Intro to drawing hands

with molly mae

at the pine river public library

monday, august 31st

4 pm - 6 pm

free to the public

registration is required

Join local artist Molly Mae at The Pine River Library, for a welcoming, beginner‑friendly workshop focused on one of the trickiest subjects in art: drawing hands.

Even seasoned artists find hands challenging, but Molly will guide participants through approachable techniques that build confidence and skill. This two‑hour class includes all necessary materials, making it easy to simply show up, learn, and enjoy the creative process. Bring a friend, tap into your artistic side, and register for this fun, hands‑on workshop.

The program is free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required.

Ages 14+

intro to perspective

with lara royer

at the pine river public library

monday, september 21st

4 pm - 6 pm

free to the public

registration is required

Discover how to make your drawings pop off the page in this friendly, beginner‑friendly workshop with local artist Lara Royer. Whether you’re sketching cozy streets, towering trees, or everyday objects, perspective is the secret to creating depth, realism, and that satisfying “aha!” moment when everything finally lines up.

In this hands‑on session, Lara will guide participants through the basics of one‑point and two‑point perspective, simple measuring tricks, and how to use vanishing points to build believable spaces. You’ll practice foundational exercises, experiment with quick sketches, and learn how perspective can strengthen any style of drawing.

This workshop is free to the public and held at The Pine River Library. Registration is required, as space is limited.

Perfect for absolute beginners, casual sketchers, and anyone curious about building stronger drawing skills - all supplies will be provided.

Ages 16+

acrylic painting workshop

stories and paintings inspired by the north shore

with sam zimmerman

saturday, october 3rd

12 pm - 3 pm

$50 for crossing arts members

$55 for non-members

Join artist, Sam Zimmerman, for a creative afternoon of storytelling and art! Sam will share images and stories of the North Shore’s animals, birds, and fish that influence his artwork and will teach participants the Ojibwemowin names for these creatures.

Then, guided by Sam, create your own 11”x14” acrylic painting, selecting from a predetermined list of fish, animal, and bird species. Sam will demonstrate how to build backgrounds that complement your chosen subject, helping you bring your artwork to life.

Celebrate your favorite North Shore animal with a beautiful painting to take home. All supplies and materials are provided.

Art can be messy—please wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on!

Beginner-friendly | Ages 16+
Crossing Arts Members: $50
Non-members: $55

needle-felted pumpkin workshop

inspired by sarafina fiber arts

with nancy scott

saturday, october 10th

11 am - 1 pm

$53 for crossing arts members

$58 for non-members

Celebrate the cozy spirit of fall with a hands-on needle‑felting pumpkin workshop. In this class, you’ll learn how to sculpt soft wool into charming seasonal décor—whether you prefer classic pumpkins or playful jack‑o’-lantern faces. Each kit provides enough materials to create 3 to 6 pumpkins, so you can experiment with shapes, sizes, and styles. You’ll work with two core wool colors for your pumpkin bases, along with a selection of contrasting accent colors to add stems, swirls, leaves, or expressive faces. This class is beginner‑friendly, relaxing, and a perfect way to welcome autumn with something handmade and heartfelt.

Inspired by Sarafina Fiber Arts Crossing Arts Members: $53 Non‑Members: $58 Ages: 12+

a BEGINNER'S introduction to paper quilling

with nikki besser

11 am - 2 pm

$60 for crossing arts members

$65 for crossing arts members

** UPDATE: This class has been postponed until October. New workshop date TBD **

In this introductory workshop, students are welcomed into the delicate and captivating world of paper quilling. Under the guidance of artist and instructor Nikki Besser, participants explore the foundational tools and techniques that bring this centuries‑old craft to life. The class focuses on essential skills such as rolling, folding, and curling paper strips, then arranging those elements into a thoughtfully designed entry‑level project that builds confidence and sparks creativity.

Each participant receives a beginner’s kit containing the core tools needed for quilling. These kits are theirs to keep, encouraging continued exploration and practice long after the session ends.

Nikki Besser is a self‑taught quilling artist with roughly eight years of dedicated practice. Her artistic journey has been shaped by consistent experimentation, curiosity, and a commitment to refining her craft. Through ongoing discovery of new techniques and possibilities, she has developed a personal style rooted in patience and play. Nikki has taught regularly throughout her years of practice, sharing her knowledge with learners of all ages and skill levels. Her teaching approach emphasizes encouragement, hands‑on learning, and the joy of watching simple materials transform into intricate works of art.

$60 for Crossing Arts Members

$65 for Non-Members

Ages 12+

The Crossing Arts’ workshops are funded, in part, by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Five Wings Arts Council and the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.