Visual Arts

Current & Upcoming

Tree Portraits

Jun 27, 2026 10:00AM—1:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

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Learn how to make unique, pressure-print “portraits” of tree bark patterns using printmaking tools and ink. Instructor Robin Garwood, whose work blends book arts and printmaking with ecological and place-based practice, will guide you through this unique and innovative way of creating tree impressions on paper. This class will take place outdoors, and each student…

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(Waitlist) Beginning Photography for Kids Ages 9-14

Jun 27, 2026 12:00PM—4:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

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*** While this class is full the next Beginning Photography for Kids class is taking place on August 8th and there are still seats available! *** Students (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…

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Anyone Can Draw! Travel Sketching in Black and White

Jul 11, 2026 9:00AM—2:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

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Learn 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…

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Barn Signs and Barn Quilts

Jul 11, 2026 9:30AM—2:30PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

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Barn signs or barn quilts 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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Relief Printmaking on Fabric

Aug 01, 2026 10:00AM—1:30PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

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Create your printed fabric artwork in this beginner-friendly printmaking class! Students will draw, carve, and hand-print multiples of a 4” x 6” black-and-white design on a tote bag, 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…

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Still Life Painting with Carrie Katzenmeyer

Aug 01, 2026 10:00AM—12:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

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In this still life painting class, you will create a portrait of native plants through close observation. While painting, you will learn the Ojibwe names of the plants/flowers we are working with, along with medicinal uses they may have. By combining art and cultural learning, students will gain creative skills and an expanded appreciation of…

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Watercolor in 3 Steps

Aug 08, 2026 10:00AM—1:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

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Learn instructor Jess Lindell’s unique “333” approach to watercolor while painting a simple bird 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…

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Beginning Photography for Kids Ages 9-14

Aug 08, 2026 12:00PM—4:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

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Join instructor and St. Croix River Valley photographer Carl Wegener, whose mission statement is “Empowering Kids with Knowledge and a Camera,” in this beginning photography class for kids. Students (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…

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Print Personalized Bookplates

Aug 15, 2026 10:00AM—1:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

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A bookplate, or ex libris, is a decorative label placed inside a book to show ownership, often featuring a name, initials, coat of arms, or personal design. Originating in 15th-century Germany, bookplates became a popular way to mark personal libraries as books became more widely available, serving both as functional identifiers and collectible works of…

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Anyone Can Draw! Travel Sketching in Black and White

Aug 22, 2026 9:00AM—2:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

Register

Learn 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…

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Burst of the Sunflower: Painting with Alcohol Ink

Aug 22, 2026 11:00AM—1:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

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In this class, you will learn to paint with alcohol inks, creating a playful, vibrant sunflower. Alcohol ink painting is abstract and playful, giving you the freedom to paint without rules!  To make your sunflower, you will start with the center. You will then create the petals using a hand rubber blower. Remember that this…

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Barn Signs and Barn Quilts

Sep 12, 2026 9:30AM—2:30PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

Register

Barn signs or barn quilts 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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Travel Sketching in Color

Sep 26, 2026 9:00AM—2:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE ST, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047

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Learn 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…

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Past | Archive

Paper Quilling

Jun 20, 2026 11:00AM—2:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

Mindful Skies in Watercolor

Jun 13, 2026 9:30AM—11:30PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

Anyone Can Draw! Travel Sketching in Black and White

Jun 06, 2026 9:00AM—2:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on Saint Croix, MN 55047

Travel Sketching in Color

May 30, 2026 9:00AM—2:00PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE ST, Marine On Saint Croix, MN 55047

Valley 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

Create a Barn/Hex Sign

May 30, 2026 9:30AM—2:30PM

Marine Mills Folk School, 550 PINE ST, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047