the art of micromosaics

with kathy sanders

saturday, february 21st

11 am - 3 pm

$50 for Crossing arts members

$55 for non-members

ages 16+

Discover the joy of creating big beauty in tiny form! In this hands-on micromosaic class, you’ll learn how to transform the smallest bits of glass and tile into dazzling miniature artworks. Guided step by step, you’ll design and craft your own pendant while exploring color, pattern, and intricate detail on a delightful small scale.

No prior experience is needed—just bring your creativity and a love for little things that shine!

🛠️ What You’ll Use

• Tools provided: diamond file, tweezers, dental tool

• Materials: glass filati, pendant substrate, and assorted supplies

• Safety gear available for student use: masks, safety glasses, and glass nippers

🎨 What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience with traditional micromosaic techniques

• A one-of-a-kind pendant to take home

• Skills to continue exploring miniature mosaic art on your own

Ages 16+

Learn more and register

pet portrait workshop

learning to draw dogs

with amber maki

at the jessie f. hallett memorial library

crosby, mn

free to the public - registration is required

ages 14+

Discover the joy of drawing and painting animals in this beginner‑friendly workshop led by local artist Amber Maki. Held at the Jessie F. Hallett Library in Crosby, MN, this session introduces the foundational steps for drawing a dog, including essential techniques such as shading and basic form building.

This class is the second session in a multi‑part series designed to help you grow your artistic skills over time. If you missed the first class, no worries — we’ll cover the essential fundamentals of drawing dogs in this workshop. By the end of the full series, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to draw and paint a portrait of your own pet. It’s a great fit for aspiring artists ages 14+ who want to explore animal art in a supportive, hands‑on environment.

📍 Location: Jessie F. Hallett Library, Crosby, MN

🎨 Cost: Free to the public - registration is required as space is limited

Ages 14+



Learn more and register

whisk broom 101

with mark smith

saturday, february 28th

11 am - 4 pm

$40 for Crossing arts members

$45 for non-members

ages 16+

** Update: As of February 10th, this class is at full capacity and is now sold out **

Class participants will have sufficient material available to produce two- three whisk brooms, and at least one with a plaited handle. You'll learn to use a foot brake (spool of twine), wrapping techniques and knotting techniques. All equipment and tools will also be provided. A few variations of traditional Appalachian designs will be demonstrated. 

The whisk brooms featured in this short class will be made of colored nylon twine and processed broomcorn or hurl. Broomcorn is a traditional material identical to that produced as a commodity crop in the Midwest in the late 19th century as raw material for the then thriving cottage industry of broom making. Colored nylon twine is used in tying the broomcorn and attaching it to the handle or just cinching the processed broomcorn when making smaller whisk brooms.   Broomcorn stalks are often cut, split, and soaked to make them pliable, and they are then woven or plaited to produce a fancy handle for the whisk. 

The broom maker's craft is an old one and it is not too common these days, but the joy of assembling a novel creation after sitting down with some string, a stick and a bit of broomcorn is enough to keep anyone going through even the coldest Minnesota winters.   It’s just more fun to sweep up a mess or clean up a corner if the tools you are using have character and charm.  Come out and learn the basics of this traditional craft. 

11 am - 4pm with a lunch break included. Lunch will not be provided, so please plan accordingly.

$45 for Crossing Arts Members

$50 for Non-Members

Ages 16+ Sharp tools will be used in this class.

Berry picking basket workshop

with shannon lucas-westrum

saturday, march 7th

10 am - 4 pm

$30 for Crossing arts members

$35 for non-members

ages 14+

** Update: As of January 24th, this class is at full capacity and is now sold out **

Join master Basket Maker, Shannon Lucas Westrum, for a hands-on basket weaving workshop! This workshop includes weaving a round base, adding upright accent spokes, lashing with cord, cutting and riveting your own leather handle. Great for collecting berries and mushrooms, this piece has a lot of versatility. The finished basket will measure 7" across the base, 6 1/4” across the top, and 5” high (not including leather handle).
Thanks to an Arts Education Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, participant cost for this workshop has been reduced by more than 60% and all materials are included free of cost.

Instructor will provide all necessary tools (shears, weights, towels, wash tubs, etc).

Hand dexterity required

Ages 14+

There will be a 1/2hr lunch break. Lunch will not be not provided.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Acrylic painting workshop

with sam zimmerman

saturday, april 18th

12 pm - 3 pm

$50 for Crossing arts members

$55 for non-members

ages 16+

Join exhibiting 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

Learn more and register

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.