Barbara Sullivan (left) works with a student in her fresco workshop, July 2021
Intensive Summer Workshops
Each summer, Monson Arts programs a variety of one-week intensive workshops in our studios which provide an ideal environment to focus on learning and creative work. Taught by instructors renown in their field, these classes are designed to give participants unhindered time where they don’t have to think about anything other than making. Monson Arts provides all meals and the option of housing right in town within walking distance to all of our facilities. The studios are open 24 hours.
A typical workshop includes 10-15 participants and we are able to host two workshops at a time in our facilities. Sessions begin with dinner on Sunday night and conclude before lunch on Saturday. Workshops are open to anyone 18 or older and working at any level from beginners to advanced professionals. Enrollment is on a first-come first-served basis.
Painting workshop with Alan Bray, 2018
2022 Summer Workshops
Our lineup of Summer Workshops for 2022 offers many exciting opportunities to work alongside professional artists, writers, and media producers. We’ve made a few changes to our format (including adding one more full day to each workshop!) but we’re glad to say that we anticipate the same in-person, in-studio learning experience as years past. We will once again be offering eight one-week workshops in a variety of media scheduled across four sessions that will take place in June and July, including a special session dedicated to audio production and storytelling planned in collaboration with the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies at Maine College of Art & Design. Other offerings include Poetry, Book Arts, Sculpture, Quilting, and Drawing. Browse our complete 2022 Summer Workshop catalog below for details and course descriptions. Online registration is now open!
For health and safety, we are requiring that all workshop participants provide proof of up to date COVID19 vaccination before the start of their workshop session. Additional precautions including mask wearing and distancing in common areas will be in effect in accordance with the current guidelines put forward by the CDC at the time of workshop sessions. We appreciate your understanding.
Michael Stasiuk giving a demo during his mixed media workshop, July 2021
The cost to take a workshop includes tuition, room & board, and materials fees. We offer on-campus housing in a private (single) or double (shared with one other person) room. Room availability is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you do not need housing, you may register as a day student at a reduced rate. Whether staying on campus or off, all meals are included and prepared by the Quarry Fine Dining restaurant. Fees for materials and supplies will vary for each studio and can range from $25-$100.
Tuition: $650
ROOM & BOARD
Single: $790
Double: $565
Day Student: $340
If you are unable to register below because a workshop is full, please contact our office about being on the waitlist. We will let you if space becomes available.
2022 Summer Workshops
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Photojournalism: Yoon Byun
$250.00WORKSHOP CANCELED
June 19 – 25 (Salt Session)
This workshop explores storytelling through the use of photography. Students will learn about the fundamentals of composition, types of photos, and how to construct a story or essay with multiple photos. Classroom time will be spent on story development, hands-on camera advice, digital workflow, and exercises. This workshop is offered in collaboration with the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies.
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Wood/Sculpture: Jamie Johnston
$250.00July 10 – 16
This workshop will explore the potential of wood as either the primary medium to express form, or in a supporting role when used in combination with other materials or visual elements. Although not focused on fine woodworking techniques and traditional joinery, issues of structure, connection and assembly will be addressed. Some initial assigned projects will be followed by personal exploration at the bench with the potential for working at a larger scale.
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Book Arts & Writing: Rebecca Goodale & Judson Merrill
$250.00July 10 – 16
This workshop will explore the borderlands between art and writing, uncovering lessons useful to artists, writers, and those whose work combines the two. Participants will create and share a group of artist’s books and writings, experimenting with a number of techniques, exploring different forms, and testing the ways that structure changes meaning and the very act of communication.
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Quilting: Susie Brandt
$250.00June 26 – July 2
This workshop aims to reimagine the quilt for our present-day context. Through an exploration of fabrics and stitching techniques, related readings, presentations, and conversations, students will develop a series of samples and an archive of inspiration to further the development of personal and/or collaborative work.
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Story Editing for Audio: Robert Smith
$250.00June 19 – 25 (Salt Session)
This workshop aims to demystify the role of the story editor in creating audio narratives. Sessions will be a mix of lecture, discussion, listening, and hands-on practice with students editing actual work in progress. This workshop is aimed at mid-career audio producers who want to make the leap to editing but are looking for some concrete skills and guidance to do so. This workshop is offered in collaboration with the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies.
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Joomchi Papermaking: Jiyoung Chung
$250.00June 26 – July 2
In this workshop students will explore Joomchi, a Korean traditional way of making textured handmade paper. Students will be introduced to its history while learning the hands-on techniques and reinterpreted adaptations into a contemporary art form with many possibilities for 2D and 3D sculptural objects that are functional or fine art oriented.
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Drawing/ Painting: Tessa Greene O’Brien & Alan Prazniak
$250.00July 24 – 30
Through studio exercises, short writing prompts, and plein air excursions, this workshop will explore the theme of weather phenomena in landscape painting. Students will investigate the kinds of marks, colors, and materials that can create a sense of atmosphere within an artwork.
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Poetry: Betsy Sholl
$250.00July 24 – 30
This workshop offers time to explore new ways of writing. We will write poems in response to prompts, and also consider ways to play with unfinished drafts. There will be daily writing prompts to generate new work, and also time given to exploring drafts brought from home and poems in process. We will discuss sample poems each day, do writing prompts together and also have writing assignments to work on individually.
Latest News > Workshops at Monson Arts
Preview our 2022 Residency Schedule
Monson Arts hopes to bring a total of 100 residents in 2022 making it our busiest year yet. Check out our complete lineup of residency dates for next year. Apply now for Spring sessions!
Summer 2019 Public Programs
See our lineup of fee public programs being offered this summer including evening talks by artist/ instructors, exhibits, demonstrations, and film screenings.
Summer Workshop Catalog
Our one-week intensive summer workshops provide an ideal environment to focus on learning and studio work. Register online for one of eight workshop offerings in 2019.
2019 Residency and Workshop Schedule
We have just finalized our schedule for 2019 with some exciting new opportunities for residencies and workshops. Save the dates now and stay tuned for more details about specific programs in the coming months.
Immersive Audio Workshop, September 2-5
A new workshop offered over Labor Day weekend is now open for enrollment. This three-day intensive will explore new ways of defining and creating immersive storytelling through technology, events, editing, sound design, and reporting techniques.
Slow Art with Alan Bray, July 22-26
Sign up today for our inaugural workshop and spend 4 days drawing and painting in Monson this summer!