2026 CRAG Classes & Workshops

A “Drawing Delicious: Food Art with Acrylic Markers” workshop is being sponsored by CRAG and instructed by arts educator Myriam Levatino.

The workshop will take place on Saturday, June 13th starting at 10:00 am and running until noon. (The workshop could run later than noon). The location will be at the Great North Woods Center for the Arts, 1993 US Route 3 in Columbia, NH and held within the residence building.
The cost for participation and included materials is $30.00 per person. Those interested in attending must pre-register at Fiddleheads, 110 Main Street, Colebrook and submit payment for the class at that time. Cash or checks made payable to CRAG is accepted. Hours at Fiddleheads are Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Any questions about the class can be sent to Myriam directly at mylev.design@gmail.com.
Workshop Description:
This one-day workshop introduces participants to the creative process of modern food illustration using acrylic paint markers and colored pencils. Participants will learn how to simplify shapes, layer bold color, create texture, and add highlights and shading to make illustrated foods look vibrant and dimensional. The workshop combines playful subject matter with approachable mixed media techniques, resulting in artwork that feels colorful, expressive, and contemporary.
Participants will complete and take home a finished food illustration inspired by desserts, pastries, fruit, coffee drinks, or other visually fun foods.
What Participants Will Learn:
• Basic sketching and shape-building techniques
• How to use acrylic paint markers for bold color application
• Layering and blending with colored pencils
• Creating texture, highlights, and shadows
• Techniques for making illustrations feel vibrant and dimensional
• How to combine mixed media materials confidently and creatively
Who This Workshop Is For:
This workshop is appropriate for everyone of all skill levels, including complete beginners. It is especially well-suited for participants who enjoy colorful, modern art styles, journaling, illustration, or creative hobbies in a relaxed and social environment.
Skills or Experience Needed:
No prior drawing or painting experience is required. Step-by-step instruction and demonstrations will be provided throughout the workshop. The techniques are beginner-friendly and focus on creativity, observation, and layering rather than technical perfection. Participants only need a willingness to experiment and have fun with the materials.

More Classes Coming Soon and Specific Details to be Announced:

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July – Gouache (Water based paints) – instructed by Lisa Mc Manus

 

August  – Origami instructed by Lisa Mc Manus

 

September – Paste, Paper & Folded Books – Michele Johnsen

 

October – Cathy Springmann – TBD

 

November – Lori Bach – Zentangle

 

  PAST CLASSES:

April 25, 2026 : Markmaking, Mixed Media and Abstract Design

In this workshop, participants will learn to use specific tools and techniques for the creation of colorful, layered, seemingly complex abstract designs.  These pieces are beautiful works of art on their own, but are ideal for use in collage, journaling, greeting cards, tags, bookmarks, etc.—anything you might want to embellish with stunning handmade decorative papers.  It is an addicting art form that you’ll want to do over and over again!

 The workshop is taking place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 am to 1 pm (within the Maker Space of the residence building) at the Great North Woods Center for the Arts, 1993 Route 3, Columbia, NH. The fee for the class is $25 payable to CRAG on the day of the class via check or cash and includes all materials. To register and for more information email instructor Michele Johnsen at art@michelejohnsen.com. Space is limited, so register early! This workshop is sponsored by the Connecticut River Artisan Group (CRAG).

 

 

 May 16, 2026 : Needle Felting Beginner Class by Lana Gilcris

Have you been looking for a hobby that is relaxing, fun and portable? This class will introduce you to the basics of dry needle felting. In this beginner friendly class, you will learn about needle felting tools and techniques. We will discuss fiber choices, natural dye choices, where to get future supplies, planning projects, creating armatures and so much more. The class will be held Saturday, May 16th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Great North Woods Center for the Arts (GNWCA) located at 1993 U.S. Rte. 3 Trooper Scott Phillips Memorial Hwy – Columbia, New Hampshire. The price for the class is $35. and participants will get a “felting kit” which will include materials to make one owl: a wool dryer ball, roving, needles, felting pad and detailed instructions. The class will last approximately 3 hours.

The class has a limit of 10 participants and is expected to fill up quickly. (A waiting list will be offered). Space will be confirmed as reserved once the class fee has been received. Please stop into Fiddleheads, 110 Main St., Colebrook, Wednesdays through Saturdays 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to register. Payments may be made in cash or check made payable to CRAG at time of registration. Lana Gilcris is a K-8 educator, an eclectic North Country artisan, member of CRAG and owner of TheMajicPaintbrush, LLC. She has been a featured artisan at The Balsams Resort and has exhibited in galleries, local hospitals and venues around the region. Her art has been her therapy since she was a young girl growing up in Island Pond, Vermont and has influenced her in many types of mediums. Lana discovered felting in the early 2000’s when visiting an Alpaca farm and was sent home with a bag of unprocessed fiber. Many years later, she is still enjoying working in felt. Questions, concerns or hellos can be emailed to themajicpaintbrush@yahoo.com .