Lifelong Learning Courses for Adults

Sip ‘n Paint

with Matt Dorado

Friday, August 7; 6:30–8:30pm
The Bower, 248 Cabot Street
Fee: $52 (everything is included: supplies and adult beverages)

Unwind, create, and connect in the heart of downtown.

Kick off your weekend early with creativity! Join our community for a casual, engaging evening of painting set to a chill, lo-fi lounge soundtrack. Hosted in our beautiful studio space—conveniently located right downtown at The Bower—this event blends the relaxed atmosphere of a night out with high-quality, friendly art instruction.

You’ll create your own acrylic masterpiece on canvas, guided by a professional art instructor who will offer tips, techniques, and plenty of encouragement. Whether you are an absolute beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, this evening is designed to help you relax, unplug, and find your creative flow.

Registration Includes:

• 2 hours of studio time and painting instruction
• All painting supplies (stretched canvas, acrylic paints, brushes)- Have your own? Feel free to bring them!
• Complimentary beverages (wine, beer, soda, and water)

Come for the art, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with your own finished masterpiece!

Note: Participants must be 21+ to consume alcoholic beverages. Space is limited, so early registration is highly recommended!

Painting Party at Hardie

with Matt Dorado

Saturday, August 8; Noon – 4pm
Outside the Hardie Building, 23 Essex Street
Fee: $65

Celebrate four centuries of Beverly’s history, culture, and community with a special afternoon of outdoor painting! Join us on our checkerboard at the historic Hardie Building for a festive, plein air (outdoor) watercolor session. Located right in the heart of the downtown festivities, this is the perfect way to soak up the sun, enjoy the city’s birthday energy, and capture the beauty of our historic neighborhood on paper.

Whether you are a seasoned painter or haven’t touched a watercolor palette since elementary school, this style of event is completely open and welcoming to everyone. Our instructor will be on hand to guide you through basic watercolor techniques, helping you paint your own souvenir of this landmark day.

Bring a partner, a partner-in-crime, a family member, or just your fabulous self—let’s paint the town (literally)!

What’s Included:

• A front-row seat to Beverly’s 400th Anniversary celebrations!
• All watercolor supplies (high-quality paper, paints, brushes, and clipboards)
• Friendly guidance and tips from a professional local artist

Botanical Wire Sculpture Workshop

with Jen Boisvert

Saturday, August 8; Noon–4:30pm
Outside the Hardie Building, 23 Essex Street
Fee: $95

At this one-day workshop, artists will work outdoors at our Hardie Campus location, steps away from the Beverly Common. The theme will be “all things botanical.” You will use wire and a variety of pliers to twist, cut, and create flowers, leaves, vines, and more. You will be given a demonstration on binding and tool techniques. Wire, tools, and on-site inspiration are included. Adjacent to our class site, the city of  Beverly will be hosting their 400th year celebration as the “Garden City”  (there will be booths, flowers, and a wide array of inspirations) to create your own floral sculptures using wire while outdoors. 

Advance registration recommended as there is limited capacity for this workshop. 

Day of event registration available pending whether any open spots remain on the day.  

Notes for participants: wear weather appropriate attire, bring sunscreen, a hat, or rain gear, a camera to document your art, a water bottle/ bag lunch (water provided- available in Hardie)

Sip ‘n Sketch

with Matt Dorado

Thursday, August 20; 6:30–8:30pm
The Bower, 248 Cabot Street
Fee: $32 (everything is included: supplies and adult beverages)

Give your week a creative reset! Join our community for a casual, relaxing evening of sketching set to a warm, jazz and coffeehouse soundtrack. Hosted in our beautiful studio space—conveniently located right downtown—this event blends the cozy atmosphere of a local cafe with high-quality, friendly art instruction.

You’ll explore the fundamentals of drawing, working with graphite, charcoal, and paper. Our professional instructor, Matt Dorado, will be on hand to guide you offering tips on shading, perspective, and finding your line. Whether you haven’t drawn since grade school or sketch every day, this evening is all about enjoying the process, not worrying about perfection.

Registration Includes:

• 2 hours of studio time and guided sketching instruction
• All drawing supplies (sketchpads, charcoal, pencils, and erasers)
• Complimentary beverages (wine, beer, soda, and water)

Come for the art, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a sketchpad full of your own unique creations!

Note: Participants must be 21+ to consume alcoholic beverages. Space is limited, so early registration is highly recommended!