Neighborhood art studio night

with katy yenter

at the brainerd public library

wednesday, september 9th

4 pm - 6 pm

free to the public

registration is required

Join us for a joyful, hands-on Neighborhood Art Studio Night, where creativity, community, and connection come together! This fun and welcoming workshop is designed for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced artists. We believe art is for everyone, and there’s no right or wrong way to create.

During the evening, participants will rotate through a series of collaborative art pieces in timed intervals, adding their own unique colors, marks, textures, and ideas to each artwork. As the pieces travel around the room, they will grow through the imagination and creativity of the entire group. By the end of the night, each participant will take home a finished artwork that everyone helped create, making it a one-of-a-kind celebration of shared artistic expression.

You'll explore a variety of art materials, including watercolor and mixed-media paper, watercolor paints, brushes, colored pencils, markers, paint markers, oil pastels, and more. Whether you're picking up a paintbrush for the first time or have years of artistic experience, you'll find a welcoming space to experiment, connect, and create.

This free community workshop will be held at Brainerd Public Library. Registration is required, as space is limited.

Ages 12+

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+

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.