Visual Arts
Current & Upcoming
Botanical Illustration
Apr 11, 2026 11:00AM—2:00PM
Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE STREET, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047
RegisterInstructor Katie Wadley will guide students step by step through observing and drawing a fresh botanical specimen, focusing on its shapes, details, and unique structure. Using pencil on 6 × 8″ watercolor paper, you’ll create a careful sketch, then bring it to life with vibrant watercolor washes and ink pen rendering. Students may also choose…
View MoreWatercolor in 3 Steps
Apr 18, 2026 10:30AM—1:30PM
Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE STREET, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047
RegisterLearn instructor Jess Lindell’s unique “333” approach to watercolor while painting a simple fish portrait together. The Paint 333 system breaks watercolor down into an accessible and playful process that builds confidence and creativity. You’ll explore: 3 properties of water control for paper, paint, and brushes 3 principles of color, contrast, and composition 3 steps…
View MoreBotany for Artists
Apr 18, 2026 11:00AM—2:00PM
Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE STREET, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047
RegisterAs the snow melts and plants begin to emerge, spring offers endless inspiration for artists. Capturing the beauty of plants—whether through detailed botanical studies or expressive, colorful impressions—takes both observation and practice. In this class, you’ll learn the basics of botany as it relates to art and explore how understanding plant structure can strengthen your…
View MoreAnyone Can Draw! Travel Sketching in Black and White
Apr 25, 2026 9:00AM—2:00PM
Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE ST, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047
RegisterLearn to draw and get more out of your travels through the practice of moment sketching. This approach focuses on capturing a feeling or experience rather than perfect accuracy, helping you become more observant and deeply engaged with the places you visit. As the saying goes, the best way to learn how to sketch is…
View MoreAnyone Can Draw! Travel Sketching in Black and White
May 02, 2026 9:00AM—2:00PM
Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE ST, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047
RegisterLearn to draw and get more out of your travels through the practice of moment sketching. This approach focuses on capturing a feeling or experience rather than perfect accuracy, helping you become more observant and deeply engaged with the places you visit. As the saying goes, the best way to learn how to sketch is…
View MoreTravel Sketching in Color
May 09, 2026 9:00AM—2:00PM
Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE ST, Marine On Saint Croix, MN 55047
RegisterLearn to draw in COLOR and get more out of traveling! “Moment sketching” is capturing the moment, expressing how you feel about what you are observing and sketching. It’s the perfect approach for traveling, as it will help you become more observant and expand your traveling experience. This class will review drawing and design concepts…
View MoreBeginning Photography for Kids Ages 9-14
May 09, 2026 12:00PM—4:00PM
Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE ST, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047
RegisterStudents (ages 9-14) will learn how a camera works, explore the fundamentals of photography, and build a strong foundation they can continue developing on their own. Each participant will choose a digital camera to keep and spend class time getting comfortable with its features, settings, and basic functions through hands-on practice. Instructor Carl Wegener is…
View MoreRelief Printmaking: Spring Bookmarks
May 16, 2026 10:00AM—1:30PM
Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE ST, Marine On Saint Croix, MN 55047
RegisterCreate your own bookmarks in this beginner-friendly printmaking class! Students will draw, carve, and hand-print multiples of a 2” × 6” black-and-white design, using either their own ideas or sample images provided by the instructor. You’ll learn how to safely use carving tools, properly ink and print your design using hand-printing techniques, and troubleshoot common…
View MoreWatercolor Batik: Iris
May 16, 2026 10:30AM—2:00PM
Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE ST, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047
RegisterTry your hand at watercolor batik, a modern twist on the ancient Javanese art of batik! You’ll work from an original watercolor batik of irises while learning a bit of history and theory before diving into hands-on creating. Using watercolor on Kinwashi paper, you’ll explore the process and techniques that make this medium unique. This…
View MoreValley of a Thousand Flowers: Painting with Alcohol Ink
May 30, 2026 11:00AM—1:00PM
Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE ST, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047
RegisterAlcohol Ink is a new painting technique that just screams ABSTRACT. First you will create a sky using alcohol ink. Next, you will create a valley using multiple green colors using a brush. Your background is now complete. The best part will be applying different colors to make your flowers. You will soon have a…
View MoreCreate a Barn/Hex Sign
May 30, 2026 9:30AM—2:30PM
Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE ST, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047
RegisterBarn signs or “hex signs” are mostly known today for their decorative purposes, but some believe they were painted by Pennsylvania Dutch farmers to ward off evil spirits or storms, or to bestow blessings and protections on the farm family. Using bright colors and often incorporating a star pattern, these beautiful designs were historically found…
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