Winter Art Workshops in the North Barn

Join River Gallery School teaching artist Kate Milliken for a series of hands-on art workshops held in the beautiful North Barn at Retreat Farm. These gatherings invite participants to slow down, connect, and explore creative expression in a warm, welcoming environment. Each class offers a different way to experience art—through observation, experimentation, and play—while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Retreat Farm. No prior art experience is needed; just bring curiosity and a willingness to explore.

Basic supplies will be provided. The North Barn bar will be open for drinks and pizza during each session starting at 5pm. 

Registration is $25 for adults, or $15 for children per class. All are welcome, though children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult except where noted.

Space is limited to 15 people per class and advanced registration is strongly encouraged.

Still Life Explorations – February 5

Discover new ways of seeing through still life studies led by Kate Milliken. In this class, participants will experiment with a variety of materials—pencil, graphite, watercolor, collage, and even tactile media like pipe cleaners, beads, and tissue paper. Through guided exercises such as blind contour drawing and “drawing with your senses,” students will explore perception, form, and creative intuition. This class welcomes artists and beginners alike, encouraging curiosity, freedom, and personal expression.

Sculpting from the Figure (All ages) – February 26

Join Kate Milliken for an evening of sculpting the human form in three dimensions. Working from a live (clothed) model, participants will explore gesture, proportion, and form using a variety of sculptural materials. Alongside self-drying clay, you’ll experiment with wire, yarn, pipe cleaners, and paper—materials that can be shaped, twisted, and attached to simple armatures to build mass, movement, and expression in the figure. This relaxed, supportive class encourages creativity and discovery, offering a fun and freeing way to see the human form anew.

Figure Drawing – March 19

Enjoy an expressive evening of figure drawing in the North Barn with Kate Milliken. Working from a live (clothed) model, participants will use charcoal, pencils, and conté to explore both quick gesture poses—1, 2, and 3 minutes—and longer studies of 15 to 20 minutes. The focus is on rhythm, proportion, and the energy of the human form. This class offers a friendly, no-pressure environment perfect for beginners and returning artists alike.

This series is supported in part by BLICK Art Materials. Thank you!