Experience Level: Intermediate: Some Prior Memoir Writing Experience Preferred

Mondays November 2-November 29, 6-8:30pm (four sessions total)

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

Join us for this always popular, four-session workshop to launch a memoir project or get back to writing one you’ve started!

Writer Lisa Meyers-McClintick helps you shape the stories you would like to share and offers suggestions on how to strengthen what you write!

Bring a chapter to share each week for helpful feedback, storytelling tips, and ideas for staying on track and motivated.

Simply bring your favorite note taking tools and your memories! 

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

Monday November 3, 6-9pm (1 Session)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student ages 13-17, interested in participating) 

Create a truly beautiful writing instrument as you learn to safely use the lathe and turning tools under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

These unique pens make wonderful gifts for your friends and family (or keep for yourself!)

All materials to create one pen are included in the cost of tuition.

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: beginner, no past experience with woodworking tools required

Wednesday November 4, 2026,  6pm - 9pm (One Session Total)

Ages 18+

In this course you will take a raw piece of wood and finish it during the class and leave with a charcuterie board or cheese slicer board!

Learn to safely sand your work with an orbital sander until it is smooth and then, if you wish to add handles, how to drill holes to install the handles. Complete the project by oiling the board, allowing the natural grains and patterns of the wood to be the focal point.

Or choose to create a beautiful and functional cheese slicer board, which also include the hardware that you will assemble, including adding feet to the boards.

There will be a selection of wood available to choose from in various sizes, including walnut, maple, oak and cherry.  

All materials to create either one charcutier or cheese slicer board included in the cost of tuition.

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: Some prior experience preferred, must be able center and throw a basic cylinder)

Saturday November 7-December 5, 10am-12:30 (No Class November 28, 4 sessions)

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

Continue your pottery journey, as your instructor takes you to the next level of throwing!

Using your cylinder throwing skills, we will explore throwing larger forms, lids, handles, and more!

Week 1: A quick review of basic throwing- making cylinders of varying heights

Week 2: Creating a sectional piece by combing multiple cylinders, lidded casserole forms, and taller vase/ jug forms

Week 3: Continue to Create sectional pieces by combing multiple cylinders, lidded casserole forms, and taller vase/ jug forms

Week 4: Glazing

Materials Needed for Class:

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 November 7, 10am-3pm (1 session)

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

Unleash your imagination in this fun and exploratory workshop that combines the fluid beauty of watercolor with the expressive possibilities of collage! 

Designed for absolute beginners and curious creatives alike, this class invites you to explore abstract art using introductory watercolor techniques that, when combined with basic collage methods, lead to one truly unique work of art!  

Materials to create one piece in class are included in the cost of tuition! 

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 November 7, 10am-2pm (1 session)

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

Join us in the class exploring the incredible process of glass mosaic! You will learn to safely cut glass and form designs on wood ornament, that you will be proud to display or share as a gift!

All materials to create two 4″ (approxmiate size) circular ornaments are included in the cost of tuition.

Students will need to let their glue dry and then complete the grouting process at home. Don’t worry! We will show you how to do this and send materials and instructions for success!

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 November 9,  6-8pm, (1 session)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student, ages 13-17, interested in participating)

Experience the amazing world of woodturning as you experiment with a variety of wood chisels to create simple cuts and learn beginner level techniques!

Though this class is simply designed to offer an introduction to techniques and the safely using tools and the lathe, you will create a both a fun spinning top and a simple decorative bud vase!

All materials included in the cost of tuition

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: Beginner, no prior experience needed

Saturday November 14, 9am-3:30pm (1 session)

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

Drawing Pet Portraits in Pastel Pencil Drawing your pet is easier than you think! Create a “head and shoulders” portrait of your pet from one of your own photos with the forgiving medium of pastel pencils—they’re easy to control and easy to layer.

The workshop will feature best practices and a demonstration in the morning session with hands-on student work in the afternoon. Students will learn how to transfer an initial drawing to pastel paper and how to build pet fur effects in a step-by-step process. Attention will be paid to drawing accuracy and rendering light effect.

Reference Photo: Please plan to bring a high-quality reference photo. Make sure it’s a full-size, full-color hard copy photo of your pet that shows the head and neck as we’ll be doing a one-to-one transfer. Be sure the photo has a head size of 4 to 5 inches to give you plenty of room to work. Look for a photo that shows good light and shadow on the fur. from. Look for a photo that is sharp and clear and shows light and shadow on your animal well.

Materials List, please also bring the following:
• Notebook and pen/pencil for taking notes.

• Soft Vine Charcoal and a small brush with fairly stiff bristles.

• A kneaded eraser and a hard white eraser.

• The easiest papers to use for this technique are smooth-finish pastel/charcoal papers or fine-grit sanded papers like Clairefontaine Pastelmat, Sennelier La CartePastel Card, or Ampersand Pastel-bord (choose 800 grit or higher).

Tinted papers work best such as light gray or tan to medium gray.

Make sure the surface of the paper is smooth and not too bumpy—AVOID felted papers that have chicken-wire like dents, or laid finishes that have line-like texture.

• A large piece of tracing paper roughly 4 inches larger than the size you want your final drawing to be.

• A few sheets of economical sketching paper, 14” x 18” or so, (to protect your drawing)

• Masking tape or clips to secure your paper.

• A large drawing board, if possible.

• A very sharp hand pencil sharpener (these dull very quickly so a new one for this class is must). Pastel leads are very soft and fragile.

• A small drawing board and tabletop easel, and a dust tray made of stiff paper or split paper towel cores to put under drawing board.

• Please bring an assortment of Pastel pencils in the Faber Castell Pitt Pastel brand

Please bring light, medium, and dark values in the following colors:

Black/Grays/White are a must!

Browns/Tans/Golds

Rose/Mauve/Pinks/Purples

Red/Oranges/Peach

Blue: Deep/Medium/Light

Deep Magenta

Dark and Med Green

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.