All Events
Summer Youth Arts Program
Join us for a full summer of creativity, exploration, and imagination! MBACC's 7-week Summer Youth Arts Program invites young artists to dive into a new creative theme each week while building skills across visual arts, crafts, clay, and performance.
Throughout the summer, participants will experiment with a wide range of materials, collaborate with peers, and express themselves through hands-on artmaking and playful movement. Each week offers fresh inspiration, while enrolling for the full summer allows artists to deepen their creativity, grow confidence, and form lasting friendships in a supportive, joyful environment.
Families may register for individual weeks or enroll in the full program at a discounted rate.
Wall Pockets - A Hand-Building Workshop
Instructor: Lisa WB Walker (She/Her)
Cut, fold, love: Learn to make your own wall hanging vase/wall pocket! This hand-building workshop is beginner friendly - no experience necessary.
Handbuilding (Rocky Prull/Wednesdays/Fall '26)
Instructor: Rocky Prull (They/Them)
This beginner class will guide both novice and experienced potters through the foundations of handbuilding, including working with slabs, coils and beyond. No experience necessary!
Youth Pottery (Jane Zell, Mondays PM/Fall '26)
Instructor: Jane Zell (She/Her)
This beginner-friendly class series will cover basic wheel-throwing techniques tailored to students’ interests, accompanied by hand building projects. No experience required. This course is for students 8-12 years old.
Hybrid Pottery (Jane Zell/Mondays PM/Fall '26)
Instructor: Jane Zell (She/Her)
This hybrid class series will cover both wheel throwing and basic hand-building and surface decorating techniques tailored to your interests. No experience required.
Youth Pottery (Phie Deal, Wednesdays PM/Fall '26)
Instructor: Phie Deal (They/Them)
This beginner-friendly class series will cover basic wheel-throwing techniques tailored to students’ interests, accompanied by hand building projects. No experience required. This course is for students 8-12 years old.
Life Drawing - Evening - Free Session
During these sessions, attendees will draw from life, with a nude or partially clothed model. Attendees must bring all materials. Wet and dry media are welcome; we request attendees use odorless solvents.
Beginner Wheel (Martín Hanley/Wednesdays/Fall '26)
Instructor: Martín Hanley (He/Him)
This beginner class will guide novice potters through the foundations of wheel throwing, including how to center, pull walls, glaze and more. No experience necessary!
Teen Ceramics (Phie Deal/Thursdays/Fall '26)
Instructor: Phie Deal (They/Them)
This beginner class will cover the fundamentals of wheel throwing, including wedging, centering, pulling in addition to hand-building. No experience required. A great summer opportunity for students enjoying pottery classes at school! This class is for teens 13 to 17 years old.
Special Projects: Tile Mosaics (Susan Rutgerson/Fridays/Fall '26)
Instructor: Susan Rutgerson (She/Her)
Have you always wanted to turn your pottery skills into a mosaic masterpiece? In this beginner-friendly 6-week concentration class, you'll create ceramic tiles and decorative components, then assemble them into a beautiful finished tile mosaic.
Intermediate Wheel (Martín Hanley, Saturdays AM/Fall '26)
Instructor: Martín Hanley (He/Him)
This intermediate class will guide advanced beginners to the next level of wheel throwing skills and techniques. A strong foundation of basic wheel throwing is required - students will need to be able to center and pull walls independently.
Beginner Wheel (Lisa WB Walker/Mondays AM/Fall '26)
Instructor: Lisa WB Walker (She/Her)
This beginner class will cover the fundamentals of wheel throwing, including wedging, centering, pulling and more. No experience required.
All Levels Pottery (Lisa WB Walker/Tuesdays AM/Fall '26)
Instructor: Lisa WB Walker (She/Her)
This All Levels class is perfect for students looking to work in an environment where they have the support of an instructor while improving both wheel throwing and hand-building skills. No experience required.
Beginner Wheel (Lisa WB Walker, Tuesdays PM/Fall '26)
Instructor: Lisa WB Walker (She/Her)
This beginner class will guide novice potters through the foundations of wheel throwing, including how to center, pull walls, glaze and more. No experience necessary!
Monoprint Workshop
Instructor: Zahirah Nur Truth (She/Her)
Join Boston-based teaching artist and interdisciplinary artist Zahirah Nur Truth of ZNT Arts for an evening of experimentation, play, and creative discovery through monoprinting.
Together we'll explore the magic of layering color, texture, and pattern using Gelli plates and everyday objects to create unique, one-of-a-kind prints. Through demonstrations and guided prompts, participants will learn how monoprinting can be both intuitive and forgiving, making it an accessible printmaking process for beginners and experienced makers alike.
We'll use paint, texture tools, natural materials, and found objects to build rich surfaces and unexpected imagery while exploring concepts of positive and negative space, layering, and composition.
Beginner to Intermediate Painting
Instructor: Paul Hastings (He/Him)
This workshop is designed for painters at all levels. New painters will be introduced to the basic building blocks of painting, including composition and color theory, while experienced painters will work with the instructor to set their own painting goals. These might include, understanding values, capturing light, or pushing your painting style in a new direction.
Intermediate Wheel (Lisa WB Walker/Thursdays PM/Fall '26)
Instructor: Lisa WB Walker (She/Her)
This intermediate class will guide advanced beginners to the next level of wheel throwing skills and techniques. A strong foundation of basic wheel throwing is required - students will need to be able to center and pull walls independently.
Try the Wheel, Fall ‘26
Instructor: Lisa WB Walker (She/Her)
Have you always wanted to try the wheel? Or are you ready to dust off your skills from a time past?
Join us for a special opportunity to learn how to use the potter's wheel from a seasoned professional! Under their guidance, learn the basics of throwing. At the end of the night, choose one piece to keep. We will glaze the piece for you with your preferred glaze color!
BIG INK @ Mother Brook Arts
Join BIG INK in Dedham, MA, for an epic printmaking workshop! Carve a woodblock up to 40 by 96 inches at home, then print your carving on a giant custom-built printing press.
Life Drawing - Fall 2026 Daytime
During these sessions, attendees will draw from life, with a nude or partially clothed model. Attendees must bring all materials. Wet and dry media are welcome; we request attendees use odorless solvents.
Collage Journaling: Find Your Visual Voice
Instructor: Sarah Aroesty (She/Her)
Collage journaling is an incredible way to quiet the inner critic because it shifts the focus from "drawing perfectly" to arranging, collecting, and trusting your eye. This 4-session course is a hands-on exploration of composition, texture, and visual storytelling. Students will learn how to look at everyday ephemera as art supplies, master adhesive techniques, and use intuitive prompts to overcome blank-page anxiety. By the end of this class, you will have the foundation of a personal visual practice and a journal of your own creative voice.
Life Drawing - Fall 2026 Evening
During these sessions, attendees will draw from life, with a nude or partially clothed model. Attendees must bring all materials. Wet and dry media are welcome; we request attendees use odorless solvents.
Portrait Trade Night (with wine!)
Instructor: Michelle Stevens (She/Her)
Mix, mingle, and enjoy a glass of wine with artists of all levels at a portrait trade night, hosted by visual artist and illustrator, Michelle Stevens.
We will begin with 3 minute warm-up sketches, working our way up to longer 10 minute studies. The goal is for all attendees to get the chance to draw one another by the end of the workshop! At the end of the evening, folks can trade portraits if they wish.
Artists anywhere from beginner to professional are welcome.
Admission includes all materials plus two drink tickets. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.
Glazing 101
Instructor: Donna Pioli (She/Her)
Do you dread glazing? Do you feel like you need a refresher on the basics? This workshop provides students and independent potters the opportunity to learn how to glaze successfully step by step, from start to finish. Much of this workshop will be lecture, demo and troubleshooting. You are welcome to bring three bisqued pieces (must be suitable for cone 6 glaze firing) to glaze with your newfound glaze education!
Parent/Guardian + Child Try the Wheel
Instructor: Jane Zell (She/Her)
This beginner-friendly workshop provides a wonderful opportunity to get creative with your child! Sharing a wheel, each parent + child pair will cheer each other on as they take turns making a pot on the wheel under the guidance of a seasoned instructor. No experience necessary. This course is for children 8-12 years old. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Life Drawing - Instructed Session
Instructor: Paul Hastings (He/Him)
During this session, attendees will draw from life, with a nude or partially clothed model. Painter and illustrator Paul Hastings will instruct this session, giving critiques and guidance. Attendees must bring all materials. Wet and dry media are welcome; we request attendees use odorless solvents.
Porcelain Earring Workshop
Instructor: Christine Herron (She/Her)
Create your own textured porcelain earrings in this hands-on, two-Saturday workshop with ceramic artist and designer Christine Herron of Red Chair Studio. Christine will guide participants through designing, shaping, and adding surface texture to porcelain while sharing techniques developed through years of creating her signature porcelain jewelry line. The first session (October 31) will focus on construction, while the second session (November 7) will cover glazing, finishing techniques, and a demonstration on assembling the earring components. Perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike, participants will leave with beautiful handmade earrings and the skills to continue creating on their own.
Jars + Lidded Forms Workshop
Instructor: Lucy Flagella (She/Her)
Join acclaimed potter Lucy Flagella for a demonstration workshop exploring the art of throwing jars and lidded forms. Drawing on more than four decades of experience as a studio potter, Lucy will share her approach to creating elegant, functional pottery, demonstrating techniques for throwing, fitting, and refining lids while discussing form, proportion, and the thoughtful details that elevate everyday pots. Inspired by the forests, fields, and gardens surrounding her western Massachusetts studio, Lucy's work celebrates the beauty of handmade objects and the connection between maker and user. Throughout the demonstration, she will offer insights into her design process, studio practice, and the rhythms of making that have shaped her distinguished career, making this an inspiring opportunity for potters of all skill levels to learn from one of New England's most respected ceramic artists.
Youth Ornament Workshop
Instructor: Jane Zell (She/Her)
Get creative with clay in this fun one-day workshop! Young artists will design and make their own unique ceramic ornaments, perfect for decorating, gifting, or keeping as a special handmade treasure.
Pet Portraiture Workshop
Instructor: Courtney Sousa (She/Her)
Paint your pet! This one-night beginner workshop will guide you through the process of creating an acrylic painting of your pet. Have fun while learning how to color match, create textures, and capture your pet’s unique personality. Participants will be provided with paint and a canvas with the pet’s image already sketched out.
Ceramics: Try the Wheel - One Night (July 17)
Have you always wanted to try the wheel? Or are you ready to dust off your skills from a time past?
Join us for a special opportunity to learn how to use the potter's wheel from a seasoned professional! Under their guidance, learn the basics of throwing. At the end of the night, choose one piece to keep. We will glaze the piece for you with your preferred glaze color!
Intermediate Wheel (Martín Hanley, Saturdays AM/Summer '26)
Instructor: Martín Hanley (He/Him)
This intermediate class will guide advanced beginners to the next level of wheel throwing skills and techniques. A strong foundation of basic wheel throwing is required - students will need to be able to center and pull walls independently.
Intermediate Wheel (Lisa WB Walker/Thursdays PM/Summer '26)
Instructor: Lisa WB Walker (She/Her)
This intermediate class will guide advanced beginners to the next level of wheel throwing skills and techniques. A strong foundation of basic wheel throwing is required - students will need to be able to center and pull walls independently.
Beginner Wheel (Martín Hanley/Wednesdays/Summer '26)
Instructor: Martín Hanley (He/Him)
This beginner class will guide novice potters through the foundations of wheel throwing, including how to center, pull walls, glaze and more. No experience necessary!
Beginner Wheel (Lisa WB Walker, Tuesdays PM/Summer '26)
Instructor: Lisa WB Walker (She/Her)
This beginner class will guide novice potters through the foundations of wheel throwing, including how to center, pull walls, glaze and more. No experience necessary!
All Levels Pottery (Phie Deal/Tuesdays AM/Summer '26)
Instructor: Phie Deal (They/Them)
This All Levels class is perfect for students looking to work in an environment where they have the support of an instructor while improving both wheel throwing and hand-building skills. No experience required.
Hybrid Pottery (Jane Zell, Mondays PM/Summer '26)
Instructor: Jane Zell (She/Her)
This hybrid class series will cover both wheel throwing and basic hand-building and surface decorating techniques tailored to your interests. No experience required.
Beginner Wheel (Phie Deal/Mondays AM/Summer '26)
Instructor: Phie Deal (They/Them)
This beginner class will cover the fundamentals of wheel throwing, including wedging, centering, pulling and more. No experience required.
Merrily We Roll Along
Music & Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim
Book by
George Firth
Based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart
PERFORMANCES:
June 12th - 7:30 pm
June 13th - 8:00 pm
June 14th - 2:00 pm
June 19th - 7:30 pm
June 20th - 2:00 pm, 7:30pm
June 21st - 2:00 pm
June 25th - 7:30 pm
June 26th - 7:30 pm
June 27th - 2:00 pm, 8:00 pm
All Performances will be held at
Mother Brook Arts and Community Center
123 High St.
Dedham, MA
About the Show
Based on the 1934 play of the same name, Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Alongtells the story of three friends. Spanning 20 years and running backwards chronologically, Merrily explores the fragility of friendship, the meaning of success, and the impact of our decisions on our lives and those in it. Featuring some of Sondheim's hidden gems including 'Growing Up,' 'Not a Day Goes By', and 'Our Time', Merrily We Roll Along asks us how far are we willing to go to achieve our dreams, and what we are willing to lose to get there.
Plaster Molds - Beginner
Instructor: Elissa Dunlap (She/Her)
Looking to bring your pottery to life? It's time to focus on surface. Join a seasoned instructor for a tour of varied decorating methods including how to use commercial transfers, silkscreens and getting creative with handmade stencils. This is a beginner friendly workshop.
Merrily We Roll Along
Music & Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim
Book by
George Firth
Based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart
PERFORMANCES:
June 12th - 7:30 pm
June 13th - 8:00 pm
June 14th - 2:00 pm
June 19th - 7:30 pm
June 20th - 2:00 pm, 7:30pm
June 21st - 2:00 pm
June 25th - 7:30 pm
June 26th - 7:30 pm
June 27th - 2:00 pm, 8:00 pm
All Performances will be held at
Mother Brook Arts and Community Center
123 High St.
Dedham, MA
About the Show
Based on the 1934 play of the same name, Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Alongtells the story of three friends. Spanning 20 years and running backwards chronologically, Merrily explores the fragility of friendship, the meaning of success, and the impact of our decisions on our lives and those in it. Featuring some of Sondheim's hidden gems including 'Growing Up,' 'Not a Day Goes By', and 'Our Time', Merrily We Roll Along asks us how far are we willing to go to achieve our dreams, and what we are willing to lose to get there.
Merrily We Roll Along
Music & Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim
Book by
George Firth
Based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart
PERFORMANCES:
June 12th - 7:30 pm
June 13th - 8:00 pm
June 14th - 2:00 pm
June 19th - 7:30 pm
June 20th - 2:00 pm, 7:30pm
June 21st - 2:00 pm
June 25th - 7:30 pm
June 26th - 7:30 pm
June 27th - 2:00 pm, 8:00 pm
All Performances will be held at
Mother Brook Arts and Community Center
123 High St.
Dedham, MA
About the Show
Based on the 1934 play of the same name, Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Alongtells the story of three friends. Spanning 20 years and running backwards chronologically, Merrily explores the fragility of friendship, the meaning of success, and the impact of our decisions on our lives and those in it. Featuring some of Sondheim's hidden gems including 'Growing Up,' 'Not a Day Goes By', and 'Our Time', Merrily We Roll Along asks us how far are we willing to go to achieve our dreams, and what we are willing to lose to get there.
Merrily We Roll Along
Music & Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim
Book by
George Firth
Based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart
PERFORMANCES:
June 12th - 7:30 pm
June 13th - 8:00 pm
June 14th - 2:00 pm
June 19th - 7:30 pm
June 20th - 2:00 pm, 7:30pm
June 21st - 2:00 pm
June 25th - 7:30 pm
June 26th - 7:30 pm
June 27th - 2:00 pm, 8:00 pm
All Performances will be held at
Mother Brook Arts and Community Center
123 High St.
Dedham, MA
About the Show
Based on the 1934 play of the same name, Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Alongtells the story of three friends. Spanning 20 years and running backwards chronologically, Merrily explores the fragility of friendship, the meaning of success, and the impact of our decisions on our lives and those in it. Featuring some of Sondheim's hidden gems including 'Growing Up,' 'Not a Day Goes By', and 'Our Time', Merrily We Roll Along asks us how far are we willing to go to achieve our dreams, and what we are willing to lose to get there.
Merrily We Roll Along
Music & Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim
Book by
George Firth
Based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart
PERFORMANCES:
June 12th - 7:30 pm
June 13th - 8:00 pm
June 14th - 2:00 pm
June 19th - 7:30 pm
June 20th - 2:00 pm, 7:30pm
June 21st - 2:00 pm
June 25th - 7:30 pm
June 26th - 7:30 pm
June 27th - 2:00 pm, 8:00 pm
All Performances will be held at
Mother Brook Arts and Community Center
123 High St.
Dedham, MA
About the Show
Based on the 1934 play of the same name, Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Alongtells the story of three friends. Spanning 20 years and running backwards chronologically, Merrily explores the fragility of friendship, the meaning of success, and the impact of our decisions on our lives and those in it. Featuring some of Sondheim's hidden gems including 'Growing Up,' 'Not a Day Goes By', and 'Our Time', Merrily We Roll Along asks us how far are we willing to go to achieve our dreams, and what we are willing to lose to get there.
Surface Design Sampler: Transfers, Silkscreens and Stencils
Instructor: Elissa Dunlap (She/Her)
Looking to bring your pottery to life? It's time to focus on surface. Join a seasoned instructor for a tour of varied decorating methods including how to use commercial transfers, silkscreens and getting creative with handmade stencils. This is a beginner friendly workshop.
Merrily We Roll Along
Music & Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim
Book by
George Firth
Based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart
PERFORMANCES:
June 12th - 7:30 pm
June 13th - 8:00 pm
June 14th - 2:00 pm
June 19th - 7:30 pm
June 20th - 2:00 pm, 7:30pm
June 21st - 2:00 pm
June 25th - 7:30 pm
June 26th - 7:30 pm
June 27th - 2:00 pm, 8:00 pm
All Performances will be held at
Mother Brook Arts and Community Center
123 High St.
Dedham, MA
About the Show
Based on the 1934 play of the same name, Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Alongtells the story of three friends. Spanning 20 years and running backwards chronologically, Merrily explores the fragility of friendship, the meaning of success, and the impact of our decisions on our lives and those in it. Featuring some of Sondheim's hidden gems including 'Growing Up,' 'Not a Day Goes By', and 'Our Time', Merrily We Roll Along asks us how far are we willing to go to achieve our dreams, and what we are willing to lose to get there.
Life Drawing - Spring 2026 Evening (6/17)
During this weekly session, attendees will draw from life, with a nude or partially clothed model. Attendees must bring all materials. Wet and dry media are welcome; we request attendees use odorless solvents.
Merrily We Roll Along Opening Night
Music & Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim
Book by
George Firth
Based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart
PERFORMANCES:
June 12th - 7:30 pm
June 13th - 8:00 pm
June 14th - 2:00 pm
June 19th - 7:30 pm
June 20th - 2:00 pm, 7:30pm
June 21st - 2:00 pm
June 25th - 7:30 pm
June 26th - 7:30 pm
June 27th - 2:00 pm, 8:00 pm
All Performances will be held at
Mother Brook Arts and Community Center
123 High St.
Dedham, MA
About the Show
Based on the 1934 play of the same name, Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Alongtells the story of three friends. Spanning 20 years and running backwards chronologically, Merrily explores the fragility of friendship, the meaning of success, and the impact of our decisions on our lives and those in it. Featuring some of Sondheim's hidden gems including 'Growing Up,' 'Not a Day Goes By', and 'Our Time', Merrily We Roll Along asks us how far are we willing to go to achieve our dreams, and what we are willing to lose to get there.
Glazing 101
Instructor: Donna Pioli (She/Her)
Do you dread glazing? Do you feel like you need a refresher on the basics? This workshop provides students and independent potters the opportunity to learn how to glaze successfully step by step, from start to finish. Much of this workshop will be lecture, demo and troubleshooting. You are welcome to bring three bisqued pieces (must be suitable for cone 6 glaze firing) to glaze with your newfound glaze education!
Artist + Curator Talk - Planar Shifts
During this weekly session, attendees will draw from life, with a nude or partially clothed model. Attendees must bring all materials. Wet and dry media are welcome; we request attendees use odorless solvents.
Life Drawing - Spring 2026 Daytime (6/10)
During this weekly session, attendees will draw from life, with a nude or partially clothed model. Attendees must bring all materials. Wet and dry media are welcome; we request attendees use odorless solvents.
Ceramics: Try the Wheel - One Night (June 5th)
Have you always wanted to try the wheel? Or are you ready to dust off your skills from a time past?
Join us for a special opportunity to learn how to use the potter's wheel from a seasoned professional! Under their guidance, learn the basics of throwing. At the end of the night, choose one piece to keep. We will glaze the piece for you with your preferred glaze color!
Life Drawing - Spring 2026 Evening (6/3)
During this weekly session, attendees will draw from life, with a nude or partially clothed model. Attendees must bring all materials. Wet and dry media are welcome; we request attendees use odorless solvents.
Parent+Child Try the Wheel
Instructor: TBD
This beginner-friendly workshop provides a wonderful opportunity to get creative with your child! Sharing a wheel, each parent + child pair will cheer each other on as they take turns making a pot on the wheel under the guidance of a seasoned instructor. No experience necessary. This course is for children 8-12 years old. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Life Drawing - Spring 2026 Evening (5/20)
During this weekly session, attendees will draw from life, with a nude or partially clothed model. Attendees must bring all materials. Wet and dry media are welcome; we request attendees use odorless solvents.
Spring Open Studios 2026
Mother Brook Arts and Community Center’s Open Studios celebration is set for Saturday, May 16 + Sunday, May 17, 11am-5pm. Explore three stories of the historic Mother Brook Arts building, home to sculptors, painters, metal smiths, ceramic artists, photographers, printers and more.
Spring OS 26’ Preview Party
Join us on Thursday, May 14, from 7 to 9 PM for an exclusive first look at our Art in Bloom exhibition and the opportunity to purchase original artwork before the exhibition opens to the public.
This special Preview Party is both a celebration and an important fundraiser supporting Open Studios and Mother Brook Arts & Community Center’s free community arts programming. Your attendance helps sustain accessible creative experiences for our community.
The evening will feature live music, complimentary bites, and the opportunity to meet the participating artists. A cash bar will offer wine, beer, and a signature floral cocktail inspired by the spirit of Art in Bloom. Guests may also participate in a wine pull fundraiser for the chance to take home a surprise bottle.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Celebrate the start of Open Studios Weekend, support the arts, and share an evening of creativity and community with us. We look forward to welcoming you.
Life Drawing - Spring 2026 Evening (5/6)
During this weekly session, attendees will draw from life, with a nude or partially clothed model. Attendees must bring all materials. Wet and dry media are welcome; we request attendees use odorless solvents.
Gold Luster 101
Instructor: Elissa Dunlap
This is an excellent opportunity for potters to participate in a gold luster firing! Learn how to prep your surface and apply luster decoratively in different ways. Pots will be fired immediately following the workshop and ready for pick up the following week.
Ceramics: Try the Wheel - One Night (May 1st)
Have you always wanted to try the wheel? Or are you ready to dust off your skills from a time past?
Join us for a special opportunity to learn how to use the potter's wheel from a seasoned professional! Under their guidance, learn the basics of throwing. At the end of the night, choose one piece to keep. We will glaze the piece for you with your preferred glaze color!