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.

Intro to Stained Glass - Copper Foil Method: Tuesdays, October 14th & 21st from 6PM-9PM. 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.

Workshop #1-Learning Improv Comedy: Saturday, October 18th from 12:30 - 2:30 PM.

In this two hour intensive course, learn the foundation of improv comedy Short Form. We will learn the underlying concepts of improv, play a ton of fun brain bender games and learn a couple of games for the stage. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into the world of improv, laugh, and get your brain working. You create the laughs as you learn the ways of Improv! Instructor - Buddy Ricker. 

Little Fish Comedy is a local improv troupe that has been doing improv since 2023.  They have performed for corporations, schools, charities and weddings.  Their geographic range takes them from Iowa to Twin Cities.  They also perform free shows at various local venues.

Tuition: Member - $35, Non-Member - $40. 

This Class is Full! - Sip & Felt: Painting with Wool with Char Johnson: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, October 20-22. Class will meet from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Grab a friend and create your own unique wool portrait! Relax with a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage while you create something beautiful. In this class you will learn to create a 2D portrait by using dyed animal fiber and a barbed needle. You will transfer your image onto a felt sheet and layer fibers to create your masterpiece. Learn layering and blending techniques to give your portrait depth and character. You will leave class with your project framed in a hoop or picture frame! These needle felted portraits are suitable for an easle or wall! Students must send the instructor a photo of the animal, flower, woodland scene, etc... Tuition: Member - $50, Non-Member - $64. (Supply Fee - $25). 

Introduction to Linocut Printmaking with Tami Resler: Saturday November 1, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Open to kids and adults ages 11 and up. We’ll learn the relief printmaking technique of linocut using easy to cut material. This class will introduce students to materials and tools, guide them through creating a design that will give great results, and share tips that will result in beautiful prints. We’ll make greeting cards and a frameable print perfect for the holidays. Tuition: Member - $30, Non-Member - $36. Supply fee $15. Instructor: Tami Resler.

Intro to Stained Glass - Copper Foil Method: Tuesdays, November 4th & 11th from 10AM-4PM. 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, November 15th from 10:30 AM - 1:30 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!

Workshop #1-Learning Improv Comedy: Saturday, November 15th from 12:30 - 2:30 PM.

In this two hour intensive course, learn the foundation of improv comedy Short Form. We will learn the underlying concepts of improv, play a ton of fun brain bender games and learn a couple of games for the stage. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into the world of improv, laugh, and get your brain working. You create the laughs as you learn the ways of Improv! Instructor - Buddy Ricker. 

Little Fish Comedy is a local improv troupe that has been doing improv since 2023.  They have performed for corporations, schools, charities and weddings.  Their geographic range takes them from Iowa to Twin Cities.  They also perform free shows at various local venues.

Tuition: Member - $35, Non-Member - $40. 

Intro to Stained Glass - Copper Foil Method: Wednesdays, November 19th & 26th from 6PM - 9PM. 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.

Guided Batik Lab with Tami Resler: Monday November 24, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM and Tuesday November 25, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Whether you're a beginner or have worked with batik and just want some guidance, join us as we use wax and dyes to create beautiful and fun pieces of art on fabric. We’ll make tote bags and frameable art! A fun way to make holiday gifts for family and friends. Tuition: Member - $60, Non-Member - $72. Supply fee $15. Wear clothing that can get stained. Instructor: Tami Resler.

Holiday Mosaic Art Class with Caron Learned: Friday, December 12th from 1:30 PM - 4:30 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 Holiday-inspired project: a Mosaic Wall Panel which makes a great gift or can be used to 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!

Intermediate Wheel Throwing with Tami Resler: Saturday, December 13, 9am – 1pm (throwing), Monday, December 15, 6pm - 8pm (throwing), Saturday, December 20 (glazing), 10am – 12pm. This is for students who already know how to create basic cylinders. Improve overall skills and learn new techniques. Tools are provided, but you must purchase clay at the Paradise for this class (includes firing and glazing.) Wear clothing that can get dirty. Tuition: Member - $70, Non-Member - $84. Instructor: Tami Resler.

Workshop #2-Creating Characters through Improv Comedy: Saturday, December 13th from 12:30 - 2:30 PM.

Prerequisite: Workshop #1-Learning Improv Comedy or approval of the instructor.

In this two-hour intensive course, we will delve into what makes a great character in an improv scene. This course pushes your creative side to develop, hold and evolve a character in an improv setting. It’s not about acting; it is about commitment. We will learn some challenging mental warm-up games as well as how to contribute to a scene in the unseen ways. Instructor - Buddy Ricker.

Little Fish Comedy is a local improv troupe that has been doing improv since 2023. They have performed for corporations, schools, charities, and weddings. Their geographic range takes them from Iowa to Twin Cities. They also perform free shows at various local venues.

Tuition: Member: $35, Non-Member: $40.

The Essential Tote Bag Class with Carol Kaune: January 10th from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (with a short break for lunch!) This is an Around the Bobbin pattern that is a great beginner's sewing pattern. It’s a great place to start your tote and purse-making skills! The finished tote is 12 3⁄4” high by 19 1⁄4” wide and 4” deep. It can be used as a purse or a work bag. Tuition: Member - $85, Non-Member - $97. (This fee includes a Pattern & Interfacing Kit from the instructor!)

In addition to this, each student will need to provide the following fabrics. (Regular Quilting or cotton fabrics work just fine!)

- 1/3 yd fabric - (42" wide) upper exterior

- 1/4 yd fabric - (42" wide) lower exterior

- 5/8 yd fabric - (42" wide) interior lining

- 1/2 yd fabric - (42" wide) handles and interior pockets

- 20" zipper (Carol will have some on hand) longer is fine we will cut to size. 

Additional Supplies Needed: 

- Sewing machine if you have one (Paradise has a few) 

- Walking foot for sewing machine (optional) 

- Zipper foot for sewing machine (optional) 

- Pins and/or clips

- Fabric scissors

- Rotary cutter, rulers and cutting matt if you have.

- Thread to match fabric (extra color for the top stitching - optional) 

- Marking pen 

- Seam ripper (just in case) 

- Any other tools you prefer to use! 

Quilt in a Day with Artist Julie Fakler: January 17 10:00am – 4:00pm, with a 30-minutes break for lunch! For beginners. Ages 16 and up. Member $55/ Non-Member $66. Supply fee $25. Create a throw size quilt in one day! Students will learn how to piece a quilt top, assemble the three layers of the quilt (top, batting, and back), and tie the quilt. Students will be given precut squares, batting, and quilt back. Students will learn how to sew the quilt squares together using a sewing machine and how to iron the quilt top. All three layers will be sewn together and tied. Students will leave class with a finished throw size quilt, approximately 42”x57”. This is a perfect size for a baby quilt, or a throw for the couch. Kits will be provided and include everything you need to create your quilt. Instructor: Julie Fakler.                                                            

Bring a lunch to class. Students will be using a sewing machine and iron. No rotary blades, fabric will be precut. Fabric donated by Pat & Katrina. Must be registered January 9th.

Paint a Portrait of your Pet with artist Julie Fakler: January 21 from 5 PM - 7 PM. (ages 7 & up, ages 6 & under will need an adult helper.) 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 get registered 3 days prior to the start of class. Tuition - Member: $30, Non-Member: $34. (Supplies included in tuition!) 

Piece it Together - An Introduction to Mosaic Art with Caron Learned: Thursday, February 12th from 6:00 - 9:00 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 Mirror which makes a great gift or can be used as a picture frame or hold a square candle as a centerpiece or hang as a mirror 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. Bring a friend, share in the magic of mosaic art. Cheers!