Deb Lewis is teaching a Watercolor  Skills Class at DiCoco’s!”

A new place, new time (10 to noon), and new lighting (the sun!). If you want to learn new skills, tricks of the trade, and have a group of like-minded people sharing ideas, then join us! Work at your own pace, explore new media, and find out what watercolors really can do!!

 Deb Lewis studied painting and sculpture at Maine College Of Art, has had studios in a variety of places in Maine as well as her own outdoor fine arts camps. Beyond art, Deb has collegiate education in biology, physics, chemistry, geology, and a lifelong love of marine science! Deb has been sharing her passion for the arts in the Bethel area for over 25 years. 

When: Wednesdays starting Feb. 5th for six weeks. 

Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm. 

Where: Cafe DiCocoa's Main St. Bethel

*NEW COURSE*

**This course is through Zoom. 

Join students across the state and learn to play this beloved instrument! 

The beginner's course is comprised of four lessons, one each week for four consecutive weeks. Each lesson lasts 1.5 hours. Because the beginner’s course is popular, in 2025, I will be teaching it once a month from February through May. 

Those enrolling do need to have a playable ukulele. For people who need to buy one, I have prepared a buying guide (contact Telstar Adult Education for more details) describing ukulele construction, sizes, and 2 options as well as how to care for the instrument. In addition, I am always glad to advise folks about what to buy and where they can find a decent reasonably priced instrument. I provide all the needed materials for my programs by email. For the Ukulele for Beginner’s course, this means 66 songs and over 60 pages of instructional items, including detailed notes summarizing what was covered in each lesson. I do not charge for these materials. 

I have found that students like being able to take the classes from the comfort of their homes without the need to travel, a particular advantage in winter. They can kick back, dress comfortably and even grab a bite to eat before class, instead of driving to and finding a place to park at a community site. The online Zoom format also facilitates my ability to help students, no matter where they are. When a current or former student needs a little extra help or advice, I'm just a phone call or email away and, if useful, we’ll have a one-on-one Zoom meeting to address the issue. I am also happy to do individual makeup lessons for those who can't attend a scheduled class owing to work or family complications. I am especially sensitive to the needs of seniors and work with individuals needing special attention. Please note that I never cancel classes for low enrollment and have been known to create new sections if class enrollments get too large.

Finally, I make it a point to be a forever-resource for past, current and future students. As to my background, I am a retired journalist and academic who has been playing the ukulele since 2007. While performing with a ukulele ensemble in 2014, an adult ed director came along looking for someone to offer ukulele classes in his program. Having taught the ukulele previously, I raised my hand and that’s how my connection to adult ed programs began.

Owing to the Pandemic, I shifted teaching from a few in-person, location-specific programs, to using the Zoom platform. This has enabled me to reach a much larger audience of ukulele enthusiasts in different and far-flung parts of Maine and other states. To date, I have taught over 1,000 adults the art of playing the ukulele. 

Don't be shy! Register now and learn to play from the comfort of your own home. 

**There may be an opportunity for a group zoom class to get together here at Telstar Adult Education if there is interest from local students. 

Four Sessions this winter/spring

Session I;Wednesdays,  February 5, 12, 19, 26

Session II; Tuesdays,  March 4, 11, 18, 25

Session III; Wednesdays,  April 16, 23, 30, May 7

Session IV; Tuesdays,  May 13, 20, 27, June 3

Time: 6:00 pm-7:30 pm

Tuition: $79

Where: YOUR HOUSE!

**NEW CLASS!!**

In the cold midwinter, I often find myself clutching my cup of cocoa a little tighter just to warm my hands. That’s where a handwarmer mug comes in. This nifty mug has a built-in pocket to hold the heat around your fingers. Enjoy a hot beverage in a handmade mug and stay warm doing it.  In this one-day course, you will create one custom handwarmer mug. Your finished mug will be microwave and dishwasher safe and glazed in your choice of color.  No previous clay experience is required for this class. All tools and supplies will be provided by the clay studio. Mugs will be glazed and fired and ready for pick up approximately two weeks after class.

Instructor: Martha Grover

When: Saturday, February 8

Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: The Pottery Studio Tuition: $40 per person for 1 week

Are you interested in exploring your ability to write? Wanting to capture your thoughts on paper in a creative way but do not know where to begin, or feel shy about the words you see?

Stephanie Frykholm, a creative writer herself, will guide you while you write from prompts and will then be invited to read your pieces in a safe, welcoming environment. These are stand-alone writing workshops designedfor the new and seasoned writers alike. Free up  your voice through mindfullness wiritng practices. 

Having a creative space to write is key. This course is held "off site" at Cafe Dicocoa. Please bring a notebook and pen. $10 per session. 

Session I; Saturday, Jan 25. Winter Foods: Feeding Friendship

Session II; Saturday, Feb. 1.  Winter Rituals: Sustaining the Spirit

Session III; Saturday, Feb. 8. Winter Nights: Enchanting the Heart

Time for each session: 3:00-5:00 p.m. 

Particicipants must register for each session separately. 

A Women's Creative Writing Workshop ~ A Three-Part Series Led by writer and life coach Stephanie Frykholm. 

Do you have the desire to write? Would you like to feel more confident about your writing? Do you struggle with writer's block or find yourself second-guessing your words? What if you could wrtie with greater trust and ease?

In this workshop, you will:

*Develop writing practices that free your voice & keep your inner critic at bay

*Prime your creative well & strengthen your connection to your Creative Muse

*Enrich your writing through embodiment and mindfulness practices

*Write, read, and be heard within a safe circle of women writers

~~Join us as we write from prompts and read/listen within a welcoming, non-critiquing environment. For beginning and seasoned writers alike.~~

Please bring a pen and a notebook. 

When: Mondays, February 24, March 3, & 10

Time: 9:30 am- Noon

Where: Cafe DiCocoa's, Main St. Bethel

Tuition: $30

**Two Dates Available**

Experience working on the potter’s wheel in this two-hour session for adults. Working on the wheel is an age-old practice of using your hands and a spinning wheel to create useful and beautiful objects out of clay.  You will learn the basics of centering the clay on the wheel, opening the form, and pulling up the walls to make everything from bowls to vases.  Up to three completed pieces per person will be glazed in your choice of color and will be ready for pick up approximately two weeks after class. The pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe. No previous clay experience is required for this class. All tools and supplies will be provided by the clay studio.

Session 1

Instructor: Joshua Rysted

When: Friday, March 7

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Where: The Pottery Studio

Tuition: $45.00 per person for 1 week

Create a whimsical and unique ceramic fairy house for your garden.  This is a two-week class.  The first class will cover building your fairy house.  The second week will involve detailed painting of your project with ceramic underglazes.  No previous clay experience is required for this class. All tools and supplies will be provided by the clay studio. Your finished project will be fired and ready for pick up approximately one week after the last class.

Instructor: Martha Grover

When: Saturday, April 5 & 12 (two weeks)

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: The Pottery Studio

Tuition: $65 per person for 2 weeks

*NEW CLASS!!

Beginner Crochet; Crochet a Chicken!                                              

This class is meant for beginners but experienced crochet enthusiasts can join too! Yarn is included (unless you have your own yarn), just bring your hooks (sized F or G), a yarn needle, and some scissors to work with.

Victoria Ojeda Monsalve will guide you through the work and you will leave with a VERY CUTE chicken that will look sweet in your house without the mess.

Just in time for Easter!                                                                                                                                                    

When: Wed/Thursday April 9-10

Time: 5:00-6:30 pm                                    

Where: Telstar Adult Education

Tuition: $35