Young artists create at the Makers Mill

WOLFEBORO — After a busy summer of youth art workshops, Makers Mill is expanding opportunities for young artists to continue learning and creating this fall with two new four-week Art Fundamentals series beginning Sept. 9.

Led by artist and instructor Jennifer MacLean, the programs give students an opportunity to move beyond a single art project and develop foundational skills from week to week. Classes will explore drawing, painting, and mixed media while introducing concepts including perspective, color theory, blending, shading, and a variety of artistic techniques.

The Art Fundamentals for Youth Homeschoolers series is designed for ages 6-13 and meets Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m. The Afterschool Art Fundamentals for Youth series is designed for ages 8-13 and meets Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Both series run Sept. 9, 16, 23, and 30.

The new series builds on a summer filled with youth art programming at Makers Mill. MacLean saw many students return throughout the summer, developing their skills and becoming increasingly interested in learning more about art.

"Some of these kids have been creating with me for two summers now, and I’ve watched them grow from 'make and take' projects into emerging artists who really want to learn more," said MacLean. "Even when a child comes for just one day, you can see that spark when something clicks. Every maker had someone or some experience that helped them discover the joy of their craft. If I can help spark that love of art in even one child, I'm over the moon."

Class sizes are intentionally small, with a maximum of six students, allowing for individual guidance and plenty of room for young artists to experiment, ask questions, and grow creatively.

MacLean brings an unusual combination of artistic and professional experience to the classroom. A Tuftonboro native and Kingswood High School graduate, she leads the Leather Circle at Makers Mill and is a member of its Fine Arts Circle. She teaches Adaptive Arts, Paint Your Pet, leatherworking, and a variety of youth art programs. Her previous career as an Occupational Therapist and Speech-Language Pathologist continues to inform her thoughtful, adaptive, and student-centered approach to teaching.

The four-week series costs $150, plus a $25 materials fee covering supplies for all four sessions, including a sketchbook each student will receive on the first day.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Registration closes two days before the first session.

Learn more and register at makersmill.org.