NISDA STAFF


SOPHIE ELIZA CROSS

Boston based artist Sophie Cross will be teaching Kinder & Youth Arts, Drawing, and Forest Bathing. A lifelong artist, Sophie grew up at Nisda! With an innate love of clay, young Sophie explored the natural environment on island, while her mother, director Laura Herhold taught in the clay studio and facilitated NISDA programs.


Sophie studied at the Art Institute of Boston and Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts earning a BFA in traditional figurative sculpture. Sophie teaches Figurative Drawing, and Still Life with a special interest in drapery. Sophie expanded her studies and skillset to earn her Masters degree in mental health counseling specializing in Art Therapy from Lesley University. Sophie is holistic in everything she does, offering well rounded children’s programming, including yoga and stretching, exploring the creative process with materials, self expression and gaining technique and knowledge of the arts in other cultures. Sophie combines her passion for the arts and wellness in her work.

Sculptural Clay Whistles

July 30, 2026
2 Day Handbuilding Workshop
August 8 + 9
10 am-12:30 pm
Registration Open

Let’s Paint!

July 30, 2026
2 Day Workshop
August 4 + 6
Ages 9–14

The Art of Repair

July 28, 2026
1 Day Workshop
August 1
10 am-2 pm
Registration Open

Surface Design & Direct Techniques

July 27, 2026
Textile and Fiber Arts at the Heifer Barn
August 4–27
Tuesday + Thursday 4–6:30 pm

NISDA Community Knit-Along... or Crochet

July 27, 2026
Free and Open to the Community!
August 4, 6, 11 + 13
Tuesday + Thursday 1–3 pm

Nature Tapestries

July 27, 2026
2 Day Workshop at the Heifer Barn!
August 10 + 14
Registration Open

Blockprinted Bandanas

July 27, 2026
1 Day Workshop at the Heifer Barn!
Friday August 7 | 1–3:30 pm
RegistratIon Open

Potter’s Wheel | All Levels

July 27, 2026
POTTER'S WHEEL All Skill Levels Adult 18+ (Teens are invited to register) Dates + Times: August 4, 6,11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 Tuesday and Thursday | 6–8:30 pm Instructor: Helen Mills (read bio) Tuition: $650 (+ Clay #25/$65 includes glazes and firing) No prior experience needed. All are welcome. We are able to adapt techniques to fit ever body of any age or skill level. Learn or expand your knowledge on the clay process as we explore techniques of wedging, throwing, trimming, and glazing. This will be a flexible class with a combination of group demonstration and personalized instruction. As these basic forms and techniques become second nature, you will be able to make more complex forms with confidence and curiosity. The final week will be dedicated to surface treatments and a variety of glazing strategies. Students purchase clay from NISDA. #25 bag for $65 which includes the cost of glaze and firing. Students with a basic knowledge of centering, trimming, etc. will expand their repertoire of forms. Demonstrations will include throwing of vase shapes, plates, lidded forms.. There will be an additional emphasis on developing a personal aesthetic and exploring surface design.

Off-Loom Placemats

July 26, 2026
1 Day Workshop at the Heifer Barn
August 5 | 1–3:30 pm
Registration Open
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