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.

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.

FREE PRESENTATION | 10:00–11:30 AM

Begin with Heirloom Fire: Czech Glasswork, Andrea’s free cultural heritage presentation exploring the history and manufacturing of Czech glass, including original video from factories and artisan workshops, tools, molds, and materials from different stages of production. The presentation is free and open to the public. You do not need to participate in the workshop to attend.

OPTIONAL JEWELRY WORKSHOP | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM

Immediately following the presentation, participants can continue the experience with a hands-on Czech Glass Jewelry Design Workshop. Workshop registration is $45 and requires attendance at the preceding presentation.

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: $45. Register now to reserve your spot

*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. 

Stained Glass Night Light with Sandra Sargent: Tuesday, September 22nd 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.

Stained Glass Garden Stake Art Class with Sandra Sargent: Saturday, September 26th from 10 AM - 2 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!

Draw Like An Artist From The Past with Jim Zotalis: Thursdays, October 1st - 22nd, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM! (For Ages 10+) Anyone can learn to draw! This class will experience many drawing mediums. We will view the drawing masters from the past: Vincent Van Gogh, Rembrandt Van Rijn, Thomas Hart Benton, and Edward Hooper to learn drawing skills you will never forget! Instructor Jim Zotalis is a retired Episcopal Priest, former High School and College Art Instructor and current professional artist! Register todayTuition: Member - $70, Non-Member - $86. (Supply Fee - $10)

Intro to Stained Glass - Copper Foil Method: Thursdays, October 1st & 8th 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.

An Introduction to Mosaic Art with Caron Learned: Saturday, October 3rd 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!

Pair of Cardinals Watercolor Class with Marcie Hayunga: Saturday, October 3rd 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 - $60, Non-Member - $68. (Includes a $20 supply fee!)

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! 

Stained Glass Night Light with Sandra Sargent: Tuesday, October 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.

Intermediate Beveled Stained Glass Class with Sandra Sargent: October 24th from 10 AM - 4 PM. Add sparkle and dimension to your stained glass work in this intermediate-level class focused around beveled glass. Bevels refract light beautifully, creating bright reflections and added depth in a finished piece. Students will create a rectangular or oval stained glass panel using a selection of provided patterns that feature beveled glass elements. The class will focus on accurate cutting, fitting bevels, foiling, and soldering techniques to highlight these elegant glass pieces. 

This class is intended for students who have completed an introductory stained glass class and are comfortable with the basic tools and copper foil method! Students will leave with a finished beveled glass panel ready to hang and enjoy. Tuition: Member - $135, Non-Member - $147. (This includes supply costs!) Class is held at Studio Underground, 318 Central Ave, basement level and taught by Sandra Sargent from Bending Sunlight Glassworks.

Chickadee & Berries Watercolor Class with Marcie Hayunga: Saturday, October 24th 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 - $60, Non-Member - $68. (Includes a $20 supply fee!) 

Holly & Berries Watercolor Class with Marcie Hayunga: Thursdays, November 5th & 12th from 6:00 - 8:30 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 - $70, Non-Member - $80. (Includes a $20 supply fee!)

Winter Sunrise with Birch Trees Watercolor Class with Marcie Hayunga: Saturday, November 7th 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 - $60, Non-Member - $68. (Includes a $20 supply fee!) 

Paint a Portrait of your Pet with artist Julie Fakler: (ages 7 & up, ages 6 & under will need an adult helper!) Tuesday, November 10, 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.

Portrait of your Pet in Clay with artist Julie Fakler: Ages 16 and up.  Member $57/ Non-Member $66. Supply fee: $12.  November 24, 5:30 pm- 7:00 pm; December 1, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm; and December 8, 5:30 pm- 6:30 pm. Julie will teach you step-by-step how to create a portrait of your pet in clay. In class, you will learn about composition, carving clay, color, and underglazing. November 24, students will carve their pet portrait in a slab of clay. December 1, students will glaze their pet portrait. On December 8, we will meet to see how the students' pieces turned out and do a little show-and-tell. Students will have time to socialize and share their art-making experience with fellow classmates. Email your pet photo(s) to info@paradisecenterforthearts.org , and Julie will print your photo on cardstock. Please email your photo to Julie by November 21. Wear clothes that can get dirty to class. 

Quilt in a Day with Artist Julie Fakler: January 23, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, 30 minutes for lunch. For beginners. Ages 16 and up. Member $57/ 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 receive precut squares, batting, and a 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” x 57”. This is a perfect size for a baby quilt or a couch throw. 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 an iron. No rotary blades; fabric will be pre-cut. Fabric donated by Pat & Katrina. Must be registered by January 15th.