ASHBURNHAM New Dawn Arts Center would love to invite any and all aspiring painters to check out their monthly-scheduled Brunch and Brushes painting class, with the next class to be held from 11 a. m. until 2 p. m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the center, 84 Main St. The class will be led by longtime art instructor, Joanne Stowell, who is also an artist, mother, dog lover, small-scale farmer from Central MA. “What I love most about Brunch and Brushes is that it is perfect for all experience levels,” said Stowell. “It is a great introduction to painting if you’ve never painted before or are a beginner, and it’s also just a nice atmosphere to paint together in a group if you are a more experienced painter.” While subjects vary each month, Stowell has chosen a holiday-themed still life for December, with a selection of greenery and candles. But don’t expect this class to be one where every participant walks away with an identical work of finished art. “There are plenty of paint-party type classes out there, but what makes this class different is that we are painting from life and everyone’s painting ends up completely different than everyone else’s,” Stowell explains. An accomplished painter, Stowell’s contemporary realistic oil paintings are inspired by her daily life and every piece tells a story. Although primarily an oil painter, she has experience with drawing, sculpture, ceramics, print-making and installation art. She has an MFA in Visual Arts from Lesley University College of Art and Design and she has had artwork in numerous exhibitions nationwide. But outside of her own work, Stowell is also passionate about helping others develop and hone their own craft. “I want to be there to guide everyone in creating their best painting possible,” Stowell said. “But I don’t want to tell anyone what to paint. Our themed still-life arrangements always have something interesting for everyone to discover.” Artists of all stripes are encouraged to join in and register at newdawnarts. org. The $48 registration fee includes all needed supplies, as well as light refreshments.
https://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/2025/11/27/discover-your-inner-artist-at-brunch-and-brushes/
Discover your inner artist at ‘Brunch and Brushes’
