Ornament Making Party

Eastport Arts Center is delighted to bring back a favorite community tradition—the ornament making party—on Wednesday, December 11, 6-8 pm. The event boasts three talented instructor artists: Nia Aretakis, Ann Cannizzaro and Sara Myrick, each leading a separate craft, including ‘star elves,’ shell ornaments and upcycled snow globes. The festive workshop is ideal for families and friends to attend together; supplies are included, and students will head home with a pack of homemade ornaments and new skills to make more. Participants are asked to register below or by email to workshops@eastportartscenter.org.

Workshop fee is $15/person. A sliding fee scale (pay what you can) is available by request. A special ‘support EAC’ level registration is available for $25; this extra contribution will help support EAC’s accessible year-round programming.

Nia Aretakis has been involved at EAC for many years, first as a student and then as a teacher. Her extensive work in creating ‘Craft along’ videos for the Center’s KinderArts program helped connect community members through Covid. She graduated from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in June ’24, with a concentration in fashion design. Her first fashion collection was shared in April at the college’s Annual Runway Show.

Ann Cannizzaro is a seasoned educator, artist, and lifelong learner living in Downeast Maine. She has taught arts and craft classes for all ages, including many at EAC, with a practical, step-by-step approach. Most recently, she led the Center’s Summer Arts Camp for children. She and daughter Nia are at work on offerings for a booth at EAC’s Holiday Market on November 30.

Sara Myrick teaches art for K-12 students in the Eastport schools, and for college students at Washington County Community College. She is owner of Coastal Whims, a home-based art business celebrating her love of nature and handcrafting. Her widely varied artistic practice has included special focus on upcycling, print-making and jewelry. In addition to working in the schools, she leads many workshops at both EAC and Eastport’s Peavey Library.