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.

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.

Stained Glass Night Light with Sandra Sargent: Saturday, July 11th 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.

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!)

Linocut to Clay (NEW!) with Tami Resler: Ages 16+ July 13 – 16 (Monday through Thursday), 9am  - 11am and July 20, 9am – 11am. This class offers a unique opportunity to make a linocut carving and transfer that textured piece onto a clay form! Create unique images that can be used over and over to make matching sets of dishes, fun vases and more. We’ll work on transferring your drawing onto linocut material and then making clay pieces and using those linocuts as stamps. Then you’ll use underglazes and glazes to bring your art to life. It’s so much fun and will make you a more efficient and unique potter. Play to get dirty! Tuition: Member - $115, Non-Member - $135. (Includes a $15 Supply Fee)

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.

Stained Glass Garden Stake Art Class with Sandra Sargent: Saturday, July 25th from 10 AM - 2PM. (Lunch break Included If you want!) 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. Please wear closed-toed shoes and follow all safety protocols the instructor requires! 

Building Worlds & Characters for Children's Stories: July 25 9:30 AM (English) & 11:00 AM (Spanish)

Join children's book author and illustrator Rocky Casillas Aguirre for an engaging, hands-on storytelling workshop designed for aspiring young writers and creators ages 8 and up. Offered in both English and Spanish, these free one-hour workshops guide students through the exciting process of creating original characters, imaginative worlds, and the beginnings of their own stories.

Through interactive activities and creative exercises, participants will:

- Meet the artist and participate in a fun icebreaker.

- Warm up their imaginations with creativity-building exercises.

- Learn what makes a memorable character and develop an original character using guided prompts.

- Bring their character to life by exploring personality, voice, and action.

- Create a unique setting and world for their character to inhabit.

- Share their creations with the group and reflect on the creative process.

Whether students love drawing, writing, or simply using their imagination, this workshop provides a welcoming space to explore storytelling and develop creative confidence. Class is Free! 

Creando Mundos Y Personajes Para Cuentos Infantiles: 25 de julio 9:30 a.m. (inglés) y 11:00 a.m. (español)

Acompaña al autor e ilustrador de libros infantiles Rocky Casillas Aguirre en un taller de narración cautivador y práctico, diseñado para jóvenes aspirantes a escritores y creadores de 8 años en adelante. Impartidos tanto en inglés como en español, estos talleres gratuitos de una hora guían a los participantes a través del emocionante proceso de crear personajes originales, mundos imaginativos y los inicios de sus propias historias.

Mediante actividades interactivas y ejercicios creativos, los participantes:

- Conocerán al artista y participarán en una divertida actividad para romper el hielo.

- Despertarán su imaginación con ejercicios diseñados para fomentar la creatividad.

- Aprenderán qué hace que un personaje sea memorable y desarrollarán un personaje original utilizando pautas guiadas.

- Darán vida a su personaje explorando su personalidad, su voz y sus acciones.

- Crearán un escenario y un mundo único para que su personaje lo habite.

- Compartirán sus creaciones con el grupo y reflexionarán sobre el proceso creativo.

Ya sea que a los participantes les encante dibujar, escribir o simplemente usar su imaginación, este taller ofrece un espacio acogedor para explorar el arte de la narración y desarrollar su confianza creativa. La clase es gratuita! 

Cabin on the Lake A Minnesota Painting Experience with Peggy Paulson: August 1st from 12 PM - 4 PM. (Ages 14+) Escape to the Minnesota Northwoods without leaving the studio! In this relaxing, guided painting class, you'll create your very own stunning lakeside scene -- a rustic log cabin tucked among towering pines on a quiet peninsula, reflected in the still waters of a classic Minnesota lake! No experience necessary. Our step-by-step instruction walks you though every stage of the painting, from your beginning stroke to your final brushstroke. You'll learn professional techniques for painting luminous skies, shimmering water reflections, lush evergreen foliage, and a charming cabin bathed in warm natural light -- all in a single 3-4 hour session! Tuition: Member - $62, Non-Member - $70. (Supply fee included in tuition!) 

What you'll take home: A finished 11x14 canvas painting, a printed reference handout with the full step-by-step process to keep, and a newfound confidence in color mixing, composition, and brushwork! 

What's included: All paints, brushes, canvas, and supplies are provided. Just bring your creativity and a sense of adventure! 

Class is perfect for: Beginners, hobbyists, date nights, girls' trips, team outings, and anyone who loves Minnesota's beautiful lake country! Seats are limited, so reserve yours today and let's paint the Northwoods together! 

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!)

Intro to Stained Glass - Copper Foil Method: Saturday, August 8th 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.

An Introduction to Mosaic Art with Caron Learned: Saturday, August 15th from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Welcome to the wonderful world of mosaic art!  In this beginner class, each student will have fun learning the basics of this ancient art form. Students will complete one project: a Mosaic Wall Panel which makes a great gift or can be used as a trivet for your favorite pie or hang on your wall.  The class will be divided into 3 parts: Design/Layout and Tile Cutting Techniques, How to Glue and Transfer and Grouting Tips & Tricks. Tuition: Member - $65, Non-Member - $70. ($30 Supply Fee included in tuition total!) For ages 13+!

Close-toed shoes required. Supplies (wall panel, handmade tile, glue, grout, etc.) are included in the tuition/supply fee. Bring a friend, share in the magic of mosaic art. Cheers!

Raku Magic: Make It, Glaze It, Fire It! Member: $65, Non-Member: $75, Raku Clay 25lb. for $56 (you can share a bag with others). Ages 14 and up. Tuition includes the Make It class, Raku Glazing class, and the Raku firing!

Raku Make It Class: August 18, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm at the Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Avenue N., Faribault. Students can create their pieces during the Make It class on August 18 at the Paradise Pottery Studio. Raku clay must be purchased at the Paradise: 25lb. for $56. Pieces must be dry and at the Paradise by August 22 for the bisque firing.

Raku Glazing Class: September 1, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm at the  Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Avenue N., Faribault. Students will glaze their pieces during the Raku Glazing class on September 1. A variety of raku glazes and underglazes will be available.

Raku Firing: September 12, 8:30 am at Dianne Lockerby’s. Raku Firing will be held at Dianne Lockerby’s from 8:30 am until it is finished. The clay pots and sculptures will be loaded into the raku kiln; kiln temperatures are rapidly increased to 1800-1900 Degrees F. Once the glazes melt and smooth out, the pieces are individually removed from the kiln. Pieces are placed in a metal can filled with combustible materials, and the hot pot ignites the combustibles, producing flames. A tight-fitting lid on the can smothers those flames, and the resulting smoke can cause colors to appear on the pots. Students will leave with their finished glazed pieces. Participants must wear cotton clothing (no polyester or spandex), no shorts, and leather shoes/boots (no sandals).  Fire precautions will be taken, and each participant will need to sign a waiver. Lunch on September 12 will be a potluck.

Intro to Stained Glass - Copper Foil Method: Tuesdays, August 18th & 25th 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.

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!)