Art
Classes:
Clay Sculpture:
Sculpting the Human Head
Thursdays, 6-9pm: Starts March 11.
$220/4 sessions plus $20 materials fee, plus $25 model fee.
In this class students will be sculpting a head in water-based clay.
Geared for beginning and intermediate levels, the class will provide plenty of demonstrations, step-by-step instruction and individual attention. Class size is limited to a maximum of eight students.
Students will learn to 'see' the forms on a live model and render them in clay. Also included will be study and discussion of anatomy, proportions, and planes of the face and head.
The materials fee covers all the clay you'll
need and use of all tools; wire armature, and all kiln firings.
Instructor Lynette Power's work is inspired by fascination with classical, mythical and mystical images of gods and goddesses, and spirit of the ancient Eros with its delight in life and enjoyment of the body. Decades of study, including anatomy, Middle Eastern dancing, massage therapy and the Feldenkrais [body movement] Training Program inform her approach to sculpture. Visit Lynette's website to find out more about this outstanding contributor to art instruction at Crossings.
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PMC Pendants: Silver Jewelry
Made Fun and Easy!
Saturday, April 3: 10am-3pm (one hour lunch break).
Cost: $76- includes supplies!
Yes, you can make
your own one-of-a-kind silver jewelry
and wear it home the same day!
Learn how to use a material called Precious Metal Clay to create your own pendants, earrings or charms. Precious Metal Clay is a revolutionary new material that allows you create objects from clay that, after firing, result in pure silver. Have fun while learning how to work with the clay to make your own design. After firing, you will learn how to polish your jewelry to bring out the beauty of the design.
You'll have enough supplies to make at least 2 finished pendants and 2 pairs of earrings! So bring a friend or two and make it a creative day out!
As always, in Laurie's classes you learn great
tips and techniques in working with the material, use of all her tools and
supplies and receive one-on-one instruction to help you create and go home
with a one of a kind piece of jewelry.- Laurie Riekmann, Instructor.
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Rosemaling
3- Day Intensive Workshop
Friday through Sunday, April 9, 10 & 11: 9am-4pm each day.
Cost: $165
Please register by March 27
Try your hand at
a
beautiful folk art form
with Vesterheim
Gold Medal winner
Ken Magnuson
Rosemaling is a form of decorative flower painting that originated in Norway in the 1700s. These graceful designs are derived from C and S strokes and are characterized by flowing lines and scroll, imaginative, fanciful flowers, and subtle colors. Rosemaling may also incorporate figures, scenes and script lettering.
Several different styles of rosemaling exist, each named for the region in which it originated. In this class, both Telemark and Hallingdal styles of painting will be taught.
Students will work at their own level, from beginners on up, and may choose the style they prefer. Each student will work on their own project at their own pace. A class project will be available for beginners and all others who would like to work on patterning their own plate, as pictured to the left.
Click here for a list of supplies you'll need.
All students, from absolute beginners to more advanced Rosemalers, can expect to learn, refine and hone their skills in this timeless style of painting.
Instructor Ken Magnuson was
awarded the Vesterheim Gold Medal for excellence in rosemaling by the Vesterheim
Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah. To earn this award, artists must complete
and earn 8 points at the annual national competition each July. The first
Gold Medal was awarded in 1969. Since that time, less then 50 artists have
received this award.
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Welded Metal Garden Sculpture
Saturday, April 10: 9am-3pm.
Cost: $95 + $65 materials fee
Participants must be at least 18 years of age. (16-17 years ok if accompanied
by an adult.)
2nd SESSION ADDED:
Sunday , April 11: 9am-3pm.
Cost: $95 + $65 materials fee
Participants must be at least 18 years of age. (16-17 years ok if accompanied
by an adult.)
Learn how to weld and create a variety of different sculptures for your garden!
Ever wanted to learn how to operate a MIG wire feed welder or a stick welder? You are in luck! Using these, plus oxy-acetylene and grinders, you will learn how to create your own garden decorations. Metal artist extraordinaire Kelly Ludeking will take you step-by-step through the processes.
2007 class participant Nancy Driscoll
made this elegant and intricate garden sculpture!
Everyone, from the complete novice as well as experienced metal workers, will enjoy this opportunity to try their hands at this rewarding craft. Students are encouraged to bring along their own found steel or cast-iron objects that they would like to incorporate into their own unique garden object of art.
This class is made possible by, and will be held 2 blocks away from Crossings at the state of the art welding shop of our generous neighbors, Custom Iron. Custom Iron metal crafters create spiral stairways and unique stair and balcony railings for fine homes throughout the US.
Please bring a sack lunch for this day-long class, and wear all natural fiber clothing, long-sleeves, and pants without cuffs! Safety glasses are required at all times – even under welding helmets. Bring your welding or tough leather gloves if you have them. A Custom Iron representative and the instructor will talk about shop safety and cover the equipment and hand tools provided.
Kelly will also provide a variety of different size of metal rods, tubes and solid stock. Each student will leave with a piece of art they created that day and the knowledge of how to use their new skills again.
Learn more about Kelly and his creations here!
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The Magic of Batik
Saturday, April 24, 9am-4pm
& Sunday, April 25, 10am-4pm.
Cost: $135 + $20 materials fee
This class is perfect for
anyone who loves color and wants to have fun!
Beginners as well as the experienced batiker will find this workshop enjoyable.
"Dragonfly" by Marie Marvin
Emphasis in this workshop is color mixing of dyes and its application to fabric. Hot wax is used as a resist to form compositions that appear like magic right before your eyes!
The instructors, batik masters Arlene Rolf and Deb Johnson, will demonstrate various methods of applying both the dyes and wax and participants will complete at least three finished pieces ready to frame. Perfect for anyone who loves color and wants to have fun!
Dyes, wax, tools, and fabric will be supplied.
Please bring: 2 rolls wax paper, 1 roll paper towel, sharpie pen, pencil, masking tape, 3 inch stack newspapers - no shiny ones, rubber gloves, apron, drawing tablet, 2 pieces of heavy cardboard no larger than 16X20.
Deb Johnson and Arlene Rolf maintain their individual studios, but have collaborated on many projects including exhibits, an indigo dyeing business, and have developed workshops loaded with information, inspiration and fun.
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Watercolors:
Design and Color Choices
Saturday, May 1, 9am-4pm.
Cost: $88.
Want to get your creative juices flowing? From the start of this workshop, instructor Ellen Roles will encourage students to discover their individual inner gifting and respond to it. Her goal of this workshop is to encourage excellence, to give students knowledge and experience toward creativity, artful painting, and design guided by choice and personal preference.
Students at any level of experience will love this class.
watercolors by Ellen Roles
To this end, Ellen will teach technical competency-that is, the understanding of qualities of various pigments and how to apply paint to paper so that each student will gain the ability to paint what they have always wanted to paint.
There will also be studies in elements such as size, shape, color, and how to use them to create unity and interesting contrast. Ed Whitney taught us that a painter is a "Shape Maker, Symbol Collector, and Entertainer." These concepts will be explored. Creativity has to do with making choices. Studying provides knowledge about what and how to make choices with the intention to be creative. With this goal in mind, we will do many studies as well as have plenty of time to make a "real painting." Students will be encouraged to use only one or two subjects (of their own choice) and go home with several variations of each.
Beyond this, discover how watercolor fascinates artists with its endless possibilities and methods as Ellen works her magic with dynamic color and impressionistic style.
Click here for a list of supplies you'll need!
After earning a BA with a double major in math and art, Ellen Roles began studying watercolor in a workshop with Zolton Sabo. She is grateful to have more than 20 workshop instructors including Ed Whitney, Robert E. Wood, and Skip Lawrence. She is an established instructor and yet she is still learning about this fascinating medium.
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Introduction to Encaustic Wax
Painting
Friday, May 7, 6-9pm.
Cost: $98. Includes all materials!
Hot Wax :::
Cool Art!
Experience the magic of an ancient art form! Encaustic is composed of beeswax, tree resin, and oil pigment, applied hot and fused to create a beautiful, translucent and striking surface. It was used 2500 years ago by the Egyptians to paint the famous mummy portraits and is being rediscovered by contemporary artists.
Learn the basics of encaustic painting, a unique art using heated, pigmented beeswax to create distinctive work. Experience making your own encaustic paint, mixing colors on a hot palette, fusing layers, incising and scraping and creating texture and transparency. Plus the basics about equipment and tools, various substrates and safety issues. For both beginning and experienced artists.
Instructor Margaret Berry returned to studio work after serving as Executive Director of the Arts Council and Education Director of the University Place Art Center, both in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Berry began painting in encaustic in 2003 after many years as a fiber artist. Encaustic is the oldest and most durable form of painting, used by the Egyptians to make mummy portraits and the Greeks to adorn and protect their ships. She combines local beeswax with oil pigments to make a hot paint. Some paintings also incorporate photos, objects and oil stick. In addition to serving as an artist-in-residence for the Nebraska Arts Council, she teaches encaustic workshops throughout the Midwest. Berry is a charter member of International Encaustic Artists and her work is featured this year in shows in New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Iowa, Colorado and Nebraska.
Visit Margaret Berry's website to see more of her work and to learn more about encaustic!!
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Encaustic Wax Painting, Advanced
Techniques
Saturday & Sunday, May 8 & 9, 10am - 4:30pm both days.
Cost: $295 ($250 for those taking the Introductory Class on May 7). Includes
all materials!
Learn more about hot wax techniques including image transfer, photo manipulation, molds, collage, assemblage, monotypes, and incorporating oil pigment sticks! There will be step-by-step demonstrations plus time to work on several pieces. Previous experience suggested.
Explore brushing, scraping, layering and pouring
wax on a variety of supports. See how to combine encaustic with other mediums
such as photography, printmaking and collage. Sensuous textures, lustrous
depth, and the smell and feel of beeswax will convert you to this versatile
and fascinating medium.
If you have a simple black and white or color photocopy of a photograph
that you really want to use in a collage or photo encaustic work, feel free
to bring it. Any size up to 8 1/2 x 11 will do.
Local and country lodging is available
for as low as $44/night.
Contact Marie at Crossings for options: 507-732-7616.
Instructor
Margaret Berry returned to studio work after serving as
Executive Director of the Arts Council and Education Director of the University
Place Art Center, both in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Berry began painting in encaustic in 2003 after many years as a fiber artist. Encaustic is the oldest and most durable form of painting, used by the Egyptians to make mummy portraits and the Greeks to adorn and protect their ships. She combines local beeswax with oil pigments to make a hot paint. Some paintings also incorporate photos, objects and oil stick. In addition to serving as an artist-in-residence for the Nebraska Arts Council, she teaches encaustic workshops throughout the Midwest. Berry is a charter member of International Encaustic Artists and her work is featured this year in shows in New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Iowa, Colorado and Nebraska.
Visit Margaret Berry's website to see more of her work and to learn more about encaustic!!
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2-Day Landscape Painting 'en
plein air' with Marc Hanson
Saturday-Sunday, May 15-16: 9am-4pm. One hour lunch break each day.
Cost: $269 + supplies
Open to oil and pastel painters of any level!
Red Gates by Marc Hanson
This workshop will include two days of demonstrations, lecture and instruction
about how to paint in the landscape 'en plein air'. Each day will include
a demo, group discussion about painting technique, materials and philosophy,
and easel time for students along with easel critique.
Instructor Marc Hanson will concentrate on the basic elements of painting and will include an exercise or two to reinforce some of the basics that we all need to brush up on from time to time. There will be at least one black & white exercise, and the chance to paint a couple of full color studies as well. At the end of the two days there will be time for a discussion and critique about your work and group questions.
Marc
Hanson teaches plein air landscape painting on a regular basis
in classes and workshops in Minnesota and other locations nationally. He
says, " I love working with other painters in their pursuit to better
their craft. My goal is not to have them assimilate my style and technique,
but to teach them how to more closely examine the subject and apply the
principles that representational painters must follow to become effective
visual communicators."
His work has been shown in galleries and museums around the country and the world since the early 1980's. He has studied with some of our great painters, like Richard Schmid, Dan McCaw and Zhang Wen Xin. He is a signature member of The Oil Painters of America and a founding member of P.A.P.W. (Plein Air Painters West). Marc has garnered a number of national awards including placing three times in The Pastel Journal's 'Pastel 100' competition, and winning an Award of Excellence at the O.P.A. National Exhibit in 2000 and 2007, and has been featured in several national magazines including Plein Air Magazine, The Artist's Magazine, American Art Collector and The Pastel Journal.
Click
here for supplies required for this class
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Create a Freeform Dye Silk
Scarf
Saturday, June 26, 9:30-11:30am.
Cost: $29 plus $9 materials fee
Is
there anything more luxurious than silk?
In this two-hour class, you will create your own beautiful silk scarf accessory
in your own choice of colors and design.
It's easier than you think!
Students will learn how to add color to a length of china silk. The instructor will lead students step by step in how to employ the use of Sabraset dyes, which are known for excellence in holding their color throughout laundering and exposure to light. You'll also be thrilled by the jewel-like color selections.
Color play and blending will be the focus of this class. The finished silk is perfect on its own, or, you can take it a step further and try your hand at felting into it! Scroll down for Jill's afternoon class this same day and learn about the enchantment of Nuno Feltmaking.
Instructor Jill Lynn worked as a graphic designer for 5 years earlier in her career. Jill has been teaching felt making classes since the beginning of 2008 and loves to introduce people to the feeling of wool fiber, transforming from fibers to fabric directly under their hand. She has been juried into a number of art shows and exhibits.
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Nuno Feltmaking: Create a Merino
and Silk Scarf
Saturday, June 26, noon-4pm.
Cost: $46 plus $24 materials fee ($12 for morning students who use their
scarf from the am class)
The art of Nuno Feltmaking
Make a merino wool and silk scarf!
Wet-felting is an ancient technique. Wool, soap, water and agitation are used to make a non-woven, but sturdy material.
Nuno feltmaking uses the same basic technique as traditional wet felting with a few variations. Come learn how to turn wool fibers and a plain piece of white silk fabric into a beautiful scarf! No knitting, no crocheting, no weaving, or no sewing necessary.
Instructor Jill Lynn worked as a graphic designer for 5 years earlier in her career. Jill has been teaching felt making classes since the beginning of 2008 and loves to introduce people to the feeling of wool fiber, transforming from fibers to fabric directly under their hand. She has been juried into a number of art shows and exhibits.
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Concrete
Sculpture Workshop
Saturday, October 2, 10am-4pm
Sunday, October 3, 11am-3pm.
Cost: $198 plus $35 materials fee.
Learn
to make a concrete statue in this 2-day workshop with award-winning folk
artist Wouterina "Riana" DeRaad. You'll learn
techniques in this workshop that are not taught in any other schools or
books! Bring a pair of part-rubber/part-cloth gloves and a face mask to
class. Everything else you'll need is supplied.
During the first day of this workshop, participants will be making a multi-layered metal armature, which will be cemented in the following day. You will learn how to cut and shape the metal lathe and when and how to use reinforcements. There will be a demonstration on the various cementing techniques, discussions on cement formulas, and what pigments to use for coloring cement.
You can even go one step further and embellish your concrete sculpture with mosaic tile. Rianna's Mosaic 2-day workshop will take place in November!
Since 1988 Wouterina has created more than 40 figures that make up a sculpture garden at her home in Beldenville, WI. Wouterina's award-winning sculpture gardens have been featured on “Rebecca’s Garden” and “The Wisconsin Gardener” on Wisconsin Public Television, and in numerous publications including Midwest Living, Minnesota Monthly, Wisconsin Trails Magazine, Country Gardens, Minnesota Horticulturist, and the Folk Art Messenger.
"Big Head" concrete sculpture made in Rianna's class by Susan Waughtal
A little about Riana: "I like for my statues to provoke imagination, to look naive and old, as though they have been here for many years. Beauty, function and longevity are my main objectives. Most statues have a welded steel frame and two layers of a metal mesh for strength, followed by one or two layers of concrete. To make the mosaics, pottery shards, glass, pebbles and various other objects are applied with a tile adhesive. Most pieces are finished with a grout."
View Riana's online gallery for inspiration
and amazement at her
website !
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Mosaic
Workshop
Saturday, November 6, 10am-4pm
Sunday, November 7, 11am-3pm.
Cost: $170 plus $10 materials fee.
Learn the basic skills of Mosaic Tiling, materials and patterning in this 2-day workshop with award-winning folk artist Wouterina "Riana" DeRaad. You'll learn techniques in this workshop that are not taught in any other schools or books! Students will learn how to cut and break glass and ceramic tile, what materials and adhesives to use for our subzero climate, and different mosaic patterning techniques. There will be a grouting demonstration, discussions on cement formulas, how to use pigments and ways to texture a cement surface!
You can mosaic your own mailbox, garden planter, bench, cookie jar.... just about anything that holds still ... with the skills you'll learn in this class.
Materials list: an object
to tile, such as a clay pot, vase, cookie jar, birdbath, or your sculpture
from the concrete workshop! Please bring some TESSERAE
(tile objects such as broken dishes, pebbles, buttons, mirrors, beads, shells,
and the like), rubber/cloth gloves, old towels and rags.
Since 1988 Wouterina has created more than 40 figures that make up a sculpture garden at her home in Beldenville, WI. Wouterina's award-winning sculpture gardens have been featured on “Rebecca’s Garden” and “The Wisconsin Gardener” on Wisconsin Public Television, and in numerous publications including Midwest Living, Minnesota Monthly, Wisconsin Trails Magazine, Country Gardens, Minnesota Horticulturist, and the Folk Art Messenger.
A little about Riana: "I like for my statues to provoke imagination, to look naive and old, as though they have been here for many years. Beauty, function and longevity are my main objectives. Most statues have a welded steel frame and two layers of a metal mesh for strength, followed by one or two layers of concrete. To make the mosaics, pottery shards, glass, pebbles and various other objects are applied with a tile adhesive. Most pieces are finished with a grout."
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Open Studio - Life Drawing
Sessions: Sundays, 1-4pm.
Scheduled sessions: March 14, April 11, May 9.
$18 per session or $30 for two. Includes model fee.
“Life Drawing is at once the most frustrating
and satisfying art form that an artist can undertake”
- artist Mike Schad of Zumbro Falls.
The ‘Open Studio-Life Drawing’ sessions are a great opportunity for artists, at any level of expertise, to practice and hone their skills, and expand their ability to "see." Professional and emerging artists, as well as fine art students developing their portfolios, motivate each other with their own abilities, critiques, and encouragement. Each artist works independently in the medium of their choice.
Live models, natural light, welcoming and creative setting.
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Pottery, Pottery, Pottery Classes!
Pottery Wheel
with Brent Bjorngaard
Tuesdays, 6:30-9pm. March 9 through April 20 (skip Mar 16).
$140/6 sessions plus $36. supplies*, plus firing fees.
What to bring: an old towel!
Whether you're a complete beginner or an accomplished thrower, you'll learn and refine your skills, take completed projects home, and have a blast!
Join a pottery wheel class and let our seasoned
and talented instructors introduce you step-by-step to the joys of creating
on the pottery wheel. You will get the personal one-on-one help you need
to 'get your hands dirty' and move into pottery. Learn and refine the skills
of centering, throwing & trimming on the potters wheel. You will learn
the basics (even if you're a complete beginner!) of wheel-thrown pottery
and develop the skills necessary to throw a pot -and to become a clay studio
member if you choose!
Please bring an old towel with you
to each class for clean up!
*Your supplies fee includes your own Kemper Tool kit and 25 pounds of clay
to get you on your way. Just need some clay? Then the charge is only $16.
Firing fees are $3.00 per finished piece and include a bisque firing, glazes,
and a glaze firing.
WOW.
If you sign up for a Clay Studio membership during your wheel class,
you will receive
$30 off your first two months of membership. Save $60!
More WOW!
Register for 2 consecutive wheel classes (12 weeks)
and receive 20 hours of free workshop time in the Clay Studio.
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Clay Sculpture:
Sculpting the Human Head
Thursdays, 6-9pm: Starts March 11.
$220/4 sessions plus $20 materials fee, plus $25 model fee.
In this class students will be sculpting a head in water-based clay.
Geared for beginning and intermediate levels, the class will provide plenty of demonstrations, step-by-step instruction and individual attention. Class size is limited to a maximum of eight students.
Students will learn to 'see' the forms on a live model and render them in clay. Also included will be study and discussion of anatomy, proportions, and planes of the face and head.
The materials fee covers all the clay you'll
need and use of all tools; wire armature, and all kiln firings.
Instructor Lynette Power's work is inspired by fascination with classical, mythical and mystical images of gods and goddesses, and spirit of the ancient Eros with its delight in life and enjoyment of the body. Decades of study, including anatomy, Middle Eastern dancing, massage therapy and the Feldenkrais [body movement] Training Program inform her approach to sculpture. Visit Lynette's website to find out more about this outstanding contributor to art instruction at Crossings.
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Handbuilding
in Clay: Basic Techniques
Tuesdays, 6:30-9pm. May 4, 11 & 18.
$78/3 sessions plus $2 materials fee, plus firing fees.
Instructor: Brent Bjorngaard
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RAKU:
OUT OF THE FIRE! Primitive Firing Workshop
Saturday, April 17: 9am-5pm
Sunday, April 18, 10am-5pm.
Cost: $195. Past Raku workshop participants: $180
Please bring a sack lunch!
This Raku class has been approved with the re-licensure committee of Rochester Public Schools, ISD 535 for 12 CEU’s for Visual Art Teachers.
A two-day intensive workshop for potters of all skill levels,
from the beginner to the very seasoned
Have you been intrigued by the dramatic effects of Raku or Sagger firing but have limited understanding of the process? Come spend a weekend with Raku artists Mark Lusardi and Fred Yerich as they share their considerable knowledge of the Raku firing process that has been practiced and utilized for generations in Japan.
Paul Soldner introduced this Japanese process to America in the 1950’s and, by accident, discovered the post reduction Raku that we are familiar with today. The effects of post reduction Raku finishes are fascinating and constantly evolving.
The workshop will focus on the art of the post reduction process as well as some new twists in which to decorate and fire your work. Participants will be provided with a wide variety of glazes and tools to finish their Raku Pieces, and are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the firing process.
The first day is designed for the workshop participants to learn and understand some of the glazing techniques that are indicative to Raku as well as some new approaches to help broaden the effects of the finished product. The second day will follow up on the steps taken during the previous day and a discussion on how to approach your pieces for further exploration. After glazing, an amazing, adventurous afternoon of firing will begin!
scene
from past Raku Workshop!
Supplies list:
(Small practice tiles will be provided.)
8 bisqued pots (Raku Clay Body)
Brushes for painting on glazes
Small bucket or dish for water
Sponge for clean up
Old magazines or newspapers for firing
-Wear natural fiber clothing (no polyester) and close-toed shoes, and bring
lots of energy!
Want help preparing? Need more options?
Need Raku clay? Crossings' Clay studio is available for participants to
prepare for this workshop.
Call Marie: 507-732-7616
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The Clay Studio
24 hour access
to creativity
Crossings clay studio was created to allow clay artists and potters of all levels to explore their creativity and work in a supportive environment. The advantages of becoming a clay studio member are more than just access to equipment and workspace - you get to join a clay community where ideas, inspiration and laughter are generously shared. Above all, the most important thing is to have fun!
Great
natural light space for working in clay, on the wheel or hand-building.
Membership Benefits:
24 hours, 7 days a week access to a bright studio space equipped with 8
electric pottery wheels; wedging table and extruder; on-site kiln firing
and access to studio glazes and studio tools; personal shelf space, plus
the opportunity to display work for sale in our gallery and to participate
in two annual sales: Art
in East Park in June, and Crossings' Annual Open House
in November! View this year's Holiday Art Fair/Open House information here!
Full one year studio membership $55/month (students $45/month) plus a one-time refundable security deposit of $100.
If you sign up for a Clay Studio membership
while taking a wheel class, you will receive $30 off your first two months
of membership. Save $60!
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Body-Mind-Spirit Classes:
Beginning
and Advanced Beginning Spanish
- Two
Levels!
Thursdays: March 4 through April 22.
Beginning: 6-7:15pm
Advanced Beginning: 7:30-8:45pm
8 sessions/$88.
Do you want to gain some conversational Spanish skills or build on your basic knowledge of Spanish? Crossings is offering eight-session intensive courses of both beginning Spanish and advanced beginning levels. The courses will be driven by each student's individual needs and level of experience. Small class size ensures that each student will get the time and attention they need to grow into this beautiful and useful language.
The Beginning level course will explore the basics of pronunciation and students will learn short conversations in normal situations such as how to introduce yourself, buy things, ask for directions, and the like.
The Advanced Beginning level course will reinforce the basics, as well as work with more complex conversations and situations.
Instructor: Adriana Llanos, from Colombia, is a gifted instructor of language with experience teaching Spanish, French and English as a foreign language to people of all ages. She says about her classes: "The most important things are the small tips that we can share in order for you to learn the language in your own time with your own speed and just have fun. Realize that learning a language is always an activity that would make you feel more complete and happy!"
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Aura
Photography - What's your color?
Saturday, March 13
20 minute sessions, starting at 10am. Please call to reserve an appointment!
Cost: $30. Optional report: $10
There
are many benefits of Aura Photography. It can be used to gain deep insight
into yourself, the direction you're heading, unresolved personal relationships,
whether you're in the right career, and more.
Clear Energy Blockages
... Discover Your Life's Path
How It Works
The Aura Video Station is a Multimedia Biofeedback Imaging System using the science of Biofeedback, Color Therapy, and Energy Medicine to measure, analyze, and display an accurate representation of your emotional-energetic state, your Aura. It uses a biosensor which you place your hand on while it gathers information. The information is then used to give individuals a visual representation of their bio energetic state.
There are aura photography machines out there that take still Polaroid pictures and do not run through a computer. The Aura Video Station is a real time aura system and has the capability of displaying the effects of stress as well as various therapies that occur during the session. The Aura Video Station also has the capability of printing extensive reports from your session.
The aura color that fills the majority of our torso is considered our main color. This color works much like other personality profiles and the reports that can be generated share all about your profile. Some fun facts about the colors...reds tend to be very competitive and passionate and driven...oranges are very creative....yellows are thinkers...greens are social...blues are caring and loyal...indigos are very intuitive...violets are visionaries...lavenders are imaginative...whites are deeply connected to a higher power (not necessarily religious).
Facilitated by Michele Bergh of Lodestone Dynamics. Find out more about aura photography here!
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Yoga:
Ashtanga and Vinyasa
Tuesdays: 6:10-7:10pm.
February 23 through
March 30
6 sessions/$60.
Drop-ins are fine! $12 per class. Call to check availability.
Bring calm, lightness
and centering to your life while building
strength, balance, and flexibility.
Join us Tuesday evenings for an hour of yoga!
Students are lead through an Ashtanga inspired series one week and a Vinyasa series the next. Both classes will use breath and movement to focus the mind as you flow through the practice! This class is geared towards people who don’t mind sweating and are familiar with the sun salutation and basic yoga poses.
Ashtanga is a method of Yoga which involves synchronizing the breath with progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.
Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized
movement.” This class will challange the intermediate Yoga participant
in a more vigorous athletic way. Transitions are quicker, and they promote
heat and flexibility. This class is designed to give the new yoga student
a foundation in a practice of a power Vinyasa flow focusing on balance,
breath and core strengthening.
Instructors: Molly Hunt and
Jacline Johanson
Or, try this easy introduction to the benefits of yoga!
Yoga Lite
Tuesdays: 7:15-8:15pm.
February
23 through March 30
6 sessions/$60.
Drop-ins are fine! $12 per class. Call to check availability.
This yoga series will be a fun, informal class for you to come as you are. Great class for students with little to no experience in yoga and for experienced students who want to challenge themselves to slow down or gain more knowledge of the basic yoga poses. Students will be learning basic Hatha poses along with the modifications to create a practice suited for each individual body type.
Instructor: Molly Hunt
"I get so much from Molly's
yoga classes. Her straightforward style enables me to feel the physical
& mental benefits. When she talks it always pertains to what we're doing
- it's instructional or informational. She's assertive & confidant in
guiding us through the moves, but she also comes across as relaxed and open
in relating to us. Just the right combination." -a satisfied yoga student
at Crossings
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Writing Classes:
Get In, Get Out: Ray Carver’s
Advice on Writing the Short Story
Saturday, March
20, 9am-noon.
Cost: $35
"Get in, get out. Don’t linger. Go on."
Short story legend Raymond Carver applied this philosophy in his writing through various collections of minimalist stories reminding us that sometimes less is more. This writing intensive workshop will focus on administering the bywords of Ray Carver to our own writing.
To start the process we will ask ourselves this question: “What is the point of our writing?” Our responses may include, “to be clear and succinct,” and “to show the reader I care deeply about what I am saying through text.” However writing in fewer words is not an easy feat. Sometimes it means ridding of what we think is important to the story, and in so doing we fear we may lose the epiphany.
Our plan for this workshop is to say what needs to be said in fewer words while enhancing the story’s epiphany. Get in and get out is the ultimate goal, all the while providing a clarity and a succinct meaning proven through Carver’s work and the form of the short story. Come join us expecting to write, read, question, crop, share work with others, and return to our writing with an intensity that lingers.
Handouts will be provided. You will need to bring writing materials and a story of yours that you would like to make shorter. We will have a 10-minute break, otherwise we will be writing/reading intensely.
Instructor Suzanne
Nielsen grew up in St. Paul's East Side, a working class community,
the setting for most of her short stories. She is known to be compulsive
in many areas of her life, including writing genres. She writes poetry,
fiction, essays, screenplays and memoir. She teaches writing at Metropolitan
State University and Augsburg College. Her work has appeared in various
literary magazines internationally in all-of-the-above genres. Her collection
of flash fiction titled The Moon Behind the 8-Ball & Other Stories is
available at Amazon.com.
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Writing Promising Pieces Through:
Heating up Literary Leftovers
Wednesday, April
7, 6-9pm.
Cost: $35
Most writers have a drawer of abandoned writing. In these secret stashes we store poems that stopped flowing, short stories that never quite came together, entire novels that were sent out and rejected too many times, or simply outlines of family stories that should be recorded but haven’t yet.
Your pile of unfinished writing projects may exist on a folder on your desktop or be collecting dust in notebooks on a shelf, and those abandoned concepts can bubble up and bother you! These are the projects where we lost steam, lost our grasp on our characters, didn’t have time for that one last rewrite, or life simply got in the way of finishing the entire piece.
This interactive course represents an opportunity to dust off those pieces that began well but ended badly or simply abruptly. Spend the evening discussing how authors resuscitate those abandoned gems to retrieve characters, golden sentences, and plot lines. For some authors, the entire piece can be brought back to life with a minor shift in focus or tweaking of voice. If you have become discourage by producing the first half of too many pieces of writing, join us; there are as many ways to move forward as there were reasons to stop.
Instructor M. Laurel Walsh began her teaching life in a public high school in Prague, Czech Republic. After obtaining a MFA in Writing, Laurel taught developmental composition at the community college level where she sought to instill in struggling students a love of words. She started an online literary magazine in 2000, and published a fictional novel, Hope Haven in 2005. After obtaining her doctorate in Educational Leadership, Laurel took a full-time writing faculty position at Walden University. She currently resides in St. Paul, Minnesota with her partner Charlie, four children, two hamsters (Simon and Oliver), and an outdoor cat named Dinah.
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Out From Behind the Notebook:
Performance Poetry Workshop
Saturday,
May 1, 9am-noon.
Cost: $35
From Shakespeare to Eminem, Beowulf to slam poetry, verse and performance have been linked throughout history. This three-hour workshop explores the use of theatrical technique and delivery style to bring poetry (or any work that is intended to be read to others) to life!
Students will examine how the elements of timing,
movement, and direction can make even the best words far more effective.
Starting off with a writing exercise, they will then explore the many ways
that poetry and performance are melded, by brainstorming and directing each
other in how the exercise pieces could be performed.
After a short break, participants will either continue to work with the
writing exercise piece, or to work with a piece written previously that
they would like to breathe new life into. Participants need not have an
extensive background in writing, but should come prepared to try new things
in reading to others and to work with other readers. Come ready to write,
read, direct and ask questions. And to get out from behind that notebook!
Instructor Matthew Spillum was born and raised in the Twin
Cities, and always seems to return despite lovely sojourns to many places.
He writes poetry, essays, fiction and memoir. His memoir piece Eu
Venho de Longe: I Come From Far Away won the Robert L. Carothers
Award for Outstanding Writing in 2006. He has taught writing at Second Foundation
School in Minneapolis. In addition, he is a frequent correspondent for USA
Ultimate, the Ultimate Players’ Association membership magazine. Matthew
finds he does his best “writing” out loud while biking, so don’t
be alarmed if you see him on the trails around the state.
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Songwriting Workshop with Jon
Vezner
Saturday &
Sunday, May 22& 23. 9am-4pm each day.
Cost: $100
Want to generate better song ideas and write more effective lyrics?
Grammy award-winning songwriter and leading music industry professional Jon Vezner will discuss his process of writing songs - songs that are meaningful and still work in the commercial environment. Vezner regularly tours the country offering workshops and performing on stage. At Crossings, he will show participants ways to stimulate their creative energies and sharpen their songwriting skills.
This workshop is designed to encourage you, and sharpen your lyric and melody writing skills by discovering the techniques that have helped writers like Vezner win Grammys and write hit songs. You'll learn how to generate better ideas, and be inspired to express those ideas in new ways. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned writer, this course will help you brainstorm ideas more freely and write lyrics more effectively.
Topics of the workshop will include writing and rewriting songs, improving the melody and working on lyrics.
Jon will be performing live at Crossings on Saturday night. Read more here!
Vezner’s catalogue of recorded songs, topped by the poignant “Where’ve You Been,” reflects his straight-to-the heart sensibility and sensitivity. He weaves the particulars of his own feelings with the lives of people he has known into universal themes that deeply touch listeners’ emotions. Within his first year in Nashville in 1983, he had songs recorded by Reba McEntire and Ronnie Milsap, followed by Lorrie Morgan’s first single in 1987, “Train Wreck of Emotion,” which he co-wrote with Alan Rhody.
Other singles written by Vezner include “If I Didn’t Love You” by Steve Wariner, “Has Anybody Seen Amy” by John and Audrey Wiggins, “Then What” by Clay Walker, and “You’re Gone” by Diamond Rio. Vezner’s songs have been recorded by a varied list of artists such as Martina McBride, Janis Ian, John Mellencamp, Nancy Griffith, Faith Hill, Clay Walker and Diamond Rio. And he has two songs- Somewhere I Belong and The Place That I Call Home- on the recently released “This Is My America” project. Visit Jon's website!
Discounted local overnight accommodations are
available for workshop participants!
Please call Marie for more information: 507-732-7616
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Music
Workshops with Brian Wicklund, Joe Cruz and Kevin Rowe:
Saturday, March
20
And hey! See the Fiddle
Pals in Concert too! 7:30pm
A
rare opportunity to learn new techniques
and expand your possibilities:
Fiddle, Mandolin, Guitar, and Bass
A one-day workshop with three masters of the craft
Classes with Brian Wicklund:
1-2:30pm: Bluegrass Fiddle and Mandolin
$35 or $60 for both classes
Author of the best-selling series The American Fiddle Method,
Brian Wicklund returns to Crossings to unlock the secrets of bluegrass and
improvisation. Using bluegrass standards, you’ll learn chords and
chops and basic melodies. Then using eight bluegrass techniques and concepts,
you’ll create your own jaw-dropping, improvised solo. www.fiddlepal.com
2:30-4pm: Blues
Improvisation on the Fiddle and Mandolin
$35 or $60 for both classes
Have you been playing but never gotten the knack of improvising? Brian will
teach you the “secret” notes that every improviser is knows,
guides you through the basic blues form, and shows you how to tap into your
innate improvisational skills. The class culminates in a jam with the guitar
and bass classes! www.fiddlepal.com
Classes with Joe Cruz:
1-2:30pm: Introduction to Finger Style
Guitar
$35 or $60 for both classes
Play some chords? Let Twin Cities guitar virtuoso Joe Cruz teach you the
basics of finger style guitar in which the thumb lays down bass lines while
the fingers pick out the melody. All players should be comfortable playing
common chords.
2:30-4pm: Blues
for Guitar
$35 or $60 for both classes
Learn to play a variety of blues grooves and improvise killer solos. All
players should be comfortable playing common chords. The class culminates
in a jam with the mandolin, fiddle and bass classes!
Class with Kevin Rowe:
1-4pm: Bass Intensive
$60
Master Bassist Kevin Rowe will teach his techniques to pull out great tone,
extending your range, and playing in tune. He’ll also show you how
to add much more than “root five” while playing within the style
tastefully and how to play “walking” style bass lines. Beginners
are welcome in this class. The class culminates in a jam with the guitar,
mandolin and fiddle classes.
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Learn to Drum:
Monday evenings,
7-8pm.
Scheduled sessions: March 8.
Cost: $15 per session, or $30 for three sessions.
For beginning to intermediate level drummers ages 10 and up!
These ongoing one-hour sessions will focus on getting you comfortable holding and playing the drum, as well as teach you some basic patterns to practice and have fun with. A drum can be provided to those who do not have one upon request. Participants can look forward to learning basic drum strokes, a few fun and easy rhythms to start with, and effective practicing techniques.
The class will be broken into two parts: 30 minutes of basic drum technique instruction followed by 30 minutes of open drumming.
Instructor Daniel Heublein
has been a student, practitioner,
and teacher of the drum for over ten years.
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Guitar, Bass and Mandolin Lessons:
Wednesdays from
3-7:30pm; call to set up time.
$16 per half-hour private weekly lesson, paid monthly. Requires two-month commitment. One-on-one instruction, acoustic or electric guitar, plus bass and mandolin! Beginners on up: all ages!
Jim Kaske has been teaching at Crossings since 2004. He has a great love for music of all kinds, and enjoys teaching students ages 5 to 94! Jim is used to teaching a wide range of styles, from rock to classical. Jim is constantly learning new music, styles and techniques so he is able to meet the interests of his students. For each student that Jim teaches, a customized lesson is created for each lesson to meet that student’s individual needs and wants. Every student’s learning style and music preferences are taken into consideration to foster an environment of fun and learning with one on one attention.
Jim has
been playing guitar since the age of 15 and has no plan on stopping as there
is so much music to learn! Jim has a Masters Certificate in Music Theory,
Harmony, and Ear Training from Berklee College of Music, along with a degree
from Winona State University in Business Administration.
From
former student Wanda:
Jim
is a very good teacher. He is not only skilled but also a wealth of knowledge
about guitar playing, its history and styles and artists. Zumbrota is very
lucky to have him teaching here.
He is so patient with old, arthritic people like me with 10 thumbs.
Crossings' music instruction FAQ's
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Cancellation and Refund Policy
We understand entirely that life brings many surprises to us all, and sometimes people must cancel their class reservation.
We sincerely do our level best to accommodate each individual’s request when emergencies arise.
However, if cancellations occur within a week of the class start date, granting a refund frequently means we operate at a loss. Materials have already been purchased, and instructors have agreed to a set minimum compensation.
Please help us continue to offer these wonderful classes, at the most affordable costs possible, by reading and adhering to our cancellation and refund policy:
Class participants who cancel 21 or more days prior to the class start date will receive a 100% refund.
Class participants who cancel 8-20 days prior to the class start date will receive a 50% refund.
No refunds will be issued 0-7 days prior to the class start date.
