classes,workshops & events!
ART CLASS SESSIONS
“encouraging out-of-the-box and creative thinking helps to simulate both the left and right side of your brain, improving cognitive function, memory and positive mental health!”
Let your child explore their creativity. Getting to learn the fundamentals and work with various mediums of art. We will work on color mixing, perspective, composition, shading, depth, form & techniques to name a few! Your child will get to try out clay, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, colored pencil and much more!
Sessions are an average of 4 weeks long and run throughout the year.
We host a yearly art show for the kids. So that friends and family can come see all the hard work!
Classes are divided by age (with exceptions) from ages as young as 9 up to 16 years old!
Class Times:
Thursday:
6-8pm (ages 14-adult)
Focused learning sessions ages 14+ adult
The focused learning sessions are an average of 4 wks long, and target a specific topic each session, such as; animals, people, buildings, watercolor, acrylic, charcoal and more. These are typically 2-3 hr classes depending on the subject.
These workshops are intended for those wishing to develop a new skill or improve a skill they are already working on.
Topics rotate throughout the year if you are looking for a variety to keep working on!
Check out the schedule HERE
Exceptions will be considered for younger ages on a case by case basis.
creative workshops
“Engaging in creative activities can help to boost self- esteem, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increase feelings of happiness and contentment.”
love doing creative activities? Just want to try something new? maybe you are looking for community, or just something fun to do and get out of the house! check out our pop up crafting workshops that change monthly and give you a variety to choose from!
Maybe you’d love a little consistency to make sure you are taking that time for yourself! Or just want something to look forward too? check out the ongoing monthly themed workshops with people who share similar interest as you.
If you’re looking for something tailored to your specific interests, take a look at the focused learning sessions. (example; drawing birds/people/animals/acrylic/watercolor)
check out the workshops & focused learning calendar here
paint EVENTS
The Gray Owl offers two painting choices monthly. You do not need to be artistic to follow along with the step by step instruction and paint your own artwork to take home!
Planning a shower, birthday, friends night out or another special event? I'd love to help out! You can choose from a variety of options, or I can design a custom piece for your private event!
“connecting the mind & body through art!”
Children’s Birthday party!
I would love to work with you to create a paint party birthday, I will guide the kids through a painting or craft of your choosing or designed to the party theme!
Events can be held in studio, or I can come to your location.
I have extra tables for you to set up your snacks & gifts, and each child gets to take home the masterpiece they create, goodie bags optional for an extra cost.
pricing starts at $200 for the use of the studio and guided painting.
holiday themed event
Every month we have a fun paint party design based on a holiday if it be a major holiday like Christmas & Easter or an obscure holiday like humming bird day! (i’ve also been know to give out door prizes!)
Coffee, tea & water will be available.
artist choice
Every month this party switches things up! The painting will be a design based on a whim of inspiration that I hope will inspire you to come paint with me! (yes door prizes pop up here too!)
Coffee, tea & water will be available.
customize your own event!
I would love to work with you to create a paint event for your special occasion, or just a night out with friends!
Birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, team building… just to name a few.
I have lots of designs to choose from, or I can design one to suit!
Events can be held in studio, or I can come to your location, Byob for a private paint party.
contact me to discuss your private event HERE
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Lisa Papastefanou
Self taught artist, with a love of all things creative, nature/outdoors & my family! Born and raised at the foot of Mt Monadnock.
Hello!
My name is Lisa Papastefanou, owner of The Gray Owl, wife & mom of two amazing boys! but lets start from the beginning.
As a kid my Mother always encouraged the creative side of both my siblings and I (it probably gave her a reprieve from all the usual running around). She started taking us to my Grandmothers once a week for art lessons when she realized that all three (my brother, sister and I) had a leaning towards the creative side. Those years where Precious, even if we were not always happy about the hour and a half car ride! We got snuggles from Grandma, got to make a mess making things (like a 3ft giraffe puppet out of paper mache!) Grandma always treated us to lunch! (my favorite was Chinese)
Over the years, even though we no longer went for lessons, Grandma always kept us stocked with creative supplies and lots of encouragement. We would go to Art in the park, an annual art show in Keene NH, every year for her birthday and get Chinese food after (also her favorite) and she would always tell my sister and I we should get a booth. We would laugh it off and say “oh ya one day, but i’m not good enough yet.”
Art was a huge part of my teens! all those emotions, changes & challenges that go with transitioning from child to adult, art was my therapy…ok so honestly it still is!
After getting married and having my first child I was still creating and would do commissions here and there as a hobby. Just after Christmas 2015 my Grandmother passed away and I wanted to do something in her honor, but nothing seemed quite right. So in the spring when I stumbled on the Art in the park Facebook page, advertising the artist sign ups… I signed up for that booth like she had always wanted. Then Called my sister and told her to start painting because I had signed her up too!
That first year was unforgettable, it was like Grandma was there cheering us on and we had to paint during the show to keep art in the booth! That was when I realized, hey maybe I really could do this, and i’ve been doing it ever since.
I branched out teaching, and 3years ago started a class. That continued to grow and I needed more space than I currently had… and so The Gray Owl was born, thanks to my incredible students!
I love all forms of creativity and trying new things. God gave me the aptitude, but I truly believe my Mom & Grandmother set the foundation for my love of art. My goal is to share that love with others and be that inspiration for someone else. Along with the joy and freedom that comes with ART!