Classes for adults, kids and teens at our Ridgedale location

Our Ridgedale location will be closed Saturday, Septmeber 4th

Try a class at our new Ridgedale location.
You’ll find our new space on the second level of Ridgedale Center next to Sears. Our NEW art space at Ridgedale is all about increasing the quality and availability of art experiences in our community.
Contact us for registration and questions: 952.473.7361, ext. 16.
click here for map to Ridgedale Center

To register for any of the classes on this page call the Art Center at:
952.473.7361, ext. 16

Click here to Download a PDF of the Ridgedale Page from our Fall Catalog.

Jump to view Adult Classes at Ridgedale
Jump to view Teen Classes at Ridgedale
Jump to view Drop-in Classes for Kids ages 3-5 and 6-12 at Ridgedale
Jump to Kids Birthday Parties for kids 5-12 at Ridgedale

***

Adult Classes at Ridgedale:

ADULT TRADITIONAL DRAWING TECHNIQUES
Instructor: David B. Erickson
Skill Level: B, AB, I [Adults only at Ridgedale]
This course consists of drawing from 2D and 3D source material and objects using traditional techniques: separation of light and darks, comparative and proportional drawing, and construction. Critiques by demonstration and discussion will be tailored to the individual student's needs.
Click here for supply list.
Enrollment limited to 10; ages 16 and up

A457R
Friday, Sept. 10 - Oct. 29
(8 sessions) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$194 Members / $216 Non-members

B457R
Friday, Nov. 5 - Dec. 17
(7 sessions) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$170 Members / $189 Non-members

David B. Erickson, Bio
David is a traditionally trained working artist who specializes in portrait, figurative, and imaginative drawings and paintings, as well as stained glass design. His paintings and drawings are represented in private collections and his stained glass designs are in churches in the west metro area of Minneapolis, MN.

***

ADULT STILL LIFE IN WATERCOLOR
Instructor: Keren Kroul
Skill Level: All [Adults only at Ridgedale]
This class will focus on enhancing visual perception while developing a mastery of watercolor. Students' skills will be strengthened through direct observation of the still life with lessons in value and tonality, composition, translucency/opacity and scale. Techniques covered include laying an even or graded wash, painting wet-on-wet, painting wet-on-dry.
Click here for supply list.
Enrollment limited to 14; ages 16 and up

A400R
Mondays, Sept. 13 - Oct. 25
(7 sessions) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$113 Members / $126 Non-members

B400R
Mondays, Nov. 1 - Dec. 20
(8 sessions) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$130 Members / $144 Non-members

Keren Kroul, Bio
Keren grew up in Israel, Mexico, and Costa Rica, and currently lives and works in Minneapolis. She received a B.A. in Fine Arts from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, and an M.F.A. from the Parsons School of Design in New York, NY. She has exhibited at the Art Museum of the University of Memphis, TN, the Revolving Museum in Lowell, MA, and recently at the Soo Visual Arts Center in Minneapolis. She has held residencies at the Vermont Studio Center and Chautauqua Institute. Her work is included in the Drawing Center’s Viewing Program in New York City.

***

ADULT DRAWING AND PAINTING
Instructor: Emily Taylor
Skill Level: B, AB [Adults only at Ridgedale]
Learn basic technical skills for both drawing and painting such as observation, perspective, shading, composition and more. You will benefit from individual guidance through a variety of skill-building projects, or purely enjoy a creative support system. All skill levels are welcome from beginning to advanced.
Click here for supply list.
Enrollment limited to 15; ages 17 and up

B403R
Mondays, Nov. 8 - Dec. 13
(6 sessions) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$146 members / $162 non-members

Emily Taylor, Bio
Emily attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design where she discovered a love for Illustration and earned her B.F.A. Emily is now a professional artist and teacher working at numerous Art Centers in the Western Suburbs.

***

Teen Classes at Ridgedale:

TEEN WILDLIFE ILLUSTRATION
Instructor: Britt Howe
Skill Level: All [Teens only at Ridgedale]
In this class we will discuss the origins of wildlife/scientific illustration and view how styles differ from culture to culture. We will learn a basic understanding of animal anatomy and arm ourselves with knowledge about a chosen animal to aid our drawings’ accuracy. We will use different drawing materials to get different effects. Drawing techniques and basic to advanced foundational art elements will be covered. Classroom projects will focus on how to place an animal in its environment to accurately represent the species. A drawing “diary”, field sketches and photographs will be used to aid your final renderings. Students will learn how artists use their drawing ability hand in hand with scientists to impact the world and improve the lives of animals throughout the world. Class price includes all materials.
Enrollment limited to 16; ages 12 - 17

A134R
Tuesdays, Sept. 28 - Oct. 26
(5 sessions) 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
$94 members / $105 non-members

B134R
Tuesdays, Nov. 2 - 30
(5 sessions) 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
$94 members / $105 non-members

***

TEEN BEGINNING WATERCOLOR
Instructor: Britt Howe
Skill Level: All [Teens only at Ridgedale]
This is an introductory painting course that will provide a solid foundation for working with watercolors. Paper stretching, brush handling, wet and dry techniques, masking, stenciling and pigment characteristics will all be covered. Class demonstrations and exercises will integrate technical skills, reinforce foundational concepts and inspire student creativity. No previous painting experience necessary. Class price includes some materials. Please contact the registration desk for a short list of materials to purchase before the first class meeting.
Enrollment limited to 16; ages 12 - 17

A198R
Tuesdays, Sept. 28 - Oct. 26
(5 sessions) 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
$94 Members / $105 Non-members

B198R
Tuesdays, Nov. 2 - 30
(5 sessions) 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
$94 Members / $105 Non-members

***

TEEN DRAWING & ILLUSTRATION TECHNIQUES
Instructor: Britt Howe
Skill Level: All [Teens only at Ridgedale]
In this class we will improve our drawing skills while learning the process of illustrating a story from start to finish. Students will either write their own story or use pre-published works for inspiration (poems, short stories, music lyrics, etc.) From there we will design the page layout, create rough sketches of characters and images and then use our sketches to create refined final drawings. Ultimately, we will end up with a bound, finished illustrated book. Students will have a choice of what media they create their illustrations with and basic drawing techniques will be covered. No previous drawing experience necessary. Class price includes all materials.
Enrollment limited to 16; ages 12 - 17

A119R
Wednesdays, Sept. 29 - Oct. 27
(5 sessions) 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
$94 Members / $105 Non-members

B119R
Wednesdays, Nov. 3 - Dec. 8
No Class November 24
(5 sessions) 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
$94 Members / $105 Non-members

Brittany Howe, Bio
Britt is an illustrator / sequential artist living in Plymouth, Minnesota. She received her B.F.A. in Sequential Art at The Savannah College of Art and Design, and thrives on illustrating comics and books involving animals, adventure and fantasy.

***

TEEN COLLAGE & MONTAGE
Instructor: Elspeth Carlstrom
Skill Level: All [Teens only at Ridgedale]
Have you always wondered what techniques artists use to create detailed, layered and unified collaged images in their work? In this class students will explore basic to advanced collage and montage techniques used by historical artists such as; Robert Rauschenberg, Hannah Hoch, Henri Matisse, Max Ernst and more. During this class we will discuss, demonstrate and practice a wide range of techniques using various transfer methods, printmaking techniques, direct collage application and painting techniques to communicate our artistic visions. Recycled materials, found objects, Xeroxed and mass produced images, fabrics, decorative papers and personal pictures will be used to create artworks in this class.
Enrollment limited to 16; ages 12 - 17

A194R
Wednesdays, Sept. 29 - Oct. 27
(5 sessions) 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$94 members / $105 non-members

B194R
Wednesdays, Nov. 3 Dec. 8
No Class November 24
(5 sessions) 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$94 members / $105 non-members

***

TEEN ABSTRACT PAINTING TECHNIQUES
Instructor: Elspeth Carlstrom
Skill Level: All [Teens only at Ridgedale]
In this class we will look at a variety of abstract artists, creating in both past and contemporary times, to discuss and be inspired by their styles, techniques, personal processes and artistic influences. Using this information, we will create a series of abstract paintings that will have a push and pull between; lines, colors, forms, texture, rhythm and other foundational elements that will help us create compositionally interesting and beautiful works of art. Basic to intermediate painting techniques, collage, montage and modification demonstrations will be given in class. Ample time for personal exploration and one-to-one instruction will also be available. Class fee includes most materials.
Enrollment limited to 16; ages 12 - 17

A199R
Thursdays, Sept. 30 - Oct. 28
(5 sessions) 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
$103 members / $115 non-members

B199R
Thursdays, Nov. 4 - Dec. 9
No Class November 25
(5 sessions) 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
$103 members / $115 non-members

***

TEEN FASHION DESIGN
Instructor: Elspeth Carlstrom
Skill Level: B, AB, I [Teens only at Ridgedale]
Students will need to bring clothing to modify to the first class meeting. In this fashion class we will use our imaginations to create new fashion designs by deconstructing old garments, up-cycling found materials and modifying fabrics and clothing into entirely “new” designs. Basic sewing, appliqué, fabric modification and surface design techniques will be demonstrated for the creation of two-three projects that push the limits of ordinary fashion. Basic to intermediate fashion design techniques will be demonstrated and ample time for personal exploration and one-to-one instruction available. Class fee includes some basic materials.
Enrollment limited to 16; ages 12 - 17

A238R
Thursdays, Sept. 30 - Oct. 28
(5 sessions) 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$99 members / $110 non-members

B238R
Thursdays, Nov. 4 - Dec. 9
No Class November 25
(5 sessions) 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$99 members / $110 non-members

Elspeth Carlstrom, Bio
Elspeth received her Bachelor of Fine Art in painting from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is a practicing artist whose work focuses on printmaking, collage and mixed-media art. Elspeth exhibits her work around the state.

***

Weekly drop-in schedule for age groups 3-5 & 6-12
Sept. 7 - Dec. 23 at our Ridgedale Center location.
(Second level next to Sears)

Drop-in visual arts education experiences that are fun, accessible, creative and convenient.

Age groups 3-5 & 6-12: 1 hour = $15 • 1-2 hours = $25 • 2-3 hours = $35
Fees are per student and are not pro-rated.

In these uniquely designed drop-in art classes at Ridgedale Center, talented local artists teach foundational skills through process and technique demonstrations, examples and hands-on art activities designed to challenge, inspire and engage young artists. Children gain confidence and knowledge while developing their imaginations, self-expression, artistic skills and fine motor skills. We offer age-appropriate classes for children in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, book-making, fibers, cartoons and illustration.

Tuesdays:
10 AM - 2 PM
Drop-in classes for age groups 3-5 & 6-12

Wednesdays
10 AM - 2 PM
Drop-in classes for age groups 3-5 & 6-12

Thursdays
10 AM - 2 PM
Drop-in classes for age groups 3-5 & 6-12

Saturdays
12 - 2 PM
Drop-in classes for age groups 3-5 & 6-12

Saturday Date Night
5 - 7 PM
Drop-in Pizza & Art for kids 3-5 & 6-12
Kids enjoy pizza and work on art projects for up to 2 hours while parents go out to dinner or shop at Ridgedale.

Call to reserve a spot, or just drop-in. 952.473.7361, ext. 16

***

Birthday Parties at Ridgedale Center for Kids 5-12

Download our Birthday Party Flyer for all the details!(click here)

Saturdays
2:30 - 4:30 PM
Birthday Parties
Call to schedule your party!

Sundays
2:30 - 4:30 PM
Birthday Parties
Call to schedule your party!

75 minute art experience followed by 45 min. for your dessert and presents.

FEES (Ages 5 - 12)
1-10 participants: $130 members / $150 non-members
11-20 participants: $270 members / $300 non-members

Extra charges may apply for a longer party • Full payment due when party is booked • Cancellation Policy: No refunds for cancellations less than two weeks prior to the scheduled date. Full payment minus a $20 administrative fee is refunded if the event is cancelled two weeks or more before the scheduled date.

We provide: The teacher, materials, hands-on art activity with professional supervision.

You provide: The kids dressed in mess-up clothes, refreshments and cake, decorations and supervision for the dessert and presents.

Reservations and questions
Leah Hughes: 952.473.7361, ext. 26
lhughes@minnetonkaarts.org