Classes in the Arts

Register for these programs: by phone (507-664-3700), in person at FiftyNorth, or by clicking on the title of the class
Please pre-register and check-in for all classes no matter your membership levels. It is also important to check-in at the front desk when you arrive for your class.  We use attendance data for grant applications, insurance reimbursement, space planning and determining whether or not to cancel a class.
Scholarships are available to help defray the cost of classes for those who find the cost a financial hardship

ZOOM – Fused Glass Butterfly Garden Stake

Friday, May 20
10:30-11:30am

Butterfly Garden stake: Spring is in the air and the flowers are starting to pop up. Here is your chance to add to your flower beds with your own fused glass Butterfly Garden Stake. No experience necessary.

Instructor: Gerie Thelen
Capacity:  12
Cost: $50 nonmbr, $ 40 mbr, $ 30 platinum
Space: Zoom
Registration Deadline: May 16

NOTES:

  • Kits can be picked up on Wednesday, May 18. Return Butterfly to FiftyNorth following class. When they are done being fired in the kiln, we’ll notify you to pick up.

Japanese Shibori And Indigo Dyeing

Tuesday, June 7
10:30-3:30pm
(5 ½ hour class with ½ hour break)

Shibori is considered the eastern version of tie dyeing.  It is a manual tie dye creating more patterns and detail. During the class students will learn several resist techniques including hand stitching, string and rubber bands, folding and clamping, and pole wrapping.
We will make a plant based natural indigo vat and discuss some of the history of indigo growing and dyeing. It is said that indigo blue made Levi Strauss famous.
During class students will dye two organic cotton napkins with shibori patterns and another item of their choice. A cotton bandana or cotton and silk scarf. Students will take home a small indigo vat.
Included in Fee:  two organic cotton napkins, a scarf or bandanna, and materials for an indigo Vat

Supply List Students Need to Bring:

  • Rubber gloves
  • Old clothes
  • Rubber Bands
  • Tongue depressors
  • Embroidery needles
  • C clamps if you have them
  • Small sharp scissors
  • Two paint stir sticks
  • Erasable fabric marking pen
  • ½-gallon glass jar and tight lid (I make fresh vats in the class and students can take home a small vat.)
Presenter: Judy Saye-Willis
Capacity:  10
Cost: $65 nonmbr, $55 mbr, $35 platinum
Space:  Room 105

The RULE OF THIRDS

Tuesdays, June 14 & 21
10:00-12:00pm

THE RULE OF THIRDS (two vertical lines, two horizontal lines = nine boxes)
The rule of thirds dictates that if you divide any composition into thirds, vertically and horizontally, and then place the key elements of your image along these lines or at the junctions of them, the arrangement achieved will be more interesting, pleasing and dynamic. This theory goes back to Medieval Art.

It is used frequently by photographers, but also painters and artists use the rule of thirds. However, it also works for a variety of other subject matter including still lives, figures and portraits. Learning about rules such as this (i.e. Golden Ratio) will improve your art and design.

USING THE RULE OF THIRDS/NINE HELPS ARTISTS:

  1. Determine and possibly change the focal point
  2. Understand how to utilize the Rule of Thirds to refine use of lines, shapes, color, and values, texture and perspective.
  3. Create an interesting and vibrant painting, drawing, or print.

MATERIALS to bring

  1. Your choice of images, photo or actual object that fits the subjects below.
  2. A favorite pencil and/or pen for drawing
  3. Scissors

CHOOSE ONLY 1

  • PORTRAIT: (BRING A PHOTO OF YOUR CHOICE)
  • STILL-LIFE OBJECTS: (TEA POTS, BOWLS WITH FRUIT, VASE, ETC.)
  • FLORAL/LEAF ARRANGEMENT
  • EXOTIC BIRD OR BIRDS
Instructor: Kate Douglas
Capacity:  12
Cost: $45 nonmbr, $35 mbr, $20 platinum
Space:  Room 105