watercolor and ink flower workshop

with katy yenter

at the brainerd public library

wednesday, july 8th

4 pm - 6 pm

free to the public

registration required as space is limited

Update As of 6/16 this class is full and sold out

Discover the joy of painting flowers in this expressive watercolor and ink workshop taught by local artist Katy Yenter at the Brainerd Public Library. In this relaxed, hands-on class, participants will explore how to create loose, flowing watercolor blooms while experimenting with color, shape, and movement. Katy will guide you through approachable techniques for building soft layers, blending hues, and capturing the organic feel of petals and leaves.

Once the watercolor foundations are in place, you’ll learn how to enhance your florals with simple ink details—delicate outlines, bold accents, and botanical textures that add depth and personality to your artwork. Whether you’re new to watercolor or looking to expand your creative toolkit, this class offers a welcoming space to play, practice, and develop your own floral style.

Free to attend. Registration required as space is limited. All materials provided. Ages 12+

mosaic magic

with kathy sanders

saturday, july 11th

10 am - 4 pm

$65 for crossing arts members

$70 for crossing arts members

Design and create a beautiful 12-inch wooden mosaic tray in this fun, hands-on class! Using colorful glass, tile, beads, and decorative pieces, you’ll learn basic mosaic techniques while creating a functional work of art. Arrange your own unique patterns and styles to make a tray perfect for serving, decorating, or gifting.

We’re excited to spend the whole day with you! Please wear comfy clothes that can get messy and bring along lunch and snacks, as meals won’t be provided.

Crossing Arts Members $65

Non-Members $70

Ages 14+

a BEGINNER'S introduction to paper quilling

with nikki besser

saturday, july 18th

11 am - 2 pm

$60 for crossing arts members

$65 for crossing arts members

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+

intro to drawing hands

with local artist, molly mae

at the jessie f. hallett memorial library, crosby, mn

thursday, july 23rd

5 - 7 pm

free to the public

registration is required as space is limited

Join local artist Molly Mae at The Jessie F. Hallett Memorial 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 drawing faces

with local artist, molly mae

at the brainerd public library

wednesday, august 12th

4 pm - 6 pm

free to the public

registration required as space is limited

Join local artist Molly Mae at the Brainerd Public Library for a relaxed, hands-on evening of drawing faces. Even experienced artists know that faces can be tricky, but Molly makes the fundamentals feel approachable with her helpful tips, clear guidance, and plenty of encouragement.

This free, two‑hour workshop includes all materials, so all you need to bring is your curiosity. Grab a friend, sign up, and enjoy learning something new together.

This workshop is free to the public, but registration is required as space is limited.

Ages 14+

Carvin critters

linoleum carving and printing

with breanna rhodes

saturday, august 22nd

11 am - 3 pm

$55 for crossing arts members

$60 for non-members

A lively, hands‑on printmaking adventure, this class invites participants to carve their own 5x7 linoleum block and create bold, expressive prints on 8x10 paper. Students learn the essentials of lino carving and relief printing, exploring tools, techniques, and inky textures. Preselected animal images are available so each person can choose a creature that speaks to them, then transform it into a carved block ready for printing. Everyone leaves with their finished block, a small stack of prints, and inky hands that prove they made something real. All materials are included.

The class is taught by Brea Rhodes, a St. Cloud–based artist who earned her BFA in Studio Art with a minor in Art History from Saint Cloud State University in 2023. Originally from the BLA, she now focuses her creative energy on painting and printmaking. Her experience includes two internships at Bruno Press in St. Joseph, MN, and several years of independent teaching, where she brings enthusiasm, humor, and a love of handmade art to every session.

Art can be messy! Please wear clothing you don't mind getting ink on.

Ages 8+ (must be accompanied by an adult)
Crossing Arts Members: $55
Non-members: $60

exploring whisk brooms

and other items

with local broomsquire, mark smith

saturday, september 19

11 am - 4 pm

$45 for crossing arts members

$50 for non-members

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the foundational materials and techniques used to create traditional utilitarian whisk brooms and small kitchen aids such as cake testers, veggie brushes, and pot scrubbers. You will also explore a fun seasonal variation by crafting a spooky decorative piece perfect for display.

Students will practice plaiting and weaving broom corn stalks to form sturdy, functional handles. All materials are provided, including traditional broom corn, assorted colored twine, tampico brush fibers for a small whisk or brush, and “spooky sticks” for a Halloween‑inspired project. No prior experience is required, and all necessary tools will be supplied.

If you have twisted branches between 24"–36" with interesting shapes or character, feel free to bring them to incorporate into your work.

Ages 16+; sharp tools will be used.

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.