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Learn A New Skill At Bonnet House

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We’ve all heard the phrase, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” at some point in our lives. But, here at Bonnet House, we know that that simply isn’t true. We believe that it is never too late to learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby. In fact, Evelyn Bartlett, one of the original owners of the Bonnet House estate, was passionate about her artistic endeavors and continued collecting artwork and honing her artistic talents well into her later years.

Specifically, Evelyn was a prolific painter and many of her artwork was featured in well-received gallery exhibits in Boston, New York, and Indianapolis. The world would have sadly never experienced her artistic talents had she not found the courage to pick up the paintbrush despite having little formal training. Fortunately, because of her confidence, we are able to enjoy her artwork after all these years in the Carl J. Weinhardt Gallery here at Bonnet House.

Evelyn’s artistic passions are the reason why we offer a variety of unique opportunities for our guests to learn something new and expand their talents. This May, Bonnet House is excited to host a three-week, six-class workshop for those interested in learning how to paint with watercolors. This fun and educational workshop will be taught by watercolorist Barbara DiMartini in the historic Bonnet House gardens. The workshop will teach students about the traditional techniques of realism in watercolor and line drawing, and will include time to paint in the shaded gardens.

This three-week workshop will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 14th – 30th. These classes are perfect for beginners and are sure to be both fun and educational. This workshop is $190 for members, and $210 for nonmembers. All sales are final and nonrefundable. Before attending the workshop, be sure to take a look at the class supply list so that you can come prepared.

Like Evelyn, we hope that you choose to start your next hobby here at Bonnet House. You truly never know where your next passion will lead you. To learn more and register for this workshop, visit our event calendar .

Art Workshops Coming To Bonnet House This October

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As the fall season approaches and the kids go back to school, this time of year has many feeling nostalgic about their own days in school, and wanting to spend time outside enjoying the cooler, crisper air. Well, here at Bonnet House, we may not literally be able to turn back time, but we can certainly provide opportunities for you to spend time outdoors and learn or improve upon a new skill.

This October, Bonnet House will be hosting two watercolor workshops for both beginner and intermediate skill levels and a Four-week Colored Pencil Drawing Workshop for all levels.

Our Beginning Watercolor Workshop will take place on October 11th,12th, 13th, 2022, and will cover various watercolor techniques and theories. This creative and informative adventure will be led by Barbara DiMartini over the course of the 3-days. To register for this workshop, click here.

Our Intermediate Watercolor Workshop will take place October 18, 19, 20, 2022, and will cover traditional techniques of realism in watercolor and line drawing. Classes are $140 for members, and $160 for non-members. To register for this workshop, click here.

The Colored Pencil Drawing Workshop will take place Saturdays, October 8 – 29 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Learn colored pencil techniques that will help you create great-looking artwork without years of experience.  Galal Ramadan will be teaching this Colored Pencil Drawing Workshop. Click Here to register for this workshop. Classes are $160 for members, and $175 for non-members.

Here at Bonnet House, we work to provide opportunities to teach and inspire our guests. These popular workshops are a great way to not only learn something new, but to also gain a new lens from which to view the world around you.

These workshops tend to fill up quickly, so book your spot today.

Upcoming Classes & Workshops At Bonnet House

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It may still be the middle of winter, but Bonnet House is burgeoning with new classes and workshops! This February and March, Bonnet House is excited to announce a variety of interesting courses for those interested in art, wildlife, nature and so much more. From exploring the basics of calligraphy to learning how to paint stunning orchids, our workshops will leave you with a new skill or interest that you can be proud of for years to come.

Beginning on February 15th, Bonnet House will be hosting a five-week calligraphy workshop. In addition to learning about the art of calligraphy itself, participants will be taught the history of pen lettering and the importance of the hand-copying of great works of antiquity, especially the Bible, in the scriptoria of the great monastic houses of the Middle Ages. To learn more and register for this workshop, click here.

From February 25th – 26th, Bonnet House will also be presenting an orchid painting watercolor workshop. This two-day course will take place in our gorgeous gardens and will be taught by the very talented Karen Eskesen. This informative and fun workshop will be sure to help you improve upon your watercolor abilities and expand your artistic repertoire. To view the supply list for this course, and to register, click here.

Bonnet House is also pleased to offer a six-week acrylic painting workshop starting on Thursday, March 7th. Guests will be able to join Fine Artist Bonnie Opie in the historic Bonnet House gardens as she goes over the basic principles of acrylic painting. This workshop will give participants the opportunity to take inspiration from our vast gardens while learning a new artistic medium. To learn more about this six-week course and to register, click here.

Bonnet House is passionate about providing meaningful artistic experiences for interested individuals across the world. We hope that you can join us for one or more of our fantastic workshops and events. To learn more about our upcoming events, classes, and workshops, visit our events calendar.

Watercolor Basic/Intermediate Workshop

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Whether you are new to the exciting medium of watercolor or just wishing to “brush” up on those rusty painting skills, this is the course you have been looking for. The course offers basic color and light theories, color mixing, painting techniques and lessons on composition.

Join watercolorist Barbara DiMartini on the Historic Bonnet House Veranda for six weeks of classes. All classes will be on the Bonnet House Veranda overlooking the freshwater slough.

Click here to view the supply list.

Tuesdays, October 21 – November 25, 2025
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
If you have any questions, please call Linda Schaller at (954) 703-2606 or email [email protected].

Members $220 / Non-members $250 (all sales are final and non-refundable)
Register Here!

 

 

Watercolor Mini Workshop 2

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Glazes and Under-glazes.  An underglaze can make colors brighter, and it sometimes shortens painting time.  (a glaze:  a layer of transparent color).  Students will work with a series of experiments and then paint fruit leaves and/or work from imagination, using layers of glazes.  Instructor will provide a slide show, examples of finished artwork, and a demo. Click here for the supply list.

$70.00 Bonnet House Members/$80 Non-Members. Class limited to #10 participants. All class registrations are final and non-refundable.

Click here for Supply List.

Register Here!

 

Watercolor Mini-Workshop 1

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Wet-in-Wet Techniques.  Applying watercolor to wet paper or wet paint give interestingly free and unpredictable results.  It’s a fast way to start a painting or to get special effects in one area of a painting.  The instructor will give a slide show, a demo, and show examples of finished work.  Students will work on a series of experiments and then create a work of art.

$70.00 Bonnet House Members/$80 Non-Members. Class limited to #10 participants. (all sales are final and non-refundable)

Click here for Supply List.

Register Here!

Watercolor Workshop February

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Watercolor Workshop with Barbara DiMartini

Join fine artist and watercolorist Barbara DiMartini for a six-week workshop set in the lush, historic Bonnet House gardens.

This immersive experience includes instruction in traditional techniques of realism in watercolor and line drawing, along with dedicated time to paint outdoors surrounded by nature.

Art tables are provided in a shaded area, offering a comfortable and inspiring environment for artists of all levels.

Please click here for the supply list.

6-Week Workshop
Wednesdays, February 25 – April 1, 2026

9:30 am – 12:30 pm

$220 members / $250 non-members (all sales are final and non-refundable)

Register Here!

Watercolor Workshop January

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Watercolor in the Gardens with Barbara DiMartini

Join watercolorist Barbara DiMartini for a six-week watercolor workshop set in the beautiful, historic Bonnet House gardens.

This session will explore traditional techniques of realism in watercolor and line drawing, with ample time to paint amidst the lush surroundings.

Art tables will be provided in a shaded area, offering a comfortable and inspiring space to create.

All skill levels are welcome!

Please click here for the supply list.

Six Week Workshop
Wednesdays, January 7 – February 11, 2026
9:30am – 12:30pm

$220 members / $250 non-members (all sales are final and non-refundable)

Register Here!

Learn the art of Calligraphy, Watercolor, Acrylics and Zentangle at Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog, Classes & Workshops, Uncategorized No Comments

Learn the art of calligraphy, watercolor, acrylics and zentangle on the historic Bonnet House Estate this season. Two six-week, one four-week and two three-week workshops will be offered beginning in January. All classes are taught outdoors throughout the beautiful grounds.

Art class schedule is as follows:

Watercolor workshop with Karen Eskesen ($114 members, $126 non-members)

Session I: Wednesdays, January 9 – February 13 from 9:30am – 12:30pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

Session II: Wednesdays, February 27 – April 3 from 9:30am – 12:30pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm with Karen Eskesen.

Acrylic workshop with Nia Nakis ($114 members, $126 non-members)

Session I – Thursdays, January 10 – February 14, 9:30am-12:30pm.

Session II – Thursdays, March 7 – April 11, 9:30am – 12:30pm.

Zentangle workshop with Shawn Ann Hayden ($105 members, $120 non-members)

Session I – Tuesdays, January 15 – 29, 10:00am – 12:00pm.

Session II – Tuesdays, March 5 – 19, 10:00am – 12:00pm.

Calligraphy workshop with Tony Pastucci ($64 members, $80 non-members)

Tuesdays, February 5 – February 26, 9:30am – 11:00am.

Class space is limited to 15 students and each workshop requires pre-registration. To register visit us at https://bonnethouse.org/adult-workshops/ or contact Linda Schaller at (954) 703-2606 or [email protected].

About Bonnet House: The mission of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is to preserve, interpret and share the unique and eclectic historical legacy – artistic, architectural and environmental – of the Bartlett and Birch families.  We inspire in our diverse audiences an appreciation for creative expression, historic preservation and environmental conservation, while enhancing the educational, cultural and economic growth of the community