Art Classes @ Franconia Commons
Whether you’re 7 or 75, these workshops are designed for you to explore your creativity and learn more about various artistic techniques from talented teaching artists in a fun, safe, and supportive setting. All workshops are beginner-friendly.
Tickets for workshops are sold on a sliding scale and we encourage you to pay according to your available resources. Those with greater financial privilege contribute more, allowing those with less access to pay according to their means. This allows Franconia to sustain its services while making accessibility as broad as possible.
Classes are held in the Driscoll Education Center of Franconia Commons. All materials are included in the cost of registration.
SOLD OUT Stained Glass Propagation Stations - Saturday, March 15 | 1-4PM
Join us for an all-ages workshop led by Abby Kosberg! Learn how to create a stunning propagation station for your plants. Abby will guide participants through foiling, soldering, and finishing pre-cut glass pieces to craft a unique and functional design.
March 15th SOLD OUT
March 29th SOLD OUT
Spoon Carving - Saturday, April 5 | 1-4PM
Learn how to carve a spoon from a fresh cut tree using traditional Nordic carving techniques. We cover tree anatomy, axing out a blank (roughed out spoon shape), knife holds for the hook & sloyd knife, drying, and finishing. This class is great for the beginner or the person wanting to learn Sloyd style carving. The class fee includes tool rental, materials, and a finishing kit. Please wear pants and close toed-shoes, as we are going to make some wood chips! This class is 12+ and participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Inclusion & Embossed Papermaking - Thursday, April 17 | 6-9PM
With the guidance of papermaker, Alexis Schramel, you’ll learn to identify, harvest, prepare, and craft handmade paper with foraged materials. Learn techniques for embedding, inclusions, and embossing handmade paper. Please note, this is an evening class!
Hmong-Inspired Jewelry & Keychains - Saturday, May 3 | 1-4PM
Textile artist Tshab Her will lead a jewelry making workshop inspired by traditional Hmong clothing. Participants will learn how to sew and bead their own earrings or keychain to take home.
Tree Ring Printing - Thursday, May 8 | 6-9PM
Torey Erin, Kim Boustead, and Jessie Merriam will lead a tree ring printmaking workshop, featuring the “cookies” or cross sections of different species to create prints with. Participants will print on paper or fabric and take their tree ring collages home. Please note, this is an evening class.
Intro to Zines - Saturday, May 31 | 1-4PM
Browse zines from the Late Night Copies Press zine library, and learn everything you need to make 8-page zines with collage, typewriters, xerox transfers, and a photocopier. After copying, plan to exchange your zine with the rest of the class and go home with a starter zine collection.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.