Experiencer Level: Beginner, no prior experience required

Saturday September 19, 10am-3pm (one session total)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating)

Join us for this one-day workshop that introduces you to the exciting world of watercolor!

Learn the basics of composition, color theory and the application and techniques of watercolor paint on paper. 

Demonstrations and one-on-one guidance from the instructor will help you find techniques that help you find success in your paintings!

Bring a photo of a favorite landscape, a floral photo, ruler and pencil.  

All other materials will be included for use in class as part of the tuition fee

Studio Practices- What to Expect While You Are Creating with Us!

The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all people to the Studios with the expectation of inclusion and respect towards all, including yourself, fellow students, instructors, staff and volunteers.

Instructor Prep Time: Please allow your instructor time to prepare your classroom; if you arrive more than 15 minutes earlier than the class start time, please explore one of our onsite exhibition spaces or wait in the Lobby in the Visual Arts Department.

Cleaning: Please help keep the Studios a welcoming space by cleaning up your area before departing the building.

Food and Beverage: The Visual Arts Department offers a Lobby Area for students and instructors to enjoy food and beverages. There is an onsite microwave and refrigerator, along with vending machines. For your safety, we ask that you please do not eat in any of the Studios.

Ceramics Studios: To ensure the appropriate firing temperatures and to protect the kilns, all clay must be purchased through the Paramount Center for the Arts, no outside clay bodies or glazes should be introduced to the Studios. If you have any questions about clay and glazes, please connect with our Ceramics Technician.

Supplies and Materials: For the safety and wellbeing of all visitors to the Paramount, we ask that materials that are used in the studios are the recommended brands and grade, as described in the materials list, or are approved by Paramount Staff.

Open Studio Access: Ceramic Artists are welcome and encouraged to utilize the Studio outside of class. September to May Studio availability is Monday through Wednesday 10am-9pm and Thursday through Saturday 10am-4pm, when classes are not in session. Please check the calendars posted outside the Pottery and Handbuilding Studios to see when studios are open and available for use!  

Weather Closures:  In the event of severe weather, the Visual Arts Department will update the phone messages on the Information Desk (320) 257-3125, announce closures on the Paramount website homepage, and will communicate via email to any students whose class meeting time is impacted by the closure.

Accessibility Statement: The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all guests, artists and patrons alike, and affirms our commitment to offering programming and services that are accessible to all. 

The Paramount welcomes comments and suggestions about how we might continue to improve our programs and services for visitors with disabilities and is committed to improve experiences for every patron.

Please contact our Box Office, to offer feedback or make requests: BKing@paramountarts.org  or call  320-257-3127.

Experience Level: Beginner, no prior experience needed

Saturday September 19, 10am-12:30pm (1 session)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating)

This is the perfect class for your first time exploring the pottery wheel! Get a feel for working with clay as you create a very simple vessel, with the full guidance of your instructor every step of the way!

This sampler class will touch on several topics including centering your clay on the wheel, pulling walls, creating  simple forms, and glazing.

Students will create a small simple cylinder and will underglaze paint their own designs and colors!

All materials included to create up to two pieces

*Please note that work created in this class will need to air dry and then be fired a kiln, a process that may take three to four weeks total.

The Paramount will send an email when work is ready to be collected!

Studio Practices- What to Expect While You Are Creating with Us!

The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all people to the Studios with the expectation of inclusion and respect towards all, including yourself, fellow students, instructors, staff and volunteers.

Instructor Prep Time: Please allow your instructor time to prepare your classroom; if you arrive more than 15 minutes earlier than the class start time, please explore one of our onsite exhibition spaces or wait in the Lobby in the Visual Arts Department.

Cleaning: Please help keep the Studios a welcoming space by cleaning up your area before departing the building.

Food and Beverage: The Visual Arts Department offers a Lobby Area for students and instructors to enjoy food and beverages. There is an onsite microwave and refrigerator, along with vending machines. For your safety, we ask that you please do not eat in any of the Studios.

Ceramics Studios: To ensure the appropriate firing temperatures and to protect the kilns, all clay must be purchased through the Paramount Center for the Arts, no outside clay bodies or glazes should be introduced to the Studios. If you have any questions about clay and glazes, please connect with our Ceramics Technician.

Supplies and Materials: For the safety and wellbeing of all visitors to the Paramount, we ask that materials that are used in the studios are the recommended brands and grade, as described in the materials list, or are approved by Paramount Staff.

Open Studio Access: Ceramic Artists are welcome and encouraged to utilize the Studio outside of class. September to May Studio availability is Monday through Wednesday 10am-9pm and Thursday through Saturday 10am-4pm, when classes are not in session. Please check the calendars posted outside the Pottery and Handbuilding Studios to see when studios are open and available for use!  

Weather Closures:  In the event of severe weather, the Visual Arts Department will update the phone messages on the Information Desk (320) 257-3125, announce closures on the Paramount website homepage, and will communicate via email to any students whose class meeting time is impacted by the closure.

Accessibility Statement: The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all guests, artists and patrons alike, and affirms our commitment to offering programming and services that are accessible to all. 

The Paramount welcomes comments and suggestions about how we might continue to improve our programs and services for visitors with disabilities and is committed to improve experiences for every patron.

Please contact our Box Office, to offer feedback or make requests: BKing@paramountarts.org  or call  320-257-3127.

*Presented in partnership with the Central Minnesota Woodworkers Association 

Experience Level: Intermediate, some past experience with woodworking tools required

Monday September 21 – Friday September 25, 9am-4pm (Five Sessions Total)

Ages 18+

Join professional woodworker Kelly Parker in this exciting week-long experience!

Boxes are great little objects that can be used to explore new processes that can later be scaled up for larger pieces. 

This trio of boxes is full of learning opportunities and techniques that can be added to your bank of woodworking knowledge and applied to future projects. 

These boxes are created by moving sequentially through a series of jigs that are custom-built to hold small, non-square parts.  The jigs allow us to work safely and accurately throughout the build. 

There are plenty of opportunities to add your creative voice through lumber choices and surface embellishments!

TOPICS TO BE COVERED

jig theory, design and construction

strategies for safely working with small parts

approaches for accurately and safely working with parts that are not square

strategies for successful glue-ups when working out-of-square

getting more out of your bandsaw, table saw and biscuit joiner through the use of novel jigs

design considerations as it pertains to wood choice and desired final visual aesthetics

embellishment techniques that elevate your work from ordinary to extraordinary

Studio Practices- What to Expect While You Are Creating with Us!

The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all people to the Studios with the expectation of inclusion and respect towards all, including yourself, fellow students, instructors, staff and volunteers.

Instructor Prep Time: Please allow your instructor time to prepare your classroom; if you arrive more than 15 minutes earlier than the class start time please wait to enter the building-

Cleaning: Please help keep the Studios a welcoming space by cleaning up your area before departing the building.

Supplies and Materials: For the safety and wellbeing of all visitors to the Paramount, we ask that materials that are used in the studios are the recommended brands and grade, as described in the materials list, or are approved by Paramount Staff.

Weather Closures:  In the event of severe weather, the Visual Arts Department will update the phone messages on the Information Desk (320) 257-3125, announce closures on the Paramount website homepage, and will communicate via email to any students whose class meeting time is impacted by the closure.

Accessibility Statement: The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all guests, artists and patrons alike, and affirms our commitment to offering programming and services that are accessible to all.

The Paramount welcomes comments and suggestions about how we might continue to improve our programs and services for visitors with disabilities and is committed to improve experiences for every patron.

Please contact our Box Office, to offer feedback or make requests: BKing@paramountarts.org  or call  320-257-3127.

Experience Level: Intermediate and advanced level throwing techniques discussed in class, prior experience is required. (Must be able to center clay and throw basic cylinders)

Every Other Monday, September 21-January 11, 2026, 6-8:30pm (No Class December 28, 8 sessions total)

Class Dates:  9/21, 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 11/16, 11/30, 12/14, 1/11 

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating)

Students will help create their own pottery adventure as they guide the class curriculum through exploration of variety of intermediate and advanced-level pottery forms; unique throwing techniques, altering forms, and surface decoration.

On the weeks that there is no class, we welcome and encourage students to work independently in the studio to create work.

Participation in cone 10 gas kiln firings is an optional element of this class, for an additional firing fee!

Students must be able to throw basic cylinders.

Materials list for Paramount Ceramics Classes

1.) Basic Pottery Tool Kit, including:

-Needle Tool

-Wire Tool (for cutting & removing pots from the wheel)

-Wooden Kidney Tool

-Trim Tool

*Tool kits may be purchased at the Paramount or local art supply stores

2.) Lock for your locker

3.) Clay: Your first bag of clay is included in the cost of tuition, but depending on the size and number of pieces you create you may need to purchase more. We have a variety of clay bodies from which to choose! 

Studio Practices- What to Expect While You Are Creating with Us!

The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all people to the Studios with the expectation of inclusion and respect towards all, including yourself, fellow students, instructors, staff and volunteers.

Instructor Prep Time: Please allow your instructor time to prepare your classroom; if you arrive more than 15 minutes earlier than the class start time, please explore one of our onsite exhibition spaces or wait in the Lobby in the Visual Arts Department.

Cleaning: Please help keep the Studios a welcoming space by cleaning up your area before departing the building.

Food and Beverage: The Visual Arts Department offers a Lobby Area for students and instructors to enjoy food and beverages. There is an onsite microwave and refrigerator, along with vending machines. For your safety, we ask that you please do not eat in any of the Studios.

Ceramics Studios: To ensure the appropriate firing temperatures and to protect the kilns, all clay must be purchased through the Paramount Center for the Arts, no outside clay bodies or glazes should be introduced to the Studios. If you have any questions about clay and glazes, please connect with our Ceramics Technician.

Supplies and Materials: For the safety and wellbeing of all visitors to the Paramount, we ask that materials that are used in the studios are the recommended brands and grade, as described in the materials list, or are approved by Paramount Staff.

Open Studio Access: Ceramic Artists are welcome and encouraged to utilize the Studio outside of class. September to May Studio availability is Monday through Wednesday 10am-9pm and Thursday through Saturday 10am-4pm, when classes are not in session. Please check the calendars posted outside the Pottery and Handbuilding Studios to see when studios are open and available for use!  

Weather Closures:  In the event of severe weather, the Visual Arts Department will update the phone messages on the Information Desk (320) 257-3125, announce closures on the Paramount website homepage, and will communicate via email to any students whose class meeting time is impacted by the closure.

Accessibility Statement: The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all guests, artists and patrons alike, and affirms our commitment to offering programming and services that are accessible to all. 

The Paramount welcomes comments and suggestions about how we might continue to improve our programs and services for visitors with disabilities and is committed to improve experiences for every patron.

Please contact our Box Office, to offer feedback or make requests: BKing@paramountarts.org  or call  320-257-3127.

Experience Level: Beginner, no prior experience needed!

Tuesday September 22, 6-9pm (one session)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating)

Join us for an exciting look into the world of handbuilding, a process of creating with clay off of the pottery wheel. This one-day class is designed for people with little or even no experience and offers an opportunity to create a fun and whimsical pumpkin, perfect for the autumn season! Learn introductory techniques like slipping and scoring, creating texture, and decorating using an underglaze.

All materials to create and decorate one pumpkin are included!

*Please note that work created in this class will need to air dry and then be fired a kiln, a process that may take three to four weeks total.

The Paramount will send an email when work is ready to be collected!

Studio Practices- What to Expect While You Are Creating with Us!

The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all people to the Studios with the expectation of inclusion and respect towards all, including yourself, fellow students, instructors, staff and volunteers.

Instructor Prep Time: Please allow your instructor time to prepare your classroom; if you arrive more than 15 minutes earlier than the class start time, please explore one of our onsite exhibition spaces or wait in the Lobby in the Visual Arts Department.

Cleaning: Please help keep the Studios a welcoming space by cleaning up your area before departing the building.

Food and Beverage: The Visual Arts Department offers a Lobby Area for students and instructors to enjoy food and beverages. There is an onsite microwave and refrigerator, along with vending machines. For your safety, we ask that you please do not eat in any of the Studios.

Ceramics Studios: To ensure the appropriate firing temperatures and to protect the kilns, all clay must be purchased through the Paramount Center for the Arts, no outside clay bodies or glazes should be introduced to the Studios. If you have any questions about clay and glazes, please connect with our Ceramics Technician.

Supplies and Materials: For the safety and wellbeing of all visitors to the Paramount, we ask that materials that are used in the studios are the recommended brands and grade, as described in the materials list, or are approved by Paramount Staff.

Open Studio Access: Ceramic Artists are welcome and encouraged to utilize the Studio outside of class. September to May Studio availability is Monday through Wednesday 10am-9pm and Thursday through Saturday 10am-4pm, when classes are not in session. Please check the calendars posted outside the Pottery and Handbuilding Studios to see when studios are open and available for use!  

Weather Closures:  In the event of severe weather, the Visual Arts Department will update the phone messages on the Information Desk (320) 257-3125, announce closures on the Paramount website homepage, and will communicate via email to any students whose class meeting time is impacted by the closure.

Accessibility Statement: The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all guests, artists and patrons alike, and affirms our commitment to offering programming and services that are accessible to all. 

The Paramount welcomes comments and suggestions about how we might continue to improve our programs and services for visitors with disabilities and is committed to improve experiences for every patron.

Please contact our Box Office, to offer feedback or make requests: BKing@paramountarts.org  or call  320-257-3127.

Experience Level: Beginner, no prior experience required

Tuesday September 22, 6-9pm (One session total)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating)

Join us for this exciting introduction to the art of Paper Quilling!

Paper quilling is a process of rolling strips of paper and gluing into place to create fun and unique shapes and designs, perfect as a stand alone piece or to add a fun touch on other works!

Absolutely no experience is needed, Andrea will guide the class step by step sharing tips for finding success as you create your own beautiful design!

All materials to create one piece are included in the cost of tuition. Tools will be provided for use during class.

Studio Practices- What to Expect While You Are Creating with Us!

The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all people to the Studios with the expectation of inclusion and respect towards all, including yourself, fellow students, instructors, staff and volunteers.

Instructor Prep Time: Please allow your instructor time to prepare your classroom; if you arrive more than 15 minutes earlier than the class start time, please explore one of our onsite exhibition spaces or wait in the Lobby in the Visual Arts Department.

Cleaning: Please help keep the Studios a welcoming space by cleaning up your area before departing the building.

Food and Beverage: The Visual Arts Department offers a Lobby Area for students and instructors to enjoy food and beverages. There is an onsite microwave and refrigerator, along with vending machines. For your safety, we ask that you please do not eat in any of the Studios.

Ceramics Studios: To ensure the appropriate firing temperatures and to protect the kilns, all clay must be purchased through the Paramount Center for the Arts, no outside clay bodies or glazes should be introduced to the Studios. If you have any questions about clay and glazes, please connect with our Ceramics Technician.

Supplies and Materials: For the safety and wellbeing of all visitors to the Paramount, we ask that materials that are used in the studios are the recommended brands and grade, as described in the materials list, or are approved by Paramount Staff.

Open Studio Access: Ceramic Artists are welcome and encouraged to utilize the Studio outside of class. September to May Studio availability is Monday through Wednesday 10am-9pm and Thursday through Saturday 10am-4pm, when classes are not in session. Please check the calendars posted outside the Pottery and Handbuilding Studios to see when studios are open and available for use!  

Weather Closures:  In the event of severe weather, the Visual Arts Department will update the phone messages on the Information Desk (320) 257-3125, announce closures on the Paramount website homepage, and will communicate via email to any students whose class meeting time is impacted by the closure.

Accessibility Statement: The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all guests, artists and patrons alike, and affirms our commitment to offering programming and services that are accessible to all. 

The Paramount welcomes comments and suggestions about how we might continue to improve our programs and services for visitors with disabilities and is committed to improve experiences for every patron.

Please contact our Box Office, to offer feedback or make requests: BKing@paramountarts.org  or call  320-257-3127.

Experience Level: Intermediate and advanced level throwing techniques discussed in class, prior experience is required. (Must be able to center clay and throw basic cylinders)

Every Other Wednesday, September 23-January 13, 2026,
1-3:30pm (No Class December 30, 8 sessions total)

Class Dates:  9/23, 10/7, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18, 12/2, 12/16, 1/13 

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating)

Students will help create their own pottery adventure as they guide the class curriculum through exploration of variety of intermediate and advanced-level pottery forms; unique throwing techniques, altering forms, and surface decoration.

On the weeks that there is no class, we welcome and encourage students to work independently in the studio to create work.

Participation in cone 10 gas kiln firings is an optional element of this class, for an additional firing fee!

Students must be able to throw basic cylinders.

Materials list for Paramount Ceramics Classes

1.) Basic Pottery Tool Kit, including:

-Needle Tool

-Wire Tool (for cutting & removing pots from the wheel)

-Wooden Kidney Tool

-Trim Tool

*Tool kits may be purchased at the Paramount or local art supply stores

2.) Lock for your locker

3.) Clay: Your first bag of clay is included in the cost of tuition, but depending on the size and number of pieces you create you may need to purchase more. We have a variety of clay bodies from which to choose! 

Studio Practices- What to Expect While You Are Creating with Us!

The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all people to the Studios with the expectation of inclusion and respect towards all, including yourself, fellow students, instructors, staff and volunteers.

Instructor Prep Time: Please allow your instructor time to prepare your classroom; if you arrive more than 15 minutes earlier than the class start time, please explore one of our onsite exhibition spaces or wait in the Lobby in the Visual Arts Department.

Cleaning: Please help keep the Studios a welcoming space by cleaning up your area before departing the building.

Food and Beverage: The Visual Arts Department offers a Lobby Area for students and instructors to enjoy food and beverages. There is an onsite microwave and refrigerator, along with vending machines. For your safety, we ask that you please do not eat in any of the Studios.

Ceramics Studios: To ensure the appropriate firing temperatures and to protect the kilns, all clay must be purchased through the Paramount Center for the Arts, no outside clay bodies or glazes should be introduced to the Studios. If you have any questions about clay and glazes, please connect with our Ceramics Technician.

Supplies and Materials: For the safety and wellbeing of all visitors to the Paramount, we ask that materials that are used in the studios are the recommended brands and grade, as described in the materials list, or are approved by Paramount Staff.

Open Studio Access: Ceramic Artists are welcome and encouraged to utilize the Studio outside of class. September to May Studio availability is Monday through Wednesday 10am-9pm and Thursday through Saturday 10am-4pm, when classes are not in session. Please check the calendars posted outside the Pottery and Handbuilding Studios to see when studios are open and available for use!  

Weather Closures:  In the event of severe weather, the Visual Arts Department will update the phone messages on the Information Desk (320) 257-3125, announce closures on the Paramount website homepage, and will communicate via email to any students whose class meeting time is impacted by the closure.

Accessibility Statement: The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all guests, artists and patrons alike, and affirms our commitment to offering programming and services that are accessible to all. 

The Paramount welcomes comments and suggestions about how we might continue to improve our programs and services for visitors with disabilities and is committed to improve experiences for every patron.

Please contact our Box Office, to offer feedback or make requests: BKing@paramountarts.org  or call  320-257-3127.

Experience Level: Beginner, no prior experience needed

Saturday September 26, 9am-3:30pm (one session)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating)

Join professional artist Suzann Beck, for this class focused on the introductory skills needed for drawing! Ideal for artists who are beginning to draw or intermediate artists who want to reinforce a good foundation for their drawing skills. Students will learn and practice fundamentals including:

• Line and Tone

• Light and Shadow Values

• Techniques for Comparative Measuring

• Developing Good Compositions

Students will learn how to render a drawing from start to finish with still life setups to fit individual skill levels.

MATERIALS, please bring the following:

Notebook and pen/pencil for taking notes

Soft Vine Charcoal

Generals (brand) Charcoal Pencils—Black and white. (A General’s pack that has 3 hardnesses, a white pencil and kneaded eraser is ideal for the workshop.)

Generals (brand) 6B or 8B Graphite Pencil

2 or more sticks of square compressed charcoal.

Kneaded Eraser

Economical Sketching Paper (I recommend Strathmore sketching paper or similar, at least 14” x 18” notepad or similar).

1 or 2 sheets of tinted Strathmore Charcoal paper or similar for your final drawings.

Masking tape or clips to secure your paper.

A drawing board to attach your paper to (small, medium, or large size).

Paper towels for blending charcoal.

Pencil Sharpener.

If possible, a grayscale/value finder to help you identify and duplicate shadow values.

Optional: A couple of simple objects to use in a still life—plain in texture and color.

Optional items, not needed for the workshop but fun to have!

Chamois cloth for lifting/blending charcoal.

Dry erase pad for soft erasing and cleaning up backgrounds (used in mechanical drawings)

A travel sketchbook and .07mm mechanical pencil and leads—used for sketching on the run.

Studio Practices- What to Expect While You Are Creating with Us!

The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all people to the Studios with the expectation of inclusion and respect towards all, including yourself, fellow students, instructors, staff and volunteers.

Instructor Prep Time: Please allow your instructor time to prepare your classroom; if you arrive more than 15 minutes earlier than the class start time, please explore one of our onsite exhibition spaces or wait in the Lobby in the Visual Arts Department.

Cleaning: Please help keep the Studios a welcoming space by cleaning up your area before departing the building.

Food and Beverage: The Visual Arts Department offers a Lobby Area for students and instructors to enjoy food and beverages. There is an onsite microwave and refrigerator, along with vending machines. For your safety, we ask that you please do not eat in any of the Studios.

Ceramics Studios: To ensure the appropriate firing temperatures and to protect the kilns, all clay must be purchased through the Paramount Center for the Arts, no outside clay bodies or glazes should be introduced to the Studios. If you have any questions about clay and glazes, please connect with our Ceramics Technician.

Supplies and Materials: For the safety and wellbeing of all visitors to the Paramount, we ask that materials that are used in the studios are the recommended brands and grade, as described in the materials list, or are approved by Paramount Staff.

Open Studio Access: Ceramic Artists are welcome and encouraged to utilize the Studio outside of class. September to May Studio availability is Monday through Wednesday 10am-9pm and Thursday through Saturday 10am-4pm, when classes are not in session. Please check the calendars posted outside the Pottery and Handbuilding Studios to see when studios are open and available for use!  

Weather Closures:  In the event of severe weather, the Visual Arts Department will update the phone messages on the Information Desk (320) 257-3125, announce closures on the Paramount website homepage, and will communicate via email to any students whose class meeting time is impacted by the closure.

Accessibility Statement: The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all guests, artists and patrons alike, and affirms our commitment to offering programming and services that are accessible to all. 

The Paramount welcomes comments and suggestions about how we might continue to improve our programs and services for visitors with disabilities and is committed to improve experiences for every patron.

Please contact our Box Office, to offer feedback or make requests: BKing@paramountarts.org  or call  320-257-3127.