Crossing Arts Workshops

Make Art, Make Friends, and Learn New skills

exploring pen and ink

workshop with lyssa lovejoy

saturday, february 22

1:00 - 3:00 PM

crossing arts members: $30

non-member pricing: $35

ages 16+

The Crossing Arts is thrilled to host exhibiting artist, Lyssa Lovejoy, for a very special workshop on Saturday, February 22nd.

Join Lyssa for a lively Pen & Ink Workshop, where you’ll explore the world of line and texture. In just two hours, you’ll unleash your creativity with the art of pen and ink, learning simple techniques like hatching, stippling, and everything in between. Whether you're doodling at home or looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers a fun, supportive atmosphere for artists beginning or learning a new medium. Grab your pens and paper, and let’s create some artwork together! Bring your imagination; we’ll provide the tools and inspiration! 

Learn more and register

untold stories of the american frontier

A Conversation with lyssa lovejoy

saturday, february 22

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

free and open to the public

Join exhibiting artist Lyssa Lovejoy as she discusses her captivating new series, "Wonders of the West." This collection honors the vital contributions of Black individuals who played a key role in shaping Wild West history. In this thought-provoking discussion, Lyssa will explore the untold stories of the American frontier, drawing inspiration from her own family history and her artist father, Jimmy Lovejoy. She will share the personal experiences that ignited her passion for this subject and discuss her plans for expanding the series.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with Lyssa as she celebrates resilience and heritage through her art and storytelling!

The Crossing Arts' activities are funded, in part, by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Five Wings Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. 

Learn more and register

fantastic frogs

acrylic painting with amber maki

snarky loon brewing co, jenkins, mn

tuesday, february 25

5:00 - 7:00 PM

crossing arts members: $15

non-members: $20

ages 16+

The Crossing Arts Alliance is thrilled to hop into our very first art class at The Snarky Loon Brewing Company in Jenkins! Join the talented Amber Maki for an evening of amphibious fun as we paint frogs! Yes, you read that right—frog portraits on mini canvases!

Amber will guide you through sketching, mixing colors, shading, and even adding those fun little details (think tiny hats or bowties!) to create your very own froggy masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just in it for the giggles, this class is the perfect place to unleash your inner artist and embrace some whimsical charm. All materials are included!

Come for the art, stay for the snacks and drinks! As a thank you to Snarky Loon for hosting, we encourage you to sip on their delicious selection of brews, cocktails, and mocktails (plus some tasty snacks) while you paint your froggy friend.

The Crossing Arts' activities are funded, in part, by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Five Wings Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. 

Learn more and register

hearth basket

Weaving workshop with shannon lucas westrum

saturday, march 1

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

crossing arts members: $35

non-member pricing: $40

ages 14+

Join Master Weaver, Shannon Lucas Westrum, for a hands-on basket weaving workshop. You'll craft a versatile basket perfect for hearth or harvest! Under the expert guidance of Shannon and her apprentice, you'll build a sturdy grid base and weave the sides around an 8" square hoop. You'll also learn to create cordage from local grasses or leaves and work with birch bark for decorative accents. 

The finished basket will measure 8" high, 9" wide, and 14" long—a beautiful and functional piece to take home. Thanks to an Arts Education Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, participant cost for this workshop has been reduced by more than 50% 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. Bring a lunch!

Learn more and register

intermediate watercolor I

hay field landscape with darcy brambrink

mastering watercolor series

saturday, March 8

12:00 - 4:00 PM

crossing arts members: $125

non-member pricing: $130

ages 16+

The third and final installment of Darcy Brambrink’s “Mastering Watercolor” series. Elevate your watercolor skills by learning to create the illusion of distance and foreground in landscapes. This class focuses on tonal values, shapes, and sky, using artist-quality pigments and supplies. Explore color mixing, wet-into-wet techniques, and layering to complete a 9 x 12 painting ready for framing! All paintings will be critiqued by the instructor. This class is ideal for those who have completed a few watercolor classes or have some experience on their own. All supplies are provided, but you are encouraged to bring a hair dryer to speed up drying.

You are welcome to bring a lunch, as there will be a 30-minute break. 

Learn more and register

spring flower mosaic

With DeeDEE Narum

saturday, March 15

11:00 am - 2:00 PM

crossing arts members: $65

non-member pricing: $70

ages 15+

Join mosaic artist DeeDee Narum for a beautiful project to welcome spring! Students will learn how to use glass nippers and grout to create a stunning, 5x5" floral mosaic on MDF. Choose from red, blue, pink, purple, or orange for your petals! All materials will be provided, including safety glasses. Usher in the new season with an afternoon of creativity at The Crossing Arts!

Learn more and register

pop art cowboy boot

With TRacy Miller

Canoe and paddle pub at Cragun’s resort

saturday, March 22

1:00 - 3:00 PM

crossing arts members: $35

non-member pricing: $40

ages 8+

Join local artist, Tracy Miller, at the beautiful Canoe and Paddle Pub at Cragun's Resort! Participants will create a fun, pop art cowboy boot and learn Miller's signature style of bold brushwork, color and strategic use of negative space. 

Tracy Miller loves to paint the wildlife and symbols of the Western United States. After earning her bachelor's degree in art, Tracy spent several years learning the art gallery business by selling other noted artist's works, then started her own full time painting career after moving to Colorado Springs in 1994. She closed her gallery in Manitou Springs in December of 2018 to pursue her art full time. In 2021 she and her husband moved to Minnesota to enjoy the dream of living on a lake!

Learn more and register

hanging garden ornament

stained glass workshop With DeeDEE Narum

saturday, May 31

1:00 pm - 4:00 PM

crossing arts members: $65

non-member pricing: $70

ages 15+

Join mosaic artist DeeDee Narum and make a beautiful, whimsical piece for your garden just in time for summer! Students will learn how to use glass nippers and grout to create a stunning, 3x6" hanging garden mosaic. Choose from red, blue, pink, or purple for your ornament. All materials will be provided, including safety glasses. Enjoy an afternoon learning a new skill and getting creative at The Crossing Arts!

Learn more and register

Virtual WORKSHOPS