Art Instructors
Doris Rice – Longtime SAA gallery artist and Board member, Doris has taught many SAA artists, some of whom have becoming SAA gallery members. Weekly Thursday night watercolor painting classes are held at the SAA gallery, 5:30-8, when she is not traveling. Doris has a full schedule of plein air painting trips, locally and around the world. She accepts students of all levels. They share a love of nature, a passion for color, and an appreciations of Doris’ warm, friendly, encouraging and relaxed teaching style. Email her at dorisrice@comcast.net for more info.
Revelle Tallion – SAA member offering classes in a variety of drawing mediums as well as pastel and acrylic painting at the SAA gallery most Mondays, 12:30-2:30. For more information call Revelle 603-548-6694 or email rtaillon@comcast.net. She holds a BFA from University of Lowell, Lowell, MA, and has won regional and national awards. Her blog has samples of her artwork and techniques.
Bob Richardson – Offers 3-day plein air oil painting workshop on Monhegan Island in Maine each July. Text or call him at 267-614-6333 or call his home at 978-792-5734 for info or to reserve space.
Margaret Dwyer – Offers instruction in watercolor painting at the SAA Gallery. All levels of experience are welcomed. Margaret earned her MFA degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her work has been recognized in numerous national and international exhibitions and publications. Her artwork can be viewed on her website at margaretdwyerartist.com. For more information, email Margaret at dwyerdavis@gmail.com or by calling 603-715-6705.
2026 Plein Air Schedule
May 26, Tuesday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Swasey Parkway Exeter Meet at the parkway and decide on what you want to paint- includes downtown Exeter.
June 2, Tuesday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Annick’s Garden 25 Forest St. Exeter Beautiful shade and sun gardens.
June 9, Tuesday – Odiorne State park. Rye NH Admission charge is $4 for adults and free age 65 plus.
June 16, Tuesday 6 p.m. to 8 pm. – New Castle Commons At this time of day there shouldn’t be an admission charge. Early admission is $15 per car or $7 senior.
June 23, Tuesday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – The home of Terry Cook, River Road, Newfields, NH Garden and River views. Park at the public boat launch before turning onto River Rd.
June 27, Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – William-Fogg Library, 116 Old Road, Eliot, ME You must register with the Library for this event.
June 30, Tuesday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Hosmer Estate, York, Maine (Rain date July 7, see below) Beautiful seaside estate – many gardens and open fields. The very end of Raynes Neck Road- up the long dirt driveway.
July 6, Monday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Prescott Park Gardens and water views. Park at 4 Tree Island (free) or street parking.
July 7, Tuesday: Rain date for the June 30 Hosmer Estate event if needed (see above).
July 11, Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – 3rd Annual Lavender Farm Festival, 11 Brooks Lane, Berwick, ME **Admission charge.** You must contact Suzie Hitchcox if you are attending. Please email her at Suehitchcox16@gmail.com
July 14, Tuesday: Meet at 10 a.m. – Bedrock Gardens, Lee, NH **Admission charge of $15.** Check your local library for discount passes. Meet promptly at 10 a.m. at the admission area and go from there.
July 21, Tuesday: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m – Great Bay Discovery Center, Greenland, NH You may stay longer than 3 p.m. if you would like.
July 28, Tuesday: 9 a.m. to Noon – Nubble Light, York ME Meet at the parking lot.
August 4, Tuesday: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Fuller Gardens, 10 Willow Ave, North Hampton, NH **Admission: Adults $12 and seniors $10.** This event is limited to 5 people. Please contact me early with your request to attend at spoitras2@comcast.net
August 24, Monday: Hosmer Estate, York, ME Beautiful estate on the water in York. Gardens, fields and ocean views.
Additional Learning Opportunities
Seacoast Open Studio – this group of visual artists from Seacoast NH has been together since 2004. They meet on Friday mornings, 9:30–noon, at Exeter Parks and Recreation, 32 Court Street, Exeter, to share ideas and inspiration while creating art together. They welcome newcomers. Several of their artists are also members of the SAA. Stop in or contact Bob Richardson at 267-614-6333 with questions.
Seacoast Photographers Group – this SAA-sponsored Meetup site group holds monthly meetings on technique, tools, photo critique, and anything else photography. Meetings are held on the third Thursday each month from 6:30pm-8:00pm in Exeter, NH.
Seacoast Camera Club – affiliated with the New England Council of Camera Clubs (NECCC) this club meets Sept-May on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Urban Forestry Center in Portsmouth, NH. The club sponsors guest speakers on a variety of photography-related topics and holds photo competitions each month.
Exeter Fine Crafts 61 Water St, Exeter For over 50 years we have promoted craft and craftspeople alike with our retail gallery, educational programs and artist demonstrations. Our gallery is the cultural center of our organization. Here we offer classrooms that host educational programs for our greater community. To view our current classes visit HERE.
Sanctuary Art in Eliot, Maine started in 1997 when founder Christopher Gowell moved to Eliot from Portsmouth Button Factory Studios to begin her own art studio. She purchased the old church on Bolt Hill Rd with the intention of creating a community of artists that she could work with and learn from. Over the years the space has evolved into a community art space that focuses on fine art education from talented artists. Offering classes in old techniques and new ones, always focused on quality instruction from fine artists who hold the same values.
Slow River Studio in Topsfield, MA. Art Instruction For Adult Beginners What Makes Our Studio Special? Adults need a friendly, supportive place to learn and at Slow River Studio, we offer the best art classes for adult beginners anywhere! Our curriculum, teaching methods and studio events are all designed to develop your artistic confidence and creative curiosity – in an atmosphere filled with laughter and joy! Join us in person and online for innovative classes in drawing, painting, abstract art, printmaking, collage and much more. We believe everyone can learn to make art with encouragement and excellent instruction.
Lamont Gallery – the art museum for Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter holds exhibitions throughout the academic year.
Discover Portsmouth Galleries – operated by the Portsmouth Historical Society this facility (10 Middle St, Portsmouth, NH) holds exhibitions most of the year.
UNH – college-level art classes by the University of New Hampshire (Durham).
Great Bay Community College – college-level art classes at their facility in the Pease Tradeport in Portsmouth – see listings under the Fine Arts program.
Currier Art Museum – the state’s premier art museum, the Currier in Manchester has an extensive collection and holds exhibitions regularly,
New England College – Institute of Art and Design offers classes and degree programs at their Manchester campus. On-campus galleries hold exhibitions throughout the academic year.
Adult Education Classes – towns in the area often provide art classes at local high schools, libraries, or community centers, generally under an “Enrichment” category – see Exeter
Boston area museums – Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner, Institute of Contemporary Art, Harvard Art Museums, Peabody Essex Museum, deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Also not too far – Portland Museum of Art (Maine)