Adult Art Classes

Come join us for a fun, creative evening and try something new, whether you are a total beginner or an experienced artist! In this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn fluid art techniques to create your own one-of-a-kind abstract painting—no experience necessary. Come solo, bring a friend, or make it a date night! All materials are included, and you'll receive a drink voucher to use at Phipps concessions. Get ready to experiment, relax, and take home a beautiful work of art!

Class size is limited to 12.

Kids and their adults will design and create projects together, and make memories along the way! Creative Together workshops are offered seasonally with different themes and mediums. *adult and child must register separately

Phipps Figure Drawing offers artists a welcoming space to practice and grow their life drawing skills in a relaxed, self-directed setting. Held on Sunday afternoons, these sessions bring together artists from the St. Croix Valley and Twin Cities to draw professional models. A member of the Phipps Visual Arts Council facilitates each session, without instruction. Artists should bring their own materials and an easel if they have one—six easels are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This beginner-friendly acrylic class with local artist Naomi Tiry Salgado, a two-time Plein Air Hudson award winner, helps students build essential painting skills through hands-on practice. Starting from a reference photo, students will explore composition, planning, and technique. You’ll learn how to construct a painting from the ground up, beginning with the “bones” of your artwork. Learn to bring your ideas to life with color, brushstrokes, and thoughtful design. No experience necessary. Materials list will be emailed prior to class.

This class will cover the basics of throwing on the potter’s wheel and working with clay. Topics covered will include throwing cylinders and bowls, trimming and finishing pieces, adding handles, and glazing. Complete beginners and those with some experience are welcome to learn and develop their skills. Students will also receive 8 hours of studio access per week to practice outside of class.

Level up your pottery skills! Intermediate and Advanced students will learn more complex techniques to create forms such as plates, lidded jars, tea pots, pitchers, etc. Throughout the 8-week session there will be demonstrations from the instructor as well as one-on-one time to work through your own ideas. Additionally, students will learn how to fire an electric kiln by having the chance to participate in the loading with the guidance of the instructor. Students will also receive 8 hours of studio access per week to work on projects independently. Class size is limited to 9

Open Studio gives experienced students the freedom to practice their wheel throwing and hand building skills independently. Participants must have taken an 8-week ceramics course at the Phipps within the last 3 years or seek special permission from the Studio Manager before registration. No instruction will be provided during this 8-week session. Includes 10 hours of studio access per week, one 25lb bag of clay, access to pottery wheels, clay tools, glazes and kiln firing. Studio participants must sign up for timeslots on a weekly basis.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to throw on the potter’s wheel? This one-night workshop is for you! It will be a fun night out, so bring your partner, family or group of friends. Participants will receive a wheel throwing demonstration and time to throw on the wheel with instructor guidance. Students will choose a glaze color, and instructors will glaze and fire pieces to be ready for pick up approximately 2 weeks after the class date. All materials are included, and you'll receive a drink voucher to use at Phipps concessions.

Looking for a group of art friends that will help inspire you to keep painting and developing your talents? The Thursday Morning Painters (TMP) invite you to join their welcoming group in the beautiful second-floor studio at the Phipps Center for the Arts.  

This informal gathering provides dedicated time and space to paint, develop your talents, and connect with fellow artists. Each session concludes with a completely optional critique, offering helpful advice and encouragement from peers. While participation is free, the group shows appreciation for use of the studio by maintaining an annual Phipps membership!

Join us for this fun, beginner-friendly six-week watercolor class! Teaching artist Kate Hall will cover the basics of watercolor painting—including materials, brushwork, color mixing, and foundational techniques. Explore your creativity as you build and practice new skills with guided exercises and projects. No experience necessary. Materials list will be emailed prior to the first class.

Class size is limited to 10.

This supportive studio-style class is great for students with some watercolor experience who want to keep growing their skills—but beginners are welcome, too! Each session includes instruction and demonstrations from teaching artist, John Grancorvitz, with plenty of time to work on your own projects. Whether you’re refining techniques or exploring new ideas, you’ll get feedback and guidance to help you develop your style. Materials list will be emailed prior to the first class.

Class size is limited to 10.

Join instructor Kim Gordon to explore the unique process of watercolor batik—a contemporary take on the ancient Javanese technique of using watercolor paint and wax. No painting or drawing experience necessary! You’ll work from an image traced onto rice paper and then use melted wax and watercolor to create a beautiful final work of art.

Fall session: paint a winter chickadee

Winter session: paint spring tulips

Class size is limited to 12.

Discover the calming, creative joy of weaving in this six-week class for adults. We’ll explore the “slow art” of woven wall hangings, a versatile and expressive art that has gained in popularity in recent years. You’ll learn essential techniques using a simple frame loom, from warping and weaving to finishing and hanging your piece. This is a great course for those curious about the art of weaving, but not ready to invest in specialized equipment. All materials are provided.

Class is limited to 10.

What We Need Is Here is a member-driven group of artists who engage in the exploration of a theme related to the role of art, ecology, and community through discussion, guest speakers and field visits to inspiring venues. For the 2025/26 series, the theme chosen is “Beauty” and will culminate in a gallery exhibition at The Phipps in Spring 2026. Most meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at the Phipps. Field visits may be scheduled on alternate days. Members are expected to attend most meetings in person however virtual and playback will be available for most meetings and individual accommodations will be made.