ADULT EVENTS @ the DAA

Mary Rose O’Connell Oil/Gouache Demonstration 

April 11, 2026 10:30 AM at the DAA  

Mary Rose O’Connell is best known for her dynamic oil paintings of the New England coast. Other genres she has mastered are her sensitive portrait, still life, and landscape paintings. She paints in her studio and en plein air in a representative style. Classically trained in the Boston School Tradition, her work shows a strong grounding in composition and design combined with the color and light of the 19th century Impressionists. Along with being a national award-winning artist, Mary Rose was a past recipient of the Charles Family Foundation, Cape Ann Museum, Copley Society of Art Fellowship. Mary Rose is a juried artist member of the Copley Society of Art, the Rockport Art Association, and the North Shore Arts Association. She has exhibited with the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionists Society, the Allied Artists of America and the Guild of Boston Artists. Mary Rose instructs students in composition and design techniques using oil, acrylic, gouache and drawing mediums. In addition to the technical aspects, the classes focus on color, value, and edge relationships within the paintings. She conducts workshops in Europe with Tuscany in the Frame and online with Epiphany Fine Art. Mary Rose maintains a studio at Western Avenue Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts, owned by the Boston Council for the arts. Prior to moving to Western Avenue Studios she was a studio artist at the Whistler House Museum of Art. Mary Rose is currently serving as the president of the Board of trustees at the North Shore Arts Association in Gloucester, MA. 

All Are Welcome!

Art for Relaxation and Mindfulness 

Instructor:  Paige Covello 

✨ Art for Relaxation & Mindfulness – NEW Schedule! ✨

Join us Wednesdays for a creative escape designed to calm the mind and inspire creativity. Each week, explore a new mindful art practice:  

Upcoming Classes:   

Every Wednesday! 

 26, 7:00 -8:30 pm

Adults 18+

Sign up for a  series or Drop in! 

Art for Relaxation and Mindfulness (age 18+) is perfect for anyone looking to explore and connect with their creative side.  Participants will practice a variety of research based stress reducing techniques to create art pieces and discover the power of creation for stress management!  No previous experience needed, all levels are welcome.  All materials will be provided and topics will be geared to participants' needs and interests. Each session participants will leave with art pieces as well as resources and information for optional further learning. 

Strings Class

Beginner Adult Orchestra Group

When: Fridays 2-3:30 pm  Weekly

Year-Round

Irish Set Dance Class

Adult Dance Group

When: Thursdays 7:30-10:30 pm 

Year-Round

Drop in! 

Irish dancing is traditional Gaelic or Celtic dance forms that originated in Ireland. It can be performed as a solo or in groups of up to twenty or more trained dancers. In Ireland, Irish dance is part of social dancing or may be for formal performances and competitions.

It is performed traditionally with intricate footwork and is most known for the dancers performing with a stiff upper body. Unlike other dance forms, Irish dancers do not move their arms or hands so that footwork is accented.

Painting & Drawing Studio

Instructor: Deb Stanton
Tuesdays, 6:00–9:00 pm 

 Class begins January 20 through March 24 will (Tuesdays, 6-9 PM)

Explore your creativity in a supportive studio setting! This course welcomes beginners and experienced artists working in two-dimensional media. Beginners receive step-by-step guidance in drawing and painting fundamentals, while experienced artists pursue their own projects with personalized feedback.

Work from still life or photos in your choice of acrylics, oils, watercolor, pastels, or drawing media. Studio time includes one-on-one instruction, group discussions, and positive critiques that deepen your understanding of light, form, color, and composition.

Bring your own materials (supply list will be provided by level).
For payment information please

Email Debrorah Stanton, deborah@stanton.newl.com

Pay by check or cash day of class or mail.

Strings Classes for Adults

NEW Strings Classes running every other Starting Friday, January 2

2:00-3:30 at the DAA

Classes will run every other Friday afternoon. 

Email us for more info. Please see below for email info.