CAMBRIDGE - The Dorchester Center for the Arts community inspires creativity and empowers artists at all levels. From art classes and music programs to interest groups and gallery exhibits, there is a broad array of programs and services to nourish the mind, body and spirit.

A varied selection of artful interest groups allow individuals to pursue their art of choice without formal instruction. Instead, they join like-minded others in pleasant camaraderie, working at their own pace and enjoying casual critique. Some groups are open to DCA members only, as they represent a benefit of membership. For others, membership is encouraged but not required.

It is important to remember that there is never any admission charge to stop in and view the exhibits in the galleries. There is truly art for all at DCA!

Fiber Fridays
Bring whatever project you are working on, from knitting to quilting to rug hooking to needlepoint, all are welcome. This group is facilitated by advanced needle artist Windy Karpavage who is always willing to offer help. Ongoing. Fridays (10 a.m. – noon) Class Cost – Free. DCA membership encouraged but not required.

Friday Morning Drawing
Weekly portrait sketching group, open to artists of all levels and experience. No instructor. Participants take turns for 20-minute poses. Bring your choice of medium: pencil, graphite, charcoal, colored pencils or pens. Ongoing. Fridays (10 a.m. – noon) Class Cost - Free: Members Only.

Choptank Writers
The purpose of this group is to encourage all genres of writing; to provide a setting for sharing those writings by giving one another helpful feedback and to promote our community’s wealth of knowledge and appreciation for the written word. New members are welcome! Ongoing. Wednesdays (3-5 p.m.) Class Cost – Free. DCA membership encouraged but not required.

Open Painting Studio
Bring your own materials and enjoy the opportunity to gather and paint with like-minded others. Ongoing. Tuesdays (1-3 p.m.) Class Cost — Free: Members Only.

Baywater Camera Club
Friendly and supportive environment for photographers of all abilities. The mission of the club is to provide opportunities for members to learn and enjoy the art and science of photography, to present lectures, courses of study, demonstrate techniques, participate in exhibitions and contests and to sponsor any activities that further the purpose of the club. Ongoing. Second Wednesdays, monthly, (6 p.m.) Class Cost - Dues and DCA membership.

Cambridge Ukulele Club. Ongoing. Third Thursdays, monthly, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Bring your uke; free - all are welcome. DCA membership encouraged but not required.

Advanced Open Clay Studio
Open Studio allows advanced ceramic artists to work autonomously in our clay studio. You must have taken a previous ceramics class or have proven experience. Fee includes 50 pounds of clay.

Participants must provide specialty glazes, hand tools, towels and plastic to cover the project. If requested, a clay instructor will be available on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 4-7 p.m. for an additional $25 fee per session. Length - 6 weeks.

Jan. 9-Feb. 16. Tuesdays and Thursdays (4-7 p.m.) Saturdays (noon-3 p.m.) Cost - $125 DCA Members, $155 Non-members.

For more information on activities at DCA, call 410-228-7782, stop by 321 High St. in Cambridge, or visit online at dorchesterarts.org. Like us on Facebook! Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council. DCA will be closed for the holidays from Dec. 24, 2019 – Jan. 1, 2020.

Editor’s note: Spectrum is the weekly column of the Dorchester Arts Center. It is written by Barbara J. Seese, executive director.