Join an experienced art educator as she guides you from start to finish through the creation of a new painting at each event.  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: Victoria Kragthorpe

Time: Friday, June 7, 6 - 9pm

Fee: $40

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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

Date: Friday, August 2, 6 - 8:30 pm

Cost: $45

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Are you ready to step outside and paint nature from life?  Bring your painting gear and your love of the outdoors as we step into the world of outdoor painting. Here is your opportunity to learn the ins and outs of plein air (in the open air) painting for your chosen medium.  Landscape artist and plein air painter, Nelia Harper, will teach you about the tools, materials, along with a variety of tips and tricks for making the transition to plein air painting in your chosen medium (oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, gouache, or drawing). We will devote a portion of our time to materials as well as hands-on painting outdoors. 

Instructor: Nelia Harper

Time: Saturday, May 11, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Member Fee: $45 Public Fee: $55

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This class is for all levels from beginner through advanced painters. We will be looking at things in a different way in this class. Making use of the fundamental principles of design such as line, shape, space, texture, repetition, value, color, and emphasis are used in constructing a new creation. The class will focus on taking a realistic painting and changing it into an abstract rendering. Think about simplification, geometric shapes, exaggeration, asymmetrical forms and mark making that transforms realism to abstraction. Acrylic paint will be the basis for our work along with stencils, stamps, pen and ink, collage and other mixed media processes. Bring any supplies you have on hand and a supply list will be emailed to you upon registration.

Instructor: Jan Stenson

Time: Tuesday, May 21 - June 11, 1:00 - 3:30 pm

Member Fee: $135 Public Fee: $145

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Join other artists in the great outdoors for “en plein air” paint-outs, Wednesday mornings, 9am-noon, May 15 - October 30, 2024 , organized by Nelia Harper. This casual gathering is for artists of all skill levels to paint/draw and experience community. Each week, artists will meet at a new location in the Grand Rapids area, rain or shine. We ask that you register at least once, even if you plan to attend multiple dates, in order to have contact information for everyone in case of last minute location changes.

Cost: FREE

Register Here

Click here for locations

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature's general and arts and cultural heritage funds.

Learn how to make your own pair of beaded earrings! Participants will make one pair of earrings. Ages 10 and up. Adults and youth are both welcome! All supplies provided.

Instructor: Geezis Humphrey

Session 1: Saturday, June 1, 11am-12pm (Drop Earrings)

Session 2: Wednesday, June 5, 4-5pm, (Loop Earrings)

Fee: $10

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Morning pages refer to the practice of writing something every morning. Julia Cameron, in her book The Artist’s Way, states, “There is no wrong or right way to do Morning Pages, they are about anything and everything that crosses your mind.”  In this fun class we will explore how Morning Pages can clarify and prioritize your thoughts, give meaning to your day, and diminish your fear of writing. Join us as we explore themes, writing tools, and the wisdom of Julia Cameron as she helps guide us. No experience needed. Coffee provided.

Instructor: Judy Nelson

Time: Wednesday, June 5 and 12, 10 am - 12 pm

Member Fee: $35 Fee: $40

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This will a class for those that have done a little bit of rosemaling before.  We will remind ourselves of the basic strokes of rosemaling , add pattern to plate complete most of pattern.  Participants will need to bring class supply list with them including  paints,  brushes and backgrounded plate. Instructor will provide the plate prior to class.

Instructor: Michelle Carlson

Time: Saturday, June 15, 10 am - 3pm

Member Fee: $85 Public Fee: $95

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Explore two different UV resins as you create stunning one-of-a-kind jewelry featuring sand from your favorite lakes and beachy getaways.  In this introductory class, students will make one beach sand pendant necklace. The instructor is including a free pair of stud earring blanks for you to make, too. Additional necklaces/earrings can be purchased to create at time of the class. All supplies will be provided, however, you are encouraged to bring your own site-specific sand.  A variety of sand from around the world will be available as well.  Ages 16 and up. 

Instructor: Barbara Owen-Boerger

Time: Saturday, June 29, 12:30 - 3:30 pm

Member Fee: $75 Public Fee: $85

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Learn all about the beginning stages of harvesting basswood with instructor John Zasada. Class will meet at John Zasada's studio and begin with time to learn about basswood, followed by a walk in the woods to get acquainted with the tree, how to harvest the bark, and how to prepare the basswood for the next stages. Get ready to get your hands dirty! Participants will be able to take home bark they have harvested to soak in water for use in the next class session on July 27 or for their own future projects. 

Instructor: John Zasada

Time: Saturday, June 29, 9 am - 3:30 pm

Member Fee: $60 Public Fee: $70

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Learn how to use the basswood you harvested in the previous class, or instructor John Zasada will have basswood available to use for new students. Class will meet at John Zasada's studio and will learn how to split the basswood bark after it has soaked in water for about 4-weeks and how to prep the bark for different uses and projects. Students will also will be shown how to make a small woven pad. 

Instructor: John Zasada

Time: Saturday, July 27, 9 am - 3:30 pm

Member Fee: $60 Public Fee: $70

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Welcome to our enchanting Bells and Wind chimes pottery class! Join us for an immersive journey into crafting ceramic bells, guided by an experienced instructor. Shape, carve, and glaze your own masterpiece, then let it sing sweet melodies with every breeze. Unleash your inner artisan and create a harmonious blend of beauty and sound in this unforgettable experience.

Instructor: Cydney Gibeau

Time: Saturday, June 8 and 15, 2-4 pm

Member Fee: $90 Public Fee: $100

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Welcome to our delightful DIY Berry Bowls class, where the joy of crafting meets the bounty of harvest season! Dive into the world of ceramic artistry as you carve and glaze your own berry bowls, perfectly tailored for the vibrant colors and flavors of freshly picked fruits. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you'll learn to design a berry bowl specifically made to cradle nature's treasures. So, come join us for a fun-filled journey of creativity and craftsmanship in our DIY Berry Bowls class. Let's celebrate the essence of harvest season as we carve, glaze, and cherish the beauty of nature's bounty together!

Instructor: Cydney Gibeau

Session 1: Monday, June 17 & Friday, June 21, 6-8 pm

Session 2: Saturday, August 10 & Saturday, August 17, 2-4 pm

Member Fee: $90 Public Fee: $100

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Learn how to make your very own shadow box forest scene. In this class, you will use various trinkets, animal figurines, paper, and more to layer in order to create your own unique piece of art. This will be an easy and relaxed workshop where you can explore your creative side and have fun! Ages 10 and up. Adults and youth both welcome!

Instructor: Geezis Humphrey

Time: Wednesday, July 17, 11 am - 12:30 pm

Member Fee: $30 Public Fee: $35

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Welcome to Mug Making Madness, where clay meets creativity in a whirlwind of pottery magic! Whether you're a seasoned ceramic artist or a curious beginner, this class invites you to unleash your imagination as you throw, trim, handle, and glaze your very own mugs on the potter's wheel. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll discover the joy of shaping clay into functional art, crafting mugs that reflect your unique style and preferences. From handles to glazes, every step of the process is an opportunity to express yourself and create something truly extraordinary. Join us for an unforgettable journey of craftsmanship and camaraderie in Mug Making Madness! Ages 16 and up. All materials provided.

Instructor: Cydney Gibeau

Time: Wed. July 24, Fri. July 26, and Wed. July 31, 6-8 pm

Member Fee: $140 Public Fee: $150

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This is a simple beginning class for those wanting to learn the style of Os rosemaling. We would learn the leaves, flowers and linework from this region of Norway. Materials provided.
 (This is an example of the design instructor will have. It will not be this exact design.)

Instructor: Michelle Carlson

Time: Saturday, August 3, 10 am - 3pm

Member Fee: $85 Public Fee: $95

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Here in the northwoods we love our nature! Join this three-part class to look at various nature authors and the methods they use to write about nature. Sketching, journaling, writing poetry, and taking photographs are favorite techniques for nature authors. From Helen Hoover’s Gift of the Deer to our own Grand Rapids’ phenology reports with John Latimer, our world comes alive with their observances. Our first session will be in class, the second session will be at a local park (bring your own bag lunch), and the third session will be to share your work. Bring any nature references to share. No writing experience necessary, coffee and fun provided.

Instructor: Judy Nelson

Time: Wednesdays, August 7, 14, and 21, 10 am - 12 pm

Member Fee: $45 Fee: $50

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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.

Instructor: Bruce Bartos

Time: Tuesdays, 6pm - 8pm

Student price: $10 Adult price: $15

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Bruce Bartos will be available this summer to schedule Raku pottery firings. These dates will be weather dependent.

Please call to set up a time: 218-326-2697

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.

Time: Wednesdays, 10 am - 1pm

Member Fee: FREE Public Fee: $5