Classes in the Arts

WHAT WAKES HER IN THE NIGHT Pechant Poets and their Poems

Thursday, October 17
5:00-7:00pm

What Wakes Her In The Night, their fifth anthology of poems, is not yet a New York Times best seller.  On the other hand, it offers great reading and listening.  For more than fifty years, these women have been writing and creating a conversation where all voices are welcome. Northfield Women Poets evolved to Penchant as poets moved away from Northfield. With distance, bimonthly meetings are now held on Zoom.

Poems sometimes rhyme, or not.  Sometimes long poems, or not.  Poems may begin to simmer on a walk, a quiet time by a lake, a mouse in the house, a new baby, a dance, or a Scrabble tile.

During the first part of the time, each Penchant poet will read from her own work for a few minutes. Voices you hear will be as different as the poems. After the readings, there will be time for questions.

Copies of the book will be available for sale at $20 each.
Coffee and cookies will be served after the reading.
5-6pm Reading      6-7pm Coffee and cookies

Presenters: Penchant Poets
Capacity: 60
Cost:  Free
Space: Room 103

Karen Herseth Wee and Riki Kolbl Nelson
Women who began Northfield Women Poets

Knit Socks with Heels

Wednesdays, October 23, November 6, 20
10:00-12:00pm

Have you wanted to knit socks but are intimidated by the heel?  Take this class and discover it’s actually pretty easy, and the result will be impressive too!
Students will knit a pair of simple striped crew socks with a traditional heel.

This class is for beginners who know how to knit and purl.  That’s it.  You’ll learn the rest of the techniques in class.  And you don’t have to know how to use double-pointed needles.
The instructor will supply wool yarn and needles . . . and even cast on for you!  All classes are two hours.
As you can see there is homework between the classes, but you’ll have two weeks to complete each homework assignment.
1st class, Oct 23:
We’ll start the socks using the magic loop method (one long circular needle) and learn to knit stripes.  Homework for class 2:  Knit the legs of both socks.
2nd class, Nov 6:
We’ll knit the heel flap and turn the heel.  Homework for class 3:  Knit the feet of the socks up to the toe.
3rd class, Nov 20:
You’ll learn how to shape the toe and finish the socks.

The techniques you’ll learn in this class:
How to knit magic loop.
How to change colors for the stripes.
How to knit a heel flap and turn a heel.
How to decrease for the toe of a sock.
Materials provided.
(3 sessions)

Instructor: Diane Pearsall
Capacity: 10
Cost: $86 Nonmbr, $74 Mbr, $32 Platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: October 16

Iris Folding Holiday Cards

Thursday, October 24
1:00-4:00pm

Iris folding is one of those techniques that looks complicated but is really very simple to master. If you know how to count, you know half the technique already! The rest is very easy to learn. Lightweight papers are used – origami paper, gift wrap, magazine pages, tissue paper. You can even recycle junk mail. Patterns direct you in folding your papers to create wonderful designs for use as Christmas cards, stand-alone art pieces or in art journaling.  We’ll learn iris folding by making Christmas trees and ornaments. We’ll provide supplies for you to complete up to 3 simple cards in the class and give you ideas to inspire you to embellish the cards and make many more at home. No experience with iris folding is necessary. Come and have fun!

PARTICIPANTS: Everything you need will be provided but, if you have the following paper arts tools, please bring: Small portable paper cutters or guillotines Sharp small “fussy-cutting” scissors, lightweight holiday themed papers.

Instructors: Pat Jorstad & Lynn Margulies
Capacity: 12
Cost: $35 nonmbr, $30 mbr, $10 platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: October 21

Writing and Publishing a Book

Tuesday, October 29
10:00-11:15am

Discover how to write, publish, and market a book. You may have long harbored a desire to try writing and publishing a book of fiction or share a subject of personal interest; now is your chance to move forward on that goal. Local author Patrick “Packy” Mader was an elementary teacher inspired by a young girl and the result is six published books. From starting gun to finish line, learn the process of taking your idea to print. Handouts and links to a Power Point slide show and sources will be available.

Instructor: Patrick “Packy” Mader
Capacity: 20
Cost: $9 Nonmbr, $7 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 102

Pottery Class – Clay Trinket Dishes & Clay Mice

Mondays
November 4, 1:00-4:00pm
November 11, 1:00-3:00pm

In the first class you will be making trinket dishes and cute little mice out of clay. You each will be given a piece of slab rolled clay. Your clay will be your canvas of creativity. You will have your choice of textures or underglaze transfers. These will be rolled into or transferred onto your clay. We then will cut them out using your choice of cookie cutters which will be provided. Next step you will form your trinket dishes. Then with your left-over clay we will hand build some cute mice. You will initial the bottom of your projects. I will bring these projects to my studio to dry and fire. In the second class we will paint all of your pieces. I will have a variety of paints to choose from. These projects will come home with me to be fired one last time. I will return them to FiftyNorth on November 13. We will make this a fun class!
(2 sessions)

Instructor: Barb Vosejpka
Capacity: Minimum: 6 Maximum: 12
Cost: $60 Nonmbr, $50 Mbr, $15 Platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: October 30

West African Drumming Class

Tuesdays, November 5, 12, 19, 26
4:00-4:45pm

Join David Miller in exploring the rhythms of West Africa! You will learn some common drum patterns (and maybe a song!) from the nations of Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Guinea, played on djembes and other West African percussion instruments. Instruments will be provided.
(4 sessions)

Instructor: David Miller
Capacity: 12
Cost: $48 Nonmbr, $40 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 102 on November 5, Room 103 on November 12, 19 & 26

INTRODUCTION TO THE APPLACHIAN (mountain) DULCIMER

Wednesday, November 13
2:00-4:00pm

Do you have a dulcimer at home hiding in a closet, hanging on the wall, or collecting dust in the attic? If you would like to learn more about this fascinating instrument and maybe, learn to play a few tunes, then this two-hour class is for you!
We will discuss the history of this ALL AMERICAN folk instrument, its variants, components, playing
styles, tuning, and more. If you have a dulcimer, bring it to the class. If not, several will be available for your use.

Instructor: Stan Partin  
Capacity: 10
Cost: $18 Nonmbr, $14 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: room 103
Registration deadline: November 11

A Necessary Writing Task: An Obituary

Wednesday, Friday
November 13 & 15
9:00-11:00am

When a death is reported in the newspaper, accompanied by an obituary for the deceased, how does that obituary happen?  In many cases, stressed family members scramble to meet a deadline set by a funeral home or other site for a service, hoping to capture the essence of the deceased person as well as important information about memorials. Much of the anguish associated with this task can be eliminated by advance planning.  This two-session course will give participants a chance to determine the key elements of an obituary and prepare a draft.  We will meet on a Wednesday morning from 9-11 to map out the necessary features of an obituary and resume on Friday at the same time to work in pairs on provisional drafts. The goal: preparation of a reasonable draft for someone, perhaps yourself, as well as appreciating the details of this written form.

*Note: Carol Rutz retired from Carleton College after 30 years, including writing obituaries for the alumni magazine as well as teaching writing to undergraduates. She has also written obituaries for family members.
(2 sessions)

Instructor: Carol Rutz
Capacity: 12
Cost: $36 nonmbr, $28 mbr, $0 platinum
Space: Room 106

Watercolor Christmas Trees

Thursday, November 14
3:00-4:30pm

Watercolor is such a fun medium! Let’s do a very simple yet creative project to prepare for the Christmas season! We will be painting 5” X 7” cards suitable for mailing or hanging. Vicki Stanley will talk about color mixing and brush stroke application. You’ll have a jolly time! Materials provided.

Instructor: Vicki Stanley
Capacity: 12
Cost: $30 Nonmbr, $25 Mbr, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: November 11

Charcoal Drawing Class

Tuesday, November 19
9:30-12:30pm

Join us for a comprehensive 3-hour charcoal drawing class that caters to all skill levels. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore still life, landscape, and portrait drawing (a grid will be available for more ease in the portrait drawing). Beginners will benefit from step-by-step guidance, while more advanced artists can refine their skills and learn new approaches. Whether you’re new to charcoal or looking to enhance your technique, this class offers valuable insights and practical experience to elevate your artistry.

Instructor: Kate Langlais
Capacity: Minimum: 8 Maximum: 12
Cost: $60 Nonmbr, $50 Mbr, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: November 15

Portrait Workshop

Monday, November 25
9:30-3:15pm

Join this all-day portrait workshop suitable for all skill levels, with a focus on beginners. Unlock your artistic potential in a supportive environment while learning facial anatomy, proportions, and techniques for capturing likeness and expression. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of drawing and painting media through hands-on exercises. Whether you’re starting your journey or refining your skills, this immersive workshop promises growth and inspiration. Materials provided.
*There will be a ½ hour break for lunch. Bring a sack lunch. Kate will do a painting demonstration while you eat lunch.
Taught by a local professional portrait artist, Kate Langlais.

Instructor: Kate Langlais
Capacity: 5 minimum, 8 maximum
Cost: $90 Nonmbr, $85 Mbr, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 105

Fused Glass Ornament Class

Tuesday, November 26
10:00-11:30am

Looking to try fused glass? Here is your chance. In this class you will make three ornaments, a Christmas tree, a snowman and a Christmas ball.  The ornaments will make great gifts. Materials provided.

Instructor: Geralyn Thelen
Capacity: Minimum: 8 Maximum: 12
Cost: $40 Nonmbr, $35 Mbr, $20 Platinum
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: November 19

Textile Art Class 8″ X 10″ Wall Hanging Quilt

Monday, December 2
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 Chickadee.

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: 12
Cost: $30 nonmbr, $26 mbr, $12 platinum
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: November 22

Cardinal

Poinsettia

Chickadee