SOUTH THOMASTON — Starting in March, The Kelpie Gallery in South Thomaston will be holding after school art classes Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. for students grades 6-8. Students will work on projects each week that introduce basic art concepts in a variety of media.

Examples of work from an artist or art movement will be used to illustrate the concepts, and to introduce the students to the world of art history in an interactive and entertaining way.

Young artists who stay through the end of the school year will present an exhibition of their favorite completed works in The Kelpie Gallery for the month of June.

Lauren Raye Lewis and Susan Lewis Baines will be the primary instructors for the class, bringing their diverse experiences in the art world to their teaching. Lauren Lewis is a trained painting conservator and worked at the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Study Center for 16 years prior to opening The Kelpie Gallery in July 2014 with Susan Baines.

Baines, a goldsmith and jewelry designer for 24 years, has drawn and painted all her life. She began her professional painting career several years ago and has shown at a variety of venues in the mid-coast area.

Lewis said in a news release: "One of our goals in opening The Kelpie Gallery was to bring art to the community in a variety of ways. Our exhibitions present the work of both established and emerging professional artists.

“With our Fundamentals of Art classes at The Kelpie we hope to instruct and encourage the next generation of professional artists, or simply foster an enjoyment and appreciation of the arts that can last a lifetime."

Classes will begin March 3 and run through June 30. Student participation is limited to 6. Cost will be $175 per month and will include materials.

For more information, call Lauren Lewis at 207-691-3416, or email TheKelpieGallery@gmail.com.

Check the Kelpie Gallery's Facebook page for information on all of its programs.