Local art dwellings offer hands-on opportunities

How do you express yourself? If you’re still trying to think of answer, maybe it is time try an artistic approach to learning something new about the wide world of art — and maybe yourself.

Sprinkled throughout the region are fall workshops and classes offering an eclectic taste of bold flavors.

“You’re never too young or too old to be creative and learn a new skill.” Crossings at Carnegie director Marie Marvin said. “Whether you’re learning to create clay bowls on a pottery wheel, how to write great dialogue for a novel, or how to achieve a masterful oil painting, the arts help you express yourself and bring joy into your life.”

The Zumbrota building’s library-turned-art gallery and gift store with studios galore is one of several locations with a lineup of seasonal selections.

“Classes we offer give people a place to start or a way to master an art,” Marvin added. “Crossings believes in fostering all the arts as a way to bring communities together, to express and communicate ideas, and to help participants grow in skill and confidence as they develop their artistic talents.”

The Anderson Center, ArtReach, Red Wing Arts Association, Widespot Performing Arts Center in Stockholm and Goranowski Glassworks in Welch are among other locations to find a new hobby or freshen up on an old one. Classes vary from cooking to songwriting to puppet-making.

No matter what you might find to suit your fancy, one thing is certain — art projects are not just for kids anymore.

“Everyone has an artist inside them,” Marvin said.

Autumn lineup

You might not be next Pablo Picasso, but check out the opportunities the area has to offer and let your inner creative freak flag fly this fall.

Beginning Glassblowing

Learn techniques of gathering, marvering, blocking and blowing molten glass. Students will learn to blow forms and to assist other glassblowers. No requisite necessary; classes run all year.

When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays

Where: Anderson Center, Highway 61 at Highway 19, Red Wing

Cost: $300 students, $350 Anderson Center members, $375 non-members. Cost includes five sessions.

More info: 651-388-2009 or info@andersoncenter.org

Painting Landscapes with Pastel

Learn to paint landscapes with this colorful and popular medium. Pastel incorporates both drawing and painting. The two-session class is instructed by Patricia Duncan.

When: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7

Where: Art Reach, 112 Bush St., Red Wing

Cost: $95

More info: www.redwingartsassociation.org/events_classes.htm

Pottery Boot Camp

This series of classes is open to students at any level of experience, although some background on the potter's wheel is preferred. The focus is purely on learning to expand your pottery skills.

Considerable time is spent with demos and explanation, focusing on understanding clay and the structural considerations involved in making specific shapes. Much of the class time will be devoted to individual instruction.

By popular demand, a new addition to the Boot Camp class will be instruction in trimming.

When: Noon-6 p.m. Sundays Sept. 9 and Oct. 21

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $59 per session

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Puppet-making Workshop

Puppet artist Bart Buch will introduce the art of large-scale puppet making using simple, accessible materials. Participants will be able to work with several professional puppet-making artists as the community builds the centerpiece puppet for the Equinox Lighted Lantern Processional.

Come any time during the workshop to participate. Follow-up times may need to occur to assure final details are completed before Sept. 22. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

When: 2-6 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 11

Where: Pleasant Corner Schoolhouse, corner of County Roads J and JJ, Stockholm

Cost: $5 donations accepted

More info: www.widespotperformingarts.org

Fused Glass Garden Stakes

Learn basic glass fusing techniques to create a spectacular and colorful fused glass garden stake. First session will consist of an introduction, choice and purchase of glass for fusing and choice of the garden metal stake. No experience necessary.

Second session will consist of the fusing. Third session will consist of grinding the finished glass piece to fit on the stake.

The class is taught by Chuck Goranowski.

When: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 11 to Thursday Sept. 13

Where: Goranowski Glassworks, 26231 County 7 Blvd., Welch

Cost: $145, materials are approximately $100 available at first class from instructor

More info: www.redwingartsassociation.org/events_classes.htm

Oil Painting Techniques: From Beginning to Advanced

Join in a two-day workshop with award-winning artist Dan Petrov. Artists of all experiences will learn and benefit from the course. Petrov will emphasize the “Site Size Method,” a procedure to render the forms, proportion, perspective and anatomy of still-life objects.

Students will also learn basic principles of composition, oil painting, explanation of underpainting, values, edges and color in relation to description of form, atmosphere and rhythm and the conclusion of the painting process and finalizing the painting.

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Sept. 15 and Sunday Sept. 16

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $175 plus suggested self-supplied materials

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Create a Sea Glass Jewelry Pendant and Necklace

Learn the basics of jewelry making using a sea glass pendant, wire-wrapping techniques and/or bails, beading designs and ideas. Beads will be available for purchase at a minimum cost or can be purchased ahead of time at local stores. Participants will take home one sea glass pendant and earring set at the end of this session. No experience necessary. Class is taught by Chuck Goranowski.

When: 4-8 p.m. Friday Sept. 14. Also offered Fridays: Sept. 21 and 28, Oct. 19 and 26 and Nov. 9 and 30.

Where: Goranowski Glassworks, 26231 County 7 Blvd., Welch

Cost: $145, materials fee of $50 payable to instructor at class

More info: www.redwingartsassociation.org/events_classes.htm

Beginning Fused Glass Jewelry

Attendees will learn basic glass fusing techniques to create spectacular, colorful jewelry pieces using Color De Verre molds (cabochons, pendants and earrings). Cost includes all basic glass, tools, supplies, molds, handouts and use of studio equipment. Class participants will take home at least six to 12 individual glass jewelry pieces. Dichroic or other special glass will incur additional charges. No previous experience necessary. Class is taught by Chuck Goranowski.

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Sept. 15. Also offered Saturdays: Sept. 22 and 29; and Oct. 20 and 27.

Where: Goranowski Glassworks, 26231 County 7 Blvd., Welch

Cost: $145, materials fee of $50 payable to instructor at class

More info: www.redwingartsassociation.org/events_classes.htm

Speak Memory: Calling Forth the Details and Descriptions Our Memoir Needs

In this workshop writers can explore how details and description invite the entrance of stories they want to tell. Participants will learn how to develop fragmentary memories into central parts of your work by including sensory and original details. Explore how describing photos, objects and documents can inspire storytelling voices. Class taught by Jorie Miller.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Sept. 22

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $65

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Concrete Sculpture Workshop

Learn to make a concrete statue in this two-day workshop with award-winning folk artist Wouterina "Riana" DeRaad. Bring a pair of part-rubber, part-cloth gloves and a face mask to class. Everything else needed is supplied.

During the first day of the workshop, participants will make a multi-layered metal armature, which will be cemented the following day. They will learn how to cut and shape the metal lathe and when and how to use reinforcements. There will be a demonstration on the various cementing techniques, discussions on cement formulas and what pigments to use for coloring cement.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Sept. 22 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday Sept. 23

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $198, plus $35 materials fee

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Batik Weekend Workshop

Make colorful, intriguing pieces of art by applying hot molten wax and dye in layers on cloth. Instructor batiker Deb Johnson will guide attendees through the process using brushes, stamps, stencils and other tools specific to batik. Expect to create at least four complete pieces of art cloth by the end of the two-day workshop, ready to frame or hang on a dowel or rod. Dyes, wax, tools and fabric will be supplied.

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $148, plus $20 materials fee

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Color Temperature Workshop

This workshop is designed to train and fine-tune the eye to recognize and see the difference in color temperatures and their relationships to their surrounding colors. Build an understanding of color temperature relationships using a limited palette of color.

The day will be designated to train the eye by doing a series of color mixing and recognizing exercises using the palette knife.

Within each mass of color are subtle color temperature changes that bring life and light to a painting.

Participants will work on mixing large pools of “mass” colors and focus of seeing what cool and warm shifts are happening within the light and dark masses. Class taught by painter and instructor Kami Polzin.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 6

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $115 plus suggested self-supplied materials

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Pottery Wheel Class

Let a staff of seasoned and talented instructors introduce you step by step to the joys of creating on the pottery wheel. Class attendees will get personal, one-on-one help. Learn and refine the skills of centering, throwing and trimming. Even beginners will learn the basics of wheel-thrown pottery and develop the skills necessary to throw a pot and to become a clay studio member if desired.

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 9 to Nov. 13

Where: Crossings at Carnegie 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $140 for 6 sessions, plus $36 supplies and firing fees

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Culinary Class

Learn how to cook an Italian menu including fresh melon wrapped in prosciutto, fresh pulled mozzarella, marinated olives, bruschetta, seafood ravioli or linguini and Limón cello for dessert. The three-hour class is taught by Amy Earney.

When: Thursday Oct. 11

Where: Anderson Center

Cost: $50 per person

More info: Call the Anderson Center 651-388-2009 or email amy.earney@charter.net

Mosaic Workshop

Learn the basic skills of mosaic tiling, materials and patterning in this two-day workshop with award-winning folk artist Wouterina “Riana” DeRaad. Students will learn how to cut and break glass and ceramic tile, what materials and adhesives to use for our subzero climate and different mosaic patterning techniques. There will be a grouting demonstration, discussions on cement formulas, how to use pigments and ways to texture a cement surface.

Mosaic a mailbox, garden planter, bench, cookie jar — just about anything that holds still — with the skills learned in this class.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 13 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday Oct. 14

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $170, plus $10 materials fee

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Songwriting Workshop

Join Ann Reed and Joan Griffith for a two-part workshop designed to help with the art and craft involved in both writing songs and playing an instrument.

When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 13

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $35

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Watercolor Painting

Red Wing artist Dan Wiemer shares techniques that make his exciting and innovative work recognized nationally and internationally. Class is appropriate for beginning and experienced artists. Those who have taken watercolor classes from Wiemer in the past will expand their experience with this class. Classes include artist’s demonstrations, discussion and hands-on experience.

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 16

Where: Art Reach, 112 Bush St., Red Wing

Cost: $155, materials list will be sent two weeks in advance of start date

More info: www.redwingartsassociation.org/events_classes.htm

Make Your Own Seamless Felted Slippers

A pair of felted wool slippers is not only comfortable, but it is also a great way to add the techniques of using a resist and shifting shape to feltmaking know-how. Anyone can make beautiful felted three-dimensional objects, including personalized, unique wearables.

In this class students will learn how to turn a two-dimensional felted object into a three-dimensional finished project. Using wool fiber, a piece of plastic, soap, water and an upper body workout, they will create a pair of seamless slippers. No sewing or assembly is required. Class instructed by Jill Lynn.

When: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 20

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $68, plus $30 materials fee

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Introductory and Intermediate Oil and Acrylic Painting

Learn the fundamentals of oil and acrylic painting techniques with artist Art Kenyon. Participants will be taught the basic elements and principals of art as it applies to painting. Discussions and demonstrations will lead to each class member completing a painting by the end of the sessions.

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25

Where: Art Reach, 112 Bush St., Red Wing

Cost: $120, materials list will be sent two weeks in advance of start date

More info: www.redwingartsassociation.org/events_classes.htm

Still Life Workshop

The two-day workshop will begin with lecture and discussion on the elements of painting a still life, including a complete demonstration from start to finish. After lecture and demo on the first day, students will begin the drawing of a painting on a 14 x 11 canvas and then begin massing in the large shapes of the canvas.

This is not “how to paint a still life” class, but rather using the still life to learn and strengthen painters by emphasizing composition, structure, massing and color temperature and its relativity to its neighboring colors. By the end of the second day expect to have a finished painting, and we'll end with a group critique.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 27 and Sunday Oct. 28

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $225 plus suggested self-supplied materials

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Nuno Feltmaking: Create a Merino and Silk Scarf

Wet felting is an ancient technique. Wool, soap, water and agitation are used to make a non-woven but sturdy material.

Nuno felting is the art of manipulating a small amount of wool fiber through a fairly open weave fabric. The result is a lightweight fabric with beautiful drape. A discussion of the effects of different fabrics when fused with wool will begin this class. Students will then create a scarf with merino wool and hand-dyed silk. Class taught by instructor Jill Lynn.

When: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday Nov. 10

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $45, plus $15 materials fee

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Making it Real: What You Need to Know to Make Your Writing Come Alive

How do the masters make it real? In this class participants will analyze techniques used by great writers in developing prose, whether memoir or fiction, long form or short. Examine what's needed for a narrative arc that will spur readers to keep turning the page. Discover what techniques are best applied to describe our characters and the world they live in. Learn what it takes to give authentic voice to those characters through dialogue.

This class shows how to harness these storytelling mechanisms, no matter your medium. Class time will include lecture, discussion and writing exercises. Class taught by Kate St. Vincent Vogl.

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Nov. 10

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $42

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Make Your Own Bubble Scarf

In this workshop you'll create a beautiful and dramatic scarf. Texture is achieved by using chunks and balls of wool that have been partially or wholly felted in combination with a pre-felt. Some of those felted projects that didn’t quite work out in the past can be cut up and used in this project. Not to worry if you don’t have any such projects, though; the instructor has many and will bring them along to use. Workshop taught by instructor Jill Lynn.

When: 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday Nov. 10

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $45, plus $15 materials fee

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Rosemaling Workshop: Make Your Own Ornaments

A three-day workshop in which you will be rosemaling holiday ornaments is being offered. This workshop is open to anyone who has experience with basic rosemaling techniques and/or anyone who has participated in any of Ken Magnuson's previous rosemaling workshops.

These ornaments are only several inches in length. Magnuson will provide wooden ornament blanks available for purchase for $2 each.

If students prefer to do a project other than ornaments, they can feel free to bring their own projects. Participants can receive individual attention, learn from others in the group and make friends.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday Nov. 29 to Saturday Dec. 1

Where: Crossings at Carnegie 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

Cost: $165 plus suggested self-supplied materials

More info: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

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