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.
Painting the Golden Hour
Saturday, June 27 &
Wednesday, July 8,
5:30pm to 8pm
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.
Fitz Henry Lane Visits Mount Desert Island
Tuesday, July 14
4:30pm
A public talk with author Carl Little
In this free and open to the public talk, Carl Little, co-author of Art of Acadia, will highlight Fitz Henry Lane’s trips to Maine, focusing on his views of the Mount Desert Island region.
Little is the author of more than 30 books on Maine art and artists, most recently, Art of Penobscot Bay with his brother David. In 2021, the Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his art writing.
Rhythms of the Garden: Painting the Pulse of Nature
Saturday, July 18 to Monday, July 20
Art workshop with artist Deena Ball
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!
A Figure in Time Demo
Tuesday, August 11,
4:30-6:00 PM
Figure Painting Demo with artist Judy Taylor
Please join us for a delightful figure painting demo and conversation with artist Judy Taylor.
Judy will walk us through the stages of a portrait sitting, composition and development of the relationship between setting and sitter.
Composing a portrait with inspiration from Sargent and the setting at La Rochelle while we watch.
A Figure in Time Class
Wednesday, August 12, 3 to 7 pm
Figure Painting Class with artist Judy Taylor
Please join us for a delightful figure painting class with artist Judy Taylor.
Take in the Gilded Age architecture, gardens and live models while addressing the challenges and opportunities of natural light and live subjects.
Judy will walk us through the stages of a portrait sitting, composition and development of the relationship between setting and sitter.
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.
Hudson to Harbor
July 18 to 24
Bar Harbor Historical Society welcomes over 30 contemporary artists influenced by Maine to exhibit at La Rochelle. In this annual fundraiser, artists take home 50% of the sale price and 50% is donated to BHHS. The showcase will be available to view during the museum’s opening hours from the 20th to 24th of July.
The preview party and sale will be held on July 18th from 5-7:30 pm at La Rochelle.