The Hoot Guide to Winter 2026:  The Masterclass Series

This winter we have three masterclasses: 

Berlin-based guitarist Basil Wahn will explore fingerstyle guitar methods (January 5)

Flatpicking phenom Jake Eddy will unveil his technique for reinventing traditional songs by cross-referencing melodies from other fiddle tunes (January 19) 

Emily Barnes will share her songwriter toolkit to bust through the toughest writer’s block (February 16). 

These classes are a chance for musicians and listeners alike to learn what it takes to hone a craft at a professional level. Multiple ticket levels are available: listener’s pass player’s pass, and student pass (ID required at the door). 

Anyone can make these incredible experiences free for students by purchasing tickets on the Eventbrite page below and emailing charlie@twolined.com to set them aside for high school and college students. Sponsored tickets will continue the tradition of free music experiences at the Hoot. Thanks to everyone who has already stepped forward to sponsor students!

All classes will be held at The Garagery, 53 Main Street (Rear), Saranac Lake

Explore full details for every Masterclass event on Twolined Studio’s Eventbrite page HERE.

The Westport Library Presents

Westport Library, 6 Harris Lane, Westport

SLC Arts presents

Illustrative Art from Tissue Paper with Will Todd

Saturday, January 3, 11 am – 1 pm

Have you ever wondered how Eric Carle created his unique illustrations for his books? 

Join Will to learn how to creative illustrations from tissue paper. All ages welcome. All materials supplied.

Register HERE.

Creative Spirit Arts Center, 6 Raymond Street, Potsdam

Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) presents

Crafting Memorable Characters: 5 week online course

Wednesdays, January 21 – February 18, 7 – 8:30 pm on Zoom

Register by Sunday, January 11, 2026

Beloved. Holden Caulfield. Tom Sawyer. Most of us recognize these character’s names even if we haven’t read the corresponding novels in which they appear. What makes certain characters memorable and others forgettable? Why do we remember certain characters long after we put down a book? Why do we miss certain characters, as though they were our friend, once a story concludes?

In this course with Moriah Hampton, you’ll learn to craft characters that keep readers hooked.

Find out more and register HERE.

Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) presents

Call For Art: LARAC’s 2026 Annual Members Show Where It Belongs

Friday, January 16 – Wednesday, February 18

Drop Off Dates: Monday, January 5 – Saturday, January 10 

All current LARAC Members are invited to submit artwork to be exhibited during our Annual Member Show!

Each member may submit 1 piece, either 2D or 3D, no larger than 5’x5’.

If you are not a current member, you may sign up HERE prior to drop off, or sign up at time of drop off.

Lapham Gallery, 7 Lapham Place, Glens Falls

In Case You Missed It

“The First Adirondackers book traces 12,000 years of Indigenous history”

North Country Public Radio’s David Escobar, Report For America corps reporter, chats with Paul Smith’s College professor Curt Stager and Indigenous artist and educator David Kanietakeron Fadden about their acclaimed new book The First Adirondackers: 12,000 Years of Indigenous Peoples in the Adirondack Uplands.

You can read or listen to the interview HERE.

Image: Paul Smiths professor Curt Stager (left) and Akwesasne Mohawk artist, author and storyteller David Kanietakeron Fadden (right) are the coauthors of the new book “The First Adirondackers: 12,000 Years of Indigenous Peoples in the Adirondack Uplands.” Photos by Mike Lynch and David Escobar.