Family Enrichment Classes
Classes are held at: Mt. Zion 414 Lincoln Avenue SE Bemidji, MN 56601
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
July 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 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.
October 8th, 22nd and November 5, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm - “Mastering Woodburning” with artist Les Sanders.
Take your creativity to the next level in Mastering Woodburning, a hands-on workshop designed for anyone looking to strengthen their pyrography skills. You'll discover how different tips produce unique effects, how to transfer designs onto wood, and how to add depth and detail to your artwork. With step-by-step instruction and practice, you'll complete a personalized wood burned project!
October 8th, 22nd and November 5, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm – “Traditional Pen Calligraphy” with artist Mike Ohl
Discover the timeless art of traditional pen calligraphy in this beginner-friendly class! Learn the fundamentals of beautiful lettering while exploring classic calligraphy techniques that have been treasured for centuries. All supplies are provided, and you'll have the creative experience of writing by hand.
November 19th, December 3rd and 17th, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm – “Wire Wrapping 101” with artist Kathy Sanders
Discover the art of wrapping beads and crystals using jewelry wire. The instructor will guide you step by step through creating a wire-wrapped crystal pendant while learning how to shape wire, form secure wraps, working with different wire gauges, and adding your own creative style to each piece. You will learn the skills to continue creating your own wire-wrapped designs.
November 19th, December 3rd and 17th, 2026, 5:30-7:30 pm – “The Art of Character Illustration” with artist Laura Schmeling
Discover how to create characters that tell a story! In this fun and engaging class, you'll learn the fundamentals of character illustration, including proportions, facial expressions, body language, clothing, poses, and personality. Explore techniques for developing original characters from simple sketches to finished illustrations while experimenting with line, shading, color, and texture.
December 10th, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 pm - “Special Holiday Project” with artist Kathy Sanders.
Back by popular demand . . . the art of paper folding to build intricate, quilt-like designs. You’ll learn how to read a simple pattern, select coordinating papers, and carefully layer strips to form stunning holiday images such as trees, ornaments, stars, or snowflakes. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll complete a handcrafted card perfect for gifting or displaying.
