Owatonna Community Education

Create fluid, organic designs through the use of acrylic paint and pouring medium. Each piece curated will be unique and original. No two pours are ever the same! This class includes two complete paintings ready to hang on your wall (frames not included). Wear clothes you can get paint on. No experience needed and all supplies are included.

In this intermediate level pouring class you will explore additional techniques and styles of creating fluid acrylic art. You will practice ring pours, puddle pours, swiping and me. Each piece will be original and unique as no two pours are ever the same! This class includes two complete paintings ready to hang on your wall (frames not included). Wear clothes you can get paint on. Previous acrylic paint pouring experience is encouraged but not required and all supplies are included!

Hop into watercolor painting with this sweet and simple beginner workshop! In this class, you'll learn how to paint a soft, expressive bunny and some delicate leaves using beginner-friendly watercolor techniques. We’ll explore how to create soft fur textures, gentle color transitions, and natural leaf shapes using wet-on-wet and layering methods. This cozy, nature-inspired class is perfect for those new to watercolor or anyone wanting a gentle creative experience. All supplies are included—just bring your imagination and a love for woodland charm.

Discover the charm of watercolor through the earthy elegance of mushrooms! This beginner-friendly workshop will guide you step by step as you paint a whimsical mushroom still life. Learn foundational watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet blending, dry brush detailing, and layering translucent color to create depth and texture. Whether you're brand new to watercolor or looking to refresh your skills, this class is a relaxed and creative space to explore your artistic side. All supplies are provided—just bring your curiosity and love for nature’s tiny wonders.

Join us for a fun and approachable introduction to watercolor painting! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn the basics of watercolor techniques while painting a vibrant still life featuring a red pepper and a banana. We’ll explore color blending, layering, shading, and how to bring everyday objects to life with expressive brushwork. This class is perfect for those new to watercolor or anyone looking to loosen up their creative practice. All materials are provided—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to play with color!

Give your clothes new life while connecting with others in a welcoming, hands-on sewing session! Whether you're patching up a favorite pair of jeans, sewing on buttons, or learning how to mend a tear, this Community Sew-In is a space for practical repair, creativity, and sustainability. Bring your items in need of fixing—clothing, bags, or linens—and work alongside others while getting guidance from experienced volunteers. Basic sewing experience necessary; basic tools and supplies will be provided, but please bring your own as well. Drop in, learn new skills, and be part of a movement to extend the life of the things you love. Let’s stitch together community and care—one repair at a time!

In this kit, you will receive all the materials needed to create 25 holiday cards (five cards of five different designs). Envelopes are included. Please register by November 11.

In this class, you will create 25 holiday cards (five cards of five different designs). All materials will be cut and ready for you to stamp and assemble. Materials, envelopes, and tools are included for you to create all 25 cards. Participants will need to bring their own adhesive (double stick tape, tape runner, glue, etc.) which can be found at most craft stores, or you may purchase some from the instructor the night of class.

Take your watercolor skills to the next level with this elegant intermediate workshop focused on capturing the delicate beauty of a white rose. In this class, you'll refine your technique through detailed instruction on creating depth, soft shadows, and luminous petals using controlled washes, glazing, and negative space. Designed for those with basic watercolor experience, this workshop offers a focused, skill-building experience in rendering subtle tones and complex shapes. We'll explore how to balance light and contrast to bring a white subject to life on paper. All supplies included!

An introduction to the beauty of the soft pastel medium. Artists have been using soft pastels for centuries to create art of all types including realism, abstract, and impressionism. Soft pastels brilliant color and versatility are like acrylic and oil paints but in a dry medium. We will practice laying color down on paper before we complete a fun drawing of cows under the northern lights! All supplies are included. Please note that this class will generate dust for those that are sensitive.

Put your creativity to paper—literally! In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to design and assemble your very own custom notepads, perfect for gift giving, personal use, or adding a handmade touch to your desk. Explore simple design techniques, binding methods, and fun embellishments to make your notepads truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you're crafting for holidays, teacher gifts, or everyday inspiration, you'll walk away with a set of notepads and the skills to keep the creativity flowing. Expect to make two note pads (5X8 and 3X5). Please bring scissors, a corner rounder, and your choice of adhesive (liquid glue works best). Adhesive and extra note pads will be available for purchase the night of class.

How do you throw clay on the wheel? Beginners will learn how to use the wheel to create three dimensional forms and vessels. Demonstrations will cover the basics of wedging, centering, pulling, trimming, and forming functional vessels. If you are accustomed to clay, come and fine-tune your skills, learn a new technique, and challenge yourself with larger, more complex forms. Dress for a mess and wear tennis shoes. Bring your ideas, excitement, and inspiration to each class. One 25 lbs bag of clay is included. Any additional clay can be purchased from the Owatonna Arts Center. Basic glazing will be covered to finish all pieces. Call the instructor at 507-835-1192 or the Owatonna Arts Center at 507-451-0533 if you have any questions.

Want to try a new medium that has been around for a long time? Soft pastels are a dry medium composed of paint pigments and a minimum of binder. They allow the artist to build color and depth like the acrylic or oil artist but in a medium that is dry and lightly portable making this a great option for those who like to draw or paint “plein air” or outside of your home or studio. Open to anyone who wants to try soft pastels for the first or 100th time! We will review the skills taught in our Intro course and build on those skills to create an adorable snow bird. All supplies are included. Please note that this class will generate dust for those that are sensitive.

Add a personal touch to your gift giving with handcrafted treat boxes! In this fun and creative class, you'll learn how to design and assemble beautiful boxes filled with irresistible goodies—perfect for holidays, birthdays, thank-you gifts, or just-because moments. We’ll cover simple packaging techniques, theme ideas, and a variety of sweet and savory treats you can make or curate. Leave with your own custom box and plenty of inspiration to spread joy one bite-sized gift at a time! You will create two boxes. Bring scissors, corner rounder, and your adhesive of choice to class. Adhesive and extra boxes will be available for purchase the night of class.