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


Making Krumkake – From Grandma’s Kitchen

Monday, December 4
10:00-11:30am

Krumkake originated in Norway about 1,000 years ago.  Krumkake means “bend cake”.  In a survey done in Norway, krumkake is the most favored cookie by 74.54%!
Krumkake is made with flour, eggs, sugar, and cream.  Some people stuff the cones with a stiff, sweet whipping cream.

Come join us in making a batch of krumkake, and of course tasting!!

Instructors:  Bev Jacobsen & Pat Zeller
Capacity: 10
Cost:  $15 nonmbr, $10 mbr, $0 platinum
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: November 30, 2023

Needle-Felted Gnomes

Monday, December 4
1:00-3:00pm

Join Cindi Beurskens for a beginner-level needle felting project, a Christmas Gnome Ornament!  I’ll take you step by step through this easy and fun craft. All materials are provided.  Just bring your imagination.

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

Textile Art Class 8″ X 10″ Wall Hanging Quilt

Tuesday, December 5
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 feathers, petals 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 print you wish to make at the time of registration so the kits can be prepared before class.
You will have your choice of a Cardinal, Poinsettia or Sunflower.

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: 102
Registration deadline: December 1

COLLAGE AND MONTAGE: Illustrating a Poem

Thursday, January 4
2:00-4:00pm

Shadows & Echoes – An Art & Poetry Collaboration
Students who are participating in this collaboration will have the opportunity to attend two unique art classes.  Please take one or both of these classes to get ideas, support and inspiration for making your poetry illustration.

A Collage is an exciting and dynamic way to use multiple media, (like papers, cards, pages from books, parts of photos, plus buttons, stencils, beads, string, etc.) to express your own interpretation of the poem.

A Montage is similar, but you use just one material (like papers which can include maps, pages, tissue, clips, music pages, labels, cards…all made of paper!) Be creative. Think of a different base for your montage. After you have selected a poem, read it several times to become familiar with the imagery, context and connections. What does it mean to you? Why did you choose it? Then think about what kinds of art materials would help you to express your vision. This may come from emotion, thought or an image that the poem evokes in you. Mostly, you should have fun and feel good about the process!

All assembly details will be part of the class including an introduction to some famous artists who have used collage.

Things you should bring:
A pencil
Scissors
Glue (Elmer’s or similar)
Choices of paper: see above

We will provide:
Additional papers
Extra collage objects
A table for “material donations
and exchanges” will be created.
Adhesives for bonding

Instructor: Kate Douglas
Capacity: 12
Space: room 105
Cost: $25 nonmbr, $20 mbr, $5 platinum
Registration deadline: December 29

Zentangle

Tuesday, January 9
1:00-3:00pm

Let’s have some fun and relaxation “tangling” Zentangles. Learn the lingo and techniques to create beautiful patterned designs with Vicki Stanley. I can’t wait to see how yours turn out! All materials are included in the class.

Instructor: Vicki Stanley
Capacity: 12
Cost:  $25 nonmbr, $20 mbr, $5 platinum
Space 102
Registration deadline: January 5

Learn to Knit by Making a Cozy, Comfortable and Colorful Cowl

Wednesdays, January 10, 17
10:00-11:30am

In January, 2024, FiftyNorth will offer the first in a series of Learn to Knit classes.  Or if you haven’t knit in a while and need a refresher course, this one’s for you. Soft wool yarn and circular needles will be supplied, and the instructor will even cast on for you to make starting your cowl easier.  In the first session you will learn the basic knit stitch, and in the second you’ll finish the cowl.  Then you will be ready for that chilly January weather!

Instructor:  Diane Pearsall
Capacity:  2 minimum, 12 maximum
Cost:  $33 nonmbr, $29 mbr, $15 platinum
Space: 102
Registration deadline: January 8, 2024

Portrait of Your Pets in Clay

Mondays, January 15, 22, 29
1:30-3:30pm

Artist Julie Fakler will teach you step by step on how to create a portrait of your pet in clay. In class you’ll learn about composition, carving clay, color, and under glazing. January 15th students will carve their pet portrait in a slab of clay. January 22nd students will glaze their pet portrait. January 29th students will have time to reflect on the class and will get to see everyone’s finished pieces! Email your pet photo to [email protected] and Julie will print your photo on cardstock. Please email your photo to Julie by January 13th. Wear clothes to class that can get dirty. Materials provided.
(3 sessions)

Instructor: Julie Fakler
Capacity: Minimum 5, Maximum 10
Cost: $65 nonmbr, $55 mbr, $20 platinum
Space:105
Registration Deadline: January 11, 2024

Exploration in Oils using Cold Wax

Tuesday, February 20, 2024
1:00-3:30pm

Cold wax (a non-heated and cold creamy looking substance) is made out of beeswax. It is mixed into oil paint. It has a great translucent effect that allows light to pass through previous layers.
The medium works well with a process-driven approach to painting. Using tools besides a brush such as chopsticks, spreaders, window squeegees, and many types of mark making tools, you can give your painting a sense of history with the textures you can achieve. Lots of fun and a sense of discovery with where this leads your painting and also helps to produce texture in a quick way. Materials provided.

Instructor:  Rebecca Tolle
Capacity: 4 minimum, 8 maximum
Cost:  $73 nonmbr, $69 mbr, $18 platinum
Space: Room103
Registration deadline: February 16, 2024

Intro to Portrait Photography

Friday, March 1
9:30-11:30am

Bring your personal camera (SLR or cell phone) with an understanding of how it works! This class will focus on the principles of portrait photography including lighting, gentle posing, working with different background materials, and how to help people feel more comfortable while being photographed.

Instructor: Margie O’Loughlin
Capacity: 4 minimum, 8 maximum
Cost: $18 nonmbr, $14 mbr, $0 platinum
Space: Room 103
Registration deadline: February 25
Note: Margie O’Loughlin ran her own photography studio for 20+ years in South Minneapolis.

Saori Weaving Start to Finish: Runner or Scarf

Tuesday, April 23
9:00-2:00pm

If you think you might be interested in getting a rigid heddle loom this class will give you an opportunity to experience the weaving process from start to finish. You will start by preparing the loom (warping it) and then move on to the actual weaving. You will have the choice of making a scarf or a runner.
We’ll break for bite to eat. Pack a lunch or eat at Little Frida Café across the hall.
All materials will be provided.

Instructor:  Kathy Anderson
Capacity: 4
Cost:  $60 nonmbr, $50 mbr, $15 platinum
Space: 102
Registration deadline: April 19, 2024