Art Classes @ Franconia Commons

All Ages Spring 2026 Workshops Are Now Open!

Whether you’re 7 or 75, these workshops are designed for you to explore your creativity and learn more about various artistic techniques from talented teaching artists in a fun, safe, and supportive setting. All workshops are beginner-friendly.

Tickets for workshops are sold on a sliding scale and we encourage you to pay according to your available resources. Those with greater financial privilege contribute more, allowing those with less access to pay according to their means. This allows Franconia to sustain its services while making accessibility as broad as possible.

Classes are held in the Driscoll Education Center of Franconia Commons. All materials are included in the cost of registration, unless otherwise noted.

FEB 28

Elderberry Syrup

1-3pm | Join local herbalist Heather Mashuga, M.A. for an Elderberry Syrup class.

Register Here

MAR 28

Handmade Watercolors

1-4pm | Wóokiye Wiŋ will teach the creation of handmade watercolor paints from dry pigment.

Register Here

APRIL 4

Spring Landscape Painting

1-4pm | Participants will receive step by step instruction from Heather Friedli to create a stunning painting inspired by spring in Minnesota.

Register Here

APRIL 11

Buckthorn Charcoal

1-4pm | Join Kimberly Boustead and learn how to create drawing charcoal from invasive buckthorn.

Register Here

APRIL 25

Spoon Carving

1-4pm | Learn traditional Nordic carving techniques with Jess Hirsch. Closed toed shoes and pants required! Ages 12 and up.

Register Here

MAY 16

Sketching in Nature

1-4pm | With guidance from natural science illustrator Vera Ming Wong, explore techniques for capturing gesture, shapes and forms of native plants in a restored prairie.

Register Here

JUNE 6

Sketch Outing (FREE)

1-4pm | Join natural science illustrator Vera Ming Wong for a group sketch outing at Franconia. Bring your own favorite sketch materials!

Register Here

JULY 18

Stone Carving

1-4pm | Learn the traditional art of stone carving from stone carver Bethany Lee.

Register Here

This activity is made possible by a grant from the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation and 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.