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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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. 

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

• Good quality glue sticks (e.g., UHU)
• Matte or gloss gel medium
• PVA glue (e.g., Elmer's, Sobo, or Jade 403)

• Scissors (one regular/large pair and one small pair for fussy cutting recommended)
• X-Acto knife with #11 blades
• Small cutting mat

• Pencils
• Pens (e.g., Micron Pens)
• Paint pens
• Markers
• Oil pastels or crayons
• Gouache

• 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

• 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.

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.

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.

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

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:

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

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!

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:

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

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.