2026 Adult Class Schedule
Big thanks to our fall youth education programming sponsor—The PLUM Catalyst!
Bowls, Beer, and Bites
Enjoy a relaxing evening glazing pottery, drinking micro brew and tasting appetizers. Our resident potter will walk you through the process of glazing two pottery pieces of your choice, from mugs to bowls to plates. There will be plenty of breaks for socializing and enjoying beer and appetizers. Absolutely no art experience is required. Come learn in a fun and supportive environment surrounded by your friends. Two beverages are included in the class fee. Ages 21+.
Instructor: Bruce Bartos
Session 1: Friday, September 4 | 6:00-8:30pm
Session 2: Friday, November 6 | 6:00-8:30pm
Session 3: Friday, January 8 | 6:00-8:30pm
Class Fee: $50
Wine, Paint, Canvas!
Join experienced art educator, Victoria Kragthorpe, as she guides you from start to finish through the creation of a new painting. Two free beverages and appetizers are included, and there will be plenty of breaks to socialize! Absolutely no art experience is required, and all materials are provided. Come learn in a fun and supportive environment surrounded by your friends. Ages 21+ .
Instructor: Victoria Kragthorpe
Session 1: Friday, October 2 | 6:00-9:00pm
Session 2: Friday, December 4 | 6:00-9:00pm
Class Fee: $45
A Beginner’s Introduction to Paper Quilling
Paper quilling by Nikki Besser
This class is a beginners introduction to the art of paper quilling. Participants will learn the basic tools and techniques in rolling, folding, and curling the paper, and how to arrange the pieces into the featured entry level project. Kits with the essential beginner tools will be provided to participants, and will be theirs to keep at the conclusion of the class to continue their curiosities beyond this beginners introduction course.
Instructor: Nikki Besser
Date: Saturday, September 12 | 1:00pm-4:00pm
Member Fee: $55 Non-Member Fee: $65
Drawing the Right Way to Artistic Success
Drawing by Jan Stenson
This low key 5-week drawing class will help you to start at square one toward a successful project and is perfect for beginners. Drawing is the foundation for many artistic projects and helps you to have a “road-map” to where you are going. This class will focus on designing your idea into a cohesive direction, and making use of space, values, texture, lines, mark making and more. If you can draw it, you can paint it or sculpt it. The focus will be on drawing what you see rather than what you think you see. We will use a variety of media such as pencils, charcoal, conte crayons, and colored pencils. You will learn to set up a blank sheet of paper into spaces for your concept and add large shapes first and then small, arranging darks and lights into a pleasing finished project. We will start with simple shapes and work toward more diverse shapes.
Instructor: Jan Stenson
Dates: Tuesdays, September 15-October 13 | 1:00pm-3:30pm
Member Fee: $145 Non-Member Fee: $155
Home: Photos and Stories
What does home mean to you? How many places have you called home? Is it a house, a family, a place, a feeling, a recipe or a kitchen table? Join this class to explore home and its meanings. By sharing photos, letters, and stories we will try to capture the essence of home in short poems and essays, perhaps even a collage. No writing experience necessary. Coffee provided, smiles ensured.
Instructor: Judy Nelson
Dates: Wednesdays, September 16-23 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Member Fee: $55 Non-Member Fee: $65
Advanced Wheel Throwing Techniques
Nathan Bray doing a pottery wheel demo at the Downtown Art Fair 2025
Learn advanced techniques involved with wheel throwing pottery. Explore ways of centering and throwing clay, adding textures, altering functional forms as well as trimming and adding feet Mugs, bowls, plates, and other altered dishes will be the focus of this class. Some wheel throwing experience is recommended.
Instructor: Nathan Bray
Dates: Thursdays, September 17-October 22 | 6:00pm-9:00pm
Member Fee: $240 Non-Member Fee: $250
Learn to Make Dishes with Clay Slabs
Learn advanced techniques involved with wheel throwing pottery. Explore ways of centering and throwing clay, adding textures, altering functional forms as well as trimming and adding feet Mugs, bowls, plates, and other altered dishes will be the focus of this class. Some wheel throwing experience is recommended.
Instructor: Nathan Bray
Dates: Wednesdays, September 2-October 28 | 6:00pm-9:00pm
Member Fee: $240 Non-Member Fee: $250
Sunflower Mosaic
Sunflower mosaic by Deb Buxengard
Join us for a fun and relaxing workshop where you will create a beautiful piece of art to cherish all year long. Learn the basics and more for mosaics. Use a different substrate and adhesive. Work at your own pace - start at 10am. Bring a lunch. All supplies provided!
Instructor: Deb Buxengard
Location: Balsam Creek Decor-Central Square Mall
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 10:00am-3:00pm
Member Fee: $80 Non-Member Fee: $90
House of the Heart
Create a heartfelt painting experience designed to nourish creativity, reflection, and inner connection. Through Intentional Creativity, participants will explore intuitive painting, Red Thread connection, creative writing, meditation, and mindful self-expression in a welcoming and supportive environment. This class invites participants to creatively explore the “house of the heart” through color, symbol, story, and imagination. Participants will leave with a meaningful piece of art and reflective tools for continued inspiration.
Instructor: Stella Alpine Leone
Date: Saturday, September 26 | 10:00am-2:00pm
Member Fee: $55 Non-Member Fee: $65
*Pay-what-you-can options available. Please email Emily Carlson, Program Manager for more information.
Pileated Woodpecker in Colored Pencil
Pileated Woodpeck by Chris Tolman
Draw a beautiful pileated woodpecker as Chris Tolman walks you through each step along the way. Colored pencils will be provided for your use during this class. Chris uses a step-by-step process with photographs projected on a screen to make it easy to follow along. No experience is necessary. She will teach you how to choose your colors and apply the layering techniques that will get you to a wonderful end result. All materials are provided. Please bring your own lunch as a break will be taken. Ages 16+
Instructor: Chris Tolman
Date: Saturday, October 10 | 10:00am-4:00pm
Member Fee: $80 Non-Member Fee: $90
I’d Like to Write a Book, But…
Join this class to work with a published author to get your stories together, discover your themes, explore different formats. Perhaps you have a children’s book in mind, or have a collection of poems from high school, or want to write your family history. No writing experience necessary. Bring your ideas to class, including photos, albums, letters or artwork. You will be delighted with how easy it is to start your book. Coffee provided.
Instructor: Judy Nelson
Date: Saturday, October 10 | 10:00am-12:30pm
Member Fee: $45 Non-Member Fee: $55
Every Time I Hear That Song
Brandi Carlile has a song with this title. Songs inspire stories. What song brings up your favorite memory, or makes you cry or smile? Perhaps it’s your wedding song, or a song from a family memorial, or a movie soundtrack, or a karaoke song you sing with friends. This class will help you write your special story down. No experience necessary, just bring your favorite song(s) title(s) and join us for music and friendship.
Instructor: Judy Nelson
Dates: Wednesdays, October 14-21 | 6:00-8:00pm
Member Fee: $55 Non-Member Fee: $65
Drawing Beyond the Basics
Drawing by Julie Erickson
Do you have basic drawing skills but want to learn new skills and techniques in order to create more realistic drawings? We will begin with a review and reinforcement of drawing basics, then move on to measuring methods, use of negative space, how to eliminate heavy outlines, accurate 2 and 3 point perspective, the rule of thirds, and how to use different erasers for different effects. This is a hands-on class; we will be working on drawings much of the time and critiques will be offered for more individualized instruction. Reference photos will be provided by both the instructor and students. A supply list will be emailed prior to class.
Instructor: Julie Erickson
Dates: Thursdays, October 15-November 12 | 1:00-3:30pm
Member Fee: $175 Non-Member Fee: $185
Introduction to Rosemaling: Os Style
Example of the Os Style of Rosemaling by Kim Garrett
Learning about the Os Rosemaling style including flowers, colors and history of this unique Rosemaling style. All materials are provided. Beginners welcome!
Instructor: Michelle Carlson
Dates: Saturday, October 17 | 10:00am-4:00pm
Member Fee: $85 Non-Member Fee: $95
Discover the Joy of Watercolor
In this 5-week watercolor class, you will learn many ways to make use of watercolor using composition, color properties, and about the unique transparent effects of this media. Watercolor is easy to transport and is useful in capturing quick color sketches, but also adapts to larger paintings well. Watercolor’s impact can be soft or rugged depending on your color choices and subjects. How to gauge the quantity of water to use, designing the layout, mixing colors and drawing will be the primary focus for each session. Watercolor painting is a lifelong skill to enjoy from making cards to larger paintings and more. The class has a relaxed approach with time for all questions. Come for fun and a great learning experience. A supply list will be sent to students.
Instructor: Jan Stenson
Dates: Tuesdays, October 20-November 17 | 1:00pm-3:30pm
Member Fee: $145 Non-Member Fee: $155
Finding Everyday Magic
Gifts show up like magic: the smile of a stranger, the beauty of a sunrise, a $20 bill in a pocket. In this class you will find it just takes five minutes to look for magic, and fifteen minutes to take notes. At the second class share your magic findings with others. Coffee and friendship provided. No experience needed.
Instructor: Judy Nelson
Dates: Wednesdays, November 4-11 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Member Fee: $55 Non-Member Fee: $65
Weaving Irish Knitting Baskets
Explore traditional craftsmanship in the Irish Knitting Basket workshop, where you'll create a classic ribbed-style round basket woven on three sides with vibrant colors. Designed for both beginners and experienced makers, all tools and materials are provided for a seamless crafting experience.
Basket is woven on two 8" pre-made hoops. Hand dexterity required. Ages 14+. Weavers of all levels are welcome. We’ll break for lunch (not provided).
Instructor: Shannon Lucas Westrum
Date: Saturday, November 7 | 10:00am-4:00pm
Member Fee: $120 Non-Member Fee: $130
Acrylic, Texture, and Color Workshop
Explore the essentials of painting, including color, color mixing, brush work, and composition. Great for beginners and those wishing to expand their painting skills and learn and share new techniques. Participants will experiment with mixed media and composition and create an acrylic painting. A 12” x16” canvas will be provided and a supply list will be sent before class for additional materials.
Instructor: Karlyn Berg
Date: Saturday, November 7 | 10:30am-1:30pm
Member Fee: $75 Non-Member Fee: $85
Intro to Wheel Throwing: A Beginner's Pottery Class
This workshop focuses on the fundamentals of throwing on the potter’s wheel, beginning with how to center clay, and moving on to opening and pulling pots. Those with wheel experience may also choose to use this workshop as an opportunity for continued practice at the potter’s wheel with guided instruction from an experienced potter and educator. All supplies provided. Ages 18+
Instructor: Bruce Bartos
Dates: Wednesdays, 11/11/26-12/16/26 | 6:00pm-8:30pm
Member Fee: $240 Non-Member Fee: $250
Weaving Birch Bark Stars
Birch bark stars are a perfect decoration for a Christmas tree or for use throughout the year. In this class students will learn how to weave a birch bark star using a folding method from instructor Pam Burns. The materials used are all harvested from forests around Grand Rapids. Ages 16+
Instructor: Pam Burns
Date: Saturday, November 14 | 10:30am-12:30pm
Class Fee: $40 (+$10 cash materials fee due to instructor on the day of class)
Rosemaling Norwegian Christmas Ornaments & Gifts
Enjoying a fun day of fun Christmas gift making including Norwegian Rosemaling of ornaments and their styles. All materials are provided. Beginners welcome!
Instructor: Michelle Carlson
Dates: Saturday, November 21 | 10:00am-4:00pm
Member Fee: $85 Non-Member Fee: $95
Painting Your Healing Basket
A creative and reflective Intentional Creativity class exploring the idea of a personal healing basket — a symbolic place to gather strengths, wisdom, memories, hopes, and tools for everyday life. Through intuitive painting, Red Thread connection, meditation, and creative writing, participants will create meaningful artwork while connecting more deeply to themselves and their inner resources.
Participants are encouraged to explore symbols, nature, intention, and imagination as part of their creative journey. No experience necessary — all skill levels welcome. No experience necessary — all skill levels welcome. Open to all ages. Those 11 years and younger should be accompanied by an adult.
Instructor: Stella Alpine Leone
Date: Saturday, December 5 | 10:00am-2:00pm
Member Fee: $55 Non-Member Fee: $65
*Pay-what-you-can options available. Please email Emily Carlson, Program Manager for more information.
Tuesday Open Pottery
Tuesday open pottery sessions are designed for beginners or advanced students to use our pottery studio. This is an open studio, which means it is not a class but free working time with an instructor to help with questions or limited assistance.
Please enter in the 3D door on the Highway 2 side.
Call 218-326-2697 or register online. Attendees may drop-in but space is not guaranteed. If dropping in, attendees must have exact cash to pay for registration.
Instructor: Bruce Bartos
Time: Tuesdays, 6pm - 8pm
Student price: $10 Adult price: $15
Tuesday Open Paint
Tuesday Open Paint is an informal, weekly drop-in session for anyone working in a 2-dimensional medium (painting, drawing, collage, etc.). While no instruction is provided, attendees benefit from sharing their projects and process and creating in a supportive and encouraging environment. Sessions are free for members and no registration is required. Please bring your own supplies.
Time: Tuesdays, 10 am - 1pm
Member Fee: FREE Non-member Fee: $5
Scholarships are available for all adult classes except Wine, Paint, Canvas & Bowls, Beer, and Bites. Click here for more information and to fill out a brief application.
Contact: Emily Carlson, Program Manager - emily@macrostieartcenter.org