spring green painting workshop

with local artist, lara royer

at the pine river public library

monday, june 15th

4 - 6 pm

free to the public

registration is required as space is limited

Celebrate the arrival of spring by exploring the fresh colors and textures of the season’s landscape. Join local artist Lara Royer at The Pine River Public Library for an acrylic landscape painting workshop designed for all skill levels. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to deepen your technique, this session offers a relaxed, creative space to capture the vibrant greens and renewing energy of spring.

All materials are provided, and the workshop is open to participants ages 16+. The event is free, but registration is required as space is limited.

Come welcome the season by painting the shifting light, budding trees, and bright tones of the spring landscape — a perfect way to refresh your creativity.

The Pine River Public Library is located at 212 Park Ave, Pine River, MN 56474

intro to drawing hands

with local artist, molly mae

at the brainerd public library

wednesday, june 10th

4 - 6 pm

free to the public

registration is required as space is limited

Join local artist Molly Mae at the Brainerd Public 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+

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

mosaic magic

with kathy sanders

saturday, july 10th

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+

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.

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.