Created for the love of art and community.
Westport Art Group was formed in 1955 by a small group of local, art-minded women. Since then, we have grown into a robust and colorful community organization approaching 250 members from all over South Coast, Massachusetts, southern Rhode Island, and beyond. At our active Main Road, Westport Point building, we offer both adult and youth art classes and show events throughout the year, many of which are open to the public. We are a 501(c)3 organization.
Join Our Group! We Welcome New Members!
Read about the benefits of membership and sign up on the Membership page!
Read the letter from the President of WAG, Sharon Connors.
This summer, Westport Art Group celebrates an incredible 70 years as the offshoot of that small group of local ladies. Read about the celebration and view more historical photographs on the 70th Celebration page. Learn more about the group on the History page!
The Homemade Printmaker Series
A Double Feature Workshop: Monotype and Intaglio
with Kim Gatesman
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 9am-4pm
Print by Kim Gatesman.
This day long workshop will cover two techniques in this special double feature. We will get started with monotype in the morning and will pivot to Drypoint ( a type of intaglio) in the afternoon. The variations the students will learn are low-tech, approachable and the perfect way to get acquainted or continue with printmaking. Materials will be provided with extra papers and intaglio plates will be available for students to purchase. Max class size 12. $165. All are welcome. Westport Art Group members receive a 20% discount. Register on Adult Art!
Line & Wash Watercolor Batik on Kinwashi Paper
Taught by Peter Turner
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 10am-2pm
Explore the luminous and textured world of Line and Wash Watercolor Batik on Kinwashi Paper, taught by Peter Turner, aka the “Art Troubadour”. This immersive, hands-on workshop teaches students how to combine bold waterproof marker linework with flowing watercolor washes and layers of wax resist to create uniquely vibrant and textured works. Participants will work directly on delicate Kinwashi paper, embracing its fibrous, translucent quality to produce richly layered compositions. The technique draws from traditional batik practices and watercolor traditions in a fresh, accessible way. Ideal for Beginners, watercolorists, illustrators, fiber artists, and creatives looking to explore texture, translucency, and process-based painting on alternative surfaces. Max 10 students. Registration is open on Adult Art.
Who Can Resist Nature? Especially Nests
A One day Watercolor Workshop with Instructor Betsey McDonald
Saturday, October 3, 10am to 2pm
Aristotle said, “In all things in nature there is something of the marvelous” and few things are as marvelous as bird’s nests! For this class we’ll study nests and then we’ll paint them using layers of watercolor wash and resist. We’ll gain an understanding of dry brush techniques, wet into wet, spattering and other ways we can play with watercolor. We’ll work on two paintings at once to allow for drying time. One will be a detailed study of the amazing texture and interweaving of grasses, sticks and other found items while the other will have more of a design focus and incorporate leaf shadows and negative space with a nest. Through observation and the use of watercolor, we’ll learn to really look at some of nature’s most exquisite handiwork as we create our own art and realize that nests are works of art as well. Registration is open on Adult Art!
Creating Glowing Color in Oils & Acrylics
A 4 week Painting Class with Barbara Healy
Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026 9am-12pm
Artwork by Barbara Healy.
Join award-winning painter Barbara Healy to explore working with an underpainting to plan composition and create a landscape with vibrant color in oils, adapted for acrylics. We will explore 2 approaches: creating an acrylic underpainting notan and a value grisaille.
We will look at brushwork or mark-making to find what’s important t to your painting subject, eliminating unnecessary detail, training yourself to be decisive and learning not to overwork a painting.
Summer Adult Classes & Events
All Westport Art Group classes are open to both members and nonmembers, but for adult classes,
current members receive a 20% discount at checkout with code - unless otherwise listed.
Browse Adult Art for current classes and Events & Exhibitions for current shows!
September
The Homemade Print Series: Monotype and Intaglio with Kim Gatesman. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 9am-4pm.
Line & Wash Watercolor Batik on Kinwashi Paper taught by Peter Turner. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 10am-2pm.
OCTOBER
Who Can Resist Nature? Especially Nests. A One day Watercolor Workshop with Instructor Betsey McDonald. Saturday, October 3, 10am to 2pm.
Creating Glowing Color in Oils & Acrylics. A 4 week Painting Class with Barbara Healy. Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026 9am-12pm
Upcoming classes! Please check back soon:
Monday drawing session with Jackie William, begins Oct 12 for 6 sessions!
Writing workshop with Sarah Bartlett on Sunday, Oct 18.
Photos of The Civil War in 3D. Presented by John Wojtowicz. Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 6:30-7:30pm at WAG. Free and open to all but donations are gladly accepted.
ONGOING CLASSES
Summer Open Drawing Sessions. Monday mornings on certain dates at WAG. See Adult Art for dates.
Figure Drawing on Wednesdays! Join the 9 am group at WAG. See Adult Art for details. To resume February 18.
Weekly Painting - Thursdays. New outdoor location every week. Paint from 9-11:45, then have a friendly but informative group critique. See details on Adult Art.
WAG Poetry Group. Meetings twice a month. See the Poetry page for details.
Youth News!
2026 Summer ART campS for kids!
Thank you to all those who attended this year for the two Art-filled sessions.
Stay tuned in February for news of 2027 camps.
Session 1: July 6-10, 2026
Session 2: August 10-14, 2026
Explore art activities and programs for youth! Summer Art Camps ~ WAGkids Workshops ~ WAG Scholarship Program
2026 WAG High School Scholarships Awarded
Westport High School and Scholarship Winner, Emma Nataly
Tiverton High School and Scholarship Winner, Jameson Schreiner. Pictured with WAG’s Bob Dec.
Westport High School senior, Emma Nataly, and Tiverton High School senior, Jameson Schreiner are the recipients of this year’s WAG scholarships.
Congratulations, Emma and Jameson!!
Almost since its inception, WAG has supported scholarships to local high school seniors who are planning careers in the visual arts. There were several strong applicants this year - the future of art looks bright! Emma will be pursuing Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology and demonstrated exceptional talent in drawing, creativity and composition. She will receive a $3,000 award.
Jameson is a senior at Tiverton High School, and he will be pursuing illustration at the University of Rhode Island. Jameson also impressed the judges with his creativity and ability. Jameson will receive a $3,000 scholarship.
WAG Scholarship was presented to Tiverton High School senior, Jameson Schreiner, by Bob Dec, WAG Board member and a member of the WAG Scholarship Committee.
Join us in congratulating our two outstanding 2026 winners!
About the WAG college SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
For more than fifty years, Westport Art Group Inc. has awarded scholarships annually to local area high school students interested in pursuing a higher degree in the visual arts. Recipients of these scholarships have graduated with BA and BFA degrees, and gone on to careers as artists, animators, toy designers, art teachers, and computer artists, as well as lives enriched by their engagement with the arts as painters, photographers, ceramists, printmakers, and sculptors.
In 2025, the WAG Board approved increasing the amount for the scholarships to $3,000. Anyone interested in applying for the scholarship this spring should discuss it with their high school guidance counselors. Click here to find out more about the 2026 Scholarship Requirements and Application.
Give the gift of Art… a membership to WAG
your recipient will receive all the benefits of membership…
20% off many adult ed classes at WAG
Ability to enter their artwork at member-only exhibitions
Invitation to WAG annual potluck and meeting
Their own Artist page on the WAG website
A social group of like-minded, friendly local art enthusiasts!
Go to Gift Certificates to order one today!
Donate Directly or by saving Lee’s receipts
We appreciate your donation to support the arts in Westport. If you’d like to donate by mail, please send a check to Westport Art Group, P.O. Box 157, Westport Point, MA 02791.
In addition, Lee’s will donate a percentage of total receipts from your purchases. Just save your receipts from Lee’s, circle the totals, and and drop them in the mailbox at the WAG building at 1740 Main Road — or mail them to us at Westport Art Group, P.O. Box 157, Westport Point, MA 02791. Thank you to our members and citizens who donate!
How to Join or Renew Your Membership
New changes to membership! Membership durations are now 12 months from the date of your sign-up and payment. We no longer require a May sign-up. Sign up anytime!
For information on membership, renewal, and the state of our group, please go to the Join Us page. There you will be able to review your options for membership renewal: either online with credit card, or by downloading the registration form and mailing it with your check. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!
Just a few of our members pictured here at the October 12, 2023 annual meeting.
Call to Artists - the NEW Periwinkle Shop!
FREE SHELF & WALL SPACE available NOW in the Periwinkle Shop!
View details and submission directions on the Events page
One of the perks of WAG membership is being able to sell your artwork and handmade original items in the Periwinkle Gift Shop – and you’re invited to participate! All current WAG members can submit small works of art and original handmade items to sell at the gallery - without charge for the space. WAG will retain a 25% commission on all items sold.
Submissions may include artwork in all mediums, photography, handmade jewelry, sculptures, fiber art, books and other items.
Participants must be current members of WAG - see the Join Us page to join or renew your membership. Go to the Events page to download call details and the art submission form.
Videos of WAG Events Available for Viewing
We have had the pleasure of working with Westport Community TV to film recent events at WAG. Below are links to two events. View on YouTube:
Tuesdays at WAG - Rick Paulus Calligraphy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQb2dOlDOL8
Mid Winter Dreams Reception - Artists and Poets Collaborate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSZwg3oUshA
Events & Exhibitions
Learning Opportunities
Youth Education and Outreach