The Duluth Art Institute enriches daily life with dynamic, innovative visual arts programming that upholds excellence and promotes inclusive community participation.

Log in
Forgot password

EVENTS & EDUCATION

Before registering, please review the registration information & policies at the bottom of this page. 

Upcoming

  • Weekly Evening Open Studio

    • 01 Nov 2023
    • 01 May 2024
    • 26 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St)
    Register


    Weekly Evening Open Studio 

    Wednesdays, 5:00pm-8:00pm

    Lincoln Park Building

    Ages 16+

    $5 + DAI Membership

    Join DAI's Open Studio on Wednesday evenings 5-8pm. Artists are encouraged to bring their artwork in any medium to create in the studio. In this supportive community space, artists can socialize or focus on their creations. Each meeting facilitates an optional group critique at 7pm. Artists may also request critique before they work. Open Studio is a flexible space designed for artists to make connections and foster growth in our local art community.  Non-members can attend one free session of open studio before becoming a member. Members receive three free sessions. 


    How to Sign Up for Open Studio Sessions: 


    1) Become a member of the Duluth Art Institute. 

    Online 

    Visit www.duluthartinstitute.org/membership, select your membership level, and pay online. 

    In Person
    The business office is open 12:00pm–5:00pm, Monday–Friday at 506 W. Michigan Street in Duluth.

    Phone
    Use your credit card and call (218) 733-7560


    2) Purchase sessions, or claim your three free sessions.

    All DAI members receive three free open studio sessions (registration is still required). After your three free sessions, you can purchase sessions in increments of 1, 5, 10, and 15.


    3) Arrive at the Lincoln Park Building, sign in, and create art! 

    Check in with Lin or Jesse and sign in on the sign up sheet. The DAI will track the number of sessions you attend. 


    Scholarships are available. Please email jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org for more information. 



    Show details

  • Weekly Afternoon Open Studio

    • 09 Jan 2024
    • 31 Dec 2024
    • 52 sessions
    Register


    Weekly Open Studio 

    Tuesdays, 12:30pm-3:30pm

    Lincoln Park Building

    Ages 16+

    $5 + DAI Membership


    Bring your supplies and artistic visions to the beautiful and inspiring historic Lincoln Park Building. Connect with other creative people and spend time experimenting with your medium of choice. Each session will include time to create and optional end-of-session group critiques. Non-members can attend one free session of open studio before becoming a member. Members receive three free sessions. 


    How to Sign Up for Open Studio Sessions: 


    1) Become a member of the Duluth Art Institute. 

    Online 

    Visit www.duluthartinstitute.org/membership, select your membership level, and pay online. 

    In Person
    The business office is open 12:00pm–5:00pm, Monday–Friday at 506 W. Michigan Street in Duluth.

    Phone
    Use your credit card and call (218) 733-7560


    2) Purchase sessions, or claim your three free sessions.

    All DAI members receive three free open studio sessions (registration is still required). After your three free sessions, you can purchase sessions in increments of 1, 5, 10, and 15.


    3) Arrive at the Lincoln Park Building, sign in, and create art! 

    Check in with Karen, Kris, or Sarah and sign in on the sign up sheet. The DAI will track the number of sessions you attend. 


    Scholarships are available. Please email espooner@duluthartinstitute.org for more information. 



    Show details

  • Youth Photography Club (Ages 13+)

    • 09 Jan 2024
    • 14 May 2024
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd Street)
    Register

    Youth Photography Club (Ages 13+)

    Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 19, Apr 9, May 14

    4:15pm-6:45pm 

    DAI Lincoln Park Building 

    2229 W 2nd Street

    $20 per session or ($80 for all 5 sessions)

    Spend time at the historic Lincoln Park Building exploring the art of photography with local artist and educator, Susanna Gaunt. Learn the ins and outs of your camera, creatively compose images, and develop a photographic vision that will enhance your work.

    Students have access to a photo studio equipped with backdrops and lighting at the Lincoln Park Building. In addition to the photography studio, photo club will take walking field trips throughout the Lincoln Park neighborhood, so participants will be required to submit a signed permission/emergency contact form prior to their first photo club session. Beyond learning about cameras and composing imagery, students will have the opportunity to experiment with photographic chemistry, build a zine, receive 3-5 prints of the photographs they take each month.

    Artists are encouraged to bring their own equipment (digital cameras, film cameras, phones, etc), but the DAI will have a limited number of cameras on hand. Contact Jesse at jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org with questions about equipment.

    Partial and full scholarships are available on a first come first serve basis. Please email Jesse at jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org if you're interested in registering with a scholarship!

    This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. 


    Show details

  • Figure Drawing Open Studio

    • 02 Mar 2024
    • 07 Dec 2024
    • 10 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St)
    • 1
    Register


    DAI Lincoln Park Building

    First Saturday of the month 10 AM - 12 PM

    $10 for members and $15 for non-members

    Artists must individually register online for each session.

    Check-in at the door is required.

    Attendees must be 18+

    Sessions are open to all serious artists, from beginner to expert. Every session includes a live model, starting with short gestural poses and moving into longer holds. Work time is self-directed, no instruction offered. Headphones and water bottles are welcome. Paper, sketching materials, and easels are available.


    Show details

  • BAM Birkenstein Art movement

    • 04 Apr 2024
    • 30 May 2024
    • 8 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 7
    Register


    BAM Birkenstein Art Movement (spring session)

    Thursdays (8 sessions) 

    April 4–May 30 (No class April 18)

    5:00pm–7:00pm

    DAI Lincoln Park Building 

    2229 W. 2nd St. 

    Grades 5-7

    FREE


    The Birkenstein Art Movement (BAM) for middle schoolers is a project inspired by civil rights leader Jean Birkenstein. The goal of BAM is to use the creative process as a tool to support individualized learning.

    Hosted weekly at the Lincoln Park Building of the DAI, the program is provided at no cost to participants. The session runs from 5-7pm and a meal will be provided. This is an ideal opportunity for students to delve into their creative interests while gaining leadership experience. We are also happy to compensate participants fuel cost for transportation. (Available on request)

    Middle schoolers explore disciplines such as ceramics, multimedia, painting, sketching, photography, and murals while also learning the difference between social movements, social activism, and protests. Each year, the program offers different opportunities for students to showcase their growth and achievements. Past projects have included presentations, exhibitions, and even a visit to city hall.


     


    Show details

  • Functional Pottery Independent Study with Sheila Staubus

    • 06 Apr 2024
    • 08 Jun 2024
    • 8 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 0
    Registration is closed


    Functional Pottery Independent Study with Sheila Staubus

    Saturdays (8 sessions) 

    April 6–June 8

    No class April 13 and May 25

    10:00am–12:30pm

    DAI Lincoln Park Building 

    2229 W. 2nd St. 

    Ages 16+

    $215 ($245 Non-Member)


    Focus on your interests or experiment with new techniques and take your work to a new level under the guidance of ceramicist Sheila Staubus. Class includes discussions, demonstrations and practical applications of wheel throwing and glazing techniques in a relaxed atmosphere, culminating with a cone 10 gas kiln firing.


    Students are encouraged to work outside of the arranged class time. The studio is open 7 days a week depending on clay studio monitor availability. All students will be given a monitor schedule. 


    Previous clay experience preferred. Structured for exploring techniques to create functional pottery, but students are welcome to explore other interests as well.


     


    Show details

  • A Journey in Healing with Clay

    • 16 Apr 2024
    • 14 May 2024
    • 9 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)


    A Journey in Healing with Clay

    Tuesdays and Thursdays (9 sessions)

    Classes April 16–May 9

    Reception May 14

    4:00pm–6:00pm

    Upstairs Clay Studio

    DAI Lincoln Park Building

    2229 W. 2nd St.

    Ages 18+

    FREE 

     

    This class will be an exploration of the therapeutic benefits, both mental and physical, of working with clay.  We will be specifically focused on a holistic experience in art making for persons recovering from a traumatic brain injury.

    To inquire about registration, please contact Elizabeth Vandersteen at vanbaum@charter.net or call the Duluth Art Institute 218-723-1310

    Show details

  • Intermediate Clay

    • 24 Apr 2024
    • 12 Jun 2024
    • 8 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 0
    Registration is closed


    Intermediate Clay 

    Wednesdays (8 sessions)

    April 24–June 12

    5:30pm–8:00pm

    DAI Lincoln Park Building

    2229 W 2nd St.

    Ages 18+

    $215 ($245 Non-Member)


    Focus on the foundations of working with clay in mostly pottery wheel and some hand-building. Students will learn to work with clay in its many stages and become familiar with the firing processes of vitrification, glazing and loading kilns.


     


    Show details

  • Stained Glass on Glass Mosaic Workshop with Laura Ruprecht

    • 27 Apr 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 17
    Register


    Stained Glass on Glass Mosaic Workshop with Laura Ruprecht

    Saturday, April 27, 2024

    10:00am–4:00pm

    DAI Lincoln Park Building 

    2229 W. 2nd St. 

    $80 ($95 Non-Member)

    Ages 12+ (Under 12 must be accompanied by an adult) 


    Mosaic artist Laura Ruprecht (Laura Liz Mosaic Biz) presents an engaging workshop where you'll craft your own glass-on-glass mosaic. Select a provided design and cut stained glass pieces to adhere to an 8x8 shadow box frame. Take home your stunning miniature stained glass artwork ready to adorn your window. All materials, including a "takeout bag" of grout for finishing touches at home, will be provided. This beginner-level class welcomes participants of all skill levels.







     


    Show details

  • "Do red and Blue really make Purple?" with Karlyn Berg

    • 11 May 2024
    • 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    Register



    Do Red and Blue Really Make Purple? with Karlyn Berg

    Saturday, May 11, 2024

    9:30am–3:00pm

    DAI Lincoln Park Building 

    2229 W. 2nd St. 

    Ages 16+

    $80 ($100 Non-Member)

    A hands on workshop! Explore how colors work together to be more vibrant or subtle, bold or harmonious, how to fully utilize hues, tints, gradients, and color values. Learn what's real the deal with hot color and cold colors, primary, secondary and tertiary colors and the differences between reds, blues, yellows, browns, blacks and whites. Yes, there will be color mixing but also experimentation, discovering, painting and projects to take home

    A list of materials needed will be provided upon registration. Students will bring their own paints and lunch/snacks.


    Show details

  • Plein Air Oil Painting with Matt Kania

    • 03 Jun 2024
    • 24 Jun 2024
    • 4 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 8
    Register


    Plein Air Oil Painting with Matt Kania

    Mondays (4 sessions)

    June 3–24

    5:30pm–8:30pm

    DAI Lincoln Park Building 

    2229 W. 2nd St. 

    Ages 18+

    $170 ($190 Non-Member)

     Plein air oil painting is a traditional way to create landscape paintings on-location in nature. This class is ideal for beginner and intermediate plein air painters looking to learn and practice the fundamentals of composition, drawing with paint, mixing natural colors, and creating a compelling representation of an outdoor scene. The class will explore various methods for starting and finishing paintings, different ways to use a palette knife and brushes, and working successfully with a limited color palette.


     


    Show details

  • SUMMER CAMP | Wild at Art with Serenity Keenan

    • 10 Jun 2024
    • 14 Jun 2024
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    Register



    Wild at Art with Serenity Keenan

    Monday–Friday (Five sessions)

    June 10–14

    9:00am–Noon

    Ages 9–13

    $150 ($200 Non-Member)

    Youth artists will create nature-inspired screen printed shirts, clay planters, one-of-a-kind nature jewelry, and trading postcards. Using art journals, participants will create a community-designed poster from daily observations outdoors. Participants need to wear reliable footwear, sunglasses or hat and sunscreen, as we will be outside for a portion of each day.



    Show details

  • SUMMER CAMP | Mystical Magical Me with Mx. Rose

    • 10 Jun 2024
    • 14 Jun 2024
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    Register



    Mystical Magical Me with Mx. Rose

    Monday–Friday (Five sessions)

    June 10–14

    1:00pm–4:00pm 

    Ages 6–11

    $150 ($200 Non-Member)

    Explore the art journey of telling stories through different methods of children's illustration with local artist and teacher Mx. Rose. Youths K-5 will explore fantasy art in different art mediums: paper-cutting art, sword and wand building, pastel etchings, watercolor painting, and line drawing. Each medium will be focused on the theme of the day: "Castle in the Sky" with watercolor, "Fantasy Self Portrait" in pastel etching, and more.


    Please fill out the release and Permission Form attached here. All Campers will need this form on file to participate. Completed forms can be emailed to jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org prior to the first day of camp, or printed and returned on first day of camp.


    Show details

  • SUMMER CAMP | DIY Room Decor (July Session) with Tiffany Fenner

    • 08 Jul 2024
    • 12 Jul 2024
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    Register


    DIY Room Decor with Tiffany Fenner

    Monday–Friday (5 sessions)

    July 8–12

    1:00pm–4:00pm

    Ages 9–13

    $150 ($200 Non-Member)

    Make your room into the ultimate artist space! Campers complete a variety of paper mache and clay projects to decorate their space. Projects include clay coaster sets, shelves, and oil diffuser beads. Come personalize your room with art!


    Please arrive at 1:00pm each day at the Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55806). Your instructor will meet you each day at the entrance on 23rd Ave W.

    Pickup is at 4:00pm.

    Please fill out the release and Permission Form attached here. All campers will need this form on file to participate. Completed forms can be emailed to jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org prior to the first day of camp, or printed and returned on first day of camp.


    Show details

  • SUMMER CAMP | Drawing Manga

    • 05 Aug 2024
    • 09 Aug 2024
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 17
    Register

    Drawing Manga

    Monday–Friday (5 sessions)

    August 5–9

    9:00am–Noon

    Ages 9–16

    $150 ($200 Non-Member)

    Learn about the art of your favorite manga and graphic novels. Campers will apply their imagination to create stories of their own. From the beginning storyboards to the final product, students will develop storylines and characters, craft pages, and bring their stories to life with various illustrative techniques.


    Please arrive at 9:00am each day at the Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55806). Your instructor will meet you each day at the entrance on 23rd Ave W.

    Pickup is at 12:00pm

    Please fill out the release and Permission Form attached here. All Campers will need this form on file to participate. Completed forms can be emailed to jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org prior to the first day of camp, or printed and returned on first day of camp.

    Show details

  • SUMMER CAMP | Fantastic Fiber with Lauren Faherty

    • 05 Aug 2024
    • 09 Aug 2024
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 14
    Register

    Fantastic Fibers with Lauren Faherty

    Monday–Friday (5 sessions)

    August 5–9pm

    9:00am–Noon

    Ages 11–14

    $150 ($200 Non-Member)

    Explore your personal style through textiles! Experiment with weaving, embroidery, collage, and more using a variety of materials.


    Please arrive at 9:00am each day at the Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55806). Your instructor will meet you each day at the entrance on 23rd Ave W.

    Pickup is at 12:00pm

    Please fill out the release and Permission Form attached here. All Campers will need this form on file to participate. Completed forms can be emailed to jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org prior to the first day of camp, or printed and returned on first day of camp.


    Show details

  • SUMMER CAMP | DIY Room Decor (August Sessions) with Tiffany Fenner

    • 05 Aug 2024
    • 09 Aug 2024
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    Register


    DIY Room Decor with Tiffany Fenner

    Monday–Friday (5 sessions)

    August 5–9

    1:00pm–4:00pm

    Ages 9–13

    $150 ($200 Non-Member)

    Make your room into the ultimate artist space! Campers complete a variety of paper mache and clay projects to decorate their space. Projects include clay coaster sets, shelves, and oil diffuser beads. Come personalize your room with art!


    Please arrive at 1:00pm each day at the Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55806). Your instructor will meet you each day at the entrance on 23rd Ave W.

    Pickup is at 4:00pm.

    Please fill out the release and Permission Form attached here. All campers will need this form on file to participate. Completed forms can be emailed to jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org prior to the first day of camp, or printed and returned on first day of camp.


    Show details

  • SUMMER CAMP | Soft Sculpture, Character Design, and Comics with Lauren Faherty

    • 19 Aug 2024
    • 23 Aug 2024
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    Register


    Soft Sculptures with Lauren Faherty

    Monday–Friday (5 sessions)

    August 19–23

    9:00am–Noon

    Ages 12–17

    $150 ($200 Non-Member)

    Bring your stories to life! Through a variety of media, this class allows for 2D and 3D experimentation. Students can design a plush character, explore the basics of hand and machine sewing, and incorporate storytelling through comics and graphic drawing.


    Please arrive at 9:00am each day at the Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55806). Your instructor will meet you each day at the entrance on 23rd Ave W.

    Pickup is at 12:00pm

    Please fill out the release and Permission Form attached here. All Campers will need this form on file to participate. Completed forms can be emailed to jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org prior to the first day of camp, or printed and returned on first day of camp.


    Show details

  • Wild Women Workshop with Jennifer Stone

    • 16 Sep 2024
    • 19 Sep 2024
    • 4 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55806)
    • 18
    Register


    Wild Women Workshop with Jennifer Stone

    Monday–Thursday (4 sessions)

    September 16–19

    DAI Lincoln Park Building 

    2229 W. 2nd St. 

    9:00am–4:00pm

    $470 ($530 Non-Member)

    "I love all of the interacting of the artists as the workshop ensues. There’s always lots of laughter and fun! I will also share ways to incorporate your collage into different art pieces. Bring your creative self and be ready for a lot of fun!" - Jennifer Stone


    Show details

Registration Policies

  • Tuition must be received one week prior to the class start date and two weeks prior to camp start dates to ensure both your place and adequate class materials.
  • If there is insufficient enrollment 7 days prior to event date, the DAI may cancel the event, notify registrants, and refund all payments including deposits. Last-minute cancellations may also occur for weather, emergency, or instructor illness.
  • Class tuition includes a $10 non-refundable registration fee, not including subsequent sessions of multi-day classes. Camp tuition includes a $25 non-refundable deposit due upon registration.
  • Students cancelling one week before the first class session or two weeks prior to the first day of camp are eligible for a refund, not including deposits or registration fees. Refunds cannot be made after classes begin.
  • Student Members are not eligible for membership discounts on classes.

Online registration with credit card payment preferred. To pay by cash or check, contact Jesse Switters jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org. Following payment, check all inboxes for a confirmation email.

Check calendar details for event-specific policies.

Accessibility 

Depot events- Accessible parking is available on Michigan Street and in the pay lots to either side of the Depot. An elevator to all floors is available in the Depot. DAI galleries are located on the 4th floor. In-gallery seating available.

Lincoln Park Building events - There is accessible parking in the lot at the back door, and a ramp to access the second floor.

Building hours, locations, and driving instructions

Scholarships

Scholarships may become available at times. For more information, or to request a partial or full scholarship for a class, camp, or workshop, contact Jesse Switters jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org.

Registration for the Birkenstein Art Movement (BAM) please contact Sam Odden engagement@duluthartinstitute.org. 








Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software