WEST BOYLSTON —

When renowned artist Mark Waitkus picked up a brush to teach others the art of water colors earlier this week, it continued a winter full of activities sponsored by the West Boylston Arts Foundation that started in December with West Boylston potter and sculptor Becky O’Brien teaching children to make ornaments and runs through the end of February with an author talk.

This year’s winter schedule is a mix of classes, workshops and events that have become the core programming in recent years for a group already known for the concerts it promotes. The foundation’s mission has always been to entertain while raising money for arts and music in West Boylston schools. Lately it has evolved into promoting the arts in the community as well.

“That’s the whole point of doing these programs, be it events, concerts classes or workshops, to let people know about the Arts Foundation and to garner support (for art is school) that way,” President Mark Baldi said.

Waitkus is a prime example of the support the foundation has received from artists that have included Ayla Brown, Siobhan Magnus and Buddha Monk.

This is Waitkus’ third time teaching a class for the foundation, for which he donates his fee to the cause. He tailors his lessons to the skills of the participants.

“He’s really good with the students,” Baldi said. “If he has a beginner, he gives a beginner lesson, like a landscape. If someone is advanced and wants to do their own project, he works with them too.”

Also returning is percussion specialist Mike Rinker, a Boylston resident who is a graduate of Berklee Music College and who holds a masters degree in music education from the University of Texas at Austin.

Rinker’s last drum workshop was for the general public. This year, he is offering an eight-week after-school program for students at Major Edwards. Many of the drums he uses he picked up on trips to Guineau and Ghana, where he traveled to study and play.

“All his drums are handmade,” Baldi said. “He will teach the African drum and other percussion instruments. Hopefully, we will be able to end with a concert night for parents.”

This class, which will meet Mondays, after school, starting Jan. 28 is limited to 10 students.

“I think it will be a lot of fun,” Baldi said. “He has a lot of experience and everybody really gets into the drumming.”

On Jan. 31, Mary Ellen Cocks will teach a handmade Valentine card workshop at Beaman at 6:30 p.m. Cocks has previously taught card-making classes for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas.

“Mary Ellen does a great job,” Baldi said. “They are nice looking, very professional looking cards that you would be proud to send to somebody – plus, it’s fun.”

Another popular fundraiser set to return is the comedy hypnosis of Dan Candell’s “Hypnosis Gone Wild.” The show is Thursday, Feb. 7 at the middle/high school.

“It’s aimed at middle school ages and up,” Baldi said. “He uses a lot of volunteers and the kids really have a good time watching their friends. He integrates a lot of pop culture into the show too. It’s really, really funny and we’d love to see more adults at this year’s show.”

Due to its popularity, tickets for this event are pre-sold at West Boylston Insurance and by high school students. Tickets will be sold at the door if available, Baldi said.

The Foundation is also sponsoring its second “Wachusett Reservoir Art Path.” On Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., artists and crafters in Boylston, West Boylston and Clinton will open their studios to visitors. This year, there are 20 stops in the three towns, all listed on a map prepared by the Arts Foundation.

“Most of the people involved last year are back,” Baldi said.

Jim Webster and his ukuleles return on Saturday, Feb. 16, for “Ukulele 101” at 10:30 a.m. in Beaman Memorial Library.

Webster, of Nashua River Instruments, teaches ukulele fundamentals and models some of the instruments he hand-makes, including the Pandele, a bread-pan ukulele.

“By the end of the class, you will know a few chords and be able to tackle a few simple songs,” Baldi said, noting he hopes to make bring Webster back for a series of classes aimed at the participants who already learned the basics.

Atypical for the Arts Foundation is a book chat Baldi has scheduled with Maryanne O’Hara, author of “Cascade,” for Feb. 26 at 6:30., at Beaman Library.

“ ‘Cascade’ is a fictional story about a small town that gets flooded for a reservoir,” Baldi said. “So I thought people may enjoy it.

“She is from Ashland, which is on the banks of the Quabbin, and has family in the Wachusett Watershed, so she has done a lot of research that shows in the book,” Baldi said. “There is a lot of inside type stuff in the story, and a lot of talk about what is the true cost of water.”

The winter schedule, barring changes, ends with the Winter Family Fun Show, featuring Ben Rudnick and Friends with Magician Tim Wilder. This show is aimed at younger families, from pre-school to about grade 5.

“They are based in Boston and are five-time Parent’s Choice Award winners,” Baldi said. “It’s a fun time for the smaller kids and their parents and grandparents will enjoy it as well.”

But, following its mission, not all of the classes are public. And this winter, Major Edwards looks to benefit in a major way.

In addition to the drum classes, the foundation is sponsoring two in-school assemblies and is partnering with art teacher Leah Roberts and Project SF, a group of professional artists, for a new mural in the school’s auditorium.

“They will work with the kids to design and paint the mural, we’ll pay for the equipment and paint,” Baldi said.

High school students can apply for the Emily and Leo Boosahda Visual Arts Scholarship. The $500 scholarship was created by the foundation and the Boosahda family. Emily was an artist and longtime West Boylston art teacher who passed away earlier this year. The Boosahdas were well known in town for supporting school arts programs. Applications are due by the end of February. The scholarship application can be found online at www.wbaf.org.

“Emily and Leo were always friends of the Arts Foundation and we thought this would be a nice way to remember them,” Baldi said.

The Arts Foundation meets next on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m., in the faculty room at West Boylston High School.

The group is always open to new members, but Baldi said he would like to get more Major Edwards’ parents involved to help strengthen the group’s connection to the Major Edwards community.

If interested, contact arts@wbaf.org, or drop in to a meeting. Regular meetings are scheduled every second Tuesday of the month.

For more information on any of the programs listed in this story, check out The Banner Happenings section, log onto WBAF.org or email Baldi at arts@wbaf.org.