Instructor:  Spencer Verney

Join Nantucket painter Spencer Verney. The Nantucket landscape will be our visual resource and inspiration for in-depth exploration of oil painting.

Spencer’s personal work is focused on representational landscape, however a student’s orientation may be representational, abstract or personally inventive. Class will begin at NISDA and launch out to the landscape locations. Each week there will be a focus on aspects such as tools, techniques used by generations of landscape painters, composition, value and color. Each day will begin with a demonstration. Individual's personal questions and ongoing critique while on site, as well as in a class gathering, to look and talk about work at the end of each day. NISDA provides basic drawing charcoal, etc. as well as sketch paper. Each student provides their own oil paints and brushes. A supply list will be provided upon registration.

• Meet up at the NISDA campus in Wauwinet at 9:25 am. 
• Travel together in NISDA’s school van, departing anytime after 9:30 am. 
  
• Dress for the weather.  
• Students should bring their own water and a light snack. 
• A basic supplies list will be sent  to students upon registration. 

Instructor:  Leyah Jensen Marshall, BFA Honors Rhode Island School of Design

Embracing its astonishing beauty and taking inspiration from the natural world and the landscape, students will learn basic techniques and visit sites around the island to create works.

Considering the ancient Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi, students will learn how releasing paint’s unruly components creates something that surprises and delights us! This class meets once a week and can be taken weekly, or for the entire month of July!

• Basic Materials Provided With Additional Supplemental Materials Suggested By Instructor

Instructor:  Elizabeth Congdon, MFA Honors Laguna College of Art and Design 

Explore the art of color while painting a still life of summer flowers and fruit with Elizabeth Congdon.

The interplay of reflection and luminosity will serve as the departure point for inspiration in this fun and informative class. You will learn how to evaluate light and shadow in terms of value, the graduation from light to dark, and how this insight brings deeper appreciation of color as a driving force in your painting practice. By investigating the range from vibrant saturated pigments to subdued muted hues, warm to cool temperatures, and the full arc of light and dark, Elizabeth helps students gain a stronger knowledge of the dynamics of oil painting, and its power to convey a natural sense of space through the mixing and application of pigments. Whether you approach color with enthusiasm or trepidation, you will come away with a deeper appreciation not only for what color does, but what you can do with it. 

• A Supply List Will Be Provided By The Instructor

Instructor:  Elizabeth Congdon, MFA Honors Laguna College of Art and Design

Enjoy studio time with like-minded artists and receive constructive feedback.

Elizabeth will work with painters of all levels to pursue their individual goals, deepen their understanding of painting, and develop a painting practice that brings personal satisfaction, as well as mindful wellness to their lives. Artists of all levels and styles of painting are welcome in this class, whether you are a curious novice looking to begin painting, a “sometimes” painter with a painting that you’d like to finish, or a professional painter needing time and space to work. 

Come for one evening, or come all summer!

• Bring Your Own Materials 
• $50 for one session
• $135 for 3 sessions

Instructor:  Elizabeth Congdon, MFA Honors Laguna College of Art and Design

Join Elizabeth Congdon for an experimental experience with the dynamic tools and techniques that have taken the world of representational painting to the new level.

Students will start their canvases with an image of their choice, then develop its surface using rollers, scrapers, oil crayons and wedges. Through this process of addition and subtraction, students will work with spontaneity as they search out general abstractions to specific details that reveal, and conceal, the narrative of a representational painting. Through “in class” demonstrations and individual instruction, Elizabeth will work with students at a pace that suits their temperament and style, creating one artwork or many studies. The goal will be to enliven your work through innovation, learn about new materials and techniques, and get inspired by the limitless possibilities of painting.

• A Supply List Will Be Provided By The Instructor

Instructor:  Michael Frassinelli, Visiting Resident Artist 

This studio course will take students through the basics of painting with acrylic paint.  

Designed primarily for beginners; more advanced students can receive additional one on one coaching.  The course will take place in the studio or on a covered outdoor deck at NISDA. A list of materials to gather will be provided by the instructor prior to the beginning of the course. Studio brushes, easels and basic studio supplies are available for use.

Instructor:  Michael Frassinelli, Visiting Resident Artist

This course is open to all interested 9+, Teen, and Adults. Great for a family!

Assemblage is a technique that allows the artist the latitude of using found or upcycled objects, parts, or materials, to create something altogether new and inventive. The resulting object(s) can celebrate pure form or refer to something meaningful, symbolic or known. As described on the MOMA site: "Assemblage art gives objects new meanings, makes creative connections between disparate elements, and elevates non-art materials into the realm of art."  No prior experience or art training is required to participate. Tools and supplies are provided by NISDA. Students may bring in their own items, bits and pieces, and recycled materials of interest to use.

Instructor:  Kathy Kelm, former Textile Faculty at RISD with Guest Artisans and

College Textile Major Interns Clara Peterson and Charlotte Bertsch and Guest Artisans

Enjoy discovering your own sense of design and decorative patterns while being introduced to basic textile techniques ~ and create a silk scarf! 

Our studio experience will be two-fold – experience textile direct and resist techniques while discovering personal decorative pattern inspired by Nantucket’s nature, childhood memories, as well as the cultural heritage of our own families and decoratieve expression of cultures from around our earth. 

Sequential weekly techniques will introduce design, layout, “hands on” botanical printing, simple direct painting, stamping stenciling, dying, cyanotype sun prints using shells & flowers, shibori, stitch resist, fold dye and finally explore the opportunity to embellish your textiles with embroidery, buttons, beads and “findings.”

Tuition includes Tuesday class and Friday Textile Open Studio - Basic textile studio supplies, silk scarf, textile paints, markers, dyes, cyano type chemicals, stamp, stencils, paper cloth, studio needles, embroidery threads are included in tuition. To accomplish expanded projects, additional supplies may be purchased in studio.

You may enroll for a one-week workshop, a series or all six classes. Each week is designed to be a sequential introduction of techniques, while discovering your own sense of design – yet a singular experience. 

Instructor:  Natasha Feeney

Immerse yourself in the timeless art of functional basket weaving in our lively and engaging class suitable for learners of all levels! Whether you're a complete novice or a seasoned weaver looking to refine your skills, this class promises to be a delightful journey through the world of practical basketry, using reed as our primary material. At the end of the class, you'll proudly take home your handcrafted reed basket, ready to serve its intended purpose with both style and functionality. 

No prior experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and an open mind. Let's weave some magic together with reed!

Extra Studio Time for Registered Students

Registered students are welcome to have access to, and use of studio space outside of scheduled class times to further their work.  This access is included in the tuition for the duration of the course.  A schedule of “open studio” times for each space is available. Under some conditions, use of a studio during a scheduled class might be arranged, with the consent of the faculty member.

Community Open Studio Membership

Island community members may pay a fee to use studio space at NISDA’s Seaview Farm Studios. Fees and guidelines differ from studio to studio.  Community members can have access to, and use of studio space outside of scheduled class times.  A schedule of “open studio” times for each space is available.  Community members are self-directed and work independently, providing their own materials and supplies. They follow school guidelines and policies, and clean up & maintain the studio space they use after each work session. 

• Long Shed Clay Studio
• B/W Darkroom
• Textiles
• Painting

Long Shed Clay : 

Open Studio Community Membership

Adult + Young Adult Teen Open Clay Studio by Application + Registration

• Space is limited. Members please notify the studio manager of expected hours of use to avoid overcrowding.
• Fees:   Full payment due in advance. 
• Members buy and use NISDA clay.  Cone 06-04 terracotta  or Cone 6 white body.  A 25 lb. box Is $50.00, includes firing.
• Members need to have prior experience and will work independently. 
• Instruction is not included in the membership fee. 
• (Tutorials/courses are  available.)
• 2 Week minimum: $250
• 1 Month: $450
• 2 Month: $800
• Community Members may use the studio during Open Studio hours only.