Family Enrichment Classes
Classes are held at: Mt. Zion 414 Lincoln Avenue SE Bemidji, MN 56601
Les Sanders will develop a community art program in the Nymore area. Grant funds will be used for materials, program support, and hiring of several art instructors to assist with the variety of art classes.
CLASSES ARE FREE!!! You must register in advance. CONTACT: Les Sanders at 218-556-3521 OR Kathy Sanders at 218-556-0887 to register for these classes. Classes are for adult/child/family, age 10 and up, children must have an adult family member present. Class size is limited so sign up NOW. All supplies are provided.
Check out this AWESOME news article published June 15, 2024, in the Bemidji Pioneer: Kathy and Les Sanders' family enrichment classes
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 21st, 5:30-7:30 pm, "Watercolor Pencil Techniques" with artist Les Sanders
Watercolor paint the easy way! You will pick your project pattern and artist Les Sanders will teach you how to complete a 9" X 11" watercolor painting using watercolor pencils for different effects.
May 21st, June 4th and 28th, 5:30-7:30 pm, "Gourd Art" with artist Kathy Sanders NOTE: CLASS IS FULL, CALL FOR WAITLIST
Discover the natural beauty and creative possibilities of gourds in this hands-on art class! Students will create unique decorative pieces using a variety of techniques such as wood burning, painting, carving, staining, and embellishing.
June 4th and 28th, 5:30-7:30 pm, "Painting "Loose" Watercolors" with artist Lanee Paulson NOTE: CLASS IS FULL, CALL FOR WAITLIST
Artist Lanee Paulson teaches a variety of “loose” watercolor techniques to complete a lovely floral watercolor project.
July 2nd, 16th, and 30th, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, “Building Wooden Puzzles” with artist Les Sanders NOTE: CLASS IS FULL, CALL FOR WAITLIST
In this hands-on class, you’ll design and build your very own wooden puzzle from start to finish. Choose from simple shapes or create a custom design, then learn how to transfer your pattern, cut your pieces, sand for a smooth finish, and bring your puzzle to life.
July 2nd, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, “Resin Art Workshop” with artist Kathy Sanders NOTE: CLASS IS FULL, CALL FOR WAITLIST
Step into the fascinating world of resin art and discover how to transform simple materials into glossy, professional-looking creations! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of working with epoxy resin while creating your own unique art pieces.
July 16th, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, “Weave A Cord” with artist Lanee Paulson NOTE: CLASS IS FULL, CALL FOR WAITLIST
In this class, you’ll learn how to transform strands of fiber into strong, decorative cords using basic weaving and twisting techniques. We’ll explore how to create different patterns, and thicknesses as you work with a variety of colorful materials. Step by step, you’ll be guided through the process of building your own handmade cord—perfect for jewelry, keychains, ties, or decorative accents.
July 30th, 2026, 5:30-7:30 pm, “Felted Dinosaurs” with artist Lanee Paulson
Step back in time and bring dinosaurs to life in the softest way possible! In this fun and creative needle felting workshop, you’ll sculpt your very own miniature dinosaur using colorful wool and simple felting techniques. You’ll be guided step-by-step as you transform fluffy fiber into a solid, felted creation full of personality.
August 13th and 27th, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, “Mosaic Magic” with artist Kathy Sanders NOTE: CLASS IS FULL, CALL FOR WAITLIST
Discover the timeless beauty of mosaic art in this hands-on, beginner-friendly class! Learn how to design, cut, and place colorful tiles, glass, and found objects to create your own stunning mosaic masterpiece. From coasters to wall art, you'll explore basic techniques, tools, and grouting while bringing your unique vision to life. No prior experience needed—just bring your creativity!
August 13th, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, “Stenciling On Canvas” with artist Lily Hadrava
In this hands-on canvas workshop, you’ll explore how to use stencils to create bold, layered, and beautifully detailed artwork—no drawing skills required. You’ll learn how to choose color palettes, position stencils, and build depth through layering paint and patterns. From crisp modern designs to playful, expressive compositions, you’ll see how simple shapes can transform into striking works of art.
August 27th, 2026, 5:30-7:30 pm, “The Art of Gelli Printmaking” with artist Lily Hadrava
Using a soft printing plate, you’ll explore how to build beautiful, layered prints with paint, texture tools, and found objects. Experiment with color blending, stencils, stamping, and mark-making as you create one-of-a-kind prints full of rich patterns and unexpected surprises. Every pull of the print is unique—no two will be the same!
September 10th and 24th, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, “Ink It Up!” with artist Barb Bjerke NOTE: CLASS IS FULL, CALL FOR WAITLIST
Step into the vibrant world of alcohol inks and discover how to work with alcohol inks to create bold, dreamy, and completely unique abstract art. Explore techniques like blending, layering, blowing, and tilting to guide the inks as they bloom across the page in unexpected and beautiful ways. Watch as rich pigments spread, merge, and transform into organic patterns full of depth and movement.
September 10th, 2026, 5:30-7:30 pm, “Pour & Explore” with artist Kathy Sanders NOTE: CLASS IS FULL, CALL FOR WAITLIST
In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of paint pouring techniques while experimenting with color, movement, and creative expression. Discover how to tilt, swirl, and layer paints to create mesmerizing abstract designs full of depth and motion. Each pour becomes a one-of-a-kind masterpiece—no brushes required, just imagination and a willingness to let the paint lead the way!
September 24th, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, “Ojibwe Floral Painting” with artist Sharon Nordrum. NOTE: CLASS IS FULL, CALL FOR WAITLIST
We have all seen traditional floral Ojibwe bead work, but today you are going to take that concept and paint Ojibwe floral on wooden cut outs. Ojibwe floral is fluid, vibrant and reminds us of how we are connected. You will be able to take your love of the floral and fauna in your life and incorporate that on to your very own one-of-a-kind magnet.
