2025 Adult Class Schedule
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 5, 6:00-8:30pm
Session 2: Friday, November 7, 6:00-8:30pm
Session 3: Friday, January 2, 6:00-8:30pm
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 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 3, 6:00-9:00pm
Session 2: Friday, December 5, 6:00-9:00pm
Fee: $45
Writing Workshop Intensive
Writing Workshop Intensive is a class designed to give your work a set of new eyes. Participants should expect to share up to 10 pages of writing with the group per week, read aloud either by them or the instructor. Participants will then engage in an open conversation about the work, giving the writer a chance to ask questions to the group. The group will give thoughtful, honest feedback that is constructive and uplifting to the writer. Shall the writer want it, the instructor can provide specific ideas and examples on how to improve aspects of their pages. All participants will also receive a thorough evaluation from the instructor sent to their email after class. Work can be fiction or nonfiction. Participants should come prepared with their pages and should share their pages with the instructor via email or a printed copy.
Instructor: Mackenzie Grubbs
Date: Mondays, September 8 & 22, 5:30-8:00pm
Member Fee: $45 Non-member Fee: $55
Drawing the Right Way to Artistic Success
Drawing by Jan Stenson
This lowkey 4-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.
Drawing pencils and sketchbooks will be available to use. A suggested supply list will be sent if students prefer to bring their own materials.
Instructor: Jan Stenson
Date: Tuesdays, September 9 - 30, 1:00-3:30pm
Member Fee: $130 Non-member Fee: $140
Beginner/Intermediate Wheel Throwing
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. Attend one session or both!
Instructor: Bruce Bartos
Session 1: Wednesdays, September 10 - October 8, 6:00-8:00pm
Session 2: Wednesdays, October 15 - November 12, 6:00-8:00pm
Member Fee: $185 Non-member Fee: $195
Impression Oil Painting
“Rocks Edge” by Darcy Brambrink
Participants will work in water-based oils (no solvents) as instructor Darcy Brambrink leads them into using an impressionistic style of color and brushwork. Discussion of tonal values and creating a “tonan” before starting a landscape painting. The group will also learn how to color tone the background before painting begins. Participants will follow along in painting a landscape painting on a 8 x 10 birch board panel in a size that can be easily framed later if so desired. Participants are required to bring along an old shirt or smock to cover clothing, hair dryer to speed drying of background and a sack lunch for a break. Please note just because students will be using water based oil paints they will be wet when class is done, and transportation of the piece may require cardboard or an old towel to place painting in the vehicle.
Instructor: Darcy Brambrink
Date: Saturday, September 20, 10:00am-4:oopm
Member Fee: $90 Non-member Fee: $100
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 upon registration.
Instructor: Jan Stenson
Date: Tuesdays, October 7 - November 4, 1:00-3:30pm
Member Fee: $145 Non-member Fee: $155
The Beauty of Nature: Fall Foliage Writing
In this class we will create a poem or short story about fall foliage with focus on the senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. Do you have a story about jumping in a pile of autumn leaves? Do you remember that smell? Have you driven up Highway 38 and watched the leaves fall on the hood of your car? How would you describe the taste of a honey crisp apple? If weather permits we will do a field trip in Grand Rapids for the second class. For the first class, bring in any foliage you want to share. Your instructor will also bring an assortment of fall foliage to prompt discussion and writing. Always expect coffee and laughter. No writing experience necessary.
Instructor: Judy Nelson
Date: Wednesdays, October 8-15, 10:00am-12:00pm
Member Fee: $55 Non-member Fee: $60
Crossbody Tote Bag Basket Weaving
Shannon Lucas Westrum pictured with crossbody tote bag
Craft a sturdy, stylish tote bag that’s perfect for everyday use while learning the traditional art of basket weaving using natural materials such as reed. Whether you’re new to basket weaving or have some experience, this class is designed to guide you through each step of the process. Whether for carrying groceries, books, or beach essentials, your woven tote will be a functional work of art you’ll be proud to show off!
Instructor: Shannon Lucas Westrum
Date: Saturday, October 18, 10:00am-4:00pm
Member Fee: $130 Non-member Fee: $140
Paint Your Own Landscape
Bring your favorite landscape to life. Working from your own photograph and the medium of your choice, instructor Nelia Harper French will guide students through their self-directed project with 1-on-1 interaction and guidance. She will share her knowledge and techniques to help you take an image to completed painting. Bring your own supplies and leave the class with a mostly finished piece. Students should have some experience in the medium of their choosing. Class size is limited.
Instructor: Nelia Harper French
Date: Saturday, October 25, 10:00am-3:00pm
Member Fee: $125 Non-member Fee: $135
Form Form Copper Jewelry
Copper pendant made by Lily Winter
In this class students will learn how to fold and unfold copper, add texture, and color the copper with a mini torch to make unique jewelry pieces. Participants will take home two items of their choice: pendant, earrings, or bracelet. All supplies provided. Ages 16+
Instructor: Lily Winter
Date: Saturday, October 25, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Member Fee: $42 Non-member Fee: $52
The Blank Page – Getting Started on Your Next Story
The Blank Page is a class for adult writers struggling to think of their next big story. The class is designed to go through a series of exercises (as a group and individually) meant to help inspire and develop ideas that can lead to fully written stories. Participants will be given the opportunity to turn one of their ideas into a piece of micro fiction during the class, and will have the choice to share their work with the rest of the group. By the end of the session, participants will have a plethora of new story leads, ready to hit the keyboards!
Instructor: Mackenzie Grubbs
Date: Saturday, November 1, 10:30am-1:30pm
Member Fee: $20 Non-member Fee: $30
Hallingdal Rosemaling - Bread Board
Hallingdal rosemaling example
In this class you will learn Hallingdal rosemaling painting techniques to add to a bread board. From a valley in the eastern portion of Norway, Hallingdal rosemaling is known for its symetrical design made up of scrolls, leaves, and flowers. Provided with class: paints, brushes, and bread board.
Instructor: Michelle Carlson
Date: Saturday, November 1, 10:30am-3:30pm
Member Fee: $85 Non-member Fee: $95
Your Best Travel Story: Time to Write it Down
Rick Steves, the famous travel guru, has written a new book “On the Hippie Trail,” about his travels as a carefree and bold young guy. Isabella Bird published her first travel book in 1856 and is best known for riding eight-hundred miles across Colorado in winter, solo on a horse. What story do you want to write down? Maybe that night you were stranded in a sketchy bar in Montana? Or the time you survived an earthquake? Remember the disaster of that family reunion on a cruise trip? How about the all-night paddle in the Boundary Waters? Join this fun class to write and laugh together at our travel adventures. Coffee provided, no writing experience necessary.
Instructor: Judy Nelson
Date: Wednesdays, November 5-12, 10:00am-12:00pm
Member Fee: $55 Non-member Fee: $60
Butch Holden Pottery Workshop
Pottery pieces by Butch Holden
Join experience potter Butch Holden for this special one-day workshop. Butch will demonstrate a variety of handbuilding and wheelthrowing pottery techniques. Students will primarily be watching Butch as he creates the pieces and will not be creating their own pieces during the demos. Participants will have time to ask questions as well.
Butch Holden received his bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Minnesota, and his Master of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University. Butch taught ceramics and drawing for three years at Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. From there, Butch went on to Bemidji State University and taught for the next thirty-three years. Now retired from teaching, Butch produces ceramics out of his home studio, “Planet A Clay.” His studio uses renewable energy from wind to fuel his kilns. You can often identify one of Butch’s pieces from his signature teal-colored glazes and his use of unique shapes.
Instructor: Butch Holden
Date: Saturday, November 8, 10:00am-3:00pm
Fee: $25
Birch Bark Star Weaving
Birch bark star made by Pam Burns
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. All materials provided. Ages 16+
Instructor: Pam Burns
Date: Saturday, November 15, 10:30am-2:30pm
Member Fee: $40 Non-member Fee: $50
Copper and Brass Jewelry
Pins and pendands made by Lily Winter
Students will make pendants and earrings from various metals: copper, brass, and nickel. There will be a variety of other materials to add to each piece to make your own unique design. Students will be guided through the first project and will create their own design for the second project. All supplies provided. Ages 16+
Instructor: Lily Winter
Date: Saturday, November 15, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Member Fee: $42 Non-member Fee: $52
Elements, Essentials and Errors in Painting
Examine ways to enrich paintings as well as learn new ideas, tips and techniques to solve problems. This is a hands-on class to share and discover ideas, as well as learn new skills. Students can bring work to share and have option to discuss a painting they are working and share and exchange technique ideas. Students will also experiment and create small works.
Instructor: Karlyn Berg
Date: Saturday, November 22, 10:00am-3:00pm
Member Fee: $50 Non-member Fee: $60
Rosemaling Christmas Ornaments
Heart ornament by Michelle Carlson
This is a rosemaling class for beginning painters or those with some experience. Upon completion of the class, students will have 2-3 wooden Christmas ornaments painted in Norwegian Rosemaling style. Rogaland rosemaling comes from the southwest corner of Norway and features flowers, scrolls, and a minimal color palette. Provided with class: oil paint, brushes and wooden ornaments.
Instructor: Michelle Carlson
Date: Saturday, November 29, 10:30am-3:30pm
Member Fee: $55 Non-member Fee: $65
Christmas Cake Decorating
Get into the holiday spirit with a festive Christmas-themed cake decorating class! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll decorate your own 6-inch cake using seasonal colors and designs. Think snowflakes, ornaments, Christmas trees, and candy canes. You’ll learn simple, creative decorating techniques that anyone can master, no prior experience needed! All materials are provided, and you’ll go home with a fully decorated holiday cake that’s perfect for your next gathering or to enjoy with loved ones.Come ready to have fun, be creative, and spread a little Christmas cheer!
Instructor: Gabrielle Griffin
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2:00-4:00pm
Member Fee: $55 Non-member Fee: $65
Valentine’s Heart Mosaic Class
Heart mosaic made by Deb Buxengard
Join us for a delightful and creative workshop where you’ll learn to craft a Valentine’s heart mosaic. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a complete beginner, this class is designed to guide you through the process of creating a beautiful heart shaped mosaic piece. All supplies are provided.
Instructor: Deb Buxengard
Date: Tuesday, January 13, 10:00am-4:00pm AND Thursday, January 15, 10:00am-1:00pm
Member Fee: $90 Non-member Fee: $100
Gouache Painting 1
Learn to paint with gouache. Start the new year off with a day of creativity, exploration and connection. Pronounced ‘gwash’, this versatile medium is similar to watercolor but is more opaque. This medium is great for travel, plein air painting, color studies, nature journaling, and a wide variety of artistic styles. We will practice color mixing and a variety of painting techniques on watercolor paper and illustration board. Includes a short break for lunch. Materials fee $15 or bring your own.
Instructor: Nelia Harper French
Date: Saturday, January 17, 10:00am-3:00pm
Member Fee: $75 Non-member Fee: $85
Gouache Painting 2
For students who have taken Gouache Painting 1 or have experience with gouache painting. Expand upon what you learned from Gouache Painting 1 using gouache paints and techniques learned in the first class. We will work from your images/photographs/ideas to develop your painting. Materials fee $15 or bring your own.
Instructor: Nelia Harper French
Date: Saturday, January 31, 10:00am-1:00pm
Member Fee: $65 Non-member Fee: $75
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