Ongoing Wednesdays, 530-730pm $20 drop-in, thru Oct 29.

LENGTH: 2 hours, weekly ongoing

LEVEL: any level

WHAT TO EXPECT: Art Gym is a weekly space for artists looking to get more limber with their work and build expressive strength. With timed prompts, you'll loosen up and make bold marks and rediscover the joy of creating without overthinking. Let go of the fear of making mistakes, move past your blocks, and unlock new discoveries.

Not a class, not therapy.

No pressure, no critique.

Two rules: keep your hand moving and don't apologize.

Susan and Dina will provide guided prompts that will nudge you toward creativity without expectation of skill or outcome. Follow the prompts or ignore them completely! Share your work with the group or don't! This is a welcoming and safe space for artists at any level. Come work out! YOU CAN DO THIS!

EXTRAS: Art Gym is perfect for artists looking to develop a practice in a supportive community.

DON'T FORGET: Bring your own supplies/materials, though basic supplies will be available. And bring snacks/drinks if you choose.

The Abbott Studio is on the second floor of the Education Wing.

SAVE: Buy a 6-pack pass for this class and save $20! Purchase a membership for only $65 and get discounts on classes and events year-round at the Center.

FACILITATORS:

Dina Lyons Howell

Raised on Long Island’s South Shore, Dina has been painting, drawing and creating for as long as she can remember. Formally trained in graphic design with a BFA from Cooper Union and an MFA from Yale, Dina ran her own design studio on the Cape for a decade before pivoting into UX design and e-commerce product management. These days, Dina has been exploring watercolors, collage, nature journals, photography, and autobiographical writing. She is very interested in exploring techniques for breaking through creative blocks and learning how to get more comfortable with making things without expectations. You can see some of her work at https://dinalyonsdesign.com/ or on Instagram @dina_howell_artist.

Susan McLaughlin

Susan McLaughlin is a self-taught artist whose creative journey began in 2015 when she joined a writing gym where she learned to be brave and bold with words and ideas. In 2018 that translated into bravery with images. Susan practices making marks, finding an image, embracing the mess/mistakes, and reworking her pieces to discover something new. You can see some of her work on Instagram @sm_art88.