Education

Tuesday AM Open Pottery at 10am.

Tuesday AM Open Pottery Studio is a perfect time to rethink the pottery skills that you have and share time with others who enjoy clay. Come in to refresh and expand skills (new and old). To participate in Tuesday AM Open Pottery Studio you must be a member of the Paradise and have previously taken a pottery class or currently be enrolled in a pottery class. Facilitated by Dianne Lockerby.

Stained Glass Garden Stake Art Class with Sandra Sargent: Saturday, May 2nd from 10 AM - 4 PM. Member $60/Non-Member $72. (Supply fee $80) Bring color to your garden with handcrafted stained glass! In this class, students will cut and shape their own glass to create a vertical garden stake featuring layered bands of vibrant color. Using lead channel and guided instruction, you’ll assemble a striking design that catches the light and adds year-round interest to any outdoor space. Finished pieces are approximately 3 feet tall, with 16–20 inches of stained glass. Perfect for beginners looking to build skills while creating something beautiful. Class is held at Studio Underground, 318 Central Ave, basement level and taught by Sandra Sargent from Bending Sunlight Glassworks.

Mother's Day Craft Event: Introduction to Mosaic Art with Caron Learned: Saturday May 2nd from 11 AM - 2 PM. Celebrate the mom's and special women in your life with this fun and easy to learn mosaic art class! Mix, and match your favorite tiles colors to design a unique gift for the one you love: Use as a mirror, a picture frame, or decorative centerpiece with a candle. The class will be divided into 3 parts: Design/Layout and Tile Cutting Techniques, How to Glue and Transfer and Grouting Tips & Tricks. Close-toed shoes required. Bring a friend, share in the magic of mosaic art. Cheers! Class is for ages 13 & up, supplies included! Tuition: Member - $60, Non-Member - $66. (Supplies included in tuition fee!) 

Caron is a public artist from Minnesota specializing in mosaic art, a love that began more than a decade ago.  Caron’s most recognized artistic accomplishment thus far has been in the design partnership with Mercedes Austin of two 10ft mosaic murals at the main terminal of the Minneapolis, St. Paul International Airport. Caron is inspired by the light that shines within us, and the desire to connect communities through art.

Paint a Portrait of your Pet with Artist Julie Fakler, with Wine: Ages 21 and up. Tuesday, May 12th, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Member $26.00/Non-Member $30.00. Supply fee $12. Artist Julie Fakler will teach you, step by step, how to paint a portrait of your pet. In class, you’ll learn about underpainting, form, shape, and color. Email your pet photo to info@paradisecenterforthearts.org, and we will print it out for you. Wear clothes that can get paint on them. Students must register 3 days before the start of class.

Intro to Stained Glass - Copper Foil Method: Tuesdays, May 12th & 19th from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Member $60/Non-Member $72. (Supply fee $55) Stained glass has depicted stories, landscapes, scenery, and abstract designs for centuries. Many of our most historical buildings include windows that make vibrant colored sunlight dance across the walls. You can now make your own 5x8 inch panel and experience the art of making sunlight dance.  You will learn to cut and break sheets of glass into the shape that fits your piece. Once each piece is cut you will add the copper foil and complete the piece by soldering it all together. You will go home with a zinc framed piece ready to hang in your window. Class is held at Studio Underground, 318 Central Ave, basement level and taught by Sandra Sargent from Bending Sunlight Glassworks.

Acting Fun For Little Ones with Myra Herden: June 8, 9, 1, 11, and 12 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM! The theme this session is "Shipwrecks, Swashbuckling, and Sirens: Join us as we set sail for the high seas with pirates and mermaids!" This class is designed to introduce littles ages 4-7 to the world of theatre. We’ll play a variety of acting games to explore imagination and character. These young performers will bring short stories to life through imagination, movement, and playful storytelling! There will be a short showcase performance on Friday at 12:00 pm for friends and family! Tuition: $85. 

*This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.*

Intro to Stained Glass - Copper Foil Method: Tuesdays, June 9th & 16th from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Member $60/Non-Member $72. (Supply fee $55) Stained glass has depicted stories, landscapes, scenery, and abstract designs for centuries. Many of our most historical buildings include windows that make vibrant colored sunlight dance across the walls. You can now make your own 5x8 inch panel and experience the art of making sunlight dance. You will learn to cut and break sheets of glass into the shape that fits your piece. Once each piece is cut you will add the copper foil and complete the piece by soldering it all together. You will go home with a zinc framed piece ready to hang in your window. Class is held at Studio Underground, 318 Central Ave, basement level and taught by Sandra Sargent from Bending Sunlight Glassworks.

Stained Glass Night Light with Sandra Sargent: Saturday, June 13th from 12 PM - 4 PM. (18+) Create a warm glow with your own handmade stained glass night light. In this beginner-friendly class, students will learn the basics of cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering while assembling a small glass design mounted to a night light base. A variety of glass colors and simple patterns will be available, making this a fun and approachable introduction to stained glass. Students will complete their piece in approximately 4 hours. Tuition: Member - $70, Non-Member - $78. (Supplies included in tuition!) Class is held at Studio Underground, 318 Central Ave, basement level and taught by Sandra Sargent from Bending Sunlight Glassworks.

King Fisher Bird Watercolor Class with Marcie Hayunga: Saturday, June 20th from 12:00 - 4:00 PM. Adult Class (18+). Join us and let your creativity flourish! In this class, we will learn about Watercolor basics, creating white, managing water, glazing, and create a beautiful background! Please wear clothing you don't mind getting a bit messy in! Tuition: Member - $55, Non-Member - $63. (Includes a $15 supply fee!)

Paint a Portrait of your Pet with Artist Julie Fakler: (ages 7 & up, ages 6 & under will need an adult helper) Tuesday, June 23rd, 5pm-7pm. Member $20.00/Non-Member $24.00. Supply fee $12. Artist Julie Fakler will teach you step by step how to paint a portrait of your pet. In class, you’ll learn about underpainting, form, shape, and color. Email your pet photo to info@paradisecenterforthearts.org, and we will print it out for you. Wear clothes that can get paint on them. Students must register 3 days before the start of class.

Intro to Stained Glass - Copper Foil Method: Saturday, June 27th from 10 AM - 4 PM. Member $60/Non-Member $72. (Supply fee $55) Stained glass has depicted stories, landscapes, scenery, and abstract designs for centuries. Many of our most historical buildings include windows that make vibrant colored sunlight dance across the walls. You can now make your own 5x8 inch panel and experience the art of making sunlight dance. You will learn to cut and break sheets of glass into the shape that fits your piece. Once each piece is cut you will add the copper foil and complete the piece by soldering it all together. You will go home with a zinc framed piece ready to hang in your window. Class is held at Studio Underground, 318 Central Ave, basement level and taught by Sandra Sargent from Bending Sunlight Glassworks.

Watercolor Water Lily Class with Marcie Hayunga: Saturday, July 11th from 12 PM - 4 PM. (Adult Class - 18+) Join us for an afternoon of creativity! In this class, we will learn about watercolor techniques such as wet on wet, wet on dry, lifting, indenting and glazing. Please wear clothing you don't mind getting messy! Tuition: Member - $55, Non-Member - $ 63. (Supplies included in tuition!)

Acting Fun For Little Ones with Myra Herden: July 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM! The theme this session is "Once Upon a Stage: Learn against the backdrop of beloved fairytale characters and stories!" This class is designed to introduce littles ages 4-7 to the world of theatre. We’ll play a variety of acting games to explore imagination and character. These young performers will bring short stories to life through imagination, movement, and playful storytelling! There will be a short showcase performance on Friday at 12:00 pm for friends and family! Tuition: $85. 

*This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.*

Intro to Stained Glass - Copper Foil Method: Thursdays, July 16th & 23rd from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Member $60/Non-Member $72. (Supply fee $55) Stained glass has depicted stories, landscapes, scenery, and abstract designs for centuries. Many of our most historical buildings include windows that make vibrant colored sunlight dance across the walls. You can now make your own 5x8 inch panel and experience the art of making sunlight dance. You will learn to cut and break sheets of glass into the shape that fits your piece. Once each piece is cut you will add the copper foil and complete the piece by soldering it all together. You will go home with a zinc framed piece ready to hang in your window. Class is held at Studio Underground, 318 Central Ave, basement level and taught by Sandra Sargent from Bending Sunlight Glassworks.

Painting with Wool with Artist Char Johnson: August 8 & 15 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Adult class (18+). In this class, students will learn the basics of needle felting. After transferring their image onto a wool canvas, students will use dyed sheep fiber and a single barbed needle, students will learn to blend, layer and shade, leaving class with a framed, one- of-a-kind “painting” of their chosen image. Pet portraits have been a popular subject, but any image with a central focal point will work! Finished project will measure approximately 8”x10”. Tuition: Member - $95, Non-Member - $111. (Supply Fee Included in Tuition!)

Encaustic Workshop: Painting with Wax with Jodi Reeb: Friday, August 28th, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Adult Class (18+). In this exciting one-day Encaustic workshop, you will explore creating translucent, layered paintings only achieved with molten beeswax on Ampersand Encausticbord. A brief history and description of Encaustic painting will be discussed as well as basic supplies and tools, safety, and preparation of supports, including application of grounds and fusing. An overview of a variety of techniques will be demonstrated such as image transfers, mixing your own paint, creating texture and working with masks and stencils. There will also be lots of studio time and one-on-one instruction. You will create paintings that will develop your aesthetic and artistic voice with this medium. This class could also be used as studio time if you have taken a class with me before. All levels welcome, and all supplies, including R&F Paints, Ampersand Encausticbord, and Silverbrush Ltd. brushes are provided. Tuition: Member - $105, Non-Member - $117. (Tuition Includes a $45 Supply Fee!)