Junk journaling

with heather friemann

at the brainerd public library

416 south 5th street

4 - 6 PM

free to the public

registration required

Update: As of 5/6 this workshop is sold out

Join local artist Heather Friemann for an inspiring afternoon devoted to the creative world of junk journaling. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore how everyday materials - scraps of paper, old book pages, envelopes, fabric bits, maps, and other found treasures - can be transformed into expressive, deeply personal journals. Heather will guide you through the process step by step, from selecting and preparing materials to assembling pages and adding decorative touches that reflect your own style and story.

Whether you’re an experienced crafter or someone who has never made a journal before, you’ll find this session welcoming, relaxed, and full of ideas you can take home. Expect to learn new techniques, experiment with textures and layers, and leave with the beginnings of a unique journal that’s entirely your own. All materials provided!

This program is free to the public, but registration is required due to limited space. The workshop will take place at the Brainerd Public Library on May 13, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

Learn more and register

exploring whisk brooms

and other items

with local broomsquire, mark smith

saturday, may 16

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.

Learn more and register

Acrylic painting workshop

with sam zimmerman

saturday, june 13

12 pm - 3 pm

$50 for crossing arts members

$55 for crossing arts 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

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.