Classes in the Arts

Art Journal: Accordion Z Fold Design

Thursday, July 25
1:00-3:30pm

In this class, we’ll make a fun “accordion plus Z fold” art journal. It’s a fun design that gives you many options for art making along with journaling.  I’ll show you several techniques that you can use over and over in additional books.
We’ll start by background painting the watercolor paper with acrylics plus stencils. Then we create the book structure by folding, no sewing. Next you start filling the pages with collage, writing, drawing, painting or whatever you like.
You might want to use a favorite quote* in your book. Or make it a travel journal by filling the pages with ephemera from your last vacation and journaling about the fun you had. Or choose a theme – nature, birds, flowers, anything that calls to you.
Everything will be provided to make your journal and embellish it. But you can also bring ephemera from home to really personalize your journal.
This is a class for people of all skill levels. No experience in watercolors, acrylics, drawing or collage is needed. Just come to have fun!
MATERIALS TO BRING:
Apron
Any personal items you’d like to use for decorating your book (for example – photos, ephemera, etc.)

MATERIALS AVAILABLE:
Watercolor paper
Acrylic paint
Various collage papers and materials
Ruler
Scissors
Glue – PVA glue, Elmer’s glue, glue stick, or gel medium

* After you’ve registered for the class, stop in the FiftyNorth office and ask Michelle to see my book of quotations. You might find one you’d like to use.

Instructor: Pat Jorstad
Capacity: 12
Cost: $42 Nonmbr, $36 Mbr, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: July 22

Landscape Painting Series: Iconic Waterscapes of Minnesota and Beyond

Sign up for individual classes or all 4

Mondays, July 22, 29, August 5, 12

Embark on this four-week artistic voyage through captivating waterscapes, where we’ll paint iconic landscapes from Minnesota and beyond. Join us for a unique exploration of nature’s beauty, as we immerse ourselves in the serene tranquility of lakes, the majestic power of waterfalls, and the timeless charm of historic landmarks. We will use acrylic paint on canvas so dress for a mess!

Instructor: Kate Langlais
Capacity: Minimum 6, Maximum 12
Cost for each session: $14 Nonmbr, $12 Mbr, $5 Platinum
Space: Room 105

Landscape Painting Series: Iconic Waterscapes of Minnesota and Beyond Session 1

Monday, July 22
1:30-2:30pm

Session 1: Create a tranquil Minnesota lake scene inspired by the beaches off of the Lake Wobegon Trail.

Cost: $14 Nonmbr, $12 Mbr, $5 Platinum
Registration deadline: July 18

Landscape Painting Series: Iconic Waterscapes of Minnesota and Beyond Session 2

Monday, July 29
1:30-2:30pm

Session 2: Venture into the breathtaking landscapes of Yellowstone National Park, where we’ll paint a cascading waterfall set amidst rugged wilderness.

Cost: $14 Nonmbr, $12 Mbr, $5 Platinum
Registration deadline: July 25

Landscape Painting Series: Iconic Waterscapes of Minnesota and Beyond Session 3

Monday, August 5
1:30-2:30pm

Session 3: Journey to the rugged shores of Lake Superior and recreate the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse standing sentinel against the elements.

Cost: $14 Nonmbr, $12 Mbr, $5 Platinum
Registration deadline: August 1

Landscape Painting Series: Iconic Waterscapes of Minnesota and Beyond Session 4

Monday, August 12
1:30-2:30pm

Session 4: Enjoy the beauty of a Mississippi River sunset as we capture the warm hues and silhouetted landscapes of twilight descending over the majestic riverbanks.

Cost: $14 Nonmbr, $12 Mbr, $5 Platinum
Registration deadline: August 8

Shibori & Indigo Class

Saturdays, August 3, 10
9:00-12:00pm

We will be using Japanese shibori resist techniques including stitching, clamp resist and arashi.
This class will take you beyond rubber bands, stir sticks and clothespins and provide you with the opportunity to design and dye more complex work.

The first session will be working with shibori techniques and the second session dying in an indigo vat.

If you take the indigo fresh leaf dyeing class, you can use a dyed piece, do a shibori resist on it and over dye in the indigo vat. (The window pane sample)

Supplies that will be included are – Two pieces of Japanese kimono cotton (12”x 18”) for samples and materials for the indigo vat.
*Judy will also bring blank silk and cotton scarves and bandannas that can be purchased separately.

Instructor: Judy Saye-Willis
Capacity: 12
Cost: $65 Nonmbr, $55 Mbr, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: July 29

Beginner Bead Weaving Jewelry Class

Wednesday, August 28
10:30am-2:30pm
There will be a one-hour lunch break

Embark on a captivating journey into bead weaving tailored for individuals aged 50 and above. You’ll start by selecting your crystal color and together, we will make a beaded jewelry set using step-by-step hands-on instructions. You’ll leave with a stunning necklace and earring set that reflects your newfound skills and creativity. If you can hold a needle, this class is for you! All materials and additional lighting will be provided.

Instructor:  Andrea Turini
Capacity: Minimum 3, Maximum 8
Cost: $56 Nonmbr, $50 Mbr, $15 Platinum
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: August 23

Portrait Workshop

Monday, September 9
9:30-3:00pm

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
Registration deadline: September 5

Needle-felted Wine Bags

Wednesday, September 11
9:00-11:00am

In this beginner level class, you will create a beautiful needle felted design on a linen wine bag. It really dresses up your wine bottle when entertaining and it also makes a lovely gift. Materials provided.

Instructor: Cindi Beurskens
Capacity: 10
Cost: $40 Nonmbr, $35 Mbr, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: September 6

Needle-felted Landscape

Wednesday, September 11
1:00-4:00pm

Each student will make a 5×7 landscape following step by step instruction to complete the sample shown, but students are free to create their own design. Materials provided.

Instructor: Cindi Beurskens
Capacity: 8
Cost: $55 Nonmbr, $50 Mbr, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 102
Registration deadline: September 6

Sew a Tote with Michelle Camp

Wednesdays, September 18, 25
9:30-11:30am

Still wondering what to do with that sewing machine in the closet? Well drag it out, dust it off and bring it to FiftyNorth and let Michelle Camp teach you how to use it.
We will go over machine functions and basic stitches and then make a tote bag. Bag will have outside pockets and straps. The bag can be one color. The straps and pocket can be a contrasting color.  Michelle will provide the pattern.

Materials you need to bring:
Fabric – cotton duck, heavy linen, denim or cotton canvas. One yard of the main color and one yard of a contrasting color. Please wash the fabric in warm water and dry on low, before you come to the class. Bring your own sewing machine;
Notions: Polyester thread (matching or contrasting)
*If you do not have a sewing machine, please note that when you register.

Instructor: Michelle Camp
Capacity: 8
Cost: $36 Nonmbr, $28 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: September 16

Tea Party

Wednesday, October 2
10:00am-12:00pm

In this class the instructor will guide you through a process she’s currently enjoying to create a group project similar to the one shown. Used tea bags as a paper source have their own amazing and beautiful marks which we’ll further embellish using natural-pigments inks and watercolors, pens, pencils, thread, leaf poundings, dried plant material, etc. Additional pieces of old works of art (mine or yours) can be used as a background, adding dimension and color. Each individual piece has its own small frame, each of which will then be attached with magnets to a metal backing to make a 25” X 25” finished piece. Our finished group project will then be on display at FiftyNorth for the duration of Cheryl’s tea bag art exhibition.

Tea bags, small frames, and all embellishment materials will be provided – but if you’d like to bring something of your own to incorporate please do! Please stick with natural materials and your own art work scraps. After the exhibit you are welcome to take your pieces home – each participant will make 1-3 pieces depending on how detailed your embellishments.
Tea and cookies will be served.

Instructor: Cheryl Ramette
Capacity: 12
Cost: $28 Nonmbr, $24 Mbr, $10 Platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: September 27

Crochet for Everyone

Wednesdays, October 9, 16
9:00-12:00pm

Have you ever wanted to get chained up in a fun way? Join Michelle Camp and learn to crochet.
The class will teach basic stitches, chaining and the magic loop for granny squares. You will learn how to begin a rag rug.
Supplies you need to bring: Crochet hook size 5 mm or 6mm and 1 skein of medium weight yarn OR a 16mm hook and 1 skein of heavy weight yarn. No experience necessary.
(2 sessions)

Instructor: Michelle Camp
Capacity: 8
Cost: $36 Nonmbr, $28 Mbr, $0 Platinum
Space: Room 102

Paint Your Pet

Monday & Tuesday, October 14 & 15
10:00-12:00pm

Artist Julie Fakler will teach you step by step on how to paint a portrait of your pet. In class you’ll learn about under painting, form, shape and color. In the first class we will complete the first layer of colors (paint), and we’ll return the next day to add a second layer of colors (paint). If time allows for more layers can be added to your masterpiece. Email a photo of your pet to [email protected]  and she can print it out for you. Please email your photo by October 11th. Wear clothes that can get paint on them.
(2 sessions)

Instructor: Julie Fakler
Capacity: 10
Cost: $46 nonmbr, $38 mbr, $10 platinum
Space: Room 105
Registration deadline: October 9

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

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