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.

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.

Stained Glass Night Light with Sandra Sargent: Thursday, August 13th from 6 - 9 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.

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: Thursdays, August 20th & 27th 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!)

Czech Glass Jewelry Design Workshop (And Presentation!) with Andrea Turini: Saturday, September 19th. Presentation from 10:00 - 11:30 AM, and Workshop from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Immediately following her presentation, "Heirloom Fire: Czech Glasswork," participants are invited to continue the experience with a hands-on Czech Glass Jewelry Design workshop. Attendance at the presentation is required, as the workshop builds on the history, techniques, and cultural traditions introduced during the program.

Create your own unique jewelry using authentic Czech glass beads from Andrea's curated collection. During this one-hour workshop, you'll make either earrings and a bracelet or earrings and a necklace while learning more about the materials and traditions featured in the presentation. Participation is limited to 12 people, ages 12 and older. Tuition for Workshop is $45--Register now! 

*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 & cultural heritage fund. 

Cabin on the Lake A Minnesota Painting Experience with Peggy Paulson: October 10th 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!