After-School Art Classes
2025 Fall Session
Sept 15 – December 19 (13 weeks)
*No classes week of Nov. 24–28 for Thanksgiving.
2026 Winter Session
January 5 – March 27 (11 weeks)
*No classes the week of Feb 16–20.
2026 Spring Session
March 30 – June 12 (10 weeks)
*No classes the week of April 20–24.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Review our Covid-19 Policy at the bottom of this page.
- We follow the Portland Public School’s snow cancellations. If Portland Public Schools close, we close.
- WE ARE A NUT FREE SPACE. Please be mindful not to send your children to class with food containing nuts. We have students who have serious nut allergies. Please check with your teacher if your child needs special food accommodations.
- Parking is on-street only. Do not park behind the building or you will be towed.
- Email us if you are interested in a payment plan.
Creative Explorations: Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Mixed Media, and more!
Age Group: 6–12 years
Teacher: Phyllis Sabattis
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30pm
Cost: $385 (11 weeks – pro-rated to start date)
Class Description:
Unleash your imagination in this exciting art class where young artists of all levels will have the chance to experiment, create, and discover the endless possibilities of artistic expression! This hands-on class is designed for kids to explore both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) art forms, using a wide variety of materials and techniques.
Throughout the course, children will have the opportunity to explore media/project like:
- Drawing & Painting: Use paints, markers, crayons, and inks to create vibrant, colorful 2D artwork.
- Collage & Assemblage: Experiment with layering papers, fabrics, and found objects to create unique collage pieces and 3D assemblages.
- Cardboard & Sculpture: Explore the world of three-dimensional art through simple clay modeling and sculptural creations using everyday materials.
- Printmaking & Texture Creation: Try stamping, rubbing, and textural painting to add depth and interest to their artwork.
- Recycling & Upcycling: Learn how to turn everyday materials into beautiful works of art, encouraging eco-friendly creativity.
Children will explore various mediums with a focus on encouraging self-expression, creativity, and problem-solving. The class is designed to foster a fun and nurturing environment where kids can develop fine motor skills, build confidence in their artistic abilities, and have a blast experimenting with new materials and techniques.
By the end of the course, students will have a diverse portfolio of artwork and a deepened appreciation for the endless ways they can create, combine, and transform materials into masterpieces. Perfect for budding artists who love to try new things and think outside the box!
Threads & Textures: Fiber Arts, Painting, and Sewing
Class Description:
Dive into the world of sewing, painting, and fiber arts in this dynamic class designed for those eager to explore the creative potential of fabric, thread, and texture. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, Threads & Textures will help you develop valuable skills while empowering you to create one-of-a-kind art pieces and wearable art.
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn a range of sewing techniques and fiber arts practices, including:
- Basic Sewing Skills: Learn how to use a sewing machine, hand-sewing techniques, and essential stitches for creating functional and decorative pieces.
- Textile Design & Dyeing: Experiment with fabric manipulation, painting and dyeing to create vibrant, custom patterns and textures on fabric.
- Embroidery & Appliqué: Add designs to your projects with embroidery stitches and appliqué techniques, transforming simple fabrics into personalized art.
- Upcycling & Fashion Design: Give new life to old clothing and fabric scraps by learning the art of upcycling. Create unique fashion pieces, accessories, and/or home décor that reflect your individual style.
- Fiber Arts Exploration: Try your hand at fiber arts, exploring how to turn material into both functional and artistic creations.
Throughout the class, you’ll be encouraged to experiment, explore, and push the boundaries of what you can make with paper, fabric and thread. Whether you’re interested in fashion, home décor, or purely artistic fiber creations, this class offers the tools, techniques, and inspiration to bring your ideas to life.
By the end of the course, you will have a collection of creative, handcrafted projects—from wearable pieces to textile-based art—and the skills to continue developing your sewing and fiber art practice beyond the classroom. This is the perfect class for those who want to create with their hands, discover new artistic techniques, and express themselves through fabric and thread.
Introduction to Drawing
Age Group: 6–12 years
Teacher: Biz Brooks
Day and Time: Thursdays, 3:30–4:30pm
Cost: $385 (11 weeks – pro-rated to start date)
Class Description:
Discover the joy of drawing in this hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of art! In this class, young artists will explore line, shape, form, space, value, color, and texture while building confidence and creativity through weekly projects. With a balance of guided instruction and independent exploration, students will learn new techniques and then apply them to their own ideas and personal projects. Perfect for both beginners and kids who already love to draw, this class creates space for every student’s unique style to shine.
Throughout the course, students will experiment with a wide range of drawing tools, including:
- Pencil: Practice sketching, shading, and measuring while strengthening foundational skills.
- Colored Pencil: Explore blending, layering, and contrast to bring drawings to life.
- Charcoal & Pastel: Learn expressive techniques that emphasize softness, tone, and texture.
- Pen & Ink: Experiment with bold lines and illustration-inspired mark-making.
- Markers: Play with vibrant color interactions and depth in intuitive, fun ways.
Each week, students will create a new drawing or build upon an ongoing project. Early lessons will focus on traditional practices such as still life and observational drawing, while later weeks will allow students to suggest their own subjects—whether favorite animals, characters, or places. The class emphasizes both learning core techniques and developing a personal artistic voice.
By the end of the course, students will:
- Gain confidence with a variety of drawing materials.
- Build technical skills and vocabulary in the fundamentals of drawing.
- Learn from their peers through collaborative, supportive studio practice.
- Create a collection of finished drawings to showcase in a “gallery wall” of their own.
*Covid-19 Policy:
We follow and respond to the safety measures put forth by our staff/teaching advisory team and Centers for Disease Control. Please email: info@sidexsideme.com if your child has contracted Covid-19 so we can work together to make a plan for your child’s return.
PLEASE STAY HOME and test for COVID-19 if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever, feel feverish, or chills
- Sore throat or new cough
- Nasal congestion with runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Body aches or headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea with vomiting or diarrhea
- Inform OSS staff if you test positive for COVID-19
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