Sketching the winter landscape

with local artist lara royer

monday, january 26th

4 - 6 pm

at the pine river public libray, pine river, mn

free to the public, registration is required

Sketching the Winter Landscape:

Explore the beauty of winter through loose, expressive drawing techniques using pastels and charcoal with local artist, Lara Royer. This free class at The Pine River Library, invites participants to capture seasonal textures, light, and atmosphere while experimenting with relaxed, intuitive mark‑making using pastels and charcoal. Registration is required, as space is limited.

Ages 16+

Free to the public - Registration is required as space is limited. 

Learn more and register

Pet portrait workshop - learning to draw cats

with local artist amber maki

thursday, january 29th

5 - 7 pm

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

free to the public, registration is required

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 cat, including essential techniques such as shading and basic form building.

This class is the first in a multi‑part series designed to build your skills over time. By the end of the series, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to draw and paint a portrait of your very own pet. Perfect 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

watercolor city landscape

with darcy brambrink

saturday, january 31st

$130 for Crossing arts members

$135 for non-members

ages 16+

“Claim Your Creative Seat” and open your inner artist with this City Landscape workshop in Watercolor. Have you ever wanted to capture the energy of a city street or a charming café scene in your sketchbook or simply learn perspective on a scene? This workshop is designed for aspiring artists with little to no watercolor experience. Join instructor Darcy Brambrink for a supportive and fun-filled session where you will learn to simplify complex cityscapes into beautiful, expressive watercolor paintings. We will cover the essential techniques needed to get started, from basic washes and color mixing to creating light and shadow. By the end of the day, you will walk away with a finished piece and the confidence to sketch or paint your own urban adventures. Participants will receive all artist quality supplies to complete a 9 x 12 painting.

Ms. Brambrink is a member of the Minnesota Watercolor Society; the American Watercolors Society and her works are featured in several Central Minnesota galleries.

Ages 16+

Learn more and register

Needle-felted penguin workshop

with nancy scott

saturday, february 7th

11 am - 1 pm

$53 for Crossing arts members

$58 for non-members

ages 12+

🐧 Needle-Felted Penguin Workshop

Get ready for a delightfully wooly adventure. In this beginner‑friendly Level 1 class, you’ll learn the magic of needle felting as we sculpt an irresistibly cute 5-inch penguin using nothing but wool fiber and a few trusty pipe cleaners.

You’ll explore the basics of shaping, poking, and refining wool with barbed needles and simple tools—watching your fluffy bundle slowly transform into a charming little character with tons of personality.

All materials will be provided, so whether you’re brand new to felting or just love adorable handmade creatures, this class is a cozy, creative treat.

Inspired by Sarafina Fiber Arts

Learn more and register

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

whisk broom 101

with mark smith

saturday, february 28th

11 am - 4 pm

$40 for Crossing arts members

$45 for non-members

ages 16+

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.

Learn more and register

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.

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.