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    • Wednesday, November 19, 2025
    • Wednesday, February 11, 2026
    • 10 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
    • 4

    During the three 10-week sessions, students in grades 1-5 will enrich their artistic expressions in a fun and nurturing environment where children feel comfortable expressing their unique talents to create works of art. Students will work with a wide variety of media including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture and more. Art from the world’s varied cultures and the contributions of major artists will serve as inspiration. 

    Register siblings for a discount! At registration, add additional children as "guests" and register siblings for discounted price of $220/each. 

    About the Instructor: Arbrenne Valle

    Arbrenne got her BA from UMass Amherst in Theatre and her MA in Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University. She spent 5 years teaching first grade at South Shore Charter. Now she spends her time chasing around her toddler and painting during his nap times. 



    Additional Information:


    Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
    Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

    • Friday, January 02, 2026
    • Friday, December 18, 2026
    • 45 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills

    Looking for more space to spread out and work on a project? Or maybe you want to work amongst other artists to feel inspired and get some helpful feedback on your work. Join other local artists any time between 9am-12pm, for Open Studio. Please pay $10 cash at the door. Bring all supplies you need to use, NRAS has easels available. 

    No registration, drop in only, cash or check.

    • Monday, January 05, 2026
    • Monday, June 15, 2026
    • 13 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills

    No registration required – all are welcome! $10 cash only 

    Looking for a creative way to kick off your week? Join us every FIRST and THIRD Monday night at North River Arts Society for Drop-In Craft Night! Bring your own project—whether it’s knitting, sketching, embroidery, sewing, collage, or any craft you're working on—and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming space to create alongside fellow makers.

    All skill levels are welcome. This is an informal, social night perfect for getting inspired, sharing ideas, and making progress on whatever you're into. Come solo or with friends—stay the whole time or just pop in!

    This group is open to all ages, levels, skills and crafts. 


    Additional Information:


    Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
    Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.


    • Tuesday, January 06, 2026
    • Tuesday, February 10, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
    • 0

    In this 6-week class, students will learn the basics of clothing construction, from threading and using their sewing machines to reading patterns and sewing garments from start to finish. This class is perfect for those who are complete beginners or have a few simple sewing projects under their belts and would like to learn more. Prior students are also welcome!

    This class is open to adults and high school students, please contact the office with any questions at northriverarts@gmail.com.

    Materials List:

    • Sewing machine (North River will have a few machines for students to share if you do not have your own machine.)

    • Fabric scissors

    • Pins

    • Seam ripper

    • Soft measuring tape

    • Pencils/sketchbook

    • After students learn the basics, they will be asked to purchase a simple pattern and fabric for a project

    Olivia Harvey is an avid sewist and upcycler who first learned how to sew as a kid right here at NRAS with Brooke Stanton — and she hasn’t stopped since! Along with making and embellishing her own clothes, Olivia also sells her upcycled creations through her online shop OHpleeze. She believes that everyone should learn how to sew because it makes life (and your closet) a lot more interesting!




    Additional Information:


    Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
    Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

    • Wednesday, January 07, 2026
    • Wednesday, February 11, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • 157 old main street marshfield hills
    • 4

    Continue to study landscape in oils on Wednesday evenings or join the group!

    This class is for intermediate students, and will focus on the studio landscape process using a cartoon composition and a layered approach to painting in oils.

    We will attempt to complete two paintings in the six weeks, with some work to be done at home between classes. We will limit our painting sizes to under 16 inches on a side. Our palette will be a warm cool palette with two of each primaries to expand our possibilities!

    IMPORTANT: Oil students must dispose of their oil rags safely in the red can provided by NRAS.

    About the Instructor: Ann Musto

    Ann has been a plein air and studio oil painter for over twenty years. Her interest lies in working to capture the beauty of what we see in light and color.  Ann’s work includes portraits, landscapes and still life. Ann completed her studies at the Academy of Realist Art in Boston, a traditional atelier. She has been a long time member of North River Arts Society and has served on the NRAS Board of Directors and on the NRAS Arts Committee.

    annmustofineart.com

    NRAS supplies tables and easels.

    Materials List: Large studio materials.pages


    Additional Information:


    Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
    Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.


      • Thursday, January 08, 2026
      • Thursday, February 26, 2026
      • 8 sessions
      • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield 02051
      • 0

      One of the best ways to really explore and know a subject is to work in a series.  Each week we will explore a subject of our choosing in a different way.  In this class we will work on different examples of a single subject.  Whether it is florals, images from travel, pet portraits, figures, water scenes or any subject you desire, …each student will have the opportunity to delve deep into their subject.  A welcoming supportive atmosphere allows experimentation and growth.  Use the medium you are familiar with!  Come join us for this wonderful session! 

      All levels welcome. 

      About the Instructor: Kelley MacDonald

      After getting her Art History degree at Wheaton College, Kelley continued taking art classes at various Art Associations for 10 years before she started painting.  First with watercolor, then oil and now happily with acrylic and mixed media, it has been a lifetime of growing and exploring all things art.  

      Kelley has won numerous awards, and has taught classes and workshops for many years.  While for the majority of her career Kelley has been a literal, representational painter, in the past 4 years she has been diving into abstraction, particularly Intuitive Abstraction.  The history involved on the canvas, the multiple layers, the reveal and conceal and push and pull are what attracts her to this method. 

      A favorite thing to do is to travel, and be inspired by different landscapes and  cityscapes.  Kelley has traveled to Holland to paint, along with many places on this side of the ocean, namely Nova Scotia, Sedona, Santa Fe, St. Simon’s Island, Seattle, San Miguel de Allende, MX, California and Maine. 

      In 2009 Kelley founded the Artists’ Challenge Group “Girls Just Wanna Paint” which is a collection of award winning artists  who post a response to a new topic every month consecutively since July of 2009. Aside from the Providence Art Club Kelley is a member of the North River Arts Society in Marshfield, MA.  She has taught at the Art Club, Bristol Art Museum, and at North River Arts Society.

      Materials List - All, or as many as you can manage:

      Materials List for Developing A Series Class

      -Any size canvas (new one each week) you choose - from 6x6 to 30x30 - whatever you are comfortable with.  Canvas, board, canvas board… whatever you like to paint on.  Your goal is to start a new painting each week

      Disposable Palette

      Colors - whatever medium you choose (acrylic, watercolor, pastel, oil) I would suggest  at least this limited palette:

      • Large tube of titanium white
      • 1 warm and 1 cool tube of
      • Yellow - (ex. Cad lemon and cad yellow medium)
      • Red (ex. Cadmium red light and Alizarin Crimson, magenta or rose)
      • Blue (ex. Ultramarine and pthalo)
      • Neutral such as BURNT umber (not raw)

      Brushes in an array of sizes - I use flats, but you may use whatever you are comfortable with, in a 1/4 inch size, a 1/2 in size and a 1 inch size.  Then a BIG one and a tiny, detail one.

      At least one palette knife - any size

      Water container such as a large yogurt or ricotta tub

      Apron or overshirt - optional

      Paper towels

      Additional Information:


      Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
      Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

      • Friday, January 09, 2026
      • Saturday, February 28, 2026
      • Horan Gallery at Ventress Memorial Library

      Join us in celebration of Suzette Lebenzon with "Wanderings through the Gardens and Woods" at the Jeanne Horan Gallery at Ventress Memorial Library on display January 7 - February 26. 

      Artist Statement:

      Over the past few years, I have continued on my painting journey, allowing myself complete license to create the images that interest me and evolve through my process. Exploring reflective water surfaces and their surrounds of vegetation and woods, has captivated me. My paintings are my visual poems, expressing my wishes, feelings, and experiences on Cape Cod and around the South Shore where I grew. Color is my love language. I’ve embraced bold, expressive marks. I am not concerned with an accurate representative depiction of a specific place, but strive to document my memory of a particular walk or locale. The intimacy and peace in the woods delight me. The chaos of an unkept garden draws me in. I use predominantly acrylic paint,  with some inks, pencil and collage materials. 

      Artist Bio:

      Suzette Lebenzon has painted since her childhood in Scituate. She has kept a studio and shown in galleries most of her adult life. She has a degree in fine art with a concentration in painting. Suzette keeps her home and studio in Wellfleet. 

      Suzette was a recipient of the Mass Cultural Council!s Unrestricted Artists!"Grants. In 2023, Suzette was inducted to the National Association of Women Artists, as a Signature Member. 

      She is an instructor at The Art Museum Complex of Duxbury and at The North River Art Society. 

      • Friday, January 09, 2026
      • Friday, December 11, 2026
      • 12 sessions
      • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield MA 02051

      Join North River Arts for Friday Night Figure Drawing!

      Settle into a relaxed, creative atmosphere and spend your Friday evening drawing or painting from a live model. Each session begins with a series of short, dynamic poses designed to help you warm up, loosen your hand, and explore gesture. We then transition into longer poses, giving you the opportunity to dive deeper into proportion, anatomy, shading, and more refined detail at your own pace.

      This is an uninstructed studio session, making it a wonderful option for artists of all levels who are looking to practice, build confidence, or simply enjoy dedicated time to create in community with others. Bring your preferred materials and enjoy a supportive, inspiring environment to grow your figure drawing skills.

      Easels provided by NRAS. $20 drop in fee at the door, cash only. Space limited to 14 students. 

      • Saturday, January 10, 2026
      • Monday, February 02, 2026
      • Dolphin Gallery, located in the Hingham Library

      Join us in celebration of Through the Lens: Our world through the eye of photojournalist Craig Murray, on display January 10 - February 5 at the Dolphin Gallery, located in the Hingham Library. Opening Reception: Thursday, January 15th, 5:30-7:00 pm



      Artist Statement: 

      When I was just five, my parents gave me my first camera, but I found my love for photojournalism in the darkroom of Mass College of Art in the early 1970s. Then a series of events led me to a lifelong photographic career covering local, national, and international events including presidential campaigns, World Series and Super Bowls, and great entertainment performances.

      Daily newspaper photography requires that the photographer covers a wide spectrum of events: local, national and international. It means you meet people at life’s highest points: winning a championship or celebrating achievements. However, more often it meant being there at incredibly sad and painful times, spending time with family members - sharing memories of their loved ones – after unthinkable events such as the 9/11 attack or asking someone to sharedetails about a close relative or friend lost to violence or drug use. Meeting them, I sit and listen, feeling some of their pain, rather than clicking the camera and running to another assignment. Taking that time with people in crisis, showing compassion, empathy and feeling what they were going through was crucial in those times. I felt honored as they shared those emotional moments with me and, later, the readers who viewed my photographs. These gifts of humanity from those willing to share their personal and often difficult stories are what I will always be thankful for.

      For this collection, picking photos was difficult. With more than 10,000 negatives and digital files in my studio it is difficult to choose what to show, but here is selection from over the years.

      • Saturday, January 17, 2026
      • Thursday, February 12, 2026
      • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills



      We are super excited to announce our brand new
      winter show "In From the Cold"

      January 17 – February 12

      This show is open to all current North River Arts members!

      Artists are invited to submit their best winter inspired piece, whether its through imagery, mood, or color!

      Due to our large membership, the size restrictions of our gallery, and the purposes of the fundraiser, we encourage the submission of smaller works. The maximum size for submission is 20” × 20”. Whether you're an established artist or just beginning your journey, this show is open to all skill levels!

      Deadline for Entries: January 5th at Midnight

      Submit Here

      Opening Reception and Fundraiser Party:
      We hope you can join us January 17th, 6–8pm for the Opening Reception and Fundraiser Party Extravaganza!
      Come in from the cold and celebrate the beautiful winter artworks created by our talented members. Wear your favorite sweater and enjoy warm cider and hot cocoa at the bar while you take in the art and bid on raffle baskets.
      Let’s toast to creativity, community, and the cozy spirit of the season! Entry is $20 at the door and includes five raffle tickets. Artists in the show get free entry.

      Buy Tickets


      • Tuesday, January 20, 2026
      • Tuesday, February 10, 2026
      • 4 sessions
      • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield
      • 2
      Register

      This Mixed Media Collage workshop will focus on creating art by combining various materials and techniques. Participants will explore the possibilities of collage, often incorporating mark-making, paint, and a variety of papers to construct unique, layered artworks. Throughout this workshop experimentation and creative expression will be emphasized, allowing individuals to discover new approaches to art-making and push the boundaries of a traditional collage. 


      About the Instructor: Sue Casey

      I don't think of “art” as being separate from myself - it is and always has been a part of who I am. I've been thinking about, looking at, making, and teaching art for as long as I can remember. 

      My inspiration for my work comes from nature where I enjoy walking along the beach, hiking in the White Mountains and paddle-boarding and kayaking in the North River. Every day I am inspired by the beauty of nature and the light and color that surround me. 

      I have always been drawn to mixed media due to the ability to experiment with layering materials and textures help me reset and work through ideas. I am particularly drawn to geometric shapes and how they appear in an organic setting. My goal is to simplify these shapes and be less deliberate over the arrangements of found and painted paper shapes and edges to create an overall cohesive composition.

      Suggested Materials List:

      Substrate:

      • Mixed media paper or heavyweight paper (e.g. Canson XL Mix Media)
      • Wood panels (8"x10" or larger)
      • Canvas
      • Heavyweight paper, cardboard, or old book covers
      Adhesive:
      • Good quality glue sticks (e.g., UHU)
      • Matte or gloss gel medium
      • PVA glue (e.g., Elmer's, Sobo, or Jade 403)
      Cutting tools:
      • Scissors (one regular/large pair and one small pair for fussy cutting recommended)
      • X-Acto knife with #11 blades
      • Small cutting mat
      Mark-making implements:
      • Pencils
      • Pens (e.g., Micron Pens)
      • Paint pens
      • Markers
      • Oil pastels or crayons
      • Gouache
      Paints:
      • Acrylic paints (various colors, including red, blue, yellow, white, black)
      • Brushes:
      • Assorted “cheap” paint brushes (various sizes and shapes, for applying paint and glue)
      • Collage materials:
      • Variety of papers: construction paper, newspaper, wallpaper, scrapbook paper, tissue paper, wrapping paper, magazine pages, book pages, sheet music, decorative papers, paint chip samples, junk mail, old letters, photographs, maps
      • Stamps and stencils
      Optional materials:
      • Palette knife (for mixing paint and tearing paper)
      • Rubber brayer (for smoothing down collage materials)
      • Water container for rinsing brushes
      • Paper towels or cloth for cleaning
      • Apron or smock
      • Gelli plate for printmaking
      • Q-tips
      • Old phone book, magazine, or notebook for gluing surface
      • Freezer paper and wax paper (for drying dyed papers and separating collages)
      • Spray bottle for water or alcohol
      • Toothbrush to spritz with
      • Ruler
      • Paper Towels
      • Reference photos: still life, landscape (bring a few ideas to choose from)

      Additional Information:


      Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
      Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

        • Wednesday, January 21, 2026
        • Wednesday, February 11, 2026
        • 4 sessions
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield MA 02051
        • 3
        Register

        Collage, or “Painting with Paper,” is increasingly becoming one of the most exciting mediums in the art world today. This class will allow you to explore and experiment with this fun and unique medium. Collage provides an opportunity to paint without fear. It turns looking and composing into a playful activity, where shapes of color can be easily cut and rearranged. The element of SHAPE plays a crucial role in painting. Limiting the number of shapes in a composition can be a challenge. Engaging in collaging helps you see shapes differently and encourages you to simplify and refine your design. Each class will focus on a different approach and method for creating unique and unusual designs.

        Most materials will be provided, but students are encouraged to collect and share papers they may have.

        About the Instructor: Nancy Colella 

        Nancy earned a BA in Fine Art from Muskingum University, then studied painting at the Aegean School of Fine Arts in Paros, Greece and at the Instituto Allende in San Miquel Mexico. After a career in the hospitality business and while raising two children, she resumed her studies at Mass College of Art. She teaches numerous on-line and live workshops throughout New England.  

        Additional Information:


        Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
        Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

        • Friday, January 23, 2026
        • Sunday, January 25, 2026
        • 3 sessions
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills, MA 02051
        • 0
        Join waitlist

        Embrace Winter! If you are a landscape painter in the North you spend a lot of time looking at snow and bare branches. Instead of dreaming of warmer days (they will come) learn how to make the most of what can be a fascinating and beautiful feature of where we live. We will study the color of snow, the effects of shorter days, and how to paint bare branches against the sky, etc. We will paint on black paper and underpaint on sandpaper, exploring winter in its intricacies, and how it relates to pastel painting. Demonstrations and group critique daily, along with indi- vidualized instruction at your easel. All levels welcome!

        Instructor Bio:

        Liz Haywood-Sullivan, IAPS/EP, PSA-MP, has been dedicated to working exclusively in the pastel medium since 1996. Her attraction to the medium is pastel's unique ability to capture light and atmosphere in the landscape. She is a sought-after instructor and judge for pastel societies and arts organizations around the world. Liz authored the popular book Painting Brilliant Skies and Water in Pastel (Northlight, 2013). Her award-winning pastel paintings have been featured in numerous books and magazine articles, and have appeared in national, international and museum exhibitions worldwide. Liz is a President Emerita of the International Association of Pastel Societies (2013-2017) and past president of North River Arts Society (2021-2025). Her online instruction can be found at

        www.epiphanyfineart.com.

        www.lizhaywoodsullivan.com

        Materials List: Download Here

        Recommended Lodging for Out-of-Town students:

        Inn at Scituate Harbor

        Fairview Inn

        Additional Information:


        Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
        Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

        • Sunday, February 01, 2026
        • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills
        • 15
        Register

        Join us for yoga and artwork at North River Art Society! Ages 3+

        This is a super fun program designed to teach children the basics of mindfulness, meditation and movement. We’ll be using provided materials to make crafts for our yoga story flow lead by yoga instructor, Chrissy Sullivan. 

        We’ll also be learning helpful breathwork techniques to calm our nervous systems at any age! Each class will have an educational theme and will include partner and group poses, easy alignment tips and some singing and dancing!

        To register a sibling: please add a "guest" at registration for discounted price.

        Chrissy is a certified Vinyasa Yoga instructor with an additional specialization in youth and mindfulness. She has two beautiful babies who can often be found flowing beside her. Ever since she was a child herself, Chrissy has been drawn to a more spiritual and artistic way of life. She is greatly influenced by her grandmother, a lifelong montessori teacher and her great aunt, a Harvard professor and yoga guru. As a true nurturer, Chrissy has always been drawn to helping others. She believes it’s so important to start with our youth. If we can teach children the basic principles of yoga and how to calm their own central nervous systems we can directly benefit their lives and our communities as a whole. Chrissy created MinniYogi in 2020, a carefully curated yoga program for children and caregivers of all ages. The program includes flashcards which teach the child and caregiver the basics of yoga and meditation and how to apply them to everyday life. Chrissy incorporates the cards in all of her classes. Come join us for lots of silliness and learning! Because children learn best when having fun!


        • Sunday, February 01, 2026
        • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills

        North River Arts Society’s Annual Meeting will take place on February 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM at G.A.R. Hall. Join us as we reflect on 2025 and look ahead to the exciting plans and opportunities in 2026.

        Following the meeting, please stay to celebrate NRAS—raise a glass to the year ahead and help us recognize and honor some of our outstanding volunteers.

        This free event is open to all NRAS members.

        • Thursday, February 05, 2026
        • Thursday, February 26, 2026
        • 4 sessions
        • 3
        Register

        Learn the fundamentals of digital illustration using Procreate in this four-week course designed for beginners. We’ll cover everything from setting up your canvas and using layers, to inking, coloring, and creating finished artwork. Each session includes guided demos, hands-on studio time, and optional at-home exercises to support your growth. Whether you're completely new to digital tools or looking to build a creative habit, this class will give you the skills and confidence to start illustrating on your iPad.



        About the Artist: Jaimee Reale is an illustrator and designer behind Jaimee Makes, known for creating vibrant, hand-drawn artwork for musicians, product lines, and independent brands. She holds a BFA in Design from Boston University and spent several years as an elementary art teacher, which informs her clear, approachable teaching style. With a background in both traditional and digital media, Jaimee is passionate about helping others build creative confidence through accessible tools like Procreate.


        Materials:

        iPad with Procreate Drawing App installed (https://procreate.com)

        Apple Pencil

        Additional Information:


        Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
        Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

        • Saturday, February 07, 2026
        • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
        • 10
        Register

        Are your still life’s lacking… something? Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this hands-on workshop will guide you through composition, lighting, color, and technique. I will demonstrate how to layout a compelling still life, the block in, and the techniques to bring your painting to life. You don’t want to miss this weekend workshop!

        About the Instructor: I returned to my first love of representational painting about two decades ago. At an early age I fell in love with the works of Rembrandt van Rijn, a love which carries through to today. I remember standing in front of a portrait of his of an old man and finding myself brought to tears. That an artist some 375 years ago, from an entirely different world, speaking a different language, and from a different culture could reach through time and speak so profoundly to a person of my time, to me is, the highest form of art. I seek in my art to reach such a pinnacle of truth, to make my work speak so directly to those who view it.

        I paint in a direct style, with a simple limited palette. With sensitivity, mastery of technique, and a magician’s sleight of hand, I endeavor to engage you, the viewer. To not only pique your interest, but to reach your heart.

        My works have been presented at the Oil Painters of America, Portrait Society of America, and National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society, International Guild of Realism, amongst others. I am a Master Artist at the esteemed Boston Copley Society of Art, a member artist at the Salmagundi Club in New York City, co-founder and teacher at the online academy Epiphany Fine Art and currently paint and teach out of my studio in Norton, Massachusetts.

        Materials List: coming soon

        Additional Information:


        Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
        Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.


        • Saturday, February 14, 2026
        • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills



        We are super excited to announce our brand new
        winter show "In From the Cold"

        January 17 – February 12

        This show is open to all current North River Arts members!

        Artists are invited to submit their best winter inspired piece, whether its through imagery, mood, or color!

        Due to our large membership, the size restrictions of our gallery, and the purposes of the fundraiser, we encourage the submission of smaller works. The maximum size for submission is 20” × 20”. Whether you're an established artist or just beginning your journey, this show is open to all skill levels!

        Deadline for Entries: January 5th at Midnight

        Submit Here

        Opening Reception and Fundraiser Party:
        We hope you can join us January 17th, 6–8pm for the Opening Reception and Fundraiser Party Extravaganza!
        Come in from the cold and celebrate the beautiful winter artworks created by our talented members. Wear your favorite sweater and enjoy warm cider and hot cocoa at the bar while you take in the art and bid on raffle baskets.
        Let’s toast to creativity, community, and the cozy spirit of the season! Entry is $20 at the door and includes five raffle tickets. Artists in the show get free entry.

        Tickets available for purchase soon!


        • Sunday, February 15, 2026
        • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
        • 83 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
        • 50
        Register

        Join Dianne Panarelli Miller for a 2-hour demo where she will discuss her process, materials and inspiration. 

        Dianne Panarelli Miller is a world reknown artist painting in Canada, Bermuda, and Europe. She is an award winning Boston-based "Plein Air Painter" of color and light and is a signature member of the New England Plein Air Painters and is a "Copley Master". Her approach combines the classic atelier training of the "Boston School", with a mastery of technique of her own personal style expressed through the harmony of color and design. The original Boston School way of painting seeks to combine the truth of impressionist color with good drawing, sound composition and skillful paint handling. It's leading exponents included Edmund Tarbell, Frank Benson, William Paxton, Joseph Decamp, Philip Hale, R.H. Ives Gammell. Gammell was a turn of the century Boston Museum School pupil of the first three men and later consulted with Paxton. Robert Douglas Hunter and Robert Cormier (with whom Miller studied ) were students of Gammell. David Lowery and Robert Moore, also students of Gammell rounded off her studies.

        We recommend bringing a notebook and pen to take notes. 

        PLEASE NOTE: This demo will take place at Friendship Hall down the street from NRAS at 83 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills.

        • Tuesday, February 17, 2026
        • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills



        We are super excited to announce our brand new
        winter show "In From the Cold"

        January 17 – February 12

        This show is open to all current North River Arts members!

        Artists are invited to submit their best winter inspired piece, whether its through imagery, mood, or color!

        Due to our large membership, the size restrictions of our gallery, and the purposes of the fundraiser, we encourage the submission of smaller works. The maximum size for submission is 20” × 20”. Whether you're an established artist or just beginning your journey, this show is open to all skill levels!

        Deadline for Entries: January 5th at Midnight

        Submit Here

        Opening Reception and Fundraiser Party:
        We hope you can join us January 17th, 6–8pm for the Opening Reception and Fundraiser Party Extravaganza!
        Come in from the cold and celebrate the beautiful winter artworks created by our talented members. Wear your favorite sweater and enjoy warm cider and hot cocoa at the bar while you take in the art and bid on raffle baskets.
        Let’s toast to creativity, community, and the cozy spirit of the season! Entry is $20 at the door and includes five raffle tickets. Artists in the show get free entry.

        Tickets available for purchase soon!


        • Tuesday, February 17, 2026
        • Tuesday, March 03, 2026
        • 3 sessions
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield MA
        • 3
        Register

        This 3-week class will dive into the world of block printing, covering a crash-course on all things blocks for artists of all sorts who want to bring their creativity to life in the printed world. This class will cover techniques for drawing, carving, and printing block prints on a variety of mediums. Rachel will help you bring to life a block and a variety of prints in different mediums of your own imagination.

        About the Instructor: Rachel Nerger (Ray Prints)

        I started block printing in 2020 when I was looking to reconnect with my creativity outside of the everyday hustle and bustle and a full-time job in finance. I have always been an artist at heart, and have continued to explore new mediums even as I jumped into the professional world.

        Over the past few years, all the hours of drawing, carving, and printing blocks has led me to “launch” Ray Prints where I’ve been able to share my love of block prints with the south shore at different pop ups and markets. I have fallen in love with block printing for the way that it fits into life - it is accessible, affordable and has provided me with hours of escape as I work through each step in creating totally unique pieces of art with each stamp and Speedball carve.

        Materials List:

        (1 per student) 8"x10" block, black ink, rollers and paper provided by NRAS. Students should bring a set of carving tools, Rachel recommends this one for beginners. Rachel also suggests bringing watercolor supplies, different ink colors if you want and any old clothing, canvas bags, etc. that you may want to play around printing on! 

        Additional Information:


        Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
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        • Saturday, February 21, 2026
        • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills

        Hand deliver work to GAR Hall on Saturday, February 21 (10–12pm) or Monday, February 23 (5–7pm). Shipping information will be provided to artists upon acceptance. Work must arrive before hand delivery dates above. Please notify the office if you plan to ship artwork so we know to expect your work.

        • Monday, February 23, 2026
        • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills

        Hand deliver work to GAR Hall on Saturday, February 21 (10–12pm) or Monday, February 23 (5–7pm). Shipping information will be provided to artists upon acceptance. Work must arrive before hand delivery dates above. Please notify the office if you plan to ship artwork so we know to expect your work.

        • Tuesday, February 24, 2026
        • Tuesday, March 17, 2026
        • 4 sessions
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield MA 02051
        • 9
        Register

        If you have ever wanted to try out painting in oils this is an easy 4 week start up class that won’t overwhelm. Learn the basics of oil painting including substrates and how different materials create varying effects. We will use a start up limited palette to help you understand color mixing and application and explore some basics of simplifying your composition. All lending for a fun way to proceed in your oil painting journey.

        About the Instructor: Margaret Farrell Bruno

        Margaret Farrell Bruno is a national award winning landscape and portrait artist who lives

        and paints on the Massachusetts South Shore. Being a native of the area, she grew up

        surrounded by the splendid coastline and luscious cranberry bogs, which continue to

        inspire her pastel and oil landscapes. She left the South Shore as a young woman to study

        at Pratt Institute fulfilling her BFA. She worked in and experienced the art culture of New

        York City for many years, but was drawn back to her South Shore roots. Along with the

        joys of raising her family, she continued her career and business as a Fine Artist and

        Illustrator. Margaret’s work is in numerous public and private collections.

        Margaret has always been and continues to be inspired by the works of such artists as

        William Merrit Chase, Edgar Payne, William Wendt, Joaquín Sorolla, Sargent, and

        Anders Zorn.

        She is a member of several art societies, including a Signature Member of the Pastel

        Society of America, Master Circle Status International Association of Pastel Societies,

        Associate Member of the Copley Art Society, Signature Member of the Pastel Painters

        Society of Cape Cod, Juried Artist Member of the Cape Cod Art Association, Oil Painters

        of America and the Portrait Society of America. She is a recent past President of the Board

        of Directors of the North River Arts Society.


        Materials List: coming soon

        Additional Information:


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        • Saturday, February 28, 2026
        • 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield
        • 0
        Join waitlist

        You can do this! Explore sketching with abandonment. Step out of your comfort zone and draw with a variety of materials, letting all the imperfections, “mistakes,” and corrections lead you to beautiful discoveries and exciting images. Perfectionism is highly overrated. Let fearless mark making lead you to dynamic images that engage and delight! Layer, smudge, erase…it’s all good.

        In this workshop, we will look at some of the masters of intuitive drawing (both past and present) for inspiration. You will watch Suzette demonstrate various techniques and be coached through exercises using different mediums. You will utilize still life as subject matter. Please bring 3-5 objects from your home to arrange in your space and a patterned dishtowel or fabric piece to wrap into the still life. Anything goes! Ordinary objects are often poetic. Don’t over think what you bring in. Suzette encourages you to bring the drawing tools you already have in your kit and not to worry if you don’t have every element on the extended

        materials list. Get ready to wow yourself…

        Materials list:

        Must have:

        • A book of cheap sketch paper for exercises
        • A Bristol pad, Vellum or Smooth, as big as you please but not smaller than 11x14
        • A graphite pencil
        • Some willow or vine charcoal
        • Paynes Gray acrylic ink
        • white charcoal or white conte crayon or white pastel
        • 3 colors watercolor, acrylic gouache, or acrylic paint and a brush

        Nice to have:

        • watercolor, gouache, acrylic sets
        • pastels, oil or soft
        • ink tense pencils
        • Cran d’arche Neocolor crayons or like product
        • water-soluble graphite
        • acrylic markers
        • crayons
        • gel pens
        • prior works you are willing to tear into collage material

        About the Instructor: Suzette Lebenzon

        Suzette Lebenzon has painted since her childhood in Scituate, MA. She has kept a studio and shown in galleries most of her adult life. Her home and studio are in Wellfleet.

        Suzette was a recipient of the Mass Cultural Councils Unrestricted Artists Grants. In 2023, Suzette was inducted to the National Association of Women Artists, as a Signature Member. Her work has been curated into shows at the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, the Scollay Square Gallery in Boston’s City Hall, and the Galatea Fine Art Gallery in SOWA.

        She is represented by the  AMZehnder Gallery in Wellfleet, MA; and the BBLG Gallery in Smithtown, NY.

        Additional Information:


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        Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

        • Tuesday, March 03, 2026
        • Tuesday, March 24, 2026
        • 4 sessions
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
        • 0
        Join waitlist

        Get ready to roll up your sleeves and have some fun! In this four-week hands-on class, you’ll explore the playful, artistic world of papier-mâché. We’ll begin by learning how to design and build strong structures, then move on to applying paper mâché strips and cement paper clay to create durable, weather-resistant garden vessels and ornaments. Each week builds on the last as you experiment with form, texture, and color while bringing your unique vision to life. Whether it’s whimsical creatures, elegant planters, or imaginative sculptures, your finished piece will be ready to brighten your garden just in time for spring. This class is all about creativity, laughter, and the joy of making something beautiful for your outdoor space — no prior experience needed!

        About the Artist:

        Sally Dean is a south shore artist who mostly works out of her back yard studio. Sally is a member of North River Arts Society, and is a gallery artist at South Shore Art Center in Cohasset . She is a graduate of The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and has a BFA from Tufts University. As well as painting Sally works in mixed media, printmaking murals and mosaics. She has recently retired from her position as Education Coordinator at The Art complex Museum in Duxbury, and is now enjoying life as a full time artist . Sally was the artist in residence in 2023 at South Shore Art Center working with school children teaching animal art .

        @sallydean


        Additional Information:


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        • Saturday, March 07, 2026
        • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
        • 10
        Register

        This one-day workshop is an immersive introduction to intuitive abstract painting, focused on process, experimentation, and attentive looking rather than making a “finished” picture. Together, we’ll explore how to work without a plan, allowing the painting to evolve through layers, marks, and response.

        Participants will create up to four 12“ x 12“ cradled wood panels, working with acrylic paint and a variety of mark making tools and materials to build layers. The day will also include a short collage based composition exercise to loosen up and explore value, balance, shape, and line.

        This workshop is open to all levels and abilities, welcomes anyone curious about abstraction, process, and more importantly, play. The atmosphere will be relaxed, supportive, and focused on fun and discovery.

        About the Instructor: Nancy Cloonan is an abstract painter based in Plymouth, MA whose paintings are an amalgamation of the shapes, lines, and ordinary gems she sees while walking every day.

        Cloonan earned her BA in studio art with a concentration in printmaking and photography from Hartwick College, Oneonta, New York. She has consumed an abundance of courses and workshops in a variety of mediums since her undergraduate degree. She now focuses on abstract, mixed media on wood and paper.

        Cloonan's work has been exhibited and collected throughout the USA. She has been featured in Artypants Magazine twice. Cloonan is currently seeking gallery representation.

        Lifelong learning is imperative for Cloonan. In addition to her painting practice, she has facilitated workshops for adults and youth, has been an artist in residence for K-5 students, and has experience mentoring and being mentored.

        Materials List:

        • Tracing paper pad
        • Shop towels - blue, Scott brand work best (Home Depot has them)
        • 4 pack/value pack cradled wood panels, 12”x12” or 10”x10” (Michael’s usually has them)
        • Value pack of brushes - get the cheap ones
        • Gloss medium
        • Glue stick
        • Scissors
        • Silicone bowl scraper (only if you have one handy!)
        • Acrylic paints:  artist grade, not student or craft grade (see below)

        I use mostly Golden, but Liquitex is a good option. You could buy a starter set so you’d have the primaries. If you buy separately: titanium white, ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, cadmium red light, cadmium red dark, cadmium yellow dark, cadmium yellow light. A couple transparent colors: green gold, manganese blue

        If you don’t want to commit to all of these, thats fine too! I’ll have some extra paints for you to use. 

        Additional Information:


        Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
        Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.


        • Saturday, March 07, 2026
        • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills

        Join us for the Festival of the Arts Poster Competition and Exhibit opening! Artist members are asked to submit work to this exhibit to be considered for the Festival of the Arts poster for 2026. Award winners will be announced at 7:30pm.

        Catered by Mae's of Marshfield.

        This event and the awards are sponsored by The Frame Center of Hanover with additional sponsorship from Mae's, Untold Brewing, and Image Resolutions. 

        • Sunday, March 08, 2026
        • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
        • 18
        Register

        Join Margaret McWethy for a 2-hour demo where she will discuss her process, materials and inspiration. 

        We recommend bringing a notebook and pen to take notes. 



        Impressionist painter Margaret McWethy studied art history and biology

        at Swarthmore College. Since graduating she has sought teachers who base their art on training, careful observation, and understanding. Margaret, a native of Maryland, now lives and paints in Massachusetts. Since moving here, she has spent time studying the mechanics of painting. "I have never really left my science background behind. I am always interested in how things work visually, and more importantly, how to convey this information most effectively to students. My classes are a series of experiments and my students are willing participants.”

        Primarily self-taught, colorist Henry Hensche of the Cape School of Art, nationally known portrait artist Cedric Egeli, as well as a number of other great teachers, have been influential.


        Additional Information:


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        • Saturday, March 14, 2026
        • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield
        • 9
        Register

        One goal of representational painting is to make an image appear three-dimensional on a two- dimensional surface. Understanding light and shadow helps to accomplish this artistic illusion. In this one-day workshop we will work on creating effective lights and shadows in a pastel painting, focusing on composition and value shapes as well as mark-making, layering, and blending. We will discuss form shadows and cast shadows and the way in which a shadow’s definition and color are influenced by the source, quality and temperature of the light casting the shadow. In the morning you will create a number of different studies focusing on how best to capture different aspects of shadows in the pastel medium. In the afternoon you will create a larger piece applying what you have learned. All students will have personalized feedback and guidance as you explore this topic. This class is appropriate for all levels. A materials list will be provided in advance.

        About the Instructor: Heather Quay

        “My goal is to have my paintings capture the feeling of a particular time and place. I have always been fascinated by the way that painters portray the quality and temperature of light. As a pastel painter, I continue to be drawn to scenes where the light is the central character. Whatever I am painting – from landscapes, both natural and manmade, to figures, animals, and portraits – I’m always striving to render the light I see onto the surface of my artwork.”

        Heather’s work has been included in juried exhibits across New England and online, and has won a number of awards. She is an Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America, and a Signature Member of the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, the Connecticut Pastel Society and the Maryland Pastel Society. She is also a member of the North River Arts Society, the Central Massachusetts Pastel Society, the Pastel Society of New Hampshire and the Lyme Art Association. Heather is a Featured Artist on the Artsy Shark website. More about Heather and her work can be found at www.heatherquay.com

        Materials list:

        coming soon!

        Additional Information:


        Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
        Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

        • Thursday, March 19, 2026
        • Thursday, April 23, 2026
        • 6 sessions
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield 02051
        • 14

        Intrigued by abstract painting but don’t know where or how to start?  In this class we will study the construction of Intuitive Abstraction paintings.  This is the kind of abstract work that does not show any real ‘objects’.  The impetus comes from within, and flows on to the canvas.  It is definitely not ‘what a 6 year old would do’, as we will employ standard rules of painting in completing the piece (composition, value and color).  So while it will feel very freeing, our goal will be to have a piece that is appealing and substantive.  Many who have taken this course have become prize winning abstract artists, and members of galleries for their abstract work.  It’s a supportive and friendly atmosphere, good for both beginners and experienced artists!  

        About the Instructor: Kelley MacDonald

        After getting her Art History degree at Wheaton College, Kelley continued taking art classes at various Art Associations for 10 years before she started painting.  First with watercolor, then oil and now happily with acrylic and mixed media, it has been a lifetime of growing and exploring all things art.  

        Kelley has won numerous awards, and has taught classes and workshops for many years.  While for the majority of her career Kelley has been a literal, representational painter, in the past 4 years she has been diving into abstraction, particularly Intuitive Abstraction.  The history involved on the canvas, the multiple layers, the reveal and conceal and push and pull are what attracts her to this method. 

        A favorite thing to do is to travel, and be inspired by different landscapes and  cityscapes.  Kelley has traveled to Holland to paint, along with many places on this side of the ocean, namely Nova Scotia, Sedona, Santa Fe, St. Simon’s Island, Seattle, San Miguel de Allende, MX, California and Maine. 

        In 2009 Kelley founded the Artists’ Challenge Group “Girls Just Wanna Paint” which is a collection of award winning artists  who post a response to a new topic every month consecutively since July of 2009. Aside from the Providence Art Club Kelley is a member of the North River Arts Society in Marshfield, MA.  She has taught at the Art Club, Bristol Art Museum, and at North River Arts Society.

        Materials List: 

        coming soon!

        Additional Information:


        Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
        Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

        • Saturday, March 21, 2026
        • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills, MA 02051
        • 5
        Register

        In this workshop, students will explore the art of letterpress printmaking and abstract collage composition.  Students will learn various techniques for creating layered letterpress prints using wooden type and vintage papers and ways to replicate the letterpress look on a gelliplate. 

        Students will be inspired by the close examination of abstract artists' works as they learn composition, color balance, and layering techniques for collage using the prints they’ve created.

        By the end of this workshop, you will have a collection of collages that combine vintage materials with unique letterpress prints. These collages will showcase your skills in abstract composition and innovative printmaking techniques.

        Materials List

        Instructor Bio:

        Sarah Z Short is a collage artist and printmaker from the woods of Rhode Island. Her background as an English teacher explains her love of books, which she also enjoys using as the primary material for her collages.

        Sarah works with found paper and ephemera, utilizing the stories of the past in her contemporary art. She begins many of her pieces by printing with wooden type on pages rescued from discarded books. The prints are then abstracted in her collage compositions to make the original letter forms unrecognizable. Her interest is in the shapes and white space she can make with the typography.

        Website:  https://sarahzshort.com/

        Instagram: @sarah_z_short

        Recommended Lodging for Out-of-Town students:

        Inn at Scituate Harbor

        Fairview Inn

        Additional Information:


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        Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

        • Sunday, March 22, 2026
        • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills 02051
        • 18
        Register

        Join Cathy McCarthy for a 2-hour demo where she will discuss her process, materials and inspiration. 

        We recommend bringing a notebook and pen to take notes. 






        Cathy McCarthy is a self taught mosaic artist. Her first experience in mosaics was a life size shark that she installed at the bottom of a swimming pool in Southern California, when she decided to just try out a new form of art.  From there on she was hooked and has created hundreds of mosaics including murals, a life size mosaic cow, and her most popular mosaic heart rocks.  “I will mosaic anything that stands still!”  

        Cathy‘s mosaic work uses ceramics, stained glass, hand made tiles, and various found objects. Cathy’s formal education was in graphic design and illustration and now works primarily in pastel and acrylics.  Her Mosaic work is secondary but actually her favorite medium to work with.  “I’m always working on a mosaic in between my other work.  It’s just fun!” Cathy lives in Scituate with her husband Kevin and her dog Samson.



        Additional Information:


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        • Friday, March 27, 2026
        • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills
        Friday, March 27 (5-7pm) and Saturday, March 28 (10am–12noon) at GAR Hall, 157 Old Main St, Marshfield Hills 
        • Saturday, March 28, 2026
        • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills
        Friday, March 27 (5-7pm) and Saturday, March 28 (10am–12noon) at GAR Hall, 157 Old Main St, Marshfield Hills 
        • Saturday, April 25, 2026
        • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
        • 157 Old Main Street Marshfield Hills, MA 02051
        • 12

        Join us for a hands-on one-day workshop exploring the whimsical art of spun cotton bird making. In this session, participants will learn the technique ofusing a diluted glue solution to build up cotton fibers into various shapes, with a special focus on birds. From songbirds to more imaginative varieties, Michelle will demonstrate how the same core process can be adapted to create many different types of birds, allowing for both guided learning and personal creativity.

        Participants will be led step-by-step through forming, shaping, and finishing their own cotton bird. By the end of the day, each student will leave with a completed bird(s) and the skills to continue experimenting with cotton at home.

        This workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced makers alike and is perfect for anyone interested in sculpture, folk art techniques, or playful mixed-media processes.

        Instructor Bio: Michelle Chung Levesque is a self-taught fiber and mixed media artist who loves to work with wool, fabric, paper, and metal wire. As a lifelong creative and maker of stuff, Levesque has always enjoyed the challenge of making beautiful things from unexpected raw materials and she strives to show this passion in whatever she creates.

        Materials List:

        • a bag of jumbo cotton balls 
        • Bottle of Elmer’s glue, clear or white
        • acrylic paints and assorted brushes (NRAS has some available for those who do not have any)
        • paper towels 

        Additional Information:


        Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
        Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

        • Saturday, July 11, 2026
        • Sunday, July 12, 2026
        • 2 sessions
        • 13
        Register

        In this captivating 2-day workshop Julie and Michael will help you discover the beauty of pastels. You will explore color, layering, blending and composition as you learn how to create a vibrant floral artwork. They will share: their knowledge; skills; materials/process; tricks and tips and their love of detail – all of which can be applied to any genre, and the workshop is perfect for all skill levels. Two tutors, two creative days.


        About the Artists:

        Julie and Michael are international award-winning artists sharing a love of pastel and realism. They’ve been fascinated with realism since childhood and in their artwork, they strive to create paintings with greater depth and feeling than can be achieved with a photograph. Julie is in the IAPS Master Circle (IAPS-MC) a Master Pastelist in: New Zealand (MPANZ); and Australia (MPSA) and is a Signature member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA). Michael is an IAPS Eminent Pastelist (IAPS-EP), a Master Pastelist in: the Pastel Society of America (PSA-MP); New Zealand (MPANZ); and Australia (MPSA) They both have had articles and their pastel paintings published in many leading art magazines and sell their work internationally and through galleries in New Zealand. Between them they have over 40 years of teaching experience and currently teach workshops Internationally and throughout New Zealand. Julie also teaches privately from their studio in Greenhithe, Auckland.

        www.juliefreeman.co.nz www.michaelfreemanartist.com

        Additional Information:


        Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
        Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.

      157 Old Main Street
      Marshfield Hills, MA 02051
      P.O. Box 307

      781 837 8091
      NorthRiverArts@gmail.com

      Office Hours
      Mondays - Thursdays, 9am-1pm

      North River Arts Society follows the Marshfield Public Schools holiday and cancellation policy.

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