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

Hat Making Class

Wednesday, June 7
9:30-12:30pm

HATS, HATS, HATS…let your imagination fly as you build your own Dowager Duchess Downton Abby Hat. Sylvia will sew the hat and brim before the class begins. Gather any bits and pieces…flowers, old jewelry, buttons and bows to decorate. Examples of the hats will be on display in the lobby in mid-May.

A HAT PARADE through the lobby will be staged on June 8th at 2:30.

A Tea Party and Scones with the Dames will be served in the courtyard (room 105 in case of inclement weather) following the parade.

Instructor: Sylvia Langworthy
Capacity: 10
Cost: $42 Nonmbr, $36 mbr, $15 platinum
Space: 102

Flower Arranging

Thursday, June 15
1:30-2:30pm

Learn tips and tricks to create a beautiful flower arrangement. Professional florist Ann Blastervold will share how to cut, preserve and arrange flowers.
*Bring your own 9” tall vase and clippers if you have them. Flowers will be provided.

Instructor: Ann Blastervold – Florist at Family Fare
Capacity: 10
Cost: $29 nonmbr, $27 mbr, $20 platinum
Space: 105

Textile Art Class 8″ X 10″ Wall Hanging Quilt

Thursday, June 22
10:00-12:00pm

Learn to make a “raw edge applique” collage quilt. No sewing required!
Kathy will instruct you on how to cut the pieces using the pattern and how to place the flowers and leaves. The pieces will be ironed onto the 8” X 10” sky fabric. The last step is to attach a binding fabric. Kathy will also demonstrate stitching that can be done on the background sky fabric.

No online registration. Please call the front desk at 507-664-3700 or Elaine Meyers at 507-664-3703 to register. You must choose which floral print you wish to make at the time of registration so the kits can be prepared before class. You have your choice of Coneflowers, Poppies or Sunflowers.

MATERIALS PROVIDED: The kit will include: an assortment of collage fabrics, a pattern and the backing, which is a 3-layer piece consisting of: (background sky fabric, the layer of batting & the back fabric). Also, binding fabric.

NOTE: Bring your own fabric scissors.

Instructor: Kathy Weed
Capacity: 10
Cost: $30 nonmbr, $26 mbr, $12 platinum
Space: 106
Registration deadline: June 15
Poppies
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Sunflowers
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Coneflowers
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Fused Glass Garden Stake

Tuesday, June 27
10:00-11:30am

Here is your chance to create a one-of-a kind garden stake. It’s guaranteed to make a statement in your flower bed. No experience necessary.

Instructor: Geralyn Thelen
Capacity: 10
Cost: $45 nonmbr, $35 mbr, $25 platinum
Space: 102

Making Inks and Paints “A Quick Study”

Thursday, July 27
1:30-5:30pm

We are surrounded by color and with some coaxing we can make paints, inks, dyes and more from plants, food scraps, trees, and flowers from the garden. I will bring buckthorn berries and dried marigolds just in case nothing is blooming.
Participants will make basic inks and grind pigments for watercolor paints. They will paint a cover for a small nature journal and add blank inside pages with a stab binding.
They will take home a one-ounce bottle of ink, a watercolor sample card, and a Nature Journal for future painting and drawing. Materials provided.

Instructor: Judy Saye-Willis
Capacity: 12
Cost: $56 Nonmbr, $48 mbr, $20 platinum
Space: 105

Sunset Painting

Thursday, August 3
10:00-11:00am

Join us for this fun and casual sunset painting class taught by a local artist. You’ll learn the techniques and skills needed to create a stunning masterpiece while enjoying a social atmosphere. Kate will guide you step by step, from selecting the perfect color palette to creating the perfect brushstrokes to capture the essence of a sunset. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this class is perfect for anyone looking to tap into their creative side and create a beautiful work of art to take home! Materials provided.

Instructor: Kate Langlais
Capacity: 10 max, 5 min
Cost: $30 nonmbr, $20 mbr, $5 platinum
Space: room 102

Beginning Asian Brush Horse Painting Workshop

Thursday, August 10
10:00-4:00pm

Students will be introduced to the four treasures of Asian Brush Horse Painting – the brush, the ink, the paper and the ink stone. You will be taught the correct way to hold a Sumi-e brush. Students will learn to write “horse” six different ways in Asian calligraphy using black ink from Japan or China. You will use the Asian rice paper as well as other quality paper of various colors. Dee will demonstrate a simple horse form using charcoal and give you step-by-step instructions on how to draw a horse using ink on rice paper. Students will create 2 to 4 horses, plus calligraphy.
During breaks you will do a bit of Tai Chi – Simply to change your breathing and improve energy.
Please bring a lunch or dine at Little Frida Café across the hall

  • Students should bring – a 25” X 20” piece of wool to put under the rice paper.
  • If you have Sumi ink or brushes, please bring them.
  • Optional – bring a camera, notepad, photos of horses that you have taken or have permission to use.
  • All other materials provided.

Before attending the workshop, it would be helpful to go to the instructor’s website – www.deeteller.com.
Also check out the documentary that came out in February of 2016 youtubedeeteller. Click on KSMQ ”Off90” episode 706.

Your artwork will be displayed in the lobby at FiftyNorth and there will be an artist reception / Capstone Event on September 28, from 4- 5pm.
Instructor: Dee Teller
Capacity: 15
Cost: No cost
Space: 102
*Note: This program is being offered through a grant from Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council

Dee’s Bio

  • Dee attended Fine Arts Academy, Hangzhou China – 1987
  • Studied with Horse Master Lok Tok (Xu Beihong’s student) for 17 years – 1988 to 2005
  • Dee earned her Masters of Studio Arts Degree, Mankato State University – 1989
  • She taught in Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota at the elementary level for 16 years
  • Dee taught elementary art in Minnesota for 17 years
  • Exhibited in National Sumi-e Society of America Exhibitions from 1989 until 2023. Dee has won many national awards in painting and calligraphy.
  • Received 3rd place in the World Invitational Competition (sponsored by Beijing Ministry of Culture) with 6,000 Asian Brush artists from 16 countries – 1992
  • Only Non-Asian artist with work and honors in a book published by Chinese Ministry of Culture –“An Album of Selected Painting by the 20th Century Outstanding Chinese Artists” – 1992
  • Chosen as one of 6 artists from all over the world to study for a month at Anderson Center for Cultural Growth, Red Wing, Minnesota – 1995
  • Painter/Calligrapher for “China Family Day” at Minnesota Institute of Arts – 2002 & 2005
  • Co-lead (with Dong Feng Li) and taught – traveled in China with 16 artists for 23 days – 2009
  • Received grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council/McKnight Foundation to do Asian Brush paintings of horses in Minnesota Landscape – Sky – Horse – Water – Earth – 2015
  • Had scrolls and framed paintings in individual and group shows, as well as permanent collections – USA, Japan, China, Korea, and Canada – 1987 to 2023
  • Spotlighted in documentary “Off 90” KSMQ TV Austin, Minnesota – 2016
  • Displayed Asian Brush Paintings with 12 other Non-Asian artists in a show “West Meets East” at the Chinese Cultural Center and Art Gallery in Gaithersburg, MD – 2017
  • Dee’s latest accomplishment was winning the 2022 “Best of Show” for the Sumi-e Society of America.
  • Dee is a sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and teacher.
  • Her paintings are an expression of her feelings, experiences, chi energy and some magic.
  • Dee continues to give workshops inside and outside the USA.

Needle-felted Pumpkins

Wednesday, September 20
1:30-3:30pm

In this beginner level needle-felting class, you will make decorative pumpkins that are 100% Shetland wool. All supplies are provided. Just bring your creativity!

Instructor: Cindi Beurskens
Capacity: 6 minimum, 12 maximum
Cost: $30 nonmbr, $25 mbr, $10 platinum
Space: Room 102

Two options for Basics of Woodcarving Class. Choose a morning or afternoon class, or perhaps you will want to participate in both.

Basics of Woodcarving

Tuesday, October 17
9:00am-12:00pm
OR

Basics of Woodcarving

Tuesday, October 17
1:00-4:00pm

Learn the basics of woodcarving including use of tools, wood selection, safety and more. Students will work on a variety of small hand-held projects.
Ages 14 to 114, tools available for use and/or purchase. All materials provided.

Chris Whillock is from Faribault and teaches woodcarving throughout the USA. His father is nationally-known artist, carver Ivan Whillock. Chris was editor of CARVING Magazine for 7 years and runs a tool & supply business out of his downtown Faribault Studio. www.whillockwoodcarving.com

Instructor: Chris Whillock
Capacity: 12
Cost: $60 nonmbr, $50 mbr, $30 platinum (each class)
Space: room 102