The Noah Webster House will sponsors literary art workshops in West Hartford this fall.

Submitted by Sarah Mocko St. Germain, Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

Example of Katherine Maghini’s word art. Submitted photo

This fall, get comfortable at the Noah Webster House with a glass of wine and let your creative juices flow.  The museum’s new series, Word Art & Wine, offers an opportunity to create your own piece of word-based art. Artists Katherine Maghini and Barbara Laurain will lead workshops on Wednesdays, Sept. 9, 16, and 23 at 7 p.m.

On Sept. 9, Katherine Maghini will lead “Home-word Bound,” a collage-making class that features words that describe “home.” Each participant will be encouraged to think about what home means to him/her. Under Maghini’s guidance, each person will create a piece of art to take home that is both beautiful and meaningful.

Do you catch yourself doodling on the margins of your notebook when you’re having a conversation or in a meeting? On Sept. 16, Barbara Laurain will lead a workshop on focused doodling, which is both relaxing and creative. Learn how your doodles can be transformed into individualized art. “This is yoga for your mind and your imagination. Everyone can do it,” Laurain says. Each participant will create doodle art that can be used for notecards, gift tags, and other imaginative things.

Example of Katherine Maghini’s word art. Submitted photo

Katherine Maghini returns on Sept. 23 to lead the last workshop, “Defining Who I Am.” What words would you use to define yourself? In this class, participants browse through mixed media to find words and images that resonate. With Maghini’s help, each person will create a unique “defining” piece of art to bring home at the end of the night.

Katherine Maghini is a local artist from Bristol, CT who enjoys working in a variety of mediums from canvas collages to altered art creations. Her work has been featured on HGTV’s show “That’s Clever.” Many of her paper designs have been published in national art magazines. Her artwork has been shown in various local galleries. Katherine also enjoys teaching art workshops to both children and adults. Her work reflects her colorful and whimsical sense of style.

Barbara Laurain is a 42-year veteran teacher of creative writing, language arts and crafts who holds a master’s degree in creative arts from Lesley University, Cambridge, MA. She has taught craft classes from adult education to various craft stores along with selling custom jewelry and purses through ABC crafts. Her creativity can also be seen in her set and costume designs for South Windsor High School drama department.

The workshops are $25 each for the general public and $20 for museum members. For all three workshops, the cost is $65 for the general public and $50 for museum members. Registration is required and space is limited. Register at www.noahwebsterhouse.org. This event is BYOB. The museum will have a wine opener, glasses and snacks available.

The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society is a cultural destination where citizens can learn to understand and appreciate the past. The museum preserves the birthplace of Noah Webster, the founding father, educator, author and lexicographer who taught generations of Americans what it means to be American. This National Historic Landmark is also a repository for West Hartford’s history, the community that molded Noah Webster’s future and is still thriving over 250 years later. The historic house and exhibit spaces are open daily 1 until 4 p.m. For information on the museum’s extensive school and public programs, please visit www.noahwebsterhouse.org or call (860) 521-5362.