17 Results
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Art Meet Up: Art Meet Up: Victoria Villasana - Fiber Portraits (Roosevelt 55+)Creative ActivitiesVictoria Villasana is a Mexican textile and mixed-media artist known for her vibrant embroidered collages and yarn-based street art, where uncut threads spill beyond the frame to symbolize connection and impermanence. Her work blends traditional craft with contemporary imagery, exploring themes of cultural identity, feminism, and human resilience through bold color and tactile texture. In this workshop, participants will explore Villasana's distinctive style while creating their own patterned collage using a personal photo or iconic image. Please note: If you want to use a personal photo, please email picture by 4/20. No experience needed just a willingness to try something new. For further information, contact helene.gauthier@mpls.k12.mn.us or 612-668-4828.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026 -
Art Meet Up: Pop Up Cards (Roosevelt 55+)Creative ActivitiesPop-up cards envolved from medieval movable books and 18th Century novelty paper engineering, gaining popularity in the Victorian era with intricate designs by Lothar Meggendorfer and mass-produced in the 1920s, eventually becoming globally popular with modern printing and becoming artistic, interactive expressions for various occasions. No experience needed just a willingness to try something new. For further information, contact helene.gauthier@mpls.k12.mn.us or 612-668-4828Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026
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Birdwatching at the Heron Rookery (Roosevelt 55+)Creative ActivitiesJoin a naturalist at Marshall Terrace Park to learn about Great Blue Herons and observe their fascinating behavior, including courtship displays and nest-building. Binoculars and a spotting scope will be available for participants to use. Participants should be comfortable navigating stairs.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026 -
Roco Julie (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)
Exploring Watermedia (Roosevelt)Creative ActivitiesThis is a class that will be about exploring three types of Watermedia painting: Watercolor, Acrylic and Gouache. The objective is to learn and explore each form of Water media, explore subject matter and technique. Ultimately to choose media, subject matter and create your own aesthetic in these choices.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026 -
Hoop Needle Felting (North)Creative ActivitiesDiscover the whimsical art of needle felting in this hands-on class where you’ll create a one-of-a-kind piece of textile art. Using an embroidery hoop as your frame, you’ll start by choosing your own fabric and design, then bring it to life with colorful wool fibers and felting needles. Our expert instructors will guide you step by step, sharing tips, techniques, and creative tricks along the way. Whether you’re envisioning a bold abstract, a floral motif, or something completely unique, you’ll leave with a beautifully felted artwork ready to hang or gift. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this class is all about creativity, texture, and fun!Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026
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Jewelry Making (Marcy 55+)Creative ActivitiesJoin us for a fun, social, and creative workshop where you become the designer! Whether you want to make a personalized gift or a "statement" piece for your own collection, this class provides the space and tools to make it happen. We’ll cover the basics of jewelry assembly and design, giving you the confidence to repair your favorite broken pieces or start a brand-new hobby. Perfect for: Anyone looking for a creative night out. What to bring: Just your imagination! (All tools and a wide selection of beads/wire are provided). Note: Community Education uses a sliding scale model for program fees so our programs can be financially sustainable and more equitable. Participants are asked to pick the price that they can pay. By more clearly articulating our lower cost options, we have removed the barrier that some may have felt in making scholarship requests. When participants sign up at the higher price levels, they help make the program more sustainable Refund Policy Refunds (minus a $5 transaction fee) are given if you call or email at least three business days before a class begins. Full refunds will be given for any class that needs to be canceled by the site.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026
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Mechanics of Sewing (Marcy 55+)Creative ActivitiesIs your sewing machine gathering dust because you’re afraid of the settings? Join us for a hands-on workshop dedicated to the "how" and "why" of sewing. We’ll cover everything from proper threading and bobbin winding to fixing tension issues and basic home maintenance. Leave class with the confidence to tackle any project without the technical hiccups! Perfect for the beginner who is feeling stuck or the long-time sewist who wants to understand their "engine" better. Note: Community Education uses a sliding scale model for program fees so our programs can be financially sustainable and more equitable. Participants are asked to pick the price that they can pay. By more clearly articulating our lower cost options, we have removed the barrier that some may have felt in making scholarship requests. When participants sign up at the higher price levels, they help make the program more sustainable Refund Policy Refunds (minus a $5 transaction fee) are given if you call or email at least three business days before a class begins. Full refunds will be given for any class that needs to be canceled by the site.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026 -
Nature in the City: Beginner Birding at Longfellow Garden Prairie (Roosevelt 55+)Creative ActivitiesWaitlistThe Minneapolis Park system is full of great natural spaces to discover within our urban landscape! Come explore one of our wilder park areas with a naturalist guide as we look for birds; and get introduced to a new place and a new skill at the same time. We’ll practice watching (with and without binoculars) and listening for birds as we walk along park trails. This program offers an introduction to the practice of birdwatching, identification with not be our focus. We will meet at the north entrance to Longfellow Gardens south of the small parking lot on E Minnehaha Parkway. Binoculars provided for use during program. This program takes place entirely outside. Check the weather and come prepared for being outdoors. In the event of severe or extreme weather conditions this program will be cancelled, and communications will be sent.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026
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Nature in the City: Beginner Birding at Roberts Bird Sanctuary (Roosevelt 55+)Creative ActivitiesWaitlistThe Minneapolis Park system is full of great natural spaces to discover within our urban landscape! Come explore one of our wilder park areas with a naturalist guide as we look for birds; and get introduced to a new place and a new skill at the same time. We’ll practice watching (with and without binoculars) and listening for birds as we walk along park trails. This program offers an introduction to the practice of birdwatching, identification with not be our focus. Roberts Bird Sanctuary is located at 4124 Roseway Rd, We will meet at the covered shelter on the north side of the Lyndale Gardens pay parking lot, west of the Peace Garden. Binoculars provided for use during program. This program takes place entirely outside. Check the weather and come prepared for being outdoors. In the event of severe or extreme weather conditions this program will be cancelled, and communications will be sent.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026
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Needle Felting (North)Creative ActivitiesDiscover the magic of needle felting in this beginner-friendly workshop! Learn the fundamentals of this meditative craft as you use specialized needles and wool to shape and sculpt adorable, textured creations. In this class, our experienced instructor will guide you through essential techniques, safety tips, and the tools of the trade. You'll have the opportunity to create your own unique needle-felted project, such as a cute animal, a mini plant, or an abstract design.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026
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ajay_suresh (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)
Painting : Watercolor Color Theory Clouds & Watercolor Skies (Roosevelt 55+)Creative ActivitiesThis class explores three essential watercolor approaches for painting clouds: masking, lifting, and layering. In this technique-driven class, we will also explore wet‑on‑wet softness, wet-on-dry sharpness, and drybrush texture. Students learn how each technique interacts with pigment behavior—how granulating colors create texture, how staining pigments affect edges, and how warm‑cool shifts shape the mood of a sky. Through step‑by‑step demonstrations and guided practice, participants experiment with building atmospheric washes, carving out cloud shapes, and layering subtle color variations to create convincing, expressive cloudscapes. While the focus is on technique, the class also weaves in approachable color theory to help students choose pigments that support the feeling they want to convey. This session is perfect for beginners and returning students who want to expand their watercolor toolkit and gain confidence painting the ever‑changing sky. This class is priced on a sliding fee scale. Please pay the price you are able. This helps to ensure that Community Education can provide quality opportunities for all of our participants.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026 -
ajay_suresh (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)
Painting : Watercolor Color Theory Watercolor Sunsets (Roosevelt 55+)Creative ActivitiesThis class introduces students to the foundations of watercolor color theory through the luminous language of sunset skies. Through guided demonstrations and hands‑on experiments, participants explore how watercolor pigments behave—tinting strength, opacity, granulation, temperature—and how those qualities shape the colors they can mix. Students practice creating glowing oranges, soft violets, gentle pinks, smoky blues, and the subtle neutrals that make a sunset feel atmospheric and alive. The emphasis is on building practical color‑mixing skills and developing confidence with materials. Students learn how to select pigments intentionally, mix clean and expressive colors, and use layering, wet‑on‑wet, and wet-on-dry techniques to create smooth gradients and radiant skies. This welcoming, supportive class is ideal for beginners as well as returning painters who want to deepen their understanding of watercolor pigments and color relationships. This class is priced on a sliding fee scale. Please pay the price you are able. This helps to ensure that Community Education can provide quality opportunities for all of our participants.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026 -
ajay_suresh (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)
Painting: Watercolor Color Theory Minnesota Northern Lights (Roosevelt 55+)Creative ActivitiesThis session focuses on understanding watercolor color theory through the shifting, ethereal palette of the Northern Lights. Students explore how cool‑temperature pigments, staining colors, and granulating mixtures can be layered to create luminous veils of green, violet, blue, and rose. Through guided demonstrations, participants experiment with controlled wet‑on‑wet techniques, soft‑edge transitions, and intentional pigment selection to capture the movement and glow of aurora-filled skies. Alongside color theory, the class highlights how pigment behavior influences atmosphere—how transparency creates depth, how granulation suggests drifting light, and how value contrast brings the night sky to life. Students leave with a stronger grasp of mixing expressive cool palettes, building layered luminosity, and using watercolor’s natural properties to evoke a sense of wonder. No prior experience is required; curiosity and a love of Minnesota skies are more than enough. This class is priced on a sliding fee scale. Please pay the price you are able. This helps to ensure that Community Education can provide quality opportunities for all of our participants.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026 -
Pottery (Marcy 55+)Creative ActivitiesDiscover the magic of ceramics! In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn the essential techniques of both hand building and wheel throwing. From your first bowl to a hand-glazed masterpiece, you’ll be guided through every step of the process. All tools are provided; just bring an old towel and your creativity. Students will leave with 3–5 finished, fired pieces. No prior experience is necessary—just come ready to get your hands dirty! Note: Community Education uses a sliding scale model for program fees so our programs can be financially sustainable and more equitable. Participants are asked to pick the price that they can pay. By more clearly articulating our lower cost options, we have removed the barrier that some may have felt in making scholarship requests. When participants sign up at the higher price levels, they help make the program more sustainable Refund Policy Refunds (minus a $5 transaction fee) are given if you call or email at least three business days before a class begins. Full refunds will be given for any class that needs to be canceled by the site.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026 -
Puzzle Club (Marcy 55+)Creative ActivitiesEnjoy a relaxing, engaging, and social experience in this puzzle class. Each session features a variety of traditional paper-and-pencil puzzles such as crosswords, word searches, sudoku, logic puzzles, and visual puzzles offering a fun way to keep your mind active and curious. You’ll explore different puzzle types, learn helpful solving techniques, and work at your own pace in a supportive, low-pressure environment. No experience is needed, just a love of puzzles or a desire to try something new! Note: Community Education uses a sliding scale model for program fees so our programs can be financially sustainable and more equitable. Participants are asked to pick the price that they can pay. By more clearly articulating our lower cost options, we have removed the barrier that some may have felt in making scholarship requests. When participants sign up at the higher price levels, they help make the program more sustainable Refund Policy Refunds (minus a $5 transaction fee) are given if you call or email at least three business days before a class begins. Full refunds will be given for any class that needs to be canceled by the site.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026 -
WaitlistSigns of Spring : Block Printing (Roosevelt 55+)Creative ActivitiesTake inspiration from nature’s signs of spring to carve our own stamp and using block printing create your own greeting cards. You’ll go home with 4 decorated greeting cards and their envelopes. And keep your completed stamp to use over and over again as you celebrate (or look forward to) spring!Lifelong Learning 55+ Winter 2026 -
WaitlistSigns of Spring: Nature Journaling at Longfellow Gardens (Roosevelt 55+)Creative ActivitiesDeepen your connection to nature through nature journaling! While nature journaling can result in lovely images, nature journaling is primarily about developing your observation skills. Instruction in artistic techniques is not the goal of this program; instead, we'll try different nature journaling exercises while returning to the same 'sit spot' each week. The park has both paved and unpaved paths; participants may choose an observation area that best fits their comfort and mobility. Stools provided. This program takes place entirely outside. Check the weather and come prepared for being outdoors. In the event of severe or extreme weather conditions this program will be cancelled, and communications will be sent. Participants must bring their own journals and art supplies. A pen or pencil and some way to add color (colored pencils, watercolors) can be a useful starting point.Lifelong Learning 55+ Spring 2026