Immerse creative side in nature. Local artists lead one evening each of painting, felting, and sketching classes at Hartley Nature Center. All materials and one beverage included. Class tuition includes a non-refundable $5 registration fee.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 | 6-8:30 p.m.: Susanna Gaunt, Nature Sketching and Collage Making. 

Immerse yourself in nature and connect with your creative side.  Take in the beautiful surroundings and become inspired by nature to express yourself through various sketching and collage techniques with local artist, Susanna Gaunt.  

Fiber Art: Dye like a Viking with Theresa Hornstein 

July 27^th 9-3 p.m. at DAI Lincoln Park Building  $50 member  $65 non-member           

$15 additional material cost paid to the instructor on the first day of class which includes wool, gloves, handouts, and all dyes and mordants.

Learn how the Vikings added color to their life through vibrant textiles.  The Nordic region has a long tradition of using natural dyes to add color to knitware, woven cloth and thread for embroidery and woven bands.  Join Duluth resident Theresa Hornstein to discover the beautiful colors that can be coaxed from the flowers, leaves, roots, and even the lichen and fungi common to our Midwest northern landscapes and Scandinavia.  We will prepare dye baths, mordant fibers, modify colors and even identify dye plants that might already be in your backyard.   Students will receive eight 25-yard skeins of yarn to dye in the colors of their choice (enough for a few small projects). This introductory class will also discuss ethical harvesting, other dye methods, a history of natural dyes and learn about special Scandinavian techniques of using lichens for dye baths.   Students should bring a bag to bring wet yarn home and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dye on.

Fiber Art: Landscape Felting with Anne Repke

August 15^th 5:30-8:30 p.m. at DAI Lincoln Park Building

$65 member  $75 non-member  (includes all materials)

In this class you will learn to create a felted landscape. No previous experience necessary, just a willingness to learn and have fun! We will learn the basic characteristics of wool and how to turn it into felt using a wet felting and needle felting method. We will then go into the basic composition of a landscape and the particulars of laying out your design. You will make 2 small pieces to experiment with the technique and color blends.  note: This requires comfortable clothes that can get wet. Also, you will need just a little bit of strength in your arms and hands to work your wool into felt by rolling it back and forth.

Fiber Art: Yes, It’s called Wet Felting but it still won't hold water--Making a vessel out of wool with Terry Hamp

Aug 24^th 9-12 p.m. at DAI Lincoln Park Building  $25 members, $30 non-members

Ever wondered how you can transform sheep’s wool into a beautiful felted vessel?  During this class you will learn the process where wool, warm water, soap and agitation are combined to create felt.  You will come to understand the basic principles of the craft as well as what the terms “resist”, “felting” and “fulling” refer to.  All participants in the class will design and create a unique one of a kind 6” vessel that they will take home with them.  Prior experience or knowledge is not a requirement.  Each participant should bring with them two old bath towels and a small sharp scissor.  Be sure to dress comfortably as you could get a little wet. Be ready for a bit of a workout, felting is great exercise!