Led by: Gary Roberts

Free

Learn about modern poetry with short poems from some of the most celebrated writers of the twentieth century. We’ll listen to or read the poems, share initial impressions, and discuss whatever questions or themes emerge. The texts will be provided at the meeting—no homework required!

This free salon-style series welcomes everyone—whether you’re well-versed in poetry or simply curious. Drop in for one session or all; each 90-minute meetup stands on its own. Prior experience with poetry will be helpful but isn’t required. An interest in innovative techniques, tolerance for ambiguity, and appreciation of different points of view will also be helpful.

Emphasis will be given to poets who bore witness to social upheaval and shaped modern literature with their responses to historical events. We will take a global perspective and include many writers in different languages who have been translated into English. Brief introductions to the poets will be offered, but no stuffy lectures; we’ll make connections and discoveries together through our sharing of questions and observations.

Hosted by Gary Roberts, a poet and co-founder of Arts Collaborative Medford, as part of our literary arts initiative. Bring your coffee, tea, or notebook and join us for a relaxed, open conversation about how poetry can reflect, resist, and reimagine the world around us.

Registration is requested, but not required.

Taught by Christine WIllis
$50 | Registration Required

Indigo is a natural plant that creates a stunning deep blue color. We learn about this magical dye and utilize shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting or bunching cloth to create resist patterns. The fabric is bound and dyed in indigo vat. You will unfold your item and it will reveal your one of a kind design.

All materials are included in the price of the class, so all you need to do is come ready to create.

Knowledge required:

Beginner friendly! Ages 10 + with an adult

Make sure to come in clothes you don't mind getting paint on!

Led By: Erica Meimei

Cost: $40

Come join us for a fun and relaxing art session where you can create a beautiful portrait of your furry friend using oil pastels! No experience needed - our instructor will guide you every step of the way. Chat with fellow pet lovers and unleash your inner artist! Supplies will be provided.

Please email your reference photo to Erica at least 2 days before the event at ericameidesigns@gmail.com

Presented by Alive Dance Collective
Free | a 2-day Pop Up!

Wednesday April 23, 10-11am
Thursday April 24, 10-11am

Explore movement, music, and literature with your body! Alive's Storybook Movement Workshops invite participants to bring books to life through coloring, collaboration, and creative movement. In each hour-long workshop, students create movement stories inspired by a read-aloud. Books are based on a theme such as nature, colors, or overcoming obstacles. Participants are encouraged to move in ways that feel good to their bodies and fully express the emotions, themes, and storylines of our book. We work collaboratively to create movement phrases to perform as a group and finish with a dance game!  This workshop is easily adapted to varying ages, physical abilities, interests, and community groups.

Presented by Alive Dance Collective
Free | a 2-day Pop Up!

Wednesday April 23, 10-11am
Thursday April 24, 10-11am

Explore movement, music, and literature with your body! Alive's Storybook Movement Workshops invite participants to bring books to life through coloring, collaboration, and creative movement. In each hour-long workshop, students create movement stories inspired by a read-aloud. Books are based on a theme such as nature, colors, or overcoming obstacles. Participants are encouraged to move in ways that feel good to their bodies and fully express the emotions, themes, and storylines of our book. We work collaboratively to create movement phrases to perform as a group and finish with a dance game!  This workshop is easily adapted to varying ages, physical abilities, interests, and community groups.

Led by: Aimée Archambault

Tuesday April 22; 9am-12pm
Wednesday April 23; 9am-12pm
$100 for two days*

Grades: K-5

Join us to create soft sculptures using hand sewing, weaving, fabric, felt, yarn, cardboard, and more. Projects may include monster pillows, simple sock animals, pom pom critters, or felt puppets. Each day will include material demonstrations and students will be able to personalize their creations. 

*Students are encouraged to sign up for both days to allow extended time to complete projects. Space is now open for single day registration ($50). When booking, please specify which day your child is attending.

Led by: Aimée Archambault

Tuesday April 22; 9am-12pm
Wednesday April 23; 9am-12pm
$100 for two days*

Grades: K-5

Join us to create soft sculptures using hand sewing, weaving, fabric, felt, yarn, cardboard, and more. Projects may include monster pillows, simple sock animals, pom pom critters, or felt puppets. Each day will include material demonstrations and students will be able to personalize their creations. 

*Students are encouraged to sign up for both days to allow extended time to complete projects. Space is now open for single day registration ($50). When booking, please specify which day your child is attending.

Open Studio hosted by ACM
Free & Open to the Public!
RSVPs Appreciated

This is a FREE drop in for anybody to come and create among other artists & artist-types at ACM! Come mingle…and MAKE! Bring your own sketchbook/art projects. Bring snacks and seltzer to share if you can, space, music, snacks and vibes will be provided!

Led by: Christine WIllis
$75 | Registration Required

You will learn:

• How to set up the warp on your loom

• How to do weaving stitches including plain weave, soumak, and rya knots

• How to add fringe and tassels

• How to plan and execute your own design

Knowledge required:

Beginner friendly!

 What you'll get:

You'll work on a small weaving and walk away with the know-how to create more woven pieces on your own! 

 What to bring:

Your creativity!

This workshop is designed for ages 10+ with an adult

Led by: Katharine Altman

$40

Class is for adults and kids 8+ (with an adult)

Join us for a fun and beginner-friendly class—no experience necessary! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create a pair of colorful, lightweight stud earrings while learning the basics of working with polymer clay.

We’ll cover essential techniques, including how to properly condition clay for smooth, workable results. You'll also get an introduction to various tools and methods for shaping and adding texture. While your creations cure, the instructor will demonstrate advanced techniques to help inspire your designs in the future.

During class, you'll craft your own unique pair of stud earrings, which will be baked to cure. To complete your pieces, we’ll attach hypoallergenic posts, so you can wear your handmade earrings right away!

This class is open to adults and kids ages 8+ (with an accompanying adult).

Led by: Anne Traer

$70

Join Anne Traer, the owner of Medford based Garden and Roads Florist, for a hands-on floral arranging class where you'll learn the art of designing beautiful spring flower arrangements! This class will cover the basic design principles and color theory to help you create a stunning, balanced arrangement. From the perfect blend of vibrant spring blooms to crafting a gorgeous bouquet, Anne will guide you step-by-step in this creative experience.

Throughout the session, you'll get personalized instruction on arranging flowers, mixing colors, and creating harmony within your design. Best of all, you'll leave with your very own beautiful vase of flowers to take home and display.

Whether you're a beginner or have some floral arranging experience, this class is the perfect opportunity to explore your creativity and immerse yourself in the beauty of spring flowers!

Garden and Roads is a local florist and small-scale flower farm with an ethos to be gentle to the environment and create experiences that bring joy!

Led by Leticia Priebe Rocha
Silding Scale $10-$20

Join local poet and artist Leticia Priebe Rocha for a cathartic collaging workshop! You will be guided through the process of channeling the complex emotions you may be experiencing due to the state of the world into action and art. The group will learn how collage can help us all stand in our power and envision the world we want to live in. You will bring home at least one handmade collage that serves as a testament to your own resistance. We will also incorporate found poetry techniques like erasure to bring out your loudest voice!

All materials will be provided. Feel free to bring any images or text you’d like to incorporate into your work! All levels of experience with collage and poetry are welcome.

Led by Christine Willis
$40

In this experimental mono print class, participants use Gelli plates and acrylic paint to create unique prints. To create prints, acrylic paint is applied to the plate and spread with a brayer. Designs can be added by using stencils, anything you can think of with texture, or even your fingers. I will have a large assortment of objects you can use along with materials to make your own stamp designs. Once the design is set, a piece of paper is pressed onto the painted surface, smoothed out, and then pulled away to reveal the print. This hands-on technique emphasizes experimentation, allowing for spontaneous and unique outcomes in every print.

These test prints can serve as the perfect material for layering in mixed-media art. Additionally, the final prints can be further enhanced by adding pen and ink details or collage elements on top, allowing for endless creative possibilities and the evolution of each piece. The class encourages experimentation and continuous exploration through different materials and techniques.

Ages 8+ with an adult

All materials are included in the price

Led by Mystic Maker Space
$5

Have a jacket that needs a patch? Pants that can get back in the rotation with a quick fix? Come out and learn basic mending techniques from knowledgeable sewists. All sewing materials will be provided including hand sewing and sewing machines. Bring in any items you have that need mending or practice on scrap material. We will cover how to repair ripped seams, repairing tears, patching worn areas, hemming and replacing buttons.

THIS CLASS IS BEING RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE
email admin@artscollabmedford.org for questions

Led by Na Lee
Silding Scale $10-$20

Queer Reflections: Exploring the Queer Body Through Collage is a hands-on workshop led by Cambridge-based writer and multidisciplinary artist Na Lee. Through the transformative practice of collage, participants will explore personal and collective queer identities, using layering, fragmentation, and reassembly as creative tools for self-expression. This session offers a supportive space to reflect on the queer body, reimagine representation, and engage in meaningful artistic exploration. No prior experience necessary—all materials provided. All proceeds support ACM and the independent artists we serve.

MAKE + MINGLE March

Open Studio hosted by ACM
Free & Open to the Public!
RSVPs Appreciated

This is a FREE drop in for anybody to come and create among other artists & artist-types at ACM! Come mingle…and MAKE! Bring your own sketchbook/art projects. Bring snacks and seltzer to share if you can, space, music, snacks and vibes will be provided!

Every other Tuesday

$15; pre-register or drop-in

This is a non-instructor lead live drawing session. All sessions are in person, and will be with a nude or lightly clothed model. There will be a studio monitor present to assist the model and participants. Each session will feature a live model using a mixture of short and long poses – starting at one-minute poses and working up to a 15 or 20 minute pose.

Participants should bring their own materials. ACM will have some spare pencils, pad, and surfaces on hand.

Available Session Dates:

• Tues 3/11

• Tues 3/25

• Tues 4/8

• Tues 4/22

• Tues 5/6

• Tues 5/20

• Tues 6/3

• Tues 6/17

• Tues 7/1

Taught by Christine WIllis
$50 | Registration Required

Block printing is a traditional technique that involves carving a design onto a block, which is then used to stamp patterns onto fabric. For this workshop you will choose from an assortment of hand carved wooden blocks from my collection and a vibrant array of inks. We will then explore pattern making using a single or multiple blocks. This workshop is a great way to meet new people in your creative community or spend time with friends exploring a new craft. 

All of the materials are included in the price of the class, so all you need to do is come ready to create.

Knowledge required:

Beginner friendly! Make sure to come in clothes you don't mind getting paint on!

What you'll get:

A piece of fabric to practice your stamping + a 100% cotton tea towel for your final design. Leave with a unique tea towel that you can gift or keep for yourself!

Led by Rania Abdalla Kadafour
Free & Open to the Public

No sewing experience is needed to participate. All materials provided.

Join us for a sewing circle at Arts Collaborative Medford where we will collaboratively quilt the poetry of Marcellus Williams. Run by Rania Abdalla Kadafour, one of the exhibiting artists in The Threads That Tie Us. Hosted in the gallery space, you will be able to see and be inspired by the current exhibition.

More about the series: Rania is hosting a series of sewing circle where we will collaboratively quilt the poetry of Marcellus Khalifa Williams. Participants will be guided in the trapunto quilting technique—a method Rania has been learning over the past year—that adds weight and presence to each word we stitch. Through this meditative yet labor-intensive process, you’ll work together to honor his poetry in a meaningful way!

Graphic by: @sienna.garden

MAKE + MINGLE FEBRUARY

Open Studio hosted by ACM
Free & Open to the Public!
RSVPs Appreciated

This is a FREE drop in for anybody to come and create among other artists & artist-types at ACM! Come mingle…and MAKE! Bring your own sketchbook/art projects. Bring snacks and seltzer to share if you can, space, music, snacks and vibes will be provided!

Taught by Christine WIllis

$60 ($50 + $10 materials fee)

Indigo is a natural plant that creates a stunning deep blue color.  We learn about this magical dye and utilize shibori,  a Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting or bunching  cloth to create resist patterns. The fabric is bound and dyed in indigo vat. You will unfold your item and it will reveal your one of a kind design. You will have an assortment of small square cotton fabric to experiment with different methods of folding + binding. For the final piece you will pick your favorite method(s) to create an indigo dyed T-shirt.

$10 Material Fee to be paid to the instructor the day of the workshop

Knowledge required:

Beginner friendly! Ages 8-16

Indigo dye does not wash out, please wear clothes and shoes that can get splashed on!

Join us for 3 mornings of creating characters, puppets, and stories. Students will design their own puppets from a variety of materials and work together to create a puppet show. The final performance will be shared with families at the end of the last class (and shared on video). 

Tuesday, Feb 18th 9-11am

Wednesday Feb 19th 9-11am

Thursday Feb 20th 9-11am

$150 for all three sessions | Check out will guide you to pay $150 for Tuesday Feb 18th. Please note that you are actually signing up for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at the same time.

Ages: ages 5 ½ - 9 (currently in grades K-3)

Led by Regina Parkinson & Na Lee

Sliding Scale

• Booster Price: $10

• Full Price: $20

all levels | materials included

Unlock your potential and bring your dreams to life at our Vision Collage Workshop! This engaging and interactive session is designed to help you clarify your goals, spark creativity, and manifest the life you desire. Using a variety of materials, you'll craft a personalized vision board that visually represents your aspirations—whether they involve career success, personal growth, relationships, or self-care. With guidance, you’ll explore your intentions and learn how to align your vision with actionable steps toward achieving your goals.

Surrounded by a supportive and inspiring community, you’ll not only tap into your inner creativity but also leave with a powerful tool for focus and motivation. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to set intentions for the future, develop a clearer sense of purpose, or simply enjoy artistic expression. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite magazines or personal items to include.

Indigo is a millennia old plant dye that can create a wide range of blue hues. During his lab style workshop participants are invited to bring their own clothing items and fabric to dye in the indigo vat.

Note: This an open indigo dye vat session, not a teaching workshop. I will demonstrate some simple shibori folding techniques and provide twine for simple binding but will not provide tools for more in depth sibori. This workshop is designed for you to dip, ombre your fabric or use simple folding.

You will be provided with the dye, rubber gloves, and a plastic bag to transport your dyed items.

Bring your own Dyeables information:

Participants are invited to bring up to 3 items to dye.

• The indigo vat is a 5 gallon bucket, so no large items like sweatshirts or jackets can be fully submerged into the bucket.

• Materials must be pre-washed in hot water and dried without fabric softener prior to the class.

• All materials must be 100% natural (no synthetics: acrylic, polyester, etc)

• Examples of dyeable materials: Cotton, linen, rayon, hemp, canvas, cotton socks, cotton t-shirts, cotton bandanas, cotton yarn. The indigo vat is iron based so it suitable to dye silk or wool. The PH is too high and could damage the fibers.

• Indigo can be used to overdye already dyed clothing and fiber. For best results use undyed, white, or pale - medium colored clothing and fiber (yellow, pink, light blue, green, etc.) Have a favorite light shirt with a stain? Indigo is a great way to give new life to it.

• Dyeable materials (tea towel and bandanas) will be available for sale

Knowledge required: Beginner Friendly, ages 8 + with adult

CROCHET + CINEMA : The Princess Diaries

Free, Open to the public

doors open at 6:00 | movie starts at 6:30 | run time 1hr 55min
Bring Your Own Craft | snacks provided

“The Queen is never late, everybody else is simply early”

Taught by Christine WIllis
$75 | Registration Required

You will learn:

• How to set up the warp on your loom

• How to do weaving stitches including plain weave, soumak, and rya knots

• How to add fringe and tassels

• How to plan and execute your own design

Knowledge required:

Beginner friendly!

 What you'll get:

You'll work on a small weaving and walk away with the know-how to create more woven pieces on your own! 

 What to bring:

Your creativity!

This workshop is designed for ages 10+ with an adult

Taught by Christine WIllis
$50 | Registration Required

Indigo is a natural plant that creates a stunning deep blue color. We learn about this magical dye and utilize shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting or bunching cloth to create resist patterns. The fabric is bound and dyed in indigo vat. You will unfold your item and it will reveal your one of a kind design.

All materials are included in the price of the class, so all you need to do is come ready to create.

Knowledge required:

Beginner friendly! Ages 10 + with an adult

Make sure to come in clothes you don't mind getting paint on!

In partnership with ACM’s current gallery exhibition: SCAVENGERS
Hosted by MXD, PHEEBZ,and Drezzy Crew!
$10 suggested donation | Open to the public

Do you want to learn how to customize your own handmade stickers? Come down to the SCAVENGERS Sticker Workshop! Bring your markers, pens, and any blank labels you might have and join us for a chill sticker making workshop! All materials supplied- there is plenty to share if you don't have any of your own.

Hosted by SCAVENGERS artists PHEEBZ & MDX
$5 Suggested Donation | Open to the public

In collaboration with the current SCAVENGERS exhibition in the ACM gallery, we are hosting a Blackbook Session. Get your black books, sketchbooks, markers, and pens! Come hang with other artists, trade books, flex your style, and get to know other SCAVENGERS.