Party With The Nest

Lots of things are going on at The Nest to start the spring season, so get those paintbrushes ready and head on over.

In addition to its number of workshops every month (a list of them can be found below), the 17 College Street arts incubator is now hosting parties for both adults and children.

The parties are art-themed, said Lori Sturgess, the director of The Nest. Stations are set up for guests to create something with scraps of everything: fabric, wood, stone, metal and more. Prototypes can be made in advance for people to follow, or people can make wherever their creative hands lead them.

"Sometimes it is just fun to fool around with the pieces to see what people come up with," said Sturgess. "It is an exercise in creativity that many people cannot indulge in their day-to-day lives. This, for some, is a wonderful escape."

The Nest just held a birthday party earlier this month for a young girl and her friends. Her dad wanted her to experience some of the creativity he grew up with, so he asked The Nest ladies for some help, and it ended up being a success.

If party plans aren't in your near future, The Nest still has openings in its upcoming workshops and events. Check out the list below.

Beginner Fabric Decorating by Lori
$35, Tuesday, March 27, 10 a.m.-Noon and 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
The morning session involves applying color to fabric such as sponging, transferring and painting. The afternoon class concentrates on decorating linens for Easter.

Ladies Night Out: Learn About Nest Offerings
Free, Thursday, March 29, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Hear about the different projects the Nest offers through this wine and cheese event. Grab a friend or two and plan your next girls night out.

A Time Fur Love
$10 donation, Saturday, March 31, 4 p.m.-7p.m.
Sip wine, sample cheese and check out pet-inspired art in a number of mediums. Proceeds from the event will benefit Canine Assistants, a non-profit sevice dog organization.

Beginner Fabric Decorating
$45, Tuesday, April 3, 7 p.m.-9p.m.
Bring your own blankets or purchase some to explore color application to fabric for personal gifts.

Deco-art Glass Painting
$48, Tuesday, April 10, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
Students will paint wine glasses to match decor, personalities and occasions.

Mom and Me Tie Dye T-shirts
$35, Thursday, April 19, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Kids ages 5 to 7 are welcome to dye T-shirts with Mommy.

Business 101: From Craft to Show Business, Panel Discussion
Free, Thursday, April 19, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Retail experts will dicuss the process of turning a passion into a business.

Paper Mache and Assemblage Class
$45, Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-noon
Get messy and creative with paper and paste.

Paper Mache... Part Deux
$20 (free for participants in first class), Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m.-noon
Paint and decorate paper mache projects, including the art from the previous week.

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For more information on parties or workshops, or to reserve your spot for a workshop or class, call 678-429-3005.