Instructor: Rhonda Baldner
Geared toward kids ages 5-10

Location: Clay Cavern (basement)

Show your loved ones how much they mean to you by sending handmade holiday greeting cards. Or treat yourself to unique and handmade holiday decor for years to come. In this watercolor class, you’ll learn a variety of beginner friendly skills including layering, inkwork, using salt with watercolors, and more. Each student will paint four of the five Holiday Greeting Cards (due to time) listed below:

1. String of Lights
2. Salty Tree
3. Happy Holly-days
4. Wreath OR Ornament

Each card measures roughly 5x7 inches and is hand folded by the instructor prior to class. Brown paper envelopes will be included for each card.

Instructor: Caroline Porter
Geared toward ages 14 and up (ages 10-13 accompanied by an adult)
This class is located in the 2nd floor gallery at the ArtWorks Center

Jane Taylor’s The Nutcracker

Sat Dec 13 @ 7pm

Enjoy student dancers of all ages performing this classic holiday tale. No advance tickets, free will donation at the door.

Join us for a community sing-along! Enjoy a beverage and spread some holiday cheer as members of the Austin CommUNITY Choir lead some favorite holiday songs.

Your free-will donation will help to support the mission of the choir. Beverage purchases will help to support the Austin ArtWorks Center.

Join us for a unique music event that builds a bridge for talented music lovers to step on stage and become performing musicians. The Austin ArtWorks Center gallery hosts a house band and wine/beer bar. Come enjoy the music or plan to sing your own song. Free and open to the public.

Performers will each be allowed to present ONE song (opportunity for additional songs if time allows). Sign up in advance or take advantage of a limited number of ‘walk up’ spots each month.

December’s jam will be emceed by Penny Kinney.

Winners of 2 Grammy Awards and back by popular demand, Riders in the Sky stand hats and shoulders above the rest of the purveyors of comedy and western! For more than 40 years, they have kept the flame passed on by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, becoming modern-day icons with their wacky humor, western wit, and cowboy way of life. Riders in the Sky pay tribute to and poke gentle fun at the classic cowboy songs of the 1930s and 1940s. The group is made up of lead singer Ranger Doug, Woody Paul on fiddle and vocals, Too Slim on string bass and guitar, and, and "Cowpolka King" Joey Miskulin on accordion. Performance will be opened by fiddler Brian Christianson and family.

Sponsored by Belita Schindler & Hoversten Johnson Beckmann & Hovey, LLP

Instructor: Ashley Langfeldt
Geared toward kids ages 5-10

Location: Clay Cavern (basement)

The Polar Express (2004)

Sat Dec 20 @ 3pm & 7pm
$7 Adults/$5 Kids

Sponsored by Austin Morning Lions Club

On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. G

A Christmas Story (1983)

Sun Dec 21 @ 3pm & 7pm
Free admission

In partnership with The Next Chapter, Inc. Free book giveaway after the movie!

In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie Parker attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift. PG

For a high-energy, interactive experience, look no further than this flagship Dueling Pianos Show. All night long, you, the audience, get to choose every song we play on our beautiful baby grand pianos. Sing, clap, dance, and laugh along with two of our talented and energetic entertainers. Two hours of unbridled, unfiltered fun for all ages!

Sponsored by Bremer Bank, an affiliate of Old National Bank

Gallery opens for artists Amanda Pearson and Halle Rittgers.

Amanda Pearson | Artist Statement | When I get the question of “what kind of art do you do?” my response is “I glue things to boards”. It catches people off-guard and there are always follow up questions, but to me it is the best way to describe how I create.

There is a phrase that has stuck with me for years – “investment of the hand”. People who look at my pieces are drawn to the meticulous nature and it is common for them to react by reaching out and trying to touch the surface. The materials I use are not commonly seen in galleries, but are typically found shoved towards the back of a junk drawer or a forgotten craft bin. There is value in the mundane that my work elevates. For me, creating each piece is meditative. My work requires time, and it takes a lot of it. One of my favorite aspects of these pieces that I have made over the last few years is that they are like a journal; I can see my moods, experiences, and situations expressed over time as I moved through the creation of the image. My art creates a permanent record – I must continually move forward with confidence, because there is little room for adjusting what was done before.

My pieces capture a moment of time in spaces that I consider sacred. Using nature to represent these important moments is the best way that I have found to honor my experiences in a way that also resonates with the viewer.

Halle Rittgers | Artist Statement |My work is a visual narrative of life expressed through abstracted color and form on raw canvas. My paintings explore the dynamic relationships between chance and intention, meditation and play, and color and texture. While studying at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. I began using natural dyes and second hand textiles, which led me to my present style of using stained washes and a lexicon of marks and shapes on canvas. Growth and contemplation are present in the process as I make compositional choices, working in layers on paper and raw canvas. Each painting starts with playful experimentation as the brush meets the canvas, and advances into more refined exploration. My choice of mark making and my use of recycled materials from past work hint at distant memories in many of my final pieces. 

Through my painting practice, I am constantly striving to become more presentand to find intrigue in the repetitive and familiar, noting that each small mark andmoment in the process plays an important role in the final piece. These ideas run parallelto my exploration of daily life through liturgy, small practices, and the ordinary habitsthat form us as humans. I want to articulate these mundane moments of life as sacredoccasions and celebrations that form us and become part of our story. The overlappingmethodology in my work tells a dynamic story through the process of the painting itself.

Saturday, Jan 17th from 10am - 3pm & Saturday, Jan 24th from 10am - 12pm

Geared towards ages 18+

Instructor: Spencer Johannes

Location: Clay Cavern at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Description:

This crash course is designed to teach you the core foundational skills of the pottery wheel. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate, this class will allow you both the time and instruction to learn and improve upon your wheel throwing skills. Starting with basics, centering, opening through raising walls, and creating volume, you’ll move into learning shaping and fundamentals of form.

The first class on January 17th, students will be throwing on the wheel all day. The pieces will be bisque fired, then the second class on January 24th, students will be glazing for the duration of the class. Pieces will be glaze fired and ready to be picked up approximately one week later. Students will be notified via email when pieces are ready to be picked up.

Tuesday, January 20th from 1pm- 3pm

Geared towards ages 16+

Instructor: Deb D’Souza

Location: Clay Cavern at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Description: 

Come spend an afternoon experimenting with fused glass. We supply everything you will need for cutting, shaping and assembling 4”x4” fused glass works. Space is limited, registering ahead of time is recommended.

Class time will be spent cutting and assembling your fused glass piece. Pieces will stay at the ArtWorks Center to be fired and will be ready for pick up approximately two weeks after the class. Students will be notified via email when pieces are ready to be picked up.

Thursday, January 22nd from 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Geared towards ages 14+

Location: Upstairs Gallery at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Description:

Fall back in love with reading this year through this Watercolor Bookmark class. Create 3 preselected designs including the ever so popular Northern Lights, Yellow Cone Flowers and Shimmering Jellyfish. Led by Minnesota artist, Caroline Porter, students will learn a variety of skills to create their own unique bookmarks.

This class is perfect for all skill levels. To help students gain confidence, everyone will also get to practice on scrap paper before working on their final artwork. Each bookmark will measure slightly under 2 x 7 or slightly under 2 x 6 inches. Students will receive cellophane sleeves for each bookmark to help protect the artwork.

Featured bookmarks:

Northern Lights - features a beautiful night sky shimmering in either green or pink aurora borealis with black pine trees below. This piece uses iridescent watercolors and will shine in the light.

Yellow Cone Flowers - painted with watercolors and drawn with ink, this beginner friendly floral bookmark you can choose your own color scheme

Shimmering Jellyfish - painted completely with glitter watercolors, this piece shines brilliantly.

The instructor will provide all necessary materials for this class, however, if you would like to use your own materials (i.e. paints or brushes) students are more than welcome to bring their own. Feel free to bring a notebook and take notes. It is highly encouraged to practice what you learn during this workshop at home.

Saturday, Jan 17th from 10am - 3pm & Saturday, Jan 24th from 10am - 12pm

Geared towards ages 18+

Instructor: Spencer Johannes

Location: Clay Cavern at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Description:

This crash course is designed to teach you the core foundational skills of the pottery wheel. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate, this class will allow you both the time and instruction to learn and improve upon your wheel throwing skills. Starting with basics, centering, opening through raising walls, and creating volume, you’ll move into learning shaping and fundamentals of form.

The first class on January 17th, students will be throwing on the wheel all day. The pieces will be bisque fired, then the second class on January 24th, students will be glazing for the duration of the class. Pieces will be glaze fired and ready to be picked up approximately one week later. Students will be notified via email when pieces are ready to be picked up.

Saturday, January 24 from 12:30pm - 1:45pm

Geared towards ages 18+

Instructor: Spencer Johannes

Location: Clay Cavern at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Description:

This introductory class is designed for beginners to try wheel throwing. In a small group setting (2-3 participants), we’ll focus on centering clay, forming basic shapes, and exploring the fundamentals of the pottery wheel. No finished pieces will be made, making it a fun, low-pressure introduction for those curious about pottery.

Produced and created by John Mueller, this is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates. Each live concert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50’s era: That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, Oh, Boy, Rave on, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, and many, many more!

Tuesday, February 10th from 1pm- 3pm

Geared towards ages 16+

Instructor: Deb D’Souza

Location: Clay Cavern at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Description: 

Come spend an afternoon experimenting with fused glass. We supply everything you will need for cutting, shaping and assembling 4”x4” fused glass works. Space is limited, registering ahead of time is recommended.

Class time will be spent cutting and assembling your fused glass piece. Pieces will stay at the ArtWorks Center to be fired and will be ready for pick up approximately two weeks after the class. Students will be notified via email when pieces are ready to be picked up.

Saturday, February 14th from 2pm - 4pm

Geared towards ages 18+

Instructor: Caroline Porter

Location: Upstairs Gallery at the Austin ArtWorks Center

*please note that your registration fee of $80 is for TWO people, please attend this class with your partner

Description:

This Valentine’s Day, grab a partner and come to the hilarious and trending Paint Your Partner Portrait Class. In this class you’ll learn a variety of ink drawing skills to help capture your partner’s personality and looks. Then finish your artwork with watercolors to make it really pop!

This class is perfect for folks looking to have fun. No experience is required. Instructor, Caroline Porter, will start students off with a basic pencil outline of a head, neck, and shoulders on an 8x10 inch piece of watercolor paper. Students can adjust the pencil drawing to the likeness of their partner.

The instructor will provide all necessary materials for this class, however, if you would like to use your own materials (i.e. paints or brushes) students are more than welcome to bring their own. Feel free to bring a notebook and take notes. It is highly encouraged to practice what you learn during this workshop at home.

Saturday, February 21st from 10am - 3pm & Saturday, February 28th from 10am - 12pm

Geared towards ages 18+

Instructor: Spencer Johannes

Location: Clay Cavern at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Description:

This crash course is designed to teach you the core foundational skills of the pottery wheel. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate, this class will allow you both the time and instruction to learn and improve upon your wheel throwing skills. Starting with basics, centering, opening through raising walls, and creating volume, you’ll move into learning shaping and fundamentals of form.

The first class on February 21st, students will be throwing on the wheel all day. The pieces will be bisque fired, then the second class on February 28th, students will be glazing for the duration of the class. Pieces will be glaze fired and ready to be picked up approximately one week later. Students will be notified via email when pieces are ready to be picked up.

Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the comic mastermind behind the long running hit Forbidden Broadway and performed by a versatile cast of eight, Spamilton: An American Parody is a side-splitting new musical parody. A crash course of everyone’s favorite Broadway blockbusters, including celebrity satires, pop culture zings accompanied with hip-hop on the piano! After tearing it up in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London, Spamilton: An American Parody will stage a singing, dancing, comedy revolution! Ben Brantley of The New York Times said, “This smart, silly, and often convulsively funny thesis, performed by a motor-mouthed cast that is fluent in many tongues, is the work of that eminent specialist in Broadway anatomy, pathology, and gossip, Gerard Alessandrini.”

Sponsored by the Hormel Foods Corporation

As part of their 13th season of bringing outstanding programming to tour in the US, The Panto Company USA is thrilled to bring the cherished family favorite story The Jungle Book to life on stage. In this fully produced musical production, they bring to life Kipling’s tales with great scenery, cool costumes, full of original modern songs, bursting with more excitement than you can imagine and of course a happy ending. Bring Mowgli and all his pals to your audience for a true slice of amazing Panto Company USA fun.

Sponsored by Austin Hy-Vee

Tuesday, March 3 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm and Tuesday, March 10th from 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Geared towards ages 16+

Instructor: Rhonda Baldner

Location: Clay Cavern at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Learn the art of creating an enchanting wren birdhouse. With techniques learned in class, you will make a pinch pot style birdhouse that wrens are sure to love! Your birdhouse will be constructed the first day of class, then you will return one week later to glaze them.

Friday, March 6th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Geared towards ages 14+

Instructor: Caroline Porter

Location: Upstairs Gallery at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Relax and unwind creating this impressionist inspired Lily Pad oil pastel piece. Led by Minnesota artist, Caroline Porter, you’ll learn basic layering techniques and other great beginner friendly oil pastel skills. Students will also have fun getting their hands messy while using a variety of blending techniques.

The instructor will provide all necessary materials for this class, however, if you would like to use your own materials (i.e. paints or brushes) students are more than welcome to bring their own. Feel free to bring a notebook and take notes. It is highly encouraged to practice what you learn during this workshop at home.

Saturday, March 7th from 1 - 3pm

Geared towards ages 14+

Instructor: Hannah Rosholt

Location: Upstairs Gallery at the Austin ArtWorks Center

A fun, hands-on class that teaches you how to capture better phone photos though lighting, composition and camera settings, and then edit them like a pro using Lightroom. We will learn simple tricks to make your everyday snapshots look intentional, from portraits to nature details, and discover how editing can transform your style.

Join us for a FREE community event. We will be painting the ice before it melts. Paint and brushes provided, please bring you imagination. Painting the Ice will take place at Austin Packer Arena 601 7th St NE, Austin, MN.

Tuesday, March 3 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm and Tuesday, March 10th from 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Geared towards ages 16+

Instructor: Rhonda Baldner

Location: Clay Cavern at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Learn the art of creating an enchanting wren birdhouse. With techniques learned in class, you will make a pinch pot style birdhouse that wrens are sure to love! Your birdhouse will be constructed the first day of class, then you will return one week later to glaze them.

If dance is an expression of the human spirit, then it is best expressed by people of all abilities. That is the fundamental belief behind the Dancing Wheels Company & School. Considered one of the premier arts and disabilities organizations in the U.S., Dancing Wheels is a professional, physically integrated dance company uniting the talents of dancers both with and without disabilities. Mary Verdi-Fletcher, the first professional wheelchair dancer in the U.S., founded the Dancing Wheels Company in Cleveland in 1980. Born with spina bifida, Mary wanted to offer others with disabilities full and equal access into the world of dance. An almost unimaginable concept at the time, Mary’s vision and passion have since helped to revolutionize our very notion of dance – as well as what defines a dancer. Dancing Wheels travels the globe advocating disability awareness and entertaining 30,000-50,000 people each year. With a repertory of over 100 works from nationally-esteemed choreographers and a message of inclusion and accessibility, the Company continually expands the reach of artistic possibilities while celebrating the universal spirit of dance.

Photo: Company dancers Morgan Walker and DeMarco Sleeper performing in “Three 4 Ann” (2022) choreographed by Mark Tomasic. Photo Credit: Mark Horning, 2023.

Ball in the House is an R&B/Soul/Pop a cappella group based out of Boston, MA, whose high energy shows have audiences​singing, dancing, even beatboxing along! With their extensive tour schedule (averaging 200 shows a year), Ball in the House has performed everywhere - from theaters to performing arts centers, fairs & festivals, to opening for some of the biggest acts in the world, such as The Beach Boys, The Jonas Brothers, The Temptations, Fantasia, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, and many others!

Saturday, April 11th from 9am - 4pm & Sunday, April 13th from 9am - 4pm

Geared towards ages 18+

Instructor: Nancy Odalen

Location: Upstairs Gallery at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Nancy Odalen, VGM will be teaching this rosemaling painting class for beginners. At this level you will learn brush control and technique, complete a basic scroll and flower form. The final task will be to paint a design of at least 3-4 inches in both height and width. The class will be taught in oils, and we will work on practice boards. There will be supplies available during the class  for students as well as brushes and the cost for these are included in the class price.

This will be an interesting, fun and informative class that will provide you with a firm foundation in the art of Rosemaling. For Sons of Norway Members, this will provide you with the skills you will need to complete the activities required by Sons of Norway for the Rosemaling Cultural Skills Medal.

As with all forces of nature, the music and energy created by The Next Generation Leahy simply cannot be contained. The drive to create music is powerful within each of the Leahy children. It has given rise to multi-instrumental talents, whose dynamic live performances have been described as “astounding” and “breath-taking.” Belying their young ages, these siblings are all accomplished multi-instrumentalists whose live performances are filled with the high-energy, infectious music associated with the Leahy name. However, not content to play only the music of their Celtic heritage, these musicians explore many genres of music and pull influences from far and wide. Fiddle, cello, French accordion, singing, piano, and French-Canadian step-dancing.

Saturday, April 17th from 1 - 5pm

Geared towards ages 14+

Instructor: Deb D’Souza

Location: Upstairs Galley at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Let’s get ready for Spring with some colorful bird garden stakes! These fused birds will add color to your garden or a potted plant. You will be guided in glass cutting techniques and design considerations. You will create two birds (6” and 4”) and have the choice of making a garden stake or suncatcher. LOTS of fun design options and a great way to brighten your day! Beginners welcome. All tools and glass provided. Birds will be fired and available for pick up the week following the class.

Thursday, April 23rd from 6pm - 7:30pm

Geared towards ages 14+

Instructor: Katie Stromlund

Location: Upstairs Gallery at the Austin ArtWorks Center

Join us for a relaxed, step-by-step painting class where you'll create a cheerful field of daisies.  Whether you're a total beginner or an experienced painter looking for a fun project, Katie will guide you through each step to create a piece you'll be proud to display!  All supplies provided, just bring your creativity and a smile!

The story of Muyehpen has been passed down for generations by the Knyaw (Karen) people of Burma. Known to be the most beautiful Knyaw woman in her time, and possessing supernatural powers, Muyehpen was kidnapped by the king of Siam and became a sacrifice. This is her narrative of resistance and resilience, which lives on today. Written by Ehkhudah Zar, this is the first-ever theater production by a Knyaw playwright in the U.S. and shares the story of Muyehpen with a new generation. Exposed Brick Theatre originally produced the World Premiere of Muyehpen in May 2023 at the Historic Mounds Theatre in St. Paul. The play is performed in English. There will be a talk with the playwright following the performance.

Friday, May 1st from 6pm - 8pm

Saturday, May 2nd from 9am - 5pm

Sunday, May 13th from 11am - 3pm

Geared towards ages 14+

Instructor: Debra D’Souza

Location: Upstairs Gallery at the Austin ArtWorks Center

In this weekend beginner class, students will design and create an 8” x 8”, indoor mosaic using richly colored stained glass. We will cover all the steps of mosaic creation, from preparing the substrate, design, tool use, setting and grouting. Use your own design, or choose from a selection of prepared designs for your piece. Use of tools, substrate, glass and all materials are included. No art or mosaic experience necessary. You will leave with a framed work of art and the basic knowledge to move forward on your new mosaic adventure and a printed handout for future reference.

Friday, May 1st from 6pm - 8pm

Saturday, May 2nd from 9am - 5pm

Sunday, May 13th from 11am - 3pm

Geared towards ages 14+

Instructor: Debra D’Souza

Location: Upstairs Gallery at the Austin ArtWorks Center

In this weekend beginner class, students will design and create an 8” x 8”, indoor mosaic using richly colored stained glass. We will cover all the steps of mosaic creation, from preparing the substrate, design, tool use, setting and grouting. Use your own design, or choose from a selection of prepared designs for your piece. Use of tools, substrate, glass and all materials are included. No art or mosaic experience necessary. You will leave with a framed work of art and the basic knowledge to move forward on your new mosaic adventure and a printed handout for future reference.

Friday, May 1st from 6pm - 8pm

Saturday, May 2nd from 9am - 5pm

Sunday, May 13th from 11am - 3pm

Geared towards ages 14+

Instructor: Debra D’Souza

Location: Upstairs Gallery at the Austin ArtWorks Center

In this weekend beginner class, students will design and create an 8” x 8”, indoor mosaic using richly colored stained glass. We will cover all the steps of mosaic creation, from preparing the substrate, design, tool use, setting and grouting. Use your own design, or choose from a selection of prepared designs for your piece. Use of tools, substrate, glass and all materials are included. No art or mosaic experience necessary. You will leave with a framed work of art and the basic knowledge to move forward on your new mosaic adventure and a printed handout for future reference.

With sellout crowds across more than 18 states and Canada, Turn to Stone delivers an ever expanding and nostalgic show which pays homage to the expansive catalog of Electric Light Orchestra!

Turn to Stone recreates the magic of ELO as they appeared on stages through the 1970s & 1980s with a live piece string section, light show, and authentic apparel. The band delivers the classic hits like Don't Bring Me Down, Mr Blue Sky, and Evil Woman while also catering to ELO superfans with a rotating ensemble of deep cuts like Fire on High, 10538 Overture, Xanadu, Twilight, and others you will not hear anywhere else!

Do not miss your chance to see Turn to Stone: A Tribute to ELO live on stage and relive the creative genius of Jeff Lynne. Make sure to buy tickets TODAY!

This is a third-party hosted rental event held at the Historic Paramount Theatre.