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.

Beginning Throwing on the Wheel with Tami Resler - (Ages 10+) Saturday, June 6th from 9 AM-3 PM. (With a short lunch break.) Glazing Day June 18, 9 AM until done. Tuition: Member $80/ Non-Member $92. (Clay included in tuition!) This class is for the beginner or someone who has been away from clay for a bit. We will start with the basics of centering, opening and pulling up a cylinder. Through demonstrations and tips, students will learn how to make cups and bowls. Dress to make a mess!

Beginning Throwing on the Wheel with Tami Resler - (Ages 10+) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday June 8, 9, 11, and 12 from 9 AM-10:30 AM. Glazing Day June 18, 9 AM until done. Tuition: Member $80/ Non-Member $92. (Clay included in tuition!) This class is for the beginner or someone who has been away from clay for a bit. We will start with the basics of centering, opening and pulling up a cylinder. Through demonstrations and tips, students will learn how to make cups and bowls. Dress to make a mess!

Acting Fun For Little Ones with Myra Herden: June 8, 9, 10, 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.*

Handbuilding for Everyone with Tami Resler! (For all ages -- although kids 4-7 will require an adult helper). Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, June 8, 9, 11, and 12 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM.  Member $80/ Non-Member $92. ($8 Clay fee included in tuition!) Whether you’re handbuilding cups or creatures, making by had can be fun and satisfying! In this class, you’ll learn slab building, pinch pots and coiling. You’ll also have fun with stamps, texture mats and other surface design techniques. Your piece will be single fired, so no need for a separate glazing day! Dress to make a mess!

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.

Handbuilding for Everyone with Tami Resler! (For all ages -- although kids 4-7 will require an adult helper). Saturday, June 13 from 9 AM - 12:30 PM.  Member $80/ Non-Member $92. ($8 Clay fee included in tuition!) Whether you’re handbuilding cups or creatures, making by had can be fun and satisfying! In this class, you’ll learn slab building, pinch pots and coiling. You’ll also have fun with stamps, texture mats and other surface design techniques. Your piece will be single fired, so no need for a separate glazing day! Dress to make a mess!

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.

Surface Texture on Clay with Tami Resler: Tuesday June 16, Thursday June 18, Tuesday June 23, and Thursday June 25 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Underglazing and glazing day June 30, 6pm until done. Using a variety of tools and techniques, we'll work on creating depth and interest on clay forms from tiles to cups to dishes. We'll explore transferring designs onto clay, stamping (including making our own stamps), carving, and building up clay.  All experience levels welcome (ages 11 and up). Supplies are provided. Wear clothing that can get dirty. Tuition: Member - $120, Non-Member - $140. ($20 Supply Fee included!) Instructor: Tami Resler.

Stained Glass Garden Stake Art Class with Sandra Sargent: Thursday, June 18th from 6:00 - 9:00 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. Please wear closed-toed shoes and follow all safety protocols the instructor requires! 

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!)

Cold Wax Basics in Oil & Mixed Media with Suzy Johnson: Tuesday, June 23rd from 12 PM - 4 PM. (Ages 14+) This class introduces cold wax painting using oils and other mediums, with techniques focused on an abstract approach to expression in paintings. We will spend the afternoon around considerations of color, composition, materials, and techniques using multiple surfaces in the beautiful application of cold wax to produce works of art you will love! Students must adhere to the safety instructions that the instructor requires! Tuition: Member - $75, Non-Member - $83. (Includes a $35 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.

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! 

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!

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!)