Art Classes:
Class Schedule - Help us plan! Register at least one week prior to class.
Please note: all class registrations are final!
Unavoidable cancellations will be dealt with on an individual basis. Please call for more information.

 

Bronze Sculpture and Functional Art Workshop
Saturday, May 10: 9am-4pm; Sunday, May 11: noon-4pm. Cost: $145 plus $40 supplies fee

Instructors Kelly Ludeking & Brad Hertko from Iron Head Sculptural Services (IHSS) will take students through the complete process of creative casting. Students will begin with the topic of pattern development, and move into other aspects of the craft including mold making, art casting, and suggestions for finishing up the final product!

Some of the project possibilities available to you are small, one of a kind items such as belt buckles, ornamental medallions or small, free-standing sculptures. Due to high materials costs, projects will be limited to a 5 pound maximum. Folks wanting to create something larger can talk to the instructor and work out an extra supply cost.

Iron Head Sculptural Services (IHSS) is an always changing, ever expanding collective of artists, artisans, and creative thinkers of many disciplines with the goal of supporting people in their unique projects. Founding members Kelly Ludeking & Brad Hertko, with more than 20 years of collective casting experience, form the core of the art casting element of this diverse organization.

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Stained Glass in 3 Dimensions
Saturday, June 28; 9am-4pm. Cost: $48 + $65 materials fee

A 3-D Stained Glass Workshop!

No glass cutting required! No previous experience required! Students will create all three of these projects: – a 2” tealite holder, a 4” hinged lid trinket box and a 4”x7” lantern – using the pre-cut glass, supplies and tools provided.

Students will simply apply copperfoil and solder to focus on learning the basic methods for creating 3-dimensional stained glass pieces. Students will leave with their projects and complete instructions and tips to take 3-D a little further on their own.

All lanterns will have two sides in white and two sides in a colored Baroque wavy glass from these options:

White & Clear __ Black & White __ Green & White __ Blue & White __ Pink & White

Once you have the basics, you can go on to create all sorts of 3-dimensional pieces of your own design!

Minneapolis stained glass artist, Connie Beckers, The Goddess of Glass, took her first stained glass class 12 years ago to mark her 40th birthday. As the Goddess of Glass, Connie has shown in galleries and at art festivals and now creates custom artglass windows as well as a line of unique 3-dimensional pieces for the retail gift market.

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Watercolor Glazing Workshop
Friday-Sunday, July 11-13: 9:30am-4pm. Cost: $245/3 days plus supplies fee

Learn how to paint luminous, larger than life still lives and florals!

Each student will complete their own version of this painting by the conclusion of the workshop

 

This class is geared towards beginners, as well as more advanced artists. The focus will be on learning the glazing technique exployed by instructor June Young to achieve luminosity in your work. By layering paint, and learning to see subtle nuances of color and light, your watercolor work will come alive. There will be lots of one-on-one help for each student.

Each student will receive one 8x10 photo reference to paint from that is theirs to keep. The instructor will paint the same painting on a half sheet of paper. There will be plenty of time throughout the class for students to paint other paintings from their own photo references. Students will receive help with those paintings as well. It is suggested that students come with two more photos of their choice, blown up to 8x10. They may have them already drawn on a piece of paper, or, help is available with that as well.

The instructor strenuously recommends on working on Arches paper. If students choose to work on 140# paper, it will have to be stretched, and stapled down to ¼ in. plywood or gator board. If they are using 300# paper it should be taped to a board, such as Gator board. This is necessary for working in this technique. Either weight paper will work fine.

Each day of the workshop will begin with a demo, and again to start the afternoon. Because taking a good photo reference is so important when doing realistic paintings, The instructor will go over the topic of how to take a good photo, and setting up still lifes to take pictures of. All students should bring their camera!

 

Instructor June Young has been painting for 42 years, the past 30 of them in watercolor, and has been teaching classes for the past twenty-five years.She has Signature status in the National Watercolor Society, The Transparent Watercolor Society of America, and she is a member of the U.S.A. Watercolor Honor Society, as well as having Signature status in six other watercolor societies across the country.

 

Supplies List

It is not necessary to purchase everything on this list. The colors that have * behind them are the colors that are used in the painting of Sunflowers that we are going to paint in the class.

Paper can be bought at the supply places listed. We will be working on ½-sheet size paper. You will need one ½-paper ready to paint on in class.

Large water container
Paper towels
Toothbrush

I use mostly flat brushes; I find that I have better control of the paint. My favorites are ½ in. flat ,1/4 in. flat, ¾ in. flat. 1” flat and an assortment of rounds. I use either “Pro- Art brushes -106 and 101 series. They can be purchased at AWS Art Supply: 1-800-995-6778; www.aswexpress.com I have also been using Daniel Smith 23-1 wash brushes, and like them as well.

HB drawing pencil and a hard red “Pink Pearl” eraser.
Masking medium { I use Vel-a} a tear mender that can be purchased at Crossings, a hardware store, or Jo Ann Fabric.

#4 0r ,#5 flat scrubber brush. I use the ones for fabric painting. They can be purchased in fabric stores; I like the Loew, Cornell, or Royal brands

-Holbein Watercolors: available at Cheap Joe’s—1-800-227-2788—www.cheapjoes.com

Indigo*
Olive Green
Colbalt Blue*
Davey’s Gray
Sap Green*
Verdider Blue
Lavender
Brilliant Orange
Opera*
Skip’s Green

-Daniel Smith Watercolors---1-800-426-6740—www.danielsmith.com

Quinacridone violet
Quin. Burnt Orange*
Quin. Rose
Quin. Magenta
Quin. Burnt Scarlet*
Quin. Sienna*
Quin Red
Quin. Corel
QuinGold*
Quin Purple

Windsor & Newton Watercolors

Windsor Violet
Scarlet Lake
Neutral tint
Antwerp Blue
Windsor Yellow*
Burnt Umber
Gamboge*

Grumbacker colors

Thalo Green
Thalo Yellow Green- Academy*

 

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Make a Silver Ring in a Day!
Saturday, July 26: 10am-3pm (one hour lunch break). Cost: $76. Includes all supplies!

Create a textured silver ring and wear it home the same day!

We will use a material called Precious Metal Clay (PMC) to create a pure silver ring. Precious Metal Clay, often referred to as Precious Metal Clay (PMC) or Art Clay, is a revolutionary new material developed in Japan by Mitsubishi Materials. Metal Clay is made up of tiny particles of pure silver or gold which are suspended in a non-toxic organic binder to create a material that can be worked like modeling clay. The clay, in it’s unfired form, can be worked with the fingers and clay modeling tools to create a vast range of forms and surfaces that would be unattainable or laborious with traditional metalworking techniques.

After the clay has taken on the desired form, it is fired in a kiln at high temperatures to burn off the binder and fuse the metal. The result is a solid, 100% pure silver object. After firing, the solid metal can be sanded, soldered, colored and polished like conventional metal.

You will learn how to size your ring and set a semi-precious gemstone to make rings that fit you and your style. Come with your imagination and go home with a finished ring! Laurie Riekmann is a certified instructor of PMC.

As always, in Laurie's classes you learn great tips and techniques in working with the material, use of all her tools and supplies and receive one-on-one instruction to help you create and go home with a one of a kind piece of jewelry.- Laurie Riekmann, Instructor. (www.froginthemoon.com)

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Kaleidoscope Creations
Saturday, August 16: 12:30-4:30pm. Cost: $75. Includes supplies!

Create your own world of visual magic and beauty!

Create your own world of beauty with ever-changing designs. In this class you will select colorful treasures for your own unique oil-filled object cell, and complete your project in one session using individually turned, solid hardwood rings, an eyepiece, and a matching stand.

You will be able to choose from several real wood veneer barrels with detailed inlay.

Materials to bring: a shoebox and scissors.

Dean Franssell has been teaching kaleidoscope workshops for over 18 years, and has trained several individuals to become kaleidoscope instructors. He designs and creates all of the wooden kaleidoscope kits, and holds a teaching degree from the University of Minnesota.

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Introduction to Glass Fusing: or, Life After Dichroic
Saturday, August 23: 10am-4:30pm. Cost: $85 plus $30 supply fee

Come play with glass!

This is an easy, one day introduction to glass fusing. Make a pendant to take home and several cabochons for pins or magnets! Try out a bunch of different materials to make stunning pieces. You will learn about how glass behaves, and how to run a kiln for glass fusing. Participants will try several techniques, making small pieces suitable for jewelry, and analyze complex pieces to learn how to follow the steps to completion.

Each student gets a handout on safety and background information on glass with room for taking notes. The handout is covered on the first day with emphasis on the safety information.

The construction is as simple as stacking things up! The designing is where the fun comes in. Students will even learn about running a simple kiln.

Instructor Jennifer Wolcott has been teaching small-scale glass fusing, lampworking, and silversmithing for eight years. Prior to that she spent more than twenty years as an engineer in industry happily figuring out how to make printed circuits better-faster-smaller-tougher-more and figuring out what went wrong when they failed.

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One-of-a-Kind Silver Pendants and Earrings in a Day!
Saturday, September 27: 10am-3pm (one hour lunch break). Cost: $76. Includes all supplies!

Yes! You can make your own one-of-a-kind silver jewelry and wear it home the same day!

Learn how to use a material called Precious Metal Clay to create your own pendants, earrings or charms. Precious Metal Clay, often referred to as Precious Metal Clay (PMC) or Art Clay, is a revolutionary new material developed in Japan by Mitsubishi Materials. Metal Clay is made up of tiny particles of pure silver or gold which are suspended in a non-toxic organic binder to create a material that can be worked like modeling clay. The clay, in it’s unfired form, can be worked with the fingers and clay modeling tools to create a vast range of forms and surfaces that would be unattainable or laborious with traditional metalworking techniques.

After the clay has taken on the desired form, it is fired in a kiln at high temperatures to burn off the binder and fuse the metal. The result is a solid, 100% pure silver object. After firing, the solid metal can be sanded, soldered, colored and polished like conventional metal.

Have fun while learning how to work with the clay to make your own designs. After firing, you will learn how to polish your jewelry to bring out the beauty of the design. You'll have enough supplies to make at least 2 finished pendants and 2 pairs of earrings! So bring a friend or two and make it a creative day out!

Laurie Riekmann is a certified instructor of PMC. As always, in Laurie's classes you learn great tips and techniques in working with the material, use of all her tools and supplies and receive one-on-one instruction to help you create and go home with a one of a kind piece of jewelry.- Laurie Riekmann, Instructor. (www.froginthemoon.com)

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Concrete Sculpture Workshop
Sat, October 4: 10am-4pm
Sun, October 5: noon-4pm
Cost: $195 plus $35 supply fee

Learn to make a concrete statue in this 2-day workshop with
award-winning folk artist Wouterina "Riana" DeRaad

You'll learn techniques in this workshop that are not taught in any other schools or books! Bring a pair of part-rubber/part-cloth gloves and a face mask to class. Everything else you'll need is supplied.

During the first day of this workshop, participants will be making a multi-layered metal armature, which will be cemented in the following day. You will learn how to cut and shape the metal lathe and when and how to use reinforcements. There will be a demonstration on the various cementing techniques, discussions on cement formulas, and what pigments to use for coloring cement. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can create benches, bird baths, planters, or any object of your own design!

Since 1988 Wouterina has created more than 40 figures that make up a sculpture garden at her home in Beldenville, WI. Wouterina's award-winning sculpture gardens have been featured on “Rebecca’s Garden” and “The Wisconsin Gardener” on Wisconsin Public Television, and in numerous publications including Midwest Living, Minnesota Monthly, Wisconsin Trails Magazine, Country Gardens, Minnesota Horticulturist, and the Folk Art Messenger.

Susan Waughtal created this wonderful sculpture in the last concrete workshop
-Check out the wine bottle eyes!

A little about Riana: "I like for my statues to provoke imagination, to look naive and old, as though they have been here for many years. Beauty, function and longevity are my main objectives. Most statues have a welded steel frame and two layers of a metal mesh for strength, followed by one or two layers of concrete. To make the mosaics, pottery shards, glass, pebbles and various other objects are applied with a tile adhesive. Most pieces are finished with a grout."

View Riana's online gallery at Portal Wisconsin:
Check out Riana's Mosaic Workshop to be held on November 8-9!

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Rosemaling Ornaments!
Sat-Sun,October 11-12: 9am-4pm both days.
Cost: $115 plus supply fee

Come rosemal miniature sleighs and various ornaments for your own holiday
decorating or gift-giving!

Calling all rosemalers! A two-day workshop in which you will be rosemaling holiday ornaments is being offered. This workshop is open to anyone who has experience with basic rosemaling techniques and/or anyone who has participated in any of Ken's previous rosemaling workshops. These darling ornaments are only several inches in length, and would make wonderful heirloom-quality gifts.

Rosemaling is a form of decorative flower painting that originated in Norway in the 1700s. These graceful designs are derived from C and S strokes and are characterized by flowing lines and scroll, imaginative, fanciful flowers, and subtle colors. Rosemaling may also incorporate figures, scenes and script lettering.

Instructor Ken Magnuson was awarded the Vesterheim Gold Medal for excellence in rosemaling by the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah. To earn this award, artists must complete and earn 8 points at the annual national competition each July. The first Gold Medal was awarded in 1969. Since that time, less then 50 artists have received this award.

 

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Mosaic Workshop
Sat, November 8: 10am-4pm
Sun, November 9: 10am-2pm
Cost: $165 plus $25 supply fee

Learn the basic skills of Mosaic Tiling, materials and patterning in this 2-day workshop with award-winning folk artist Wouterina "Riana" DeRaad.

You'll learn techniques in this workshop that are not taught in any other schools or books! Students will learn how to cut and break glass and ceramic tile, what materials and adhesives to use for our subzero climate, and different mosaic patterning techniques. There will be a grouting demonstration, discussions on cement formulas, how to use pigments and ways to texture a cement surface!

Mosaic from Riana's sculpture garden

Materials list: an object to tile, such as a clay pot, vase, cookie jar, birdbath, or your sculpture from the concrete workshop! Please bring some TESSERAE (tile objects such as broken dishes, pebbles, buttons, mirrors, beads, shells, and the like), rubber/cloth gloves, old towels and rags.

Since 1988 Wouterina has created more than 40 figures that make up a sculpture garden at her home in Beldenville, WI. Wouterina's award-winning sculpture gardens have been featured on “Rebecca’s Garden” and “The Wisconsin Gardener” on Wisconsin Public Television, and in numerous publications including Midwest Living, Minnesota Monthly, Wisconsin Trails Magazine, Country Gardens, Minnesota Horticulturist, and the Folk Art Messenger.

A little about Riana: "I like for my statues to provoke imagination, to look naive and old, as though they have been here for many years. Beauty, function and longevity are my main objectives. Most statues have a welded steel frame and two layers of a metal mesh for strength, followed by one or two layers of concrete. To make the mosaics, pottery shards, glass, pebbles and various other objects are applied with a tile adhesive. Most pieces are finished with a grout."

View Riana's online gallery at Portal Wisconsin:

 

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Open Studio - Life Drawing

image by Marta Biittner

“Life Drawing is at once the most frustrating and satisfying art form that an artist can undertake”
- artist Mike Schad of Zumbro Falls.

The ‘Open Studio-Life Drawing’ sessions are a great opportunity for artists, at any level of expertise, to practice and hone their skills, and expand their ability to "see." Professional and emerging artists, as well as fine art students developing their portfolios, motivate each other with their own abilities, critiques, and encouragement. Each artist works independently in the medium of their choice.

Open Studio/Life Drawing sessions are held (usually) on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, from 1 to 4 pm. Live models, natural light, welcoming and creative setting.

$17 per session or $72 for 6. Includes model fee.
Upcoming sessions: May 18.

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Pottery, Pottery, Pottery Classes!

RAKU: OUT OF THE FIRE! Primitive Firing Workshop
Saturday & Sunday, May 17-18, 9am-5pm. Please bring a sack lunch!
Cost: $189. (Past Raku Workshop participants: $175)

A two-day intensive workshop for potters of all skill levels,
from the beginner to the very seasoned

Have you been intrigued by the dramatic effects of Raku or Sagger firing but have limited understanding of the process? Come spend a weekend with Raku artists Mark Lusardi and Angela Foley as they share their considerable knowledge of the Raku firing process that has been practiced and utilized for generations in Japan. Paul Soldner introduced this Japanese process to America in the 1950’s and, by accident, discovered the post reduction Raku that we are familiar with today. The effects of post reduction Raku finishes are fascinating and constantly evolving.

The workshop will focus on the art of the post reduction process as well as some new twists in which to decorate and fire your work. Participants will be provided with a wide variety of glazes and tools to finish their Raku Pieces, and are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the firing process.

The first day is designed for the workshop participants to learn and understand some of the glazing techniques that are indicative to Raku as well as some new approaches to help broaden the effects of the finished product. The second day will follow up on the steps taken during the previous day and a discussion on how to approach your pieces for further exploration. After glazing, an amazing, adventurous afternoon of firing will begin!

Scene from last year's Raku Workshop!

Visit Angela Foley's Website
and Mark Lusardi's website too!

Supplies list:

(Several small practice tiles will be provided.)
8 bisqued pots (Raku Clay Body)
Brushes for painting on glazes
Small bucket or dish for water
Sponge for clean up
Old magazines or newspapers for firing
-Wear natural fiber clothing (no polyester) and close-toed shoes, and bring lots of energy!

Want help preparing? Need more options? Need Raku clay?
Crossings' Clay studio is available for participants to prepare for this workshop.
Call Marie: 507-732-7616

 

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Beginning to Advanced Beginning Pottery Wheel!
Wednesday evenings, 6-8:30pm. May 21 - July 9 (skip June 25 & July 2)
$130/6 sessions plus $34 supplies, plus firing fees.

Join this pottery wheel class and let instructor Angela Foley take you to the creative place you either never knew existed or have been wanting to get back to! Wherever you are at, absolute beginner or advanced beginner, this class is small enough that you will get the personal one-on-one help you need to move further into pottery. Learn and refine your skills of centering, throwing & trimming on the potters wheel.

You'll receive your own Kemper Tool kit and clay to get you on your way.

Instructor Angela M. Foley is a full time professional potter and has been teaching the joys of hand-thrown pottery to people of all ages for eight years. She maintains a beautiful studio at the historic Anderson Center in Red Wing, Minnesota. Her graceful wheel-thrown vessels have the lush, figurative lines of classical forms. She continues to explore the partnership of line and curve in an ever-evolving vocabulary of profiles. Visit Angela's website!

 

 

Click here for information about the RAKU WORKSHOP Angela is co-facilitating with Mark Lusardi in May!

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Advanced Pottery Wheel!
Wednesday evenings, 6-8:30pm. July 23- August 27
$145/6 sessions plus firing fees.

Dramatically improve your wheel-throwing technique!

In this intensive, six-session class with Angela Foley,
you will learn to polish your basic wheel-throwing skills,
refine your forms, and gain success at throwing the pot you want,
rather than having to settle for the pot you get.

You will learn many tips and techniques for the
advanced wheel thrower, including:

You will receive expert critiquing and encouragement, learn some new approaches, target your specific needs, and feel a renewed vigor for your craft.

Instructor Angela M. Foley is a professional potter who has maintained a beautiful studio at the historic Anderson Center in Red Wing, Minnesota for over ten years. She shows in regional juried art fairs, participates in the annual Studio Ramble in Red Wing, teaches workshops and classes, and pushes the boundaries of Raku firing at her parents' farm in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. Her graceful wheel-thrown vessels have the lush, figurative lines of classical forms. She continues to explore the partnership of line and curve in an ever-evolving vocabulary of profiles. Visit Angela's Website

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The Clay Studio
24 hour access to creativity

Crossings clay studio was created to allow clay artists and potters of all levels to explore their creativity and work in a supportive environment. The advantages of becoming a clay studio member are more than just access to equipment and workspace - you get to join a clay community where ideas, inspiration and laughter are generously shared. Above all, the most important thing is to have fun!

Great natural light space for working in clay, on the wheel or hand-building.

Membership Benefits:
24 hours, 7 days a week access to a bright studio space equipped with 8 electric pottery wheels; wedging table and extruder; on-site kiln firing and access to studio glazes and studio tools; personal shelf space, plus the opportunity to display work for sale in our gallery and to participate in two annual sales: Art in East Park in June, and Crossings' Annual Open House in November! View last year's Holiday Art Fair/Open House information here!

Full one year studio membership $55/month (students $45/month) plus a one-time refundable security deposit of $100.

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Body-Mind-Spirit Classes:

Running Clinic
Mondays: 6:30-7:30pm. $25/8 wks.
April 28 through June 16

An eight-week course begins Monday, April 28, from 6:30-7:30pm, at Crossings. Conducted by Jeff Smith, Dave Zimmerman and Tammy Beniak, this class is for anyone, of all ages, that has thought about running or walking in the Fun Run on June 21, during the Covered Bridge Fest. This year's run will be in memory of Jane Nigon, an avid runner who frequented the trail. Jane was killed in an automobile accident early this year.

Fun Run participants are encourage to bring in a minimum of $100 in pledges for the Pioneer Trail. The more sizeable the donations, the more attention we'll get from the state legislature when asking for financial support. Those who attend this $25 class will have their registration fee for the Fun Run waived. The $25 is a direct donation to the Trail. The class will focus on stretching, motivation, clothing and running techniques. Half the time will be spent running/walking together.

Clinic Topics 4/28: Intro & Training Schedules; 5/5: Shoes; 5/12: Nutrition & Hydration; 5/19: Stretching & Core Strength; 5/26: (Memorial Day, we may change clinic to Tues): Clothing & Energy Gels; 6/2: Injuries; 6/9: Motivation/Goal Setting/Calendar of upcoming races; 6/16: Speed, Interval & Weight Training. Then June 21 – RACE DAY!

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Hatha Yoga
Tuesdays: 6:15-7:15pm.
May 20 through August 26. 15 sessions!
Get a Yoga Pass! Choose any 8 sessions out of the 15 for $80!* (Additional classes are still just $10.)
Drop-ins are fine! $12 per class. Call to reserve space.

Treat your mind and body to a series of yoga classes that will promote the wellness you need with instructors Connie Myran and Julie Peterson.

Yoga classes are designed to help you increase flexibility, improve posture, develop strength, reduce stress and promote physical and emotional well-being. They emphasize proper breathing, which is important in performing yoga postures and essential for managing stress.

You know your body better than anyone else, so you will focus on listening to and honoring the communication your body gives you, whether it says to work the stretch more deeply, to proceed cautiously, to rest, or not to do the position at all. This approach increases awareness of your body and its limits and permits individuals of various skill levels—including beginners—to participate comfortably in the same class. Students will learn a variety of poses and techniques over the six weeks.

*The first 6 people to purchase a Yoga Pass will receive two free gifts: a set of Gaim blocks, and a Yoga belt!

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Return to the Goddess
Fridays: Feb 15, Mar 21 & May 9; June date to be determined; 7-9pm. $78/4 wks

A series of women’s gatherings

Is there “something missing” in your everyday living and spiritual practice? Do you long for a closer and more personal connection to the power and mysteries of the universe?

Join facilitator Char Tarashanti and like-minded women to explore the history and experience contemporary interpretations of the Feminine Divine through music, art, literature, ritual, introspective exercises and group discussion.

Topics will include:

The first gathering will be an overview of the topics and a framework for our future meetings that allows for your input into the areas of focus or additional topics or experiences you would like included. A commitment to attend all four sessions is important to create the safety and bonding that will make this a transformational experience for all.

Char Tarashanti has been a spiritual seeker and advocate for women for much of her adult life. She has done extensive reading, taught classes and participated in a variety of women’s spirit circles. Her style of group facilitation is inclusive and egalitarian with an emphasis on experiential learning and personal choice.

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Writing Classes:

 

A Master Class for Performing Songwriters with Dave Isaacs of Good Souls
Sunday, June 29; 3-4:30pm. $25

Get Out Of Your Own Way & Into Your Groove

Great performers are able to simultaneously reach audiences on multiple levels: in their gut, ears, and heart. Great songwriters craft the messages and melodies that make that connection possible. This workshop will explore the ways we as performing songwriters can make the most impact onstage, in a way that fits our own personal and musical style.

You can catch Dave Isaacs and Briana Hardyman - also known as the acoustic duo Good Souls - live and on Crossings' stage after the workshop at 7:30pm ! Click here for concert details.

“…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others…” Nelson Mandela

In a master class setting, workshop participants will perform for each other and receive critiques and tips on their delivery. Through exploration of body language, movement and posture, and instrumental and vocal technique, we will identify and transcend the stumbling blocks that limit our expressive range and creative freedom.

Dave Isaacs has released seven albums and logged countless road miles as a solo artist, band leader, and instrumentalist. A master musician, classically-trained with two degrees in guitar performance, his dynamic onstage presence infuses rock star energy, a poetic soul, and artistic originality with command, craftsmanship, and chops.

A highly respected teacher and workshop leader, Dave teaches private classes in guitar, voice, performance technique, and songwriting at his Nashville studio, and offers regular performance workshops for songwriters through the Nashville Songwriters Association International. He continues to perform constantly both in the greater Nashville area and on the road fronting his jazz-inflected trio or as co-leader of rising Americana band Good Souls.

Stream a video from the Nashville Songwriters Association International's website about Dave's last guitar/songwriting workshop for them!

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Spanish:

Beginners and Advance Beginners Spanish
Tuesday evenings; April 1 through May 20. $88/8 weeks.
Beginners: 6-7:15pm
Advanced Beginners: 7:15-8:30pm

Do you want to gain some conversational Spanish skills or build on your basic knowledge of Spanish? Crossings is offering a eight-session intensive course of beginner and advanced beginner Spanish.

Instructor: Patrick Conon of Columbia will work with students individually and at their own level to help them become more comfortable with this beautiful and useful language.

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Musical Instruction:

Fiddle Lessons:
Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm; call to set up time.
$15 per half-hour private weekly lesson, paid monthly. Requires two-month commitment

If you have ever wanted to learn the fiddle, now's the time. Lessons are now starting at Crossings with local musician Monica Nigon. Styles to be taught range from beginning classical, beginning to intermediate bluegrass, and beginning to advanced Celtic. Whatever the student wants to learn will be the focus of these lessons. The thirty minutes will include bowing techniques, proper playing positions, and stylistic repertoire.

For three years, Monica has been playing Celtic and bluegrass fiddling music in local bands including The Back Porch Band, The Sunday Nighters, and the Bitter Creek Band. She has played the fiddle for almost 12 years, beginning with the Suzuki Method of classical music at age four. Now she plays mostly up-beat Celtic and Bluegrass repertoire.

Crossings' music instruction FAQ's

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Guitar, Bass and Mandolin Lessons:
Wednesdays from 3-7:30pm; call to set up time.

$16 per half-hour private weekly lesson, paid monthly. Requires two-month commitment. One-on-one instruction, acoustic or electric guitar, plus bass and mandolin! Beginners on up: all ages!

Jim Kaske has been teaching at Crossings since 2004. He has a great love for music of all kinds, and enjoys teaching students ages 5 to 94! Jim is used to teaching a wide range of styles, from rock to classical. Jim is constantly learning new music, styles and techniques so he is able to meet the interests of his students. For each student that Jim teaches, a customized lesson is created for each lesson to meet that student’s individual needs and wants. Every student’s learning style and music preferences are taken into consideration to foster an environment of fun and learning with one on one attention.

Jim has been playing Guitar since the age of 15 and has no plan on stopping as there is so much music to learn! Jim has a Masters Certificate in Music Theory, Harmony, and Ear Training from Berklee College of Music, along with a degree from Winona State University in Business Administration.

From former student Wanda:
Jim is a very good teacher. He is not only skilled but also a wealth of knowledge about guitar playing, its history and styles and artists. Zumbrota is very lucky to have him teaching here.
He is so patient with old, arthritic people like me with 10 thumbs.

Crossings' music instruction FAQ's

 

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