail.com. 

Feedback from recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants: 

“Mary is a guide and a gifted teacher.”  “We became extended family."

This workshop is for people who have always wanted to try this amazing medium but are not sure about materials or how to get started. It is also for those who would like to build on previous experience. The choices of materials on the market now are overwhelming. Students will learn about the differences in paints, paper, and brushes.

An overview of core techniques will be demonstrated using a variety of materials. Students will create simple paintings and small studies while receiving one-on-one instruction when needed. A few watercolor “tricks” will be shown that will add a sense of wonder to your work. You will be surprised at how accessible this medium really is!

An $18 materials fee is payable to the instructor the night of class.

Margaret Dwyer holds a BFA and MFA in Visual Arts. Her watercolors have been published in fine art books and magazines and have been included in numerous juried national and international exhibitions. For the last several years she has been the artist in residence at Billings Farm & Museum and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock, VT. Her work is now in Damariscotta at “River Arts” and “Gifts at 136”.