a maker's circle

August Monthly Watercolor - It's all about Dahlias!
2025-08-27 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | A Maker’s Circle Studio, 8 Hacklebarney Road, Pottersville, NJ, 07979, United States
Magical dahlias are in bloom and they inspire me to paint them. They are, however, a tricky flower to paint in watercolor as they are very intricate. This class will focus on how to capture the grace and movement of these gorgeous, unique blooms while focusing on the drawing and the use of wet into wet application and finding the light and dark to create depth.
We will use both photo references as well as the real thing if any of you want to paint from life. The dahlias will all be from Laura Grimm’s amazing Dahlia farm, Bewitching Blooms in Far Hills, NJ.

Ceramics- August All Level Hand Building Class with Laurie Scupp-4 Weeks-SOLD OUT
2025-08-26 09:30 - 12:30
Learn the basics of hand building pottery on 8/5, 12, 19 and 26. Or get support to further your ceramic practice. Throughout this class 4 week class series, you’ll be guided through various clay hand building techniques such as pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction. You’ll create functional ceramic pieces like mugs, bowls, and plates, while also experimenting with abstract forms and textures. Plus, you’ll get to explore glazing techniques to add your own personal touch to each piece.
By the end of the course, you’ll have your own handmade pottery pieces ready to take home, along with a newfound appreciation for the art of clay. No wheel required—just your hands and imagination! clay and firing included.

Create and Inspire August Summer Camp: Ages 9-15 – Exploring Art & Technique (3 day camp)
2025-08-15 09:00 - 13:00
Ages 9-15: Create and Inspire – Exploring Art & Technique
August 13-15, Wed-Fri, 9-1pm
For older kids and budding artists, this boot camp is all about diving deeper into techniques, experimenting with different styles, and learning to think like an artist. Over three days, students will explore a variety of mediums—from acrylic and watercolor to charcoal and ink—and build foundational skills in composition, shading, and texture. This camp emphasizes experimentation and creative risk-taking, helping young artists develop their unique style while learning how to analyze, adapt, and refine their work. Whether they love drawing, painting, or mixed media, they’ll walk away with new skills, fresh inspiration, and the confidence to keep creating!
🎨 Highlights:
• Skill-building in drawing, painting, and mixed media
• Experimenting with textures, color theory, and perspective
• Encouraging creative problem-solving and artistic growth
• Learning how to critique and improve artwork with a positive mindset
This engaging, hands-on camp is perfect for kids who love art and want to explore, experiment, and create in a fun and encouraging environment. Spaces are limited—sign up now and let the creativity flow.

Mini Masters Art Adventure August Summer Camp, Ages 5-9 (3 day camp)
2025-08-15 09:00 - 13:00
Summer Sampler Art Boot Camp – Wed-Fri., August 13-15, 9-1pm
Let your child dive into a world of creativity this summer! Our 3-day Summer Sampler Art Boot Camp is designed to inspire young artists through hands-on experimentation, skill-building, and fun-filled exploration of different mediums and techniques. Whether they’re just starting their artistic journey or looking to refine their skills, this camp will spark their imagination and boost their confidence in art!
Ages 5-9: Mini Masters Art Adventure
Calling all young creators! This camp is all about playful exploration and fearless creativity. Over three exciting days, kids will experiment with a variety of art materials, from painting and pastels to collage and sculpture. Through fun, hands-on projects, they’ll learn fundamental techniques, explore color mixing, and discover how to bring their big ideas to life! Encouraging a growth mindset, we’ll show them that mistakes are just part of the creative process. Every child will leave with new skills, fresh confidence, and a collection of masterpieces to be proud of!
🎨 Highlights:
• Playful, process-based art exploration
• Painting, drawing, mixed media, and sculpture
• Fun and engaging step-by-step projects
• Encouraging creativity, confidence, and problem-solving
This engaging, hands-on camp is perfect for kids who love art and want to explore, experiment, and create in a fun and encouraging environment. Spaces are limited—sign up now and let the creativity flow.

The Power of Pastels, Summer 2025 with Andrea Gianchiglia (6 wk series) SOLD OUT
2025-08-12 13:00 - 15:30
Pastel Tuesdays starting July 8 – August 12. (6 weeks)
Delve deeper into the power of pastels each week with a teacher challenge. Andrea will guide you through step by step demonstrations. Discussions will include color theory, proportion, drawing, texture and more.
All levels are welcome.
Students are required to bring their own supplies.

Materials
The more pastels the better!
A great starter set is Prismacolor Nupastels. The minimum set recommended is 36 count.
Surfaces are important for pastels. Pastelmat by Clairfontaine is recommended. (A variety pack in several colors in 9 x 12 size is encouraged)
Other great pastel brands that are optional: Unison, Terry Ludwig, Sennelier.

About the Instructor

Andrea Gianchiglia
BFA, University of Hartford Art School, major in illustration, minor in art history. Exhibitions: Many solo, group and juried shows at various galleries and museums in the tri-state area. Awards: has won awards for her specialty, animal portraiture. Her work is in private collections throughtout the country and is available for commissions. A member of Society of Animal Artists, Salmagundi Club, and the Catherine Lorillard Wolfe art group. Visit www.agillustration.com

Cancelation Policy: Students cancelling at least 1 week prior to class will be refunded. Within one week, tuition is non-refundable as we need to pay for materials and instructor cost.

Oil Painting, Summer 2025 with Andrea Gianchiglia (6 wk series) SOLD OUT
2025-08-12 10:00 - 12:30
6 week series – Tuesdays, 7/8 – 8/12
The focus of this class is to train the student in the basic skills needed to paint in oils with particular attention to the use of color, light, shadow, composition, brush handling and materials. Students work from photographs from either the instructor or from their own collection. Every class, a weekly challenge will be demonstrated focusing on either subject matter, technique or other various painting elements. The student can watch the demo and either execute the exercise or use the demo as a learning tool and apply to their continuing project.

Materials
OIL PAINT COLORS Titanium White Viridian Burnt Sienna Yellow Ochre Sap Green Alizarin Crimson Pthalo blue Cadmium Yellow Ultramarine Blue Cadmium Red Optional: Portland warm grey and Portland cool grey (made by Gamblin) Ice blue (Richeson shiva series) Kings Blue by Michael Harding There are many brands to choose from. Instructor recommends Windsor and Newton or Grumbacher. (Windsor and Newton has two quality grades, Professional Artist and student grade. The student grade is called Winton.) Instructor recommends the Artist grade. The quality is better, however, the price is a bit more.
Acrylic Paint – one tube of Yellow Ochre Palette (used for mixing paint).Instructor will go over different types of palettes in class. If you would like, you can wait until the first class to see which one you would want (use a paper palette pad in the meantime.) Otherwise, a large wooden palette or a piece of clear glass makes a great palette.
Palette box – Used to place your wet palette in after class and in between painting sessions. (Available at Michaels. It is a Tupperware –like box with a blue top and white bottom.)
Turpenoid (small container)
Liquin by Windsor and Newton (You can find this in the “medium” section.)
A variety of brushes (suggested – synthetic brushes for a beginner) Usually they have a packet of them with a variety of sizes in the brush section. Palette knife – Metal is preferred over plastic
Surface to paint on – Instructor will show many different surfaces to paint on in class, however, to start out with instructor recommends using a canvas board or a stretched canvas. Size is up to the student. Instructor recommends 11″ x 14″ to 16″ x 20″.
Sketchbook and sketching supplies (pencils, charcoal, erasers, etc.)
Small container to hold painting medium. (Art stores sell small metal cups that attach to your palette.Mason jars work great as well.)
Please bring two (one for the Liquin and the other for the Turpenoid).
“The Masters”- Brush Cleaner & Preserver – a little tub of brush cleaner in beige colored container.
Any questions e-mail me at andrea@agillustration.com.

About the Instructor

Andrea Gianchiglia
BFA, University of Hartford Art School, major in illustration, minor in art history. Exhibitions: Many solo, group and juried shows at various galleries and museums in the tri-state area. Awards: has won awards for her specialty, animal portraiture. Her work is in private collections throughtout the country and is available for commissions. A member of Society of Animal Artists, Salmagundi Club, and the Catherine Lorillard Wolfe art group. Visit www.agillustration.com

Cancelation Policy: Students cancelling at least 1 week prior to class will be refunded. Within one week, tuition is non-refundable as we need to pay for materials and instructor cost.

Intermediate Watercolor Planning – Summer 2025 - SOLD OUT
2025-07-31 11:00 - 13:00
This series WILL make you a better painter. The secret is “planning”.
This class will run for 8 weeks on Thursdays from 11-1pm. Dates include: May 22, 29, June 12, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. We will skip June 5, 19 & 26.
Over 8 weeks, you will plan and complete 4 full paintings from drawing to finished work. We will explore different styles of painting and different types of subject.

You will paint from a series of four different photo references, all with their own challenges and appeal.
These paintings will help you develop your watercolor techniques for looser, fresher paintings.
You will learn and practice all the important watercolor skills needed to paint a range of scenes.
These sessions are geared for the intermediate painter.
All materials are provided.

Cancellation Policy: Students will be refunded in full up to one week prior to the class date. No refunds will be offered within a week of the beginning of the series.

Open Studio - Painting/Drawing/Pastels (Access for the month of July)
2025-07-31 08:00 - 17:00
This open studio is for the month of July, 2025.
Don’t have a studio of your own at home? Borrow ours. A Maker’s Circle is opening our studio to each of you to continue your creative journey in our beautiful, light filled space.
Each month, our studio will be open for you to use to work on paintings, drawings, pastels, knitting or any portable craft work that you have in progress. Just bring your work and art supplies and set yourself up in one of the upstairs studios (Studio C or Studio D).
Important: We will post specific times and studio rooms on our website that are available for you to use. This schedule will change monthly based on scheduled classes and will be posted on our website at least 1 week prior to the beginning of each month. As long as it fits into this schedule, you may use the studio as much or as little as you want. Remember, this is unsupervised time, there will be no instruction available…just quiet time for you to work.
Open studio access is available to purchase on a monthly basis. Upon sign up, students will be given an access code to our front door to use upon entry and must lock up if you are the last to leave. That code will change monthly. Once you sign up, we will meet with you to go over studio logistics and have you sign a waiver.

The Key to Sketching Well (4 wk series, July 9-30) SOLD OUT
2025-07-30 11:00 - 13:30
This is a beginner class:
The Key to Sketching Well (4 wk series, July 9-30) 11-1:30pm
The truth about sketching is that ANYONE can do it. You just need the right teacher, support and time with a pencil in your hand. This beginner class series will introduce you to drawing from the ground up with a focus on basic skills that will make you much more comfortable with any subject. This series includes 4, 2 hour sessions, each of which will focus on a specific drawing skills with the goal of teaching you how to really see what is in front of you.
We will focus on:

Training our brains to really see angles and lines of things
Figuring out shortcuts to get the drawing right.
Making decisions about what goes where and how they relate to each other
Managing perspective well enough to make things “look right”

Basic materials will be provided (pencil and sketchbook)
Great adjunct book for this class is (not included in the cost of the class):
Sketching – from Square One to Trafalgar Square by Richard E. Scott, available on Amazon here. It is not required to buy this book but it’s a great addition to your art library. We will be using Scott’s approach to learning to “see” what we are drawing.

Cancellation Policy: Students will be refunded in full up to one week prior to the class date. No refunds will be offered within a week of the beginning of the series.

Ceramics-July All Level Hand Building Class with Laurie Scupp (series has begun, tickets no longer available)
2025-07-29 09:30 - 12:30
Learn the basics of hand building pottery. Or get support to further your ceramic practice. Throughout the class, you’ll be guided through various clay handbuilding techniques such as pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction. You’ll create functional ceramic pieces like mugs, bowls, and plates, while also experimenting with abstract forms and textures. Plus, you’ll get to explore glazing techniques to add your own personal touch to each piece.
By the end of the course, you’ll have your own handmade pottery pieces ready to take home, along with a newfound appreciation for the art of clay. No wheel required—just your hands and imagination!

Create and Inspire July Summer Camp: Ages 9-15 - Exploring Art & Technique (3 day camp)
2025-07-18 09:00 - 13:00
Ages 9-15: Create and Inspire – Exploring Art & Technique
July 16-18, Wed-Fri, 9-1pm
For older kids and budding artists, this boot camp is all about diving deeper into techniques, experimenting with different styles, and learning to think like an artist. Over three days, students will explore a variety of mediums—from acrylic and watercolor to charcoal and ink—and build foundational skills in composition, shading, and texture. This camp emphasizes experimentation and creative risk-taking, helping young artists develop their unique style while learning how to analyze, adapt, and refine their work. Whether they love drawing, painting, or mixed media, they’ll walk away with new skills, fresh inspiration, and the confidence to keep creating!
🎨 Highlights:
• Skill-building in drawing, painting, and mixed media
• Experimenting with textures, color theory, and perspective
• Encouraging creative problem-solving and artistic growth
• Learning how to critique and improve artwork with a positive mindset
This engaging, hands-on camp is perfect for kids who love art and want to explore, experiment, and create in a fun and encouraging environment. Spaces are limited—sign up now and let the creativity flow.

Mini Masters Art Adventure July Summer Camp, Ages 5-9 (3 day camp)
2025-07-18 09:00 - 13:00
Summer Sampler Art Boot Camp – Wed-Fri., July 16-18, 9-1pm
Let your child dive into a world of creativity this summer! Our 3-day Summer Sampler Art Boot Camp is designed to inspire young artists through hands-on experimentation, skill-building, and fun-filled exploration of different mediums and techniques. Whether they’re just starting their artistic journey or looking to refine their skills, this camp will spark their imagination and boost their confidence in art!
Ages 5-10: Mini Masters Art Adventure
Calling all young creators! This camp is all about playful exploration and fearless creativity. Over three exciting days, kids will experiment with a variety of art materials, from painting and pastels to collage and sculpture. Through fun, hands-on projects, they’ll learn fundamental techniques, explore color mixing, and discover how to bring their big ideas to life! Encouraging a growth mindset, we’ll show them that mistakes are just part of the creative process. Every child will leave with new skills, fresh confidence, and a collection of masterpieces to be proud of!
Highlights:
• Playful, process-based art exploration
• Painting, drawing, mixed media, and sculpture
• Fun and engaging step-by-step projects
• Encouraging creativity, confidence, and problem-solving
This engaging, hands-on camp is perfect for kids who love art and want to explore, experiment, and create in a fun and encouraging environment. Spaces are limited—sign up now and let the creativity flow.

One Time Watercolor - Painting a Beach Scene (July 2)
2025-07-02 10:00 - 13:00
Join our one-time watercolor class Wednesday, July 2, 10-1pm.
Master Study of a Joseph Zbukvic painting:
Let’s see what we can learn from the master, Mr. Zbukvic. Joseph is well accepted as the GOAT in the watercolor world. His paintings are ethereal, tonal and just gorgeous.
This month we will try our hand at learning from him by painting this scene. It is a great example of wet into wet, perspective and painting figures.
This is open to all levels and all materials will be provided.
Cancelation: Tuition will be refunded for any students cancelling outside of one week before class. Inside one week, tuition is non refundable.

Late Spring Ceramics—Private Hand building Tuesday Day Class-8 weeks-Series had started, no tickets left
2025-07-01 09:30 - 12:30
This is an open studio ceramic class for returning advanced beginner students. Make projects you choose at your own pace and explore building functional and sculptural items.

Open Studio - Painting/Drawing/Pastels/Craft (June)
2025-06-30 08:00 - 22:00
This open studio is for June, 2025.
Don’t have a studio of your own at home? Borrow ours. A Maker’s Circle is opening our studio to each of you to continue your creative journey in our beautiful, light filled space.
Each month, our studio will be open for you to use to work on paintings, drawings, pastels, knitting or any portable craft work that you have in progress. Just bring your work and art supplies and set yourself up in one of the upstairs studios (Studio C or Studio D).
Important: We will post specific times and studio rooms on our website that are available for you to use. This schedule will change monthly based on scheduled classes and will be posted on our website at least 1 week prior to the beginning of the month. As long as it fits into this schedule, you may use the studio as much or as little as you want. Remember, this is unsupervised time, there will be no instruction available…just quiet time for you to work.
Open studio access is available to purchase on a monthly basis. Upon sign up, students will be given an access code to our front door to use upon entry and must lock up if you are the last to leave. That code will change monthly. Once you sign up, we will meet with you to go over studio logistics and have you sign a waiver.

Kids June Summer Camp - All Things from the Sea (6/23-6/26)
2025-06-26 09:00 - 13:00
It’s Time to Sign Up for Summer Art Camp at A Maker’s Circle!
Let’s celebrate the start of summer by creating all things from the sea with clay, wood, found objects, ink and whatever else the kids are creatively inspired by. Two of the 4 days will be focused on hand building with clay, and the other days will focus on exploring other media like watercolor, natural dyeing, acrylic painting, and more.
Here are the details:
-Classes will be held at a Maker’s Circle Studio in
Pottersville from 9-1PM Monday-Thursday. 6/23 – 6/26.
-Nut free snack provided, and kids need to bring a bagged nut free lunch
-Cost is $380, includes supplies and firing of clay
-Ages 5-12 welcome

Late Spring Teen/Tween Art Class--5 Week Series (Series has begun, tickets no longer available)
2025-06-23 16:00 - 17:30
During this 5 week series, art teachers Susan Palmer, Kailyn Cavaluzzo and Jackie Pankuck will help your child explore different areas of art including clay, watercolor and printing. Your kids will receive two weeks of instruction in each area with a process driven, child centered learning approach.
Includes all materials. Ages 8-14 welcome.

Cancellation Policy: A full refund will be made for students cancelling earlier than 1 week before the beginning of this series. Within one week, there are no refunds. Thank you for your understanding as we must cover materials costs and instructor time for each offering.

Late Spring All Level Wheel Throwing Day Class-6 Weeks-Series has Begun, no tickets available
2025-06-19 10:00 - 14:00
This ceramics class is for students who are interested in learning to throw on a wheel or wheel throwers who want to better their skills. Students will learn to throw bowls, cups and plates. Alterations of thrown pieces and surface decoration techniques with underglaze and glazes will also be covered. Classes will occur on Thursdays from 10-2pm. Open studio available on Fridays and weekend. 1 bag of white clay and all glazes and firing included.

Kids June Summer Camp - All Animals Great and Small Camp (Sold Out)
2025-06-19 09:00 - 13:00
It’s Time to Sign Up for Summer Art Camp at A Maker’s Circle!
Let’s celebrate the start of summer by creating our favorite animals with clay, wood, found objects, ink and whatever else the kids are creatively inspired by. Two of the 4 days will be focused on hand building with clay, and the other days will focus on exploring other media like watercolor, natural dyeing, acrylic painting, and more.
Here are the details:
-Classes will be held at a Maker’s Circle Studio in
Pottersville from 9-1PM Monday-Thursday. Week of 6/16.
-Nut free snack provided, and kids need to bring a bagged nut free lunch
-Cost is $380, includes supplies and firing of clay
-Ages 5-12 welcome

Late Spring Open Studio Wheel Throwing/Hand Building Weds. Night Class, 6 Weeks-Series had started, no tickets available
2025-06-18 17:30 - 20:30
This class is for wheel throwers or hand builders who have completed a beginning wheel throwing or hand building class. Students work at their own pace and are supported where they need it through demos and discussions. 25 LB bag of white clay included and all glazing and firing.

Color Theory Essentials: Unlocking Vibrant Palettes (1-day class)
2025-06-13 09:30 - 13:30
Color Theory Essentials: Unlocking Vibrant Palettes
Gain confidence in choosing and mixing colors in this hands-on, exercise-driven, 1-day workshop. Through guided demos and practical exercises, you’ll explore color harmony, complementary contrasts, and how to create dynamic palettes. Perfect for painters and pastel artists alike, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how color works and a reference sheet for future projects.
All materials provided for this workshop. Open to all levels
Cancelation Policy: Students must cancel outside 1 week of class start date to receive a full refund. Otherwise tuition is non-refundable.

Young Kid's Art Class Late Spring -4 Week Series (Series has begun, tickets no longer available)
2025-06-11 16:00 - 17:15
During this 4 week series, art teachers Susan Palmer and Jackie Pankuck will explore three different areas of art including clay, watercolor and printing. Your kids will receive focused instruction in each area with a process driven, child centered learning approach.
Includes all materials. Ages 5-8 welcome.
Cancellation Policy: A full refund will be made for students cancelling earlier than 1 week before the beginning of this series. Within one week, there are no refunds. Thank you for your understanding as we must cover materials costs and instructor time for each offering.

Ceramics-All Level Hand Building Class-Series has started, no tickets available
2025-06-09 09:30 - 12:30
