2026 Programs & Classes
“The views alone are reason enough to visit, but touring here provides answers to almost any question you have about the town and the island”
– U.S. News & World Report
Bar Harbor – More than Acadia. Come be a part of the stories that shaped us.
Join us for our 2026 events!
UPCOMING Classes and Programs
For tickets, please click on event or see individual event descriptions.
Community Threads
May 15, 4-7PM
May 16 & 17, 10AM-3PM
Join the Bar Harbor Historical Society for a free community textiles event!
See contemporary and historic textiles, quilts, and rugs at this event. There will be free workshops and lectures as well!
To have your textiles be part of the exhibition, contact info@barharborhistorical.org
“Taking A Line For a Walk”
June 9, 10am-1pm
Drawing workshop taught by Carol Shutt at the Thuya Garden
The artist Paul Klee said, “A drawing is simply a line going for a walk.” Learn Contour Drawing with Carol Shutt and experience “taking a line for a walk” in a beautiful garden setting on Mount Desert Island. Contour Drawing gives you an entry point to draw what you see in an authentic and stress-free way.
In addition, Contour Drawing teaches you to study detail and is also a wonderful way to quickly capture moments in life or on your travels.
*Materials will be provided
Exploring Collage
Tuesday, June 23, 10am-1pm
Explore visual ideas and creative possibilities through the collage process with Carol Shutt at the Asticou Azalea Garden
Understand how to use the elements of art and design in your work as you play with colored and patterned papers.
-Discover Surrealism and how this style of art can add personal expression and meaning to your collages.
-See how the collage process can be used in your art journaling, both at home and as you travel.
-Learn ways to add words and phrases to your art through a short series of creative writing exercises.
*Materials will be provided
Painting the Golden Hour
Saturday, June 27 &
Wednesday, July 8
A watercolor class with artist Rick Osann
The Hudson River painters, like the Impressionists, loved to paint in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight turns a beautiful, warm amber and shadows fill with rich blues. The transparency of watercolor is ideal to portray the luminosity and rich color of the “Golden Hour”. Rick Osann will demonstrate watercolor techniques for capturing the light and lead the class to observe and record the richness of color in a plein air watercolor landscape painting.
We’ll begin with some theory of color, light and shadow to understand what we’re seeing. Rick will do a demonstration of techniques to keep the light radiant on the page, and then work with you as you paint the scene.
Three Views from the Island
Monday, July 13;
Tuesday, July 14;
Wednesday, July 15
Plein air watercolor classes with artist Rob Finn
Enjoy basic to intermediate Plein-Air watercolor classes with Rob Finn at three unique sites on Mount Desert Island. Take all three classes as a set or one or two individually. Locations: La Rochelle, Seal Harbor Beach & Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary.
These three very different sites have it all for watercolor enthusiasts. Build on drawing skills, establishing proper proportions, sighting space and distance and explore different styles of expression through color and composition.
Sign up for a day or the series, these classes offer opportunities to render flora, architecture, land and sea. Instruction is tailored to subjects and styles people would like to investigate. Each day will start with a morning demonstration from 9 am – Noon, (time for your packed lunch) followed by a painting session with individual instruction through 4 pm.
Rhythms of the Garden: Painting the Pulse of Nature
Saturday, July 18 to Monday, July 20
Step into the quiet beauty of the historic Land and Garden Preserve properties—Asticou Azalea, Thuya, and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Gardens—and translate the garden’s pulse into color and movement in a painting.
In this workshop, we’ll slow down and look closely—at the curve of a petal, the rhythm of a fern’s unfolding frond, the repetition of leaves spiraling toward the light. Through direct observation and expressive brushwork, you’ll explore how nature’s intricate designs reveal both structure and spirit.
This is an all media workshop, featuring demonstrations in watercolor and oil, plus individual instruction. The small group nature and exclusive garden access create a powerful educational experience.
The First Wash:
Starting Off in Watercolor
Sunday, July 19, 1:30-5:30 PM
Absolute Beginners Watercolor Workshop
Join Artist Deena Ball to begin your watercolor journey with confidence and curiosity in this introductory class
designed for absolute beginners.
Through step-by-step demonstrations and simple exercises, you’ll learn foundational techniques including washes, layering, and brush handling.
All materials are provided; just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to explore!
Among the Gardens: A Watercolor Retreat on Mount Desert Island, Maine
Sunday, August 23 to Thursday, August 27
Join Erica Qualey and the Bar Harbor Historical Society for a truly special three-day four-night watercolor retreat offers the rare opportunity to paint on location at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, Thuya Garden and the Asticou Azalea Garden.
Perfect for beginner to intermediate painters who want to deepen their skills while painting in an inspiring natural setting.
Accommodations at a scenic cottage by the ocean in Bar Harbor. Sunday dinner, and breakfast Monday-Wednesday are provided.