Final Report and Request for Reimbursement Form
There are many programs available through ArtStart. Program descriptions and costs are good through 2026.
Keepsake Boxes
Record the memories you hold dearest in your heart through art. Bring treasured photographs, objects, notes, and more. Then decoupage and decorate a wooden cigar box to hold your keepsakes. Wooden cigar boxes and other decorative materials provided
Painting on Glass
Brought to the Americas by the Spaniards and other Europeans, painting on glass is a technique that has been used for centuries. Work with an artist to learn this specialized technique and create your own masterpiece.
The Vivid Vase
If you have a shelf full of clear glass vases that you have collected over the years, we have the perfect solution to giving them pizazz and new life! Work with an artist to add color and design using alcohol paints. You will be amazed at the outcome! Bring your own vase or we will provide one.
Anishinaabe Beadwork
Julie Boada of the Fond du Lac people introduces the art of beading. Learn how patterns and colors can reflect tribal and family affiliations, as you create your own beaded work of art.
Introduction to Beading Workshop
Alicia De La Cruz is a Minneapolis-based Ojibwe artist from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. In this workshop, participants will learn how to make a beginner-friendly beading project from start to finish. Participants can choose from loop earrings or a loop necklace. Suggested work time of 2 hours.
Rangoli Art
Dive into the vibrant world of Rangoli with this hands-on art project! This workshop invites participants to explore the traditional Indian art form of Rangoli, focusing on creating personalized designs on circular wooden bases. We will then use colorful paints, markers, and mirrors to fill in their designs. The central space of the Rangoli is designed to hold a tea light, adding a warm, glowing element to the finished piece.
Nordic Folk Art Animal Cross Stitch
Join Scandinavian enthusiast and artist Cami Andersen to learn all you need to know about cross stitch with a folk art twist. Students will enjoy a short introduction to Scandinavian folk art and history, then choose from several fanciful designs: a fox, a reindeer, or a bird, and create a bespoke cross stitch piece. During this class, you will receive step-by-step instructions and go home with a finished piece that can be hung in your home. Students will learn how to read a cross-stitch chart to continue the craft on their own after the class -- no previous cross stitch or sewing experience necessary.
Introduction to Bargello - Embroidered Bookmark
Learn a new embroidery technique and create your own Bargello bookmark. Dating back to as early as the 17th century, Bargello is a great beginner needlepoint method that uses long stitches on a grid to form designs that are geometric in nature, and create the look of movement or optical illusions. Each participant will receive supplies to create their own bookmark, and enough knowledge to continue the craft after the class. No previous sewing or needlepoint experience necessary.
Bespoke Up-cycled Bookmarks and/or Journals
Calling all book lovers and bibliophiles! What better way to amplify your enjoyment of the written word than to create a series of gorgeous one-of-a-kind bookmarks and journals for yourself and your friends? Work with artist and librarian Cami Andersen as you learn how to incorporate recycled found textures, photos, and old illustrations to make eye-catching placeholders for your personal library. You will learn basic color theory, collage basics, and turn old books into new little pieces of art. All materials will be provided, but students may bring in their own materials if they like (photos, books, magazines, stickers, blank journal, etc.)
College/Found Poetry Meditation Stones
Art therapist Robin Getsug will guide you in making your own collection of stones that inspire and ground you. You will be designing your stone, cutting words and letters from printed materials such as newspapers and magazines, creating found poetry, inspirational words, and affirmations. They will be shellacked with a gloss coat for durability. You can use them for meditation or daily inspiration and intention. Each participant should be able to make 3-5 stones during the workshop.
French Decorated Glass Jars
Level up the style of those tiny, cute French glass jars. Paint, decoupage, and/or dye these darling jars into something so pretty you'll want to keep them for yourself instead of gifting them within your friend group!
Enchanted Crowns
Indulge your dreams of enchanted woodland fairies or steampunks by making your own flower crown. Together we'll make the crown base and then you'll embellish yours with faux greenery and flowers, charms or beads, and complete the look with delicate ribbons streaming down the back.
Your Story in a Poem
Express yourself through poetry, use your life as inspiration. In this session with Marie Olofsdotter you will be introduced to poetry tools that will bring your work to life: metaphor and the use of patterns. In the process of writing you are bound to discover, like famed poet Maya Angelou, that "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song."
Poems of the Forest
Step into serenity and experience the transformative magic of forest bathing. David Motzenbecker provides a guided walk where you will immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest. As you reconnect with nature, rejuvenate your mind and find inspiration in the many metaphors the forest offers up. Use this inspiration to craft poems or journal entries that speak to your experience in the woods.
Unpacking Memory Through Metaphor & Memoir
Participants will discover the power of storytelling through intuitive writing with oracle cards to unlock emotions and memories waiting to be told. We will learn how to master the art of word choice using a metaphor map, and use rhythm, intuition, and voice to craft compelling spoken word poetry. This class is for writers seeking fresh inspiration and community. Walk away with a poetic affirmation card and the courage to share your work with others, because when we reveal, we heal!
Seeds of Renewal
Participants will be guided through a meditative writing exercise to create a personalized affirmation poem. In small groups, participants are given a variety of cactus plants, succulents, and a plant pot to decorate using acrylic paint. Participants will leave this workshop with their own poetic affirmation card, and a decorated plant pot with a flowering plant symbolizing their journey of growth and transformation.
Create a Beautiful Lake View in an Acrylic Paint-Along
Bob Ross said, "Every day is a good day when you paint." With Minnesota summers offering so many tempting landscapes, why not learn some easy techniques for capturing a gorgeous sunset with acrylics? In this laid-back paint-along class, an ArtStart artist will guide you step-by-step as you create your own beautiful piece. No previous painting experience necessary!
Embroider a Bunny or a Chick
Learn the art of embroidery from French knots, to chain stitch, to back stitch. Then, using felt, ribbon and embroidery floss, create a bunny or a chick to celebrate spring.
Duration: 2 hours
Target Audience: Teens and/or adults.
Performer Needs: Classroom-style set up.
Minimum/Maximum Number of Participants: Max of 12 participants, but call if you have additional needs.
Set-up and Take-down Time: 30 minutes each
Cost: $650. Mileage is not included in price.
Cultural and Historical Significance of Water and Water Stewardship in Minnesota - Special Pricing $700
Join artist Julie Boada of the Fond du Lac people and a naturalist who together inspire new ways of knowing the history and ecology of our most precious fresh water resource, Lake Superior. Through storytelling and collage, they will participants unlock memories, relationships, and hidden histories that have shaped their own personal experiences in and near Minnesota waters.
Water Stewardship Evaluation Form
Contact: cindy@artstart.org; 651-698-2787