Slab-building is one of the most versatile techniques in clay! In this class, we will learn how to roll clay slabs, impress designs and textures onto the surface, as well as tips for preventing warping and cracking. Projects that will be demonstrated include soap dishes, spoonrests and small dishes. Perfect for holiday gifting or just a gift for yourself! Participants will decorate their creations with glazes and underglazes. All pieces will be fired in the kiln and ready for pick up in approximately three weeks! Participants can expect to complete 4-8 pieces.

• Nov 6th 6pm-7:30pm

• Teaching artist: Cherish Haskell

• Level: Beginner and above

• Age: 13+

• Class size: 12

• Participation fee: $75

  Registration through Red Wing Community Education Open Now!

Bring your family out for this multi-generational class for ages 9+! This class allows you to dip your toes in to making pottery on the wheel without the commitment of a long-term class. You can expect 90 minutes of instructor-supported wheel throwing. Learn all of the steps of centering the clay and pulling walls to create your own clay bowl or cup! Participants will be able to keep 1-2 finished products at the end of the session. All work will be fired and glazed by staff, in the color of your choosing. All finished work will be available for pick-up in approximately 3 weeks.

Class Information:

• Tuesday, November 4t from 5:30-7pm

• Teaching artist: Cherish Haskell

• Level: All levels welcome!

• Ages 9+, multi-generational

• Class size: 7

• Participation fee: $75 includes all materials and firings

Registration through Red Wing Community Education Open Now!

Join us for this spooktacular Halloween-themed art class as we celebrate the season by making two projects with Black Cats, Bats and Creepy Creatures!

• Teaching artist: Cherish Haskell

• Level: Beginner and above

• Age: Gr. K-1

• Class size: 12

• Participation fee: $25

Registration through Red Wing Community Education Open Now!

Join us for this spooktacular Halloween-themed art class as we celebrate the season by making two projects with Black Cats, Bats and Creepy Creatures!

• Teaching artist: Cherish Haskell

• Level: Beginner and above

• Age: Gr. 2-4

• Class size: 12

• Participation fee: $25

Registration through Red WIng Community Education Open Now!

Red Wing Arts is pleased to host free artmaking opportunities for community members to learn, experiment with, and experience different techniques and media. Community Saturdays are free and open to all ages to drop in and stay as your schedule allows. All materials are provided.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Get inspired by the Queen of Polka Dots this Halloween season! Join us as we explore the bold, colorful, and hypnotic patterns made famous by the legendary contemporary artist, then bring that same energy to our own painted pumpkins. Think dots, stripes, repetition, and a whole lot of creativity.

All supplies (and pumpkins!) will be provided. Come celebrate creativity, community, and the magic of pumpkins — Kusama-style.

This non-traditional watercolor class, geared toward those will little or no experience, will put the fun back in the process! The instructor will demonstrate techniques, trick and tips as well as ways to combine watercolor with other materials. We will also discuss the differences in papers, brushes and other materials. Most importantly students will put brush to paper and create colorful abstract paintings with an option to add drawing or other mark-making such as stamping or stenciling.

Teaching artist: Cherish Haskell

Level: Teen & Adult Beginner, Ages 13+

Class size: 12

Participation fee: $40

Registration through Red Wing Community Education Open Now!

Learn from a pumpkin carving master! Bill “The Pumpkin Man" Habedank will provide instruction guided by years of practice for carving a unique jack-o-lantern. Participants will have access to Bill's custom carving tools for use during the workshop!

Bring your own pumpkin and an X-acto knife if you have one. Everything else will be provided. Particiapnts may also bring a printed image or pattern that they’d like to put on their pumpkin.

All ages welcome, children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult

Participation fee: $15

In this workshop, Dan will teach you techniques that help solve the mysteries of watercolor. You will learn how to work with the watercolor medium, including wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and luminous washes through a series of smaller studies and Dan’s approach of “see it, simplify it, and state it”.

The class is fun and fast-paced. Participants will watch demonstrations and then apply the concepts to their own work through hands-on painting. Dan also uses friendly back-and-forth critiques for constructive feedback.

This class is watercolor only and does not include Dan’s technique of combining acrylic with watercolor. (Images provided for this workshop description are samples only.)

CLASS INFORMATION:

• Saturday, October 18, 9 am-4 pm (one hour lunch break)

• Teaching artist: Dan Wiemer

• Level: Beginning to Intermediate

• Class size: 12

• Participation fee: $175

SUPPLY LIST for Strong and Simple Watercolor:

Many people already have supplies that are fine. Bring those; you can impress your neighbors and your teacher.

WATERCOLOR PAINTS: I use a fairly traditional collection of colors. If you have others you enjoy working with that’s fine, bring them. Mine include cerulean blue, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, raw sienna, burnt sienna, Cadmium or winsor red, alizarin crimson (or permanent rose), Sap green, viridian and Paynes gray or neutral tint that I often use for value studies. You may have some wonderful new colors to show me! It is easier for watercolor artists to have the paints already squeezed into and dried in a plastic palette with a lid. I recommend you do this process several days prior to the workshop.

BRUSHES: Bring several different size brushes. I prefer round brushes but you can also bring flat brushes.

PAPER: Sheets or blocks are fine, just make sure it is 100% rag (cotton). No student-grade paper for your sake and mine. Student grade paper leads to more frustration and pain than the money you save. There are many fine rag papers. I recommend 140# Arches cold pressed or hot pressed because this can handle the repetitive masking process of the technique you will learn. Softer papers are not sufficient for this process. All of our studies will be 11x15 quarter sheets or smaller. If you have trouble finding 140# Arches paper, Dan will have some available for purchase.

OTHER: Pencil, sketchpad or copy paper, soft eraser (Magicrub) or something like a white eraser, container for clean water, roll of paper towels, board or piece of Masonite to tape down loose paper, masking tape.

If you already have a watercolor palette, don’t spend a whole lot of money or change your palette for this workshop, I am not that fussy. If you have any questions about supplies or the workshop don’t hesitate to call or email me. 651-276-5559 danwiemer@gmail.com Thanks - Dan Wiemer

ARTIST BIO: Trained as a graphic designer with a degree from Iowa State, Dan paints in the studio and on location (plein air), and has won many awards including several best-of-show in juried competitions and art fairs throughout the Midwest.

For more than 25 years, Dan has taught watercolor workshops for more than 25 years and previously served as the president of the MN Watercolor Society.  His technique uniquely combines opaque acrylic with transparent watercolor that stylizes the landscape and is influenced by printmakers and batik artists.

Dan has been fortunate to have two extended stays in China - painting, teaching and exhibiting. In addition to China, he has painted in Puerto Rico, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and throughout the United States. 

Create your pumpkin out of clay! Make a unique pumpkin by adding eyes, teeth, and other distinctive features then add details with glaze. We will fire them in the kiln and your creation will be ready for pickup in 3 weeks!

Note: Please register through the Red Wing Community Education page. Registration button below. Registration coming soon!

Location: Burnside Elementary School

Ages: Grades 2-4

Instructor: Cherish Haskell

Cost: $25

This class allows you to dip your toes in to making pottery on the wheel without the commitment of a long-term class! You can expect 90 minutes of instructor-supported wheel throwing. Learn all of the steps of centering the clay and pulling walls to create your own clay bowl or cup! Participants will be able to keep 1-2 finished products at the end of the session. All work will be fired and glazed by staff, in the color of your choosing. All finished work will be available for pick-up in approximately 3 weeks.

Class Information:

• Thursday, October 9th from 6-7:30pm

• Teaching artist: Cherish Haskell

• Level: All levels welcome!

• Ages 15+

• Class size: 7

• Participation fee: $75 includes all materials and firings

Registration through Community Education at link below

Join us for stories and poems from Christopher Burawa, Laura Farrell, John Jodzio, and Molly Sutton Kiefer.

6-7pm at the Red Wing Clay and Creative Center -- see you there!

Author Bios:

Christopher Burawa is the author of The Small Mystery of Lapses (Cleveland State University 2005) and Where I Came Here From (Finishing Line, 2023.) He lives in Red Wing, Minnesota.

Laura Farrell is an aspiring author whose love for storytelling was sparked at a young age by her great uncle, Hugo and Nebula Award–winning science fiction writer Gordon R. Dickson. In 2025, Laura attended the Writing Day Workshop held in Minneapolis, where the first page of her work was selected to be read aloud and received praise from four literary agents. By day, Laura works as a commercial real estate broker, and by night, she’s trying to pin down her muse. Laura lives in Chaska with her loving husband and a goofy Labrador.

John Jodzio's work has been featured in a variety of places including This American Life, McSweeney's, and New York Magazine. He's the author of the short story collections, Knockout, Get In If You Want To Live, and If You Lived Here You’d Already Be Home. He lives in St. Paul.

Molly Sutton Kiefer is the author of the lyric essay, Nestuary, as well as three poetry chapbooks. Her work has appeared in various literary journals including Poetry Northwest, Orion, and The Poetry Foundation. She teaches literature and writing at Red Wing High School and lives on three acres of woods with her family.

John Jodzio is a fiscal year 2025 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Grab your friends and family and join us for a morning of festive creativity and community with this autumnal version of our Paint Your Own Pottery event! Paint your own pumpkin plate to use or display for the fall season. Make it cute or spooky - painter’s choice! We will also have our classic offerings of mugs, jars, bowls, and more.

We will fire your piece and notify you for pickup approximately 2 weeks after the event. We can also ship pottery for an additional fee.

This multi-generaltional class is designed for children ages 5+ and adults to take together.

EVENT INFORMATION:

• Saturday, October 4 from 9:30am-12:30pm

• Open to ages 5+, multi-generaltional (all children must be accompanied by a paying adult)

• Participation fee: $25

Tap into your intuitive flow with this meditative, hands-on workshop with Leah Buysse of Intuitive Self Healing & Cherish Haskell of Red Wing Arts.

This class begins with a grounding exercise, setting a calm and focused atmosphere. Following this, each participant will engage in an individual oracle card reading with Leah to gain insight, guidance, or inspiration on various aspects of their lives.

Before their readings, participants will engage in easy creative warm-up exercises led by Cherish and will then interpret or respond to their reading using clay, allowing for intuitive expression through the medium rather than concentrating solely on the final outcomes.

Participants can choose to have their pieces fired in the RWA kiln and pieces will be ready for pick up in approximately three weeks. Tea and light snacks provided.

Class Information:

• Thursday, October 2nd from 5:30-7:30pm

• Teaching artist: Leah Buysse & Cherish Haskell

• Level: Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced

• Ages 18+

• Class size: 8

• Participation fee: $75

Create your pumpkin out of clay! Make a unique pumpkin by adding eyes, teeth, and other distinctive features then add details with glaze. We will fire them in the kiln and your creation will be ready for pickup in 3 weeks!

Note: Please register through the Red Wing Community Education page. Registration button below. Registration coming soon!

Location: Sunnyside Elementary, SS 146 - Art Room

Ages: Grades K-1

Instructor: Cherish Haskell

Cost: $25

Red Wing Arts is pleased to host Culture Bearers from the Honoring Dakota Project to lead this Community Saturday artmaking. Free and open to all ages to drop in and stay as your schedule allows. All materials are provided. Hikes start at 9 am and 11 am.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Join us on the He Mni Can Hike, Storytelling, and Art Experience, where the beauty of nature meets the rich cultural tapestry of the Dakota Oyate. Join us at the Entrance Plaza at the beginning of one of two sessions, 9 am or 11 am.  The Plaza is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the City of Red Wing and the Prairie Island Indian Community, designed to foster connection and community.

This experience begins with storytelling that immerses you in the vibrant history and enduring legacy of the Dakota people. As you hike the sacred paths of He Mni Can, you'll discover the land's profound cultural significance, learn about indigenous plant life, and deepen your appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things.  Clay will be provided during the hike so you can make impression and provides each participant a keepsake of the experience, grounding them in land. 

While atop He Mni Can you will see and learn more about the Honoring Dakota Mural, which was gifted to the Prairie Island Indian Community on October 9th 2023, Indigenous Peoples' Day. 

This experience will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings and inspire you to tread more lightly on the earth. 

These Community Crafting Circles explore the Honoring Dakota Welcome Home Model, which is an inclusive and holistic framework designed to guide all programming events towards realizing our mission and vision. 

In this hands-on workshop, students will explore the decorative process of water etching on clay. Starting with an 8" x 8" greenware tile, students will sketch a design of their choice and learn how to create striking surface patterns using resist and water. The process gently erodes exposed areas of clay, leaving behind a design with both recessed and raised sections that emphasize line and shape. After the etching is complete, students will have the opportunity to enhance their tiles with colored underglazes to bring depth and vibrancy to the work.

Because this process creates a strong contrast between etched and unetched areas, designs with bold lines and clear shapes are especially effective, while highly intricate details are less suited to the technique. To get the most out of the workshop, bring a reference image or drawing to guide your etching—bold, graphic designs will yield the best results.

Class Information:

• Wednesday, September 24 from 5:30-7:30pm

• Teaching artist: Chloe Bischoff

• Level: All skill levels welcome

• Ages 16+

• Participation fee: $25

An introduction to the fascinating world of Flower Pounding or Hapazome in Japanese, a natural dyeing process that uses leaves, flowers, and other organic materials to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind designs on fabric. Participants will learn about the principles of eco-printing, including the types of plants best suited for dyeing, and a discussion of mordants and how they affect the colors and permanence of the prints.

The class will provide hands-on experience as students choose plant materials provided by Flower Valley Orchard flower farm, arrange them on prepared fabric (we will provide natural fabrics such as silk or cotton) and use a hammer to pound the flowers into the material to transfer the pattern. By the end of the class attendees will leave with their own beautifully printed fabrics and a better understanding of natural dyeing.

• Date: Sept 20 from 9-11 am

• Teaching: Cherish Haskell

• Level: Beginner and above

• Age: 13 +

• Class size: 12

• Participation fee: $55

​Note: This workshop is in partnership with Red Wing Arts Clay & Creative Center and Flower Valley Orchard Flower Farm and will take place at the farm (29732 Orchard Road, Red Wing). Flower Valley Orchards is pretty deep in a valley in a cellular dead zone. Most people lose service right after turning onto Orchard Rd

Join us for the 2nd Annual
Red Wing Arts Pottery Throwdown
September 19, 2025

A celebration of Clay, Creativity, & Connection

Get your hands dirty and your spirits high at our 2nd Annual Pottery Throwdown! This event is hosted by Red Wing Arts to celebrate and support programming at the new Clay & Creative Center. Watch local celebrities and professional ceramic artists go head-to-head in exciting pottery challenges, cheer them on, and even create your own challenges on our mini-wheels!

Date: Friday, September 19th, 2025

Location: RWA Clay & Creative Center, 436 W. 3rd St, Red Wing, MN 55066

Schedule of Events:

6:30-7pm - Mix & Mingle

7-7:45pm - Celebrity Participant Heat

8-9pm - Professional Participant Heat

What to Expect:

• Light appetizers & beverages

• Raffle prizes

• Mini-wheel clay challenges for all ages

• Lots of cheering, friendly heckling, and fun!

• Bring your dollars to vote for your favorite potter!

Tickets

Tickets are $30 for members (use code MEMBER-10), $40 for not-yet members
All proceeds support Clay & Creative Center programming – allowing us to increase access to high-quality arts education. Thank you to Todd’s Prime and Paint for sponsoring this event.

Not a member? Interested in learning how you can make a valuable contribution to your community? Learn more here!

Let’s throw some clay and build community together!

Create your own silly monster face out of clay! Make a unique character by adding eyes, teeth and whatever else you would like then glaze them with bright colors. We will fire them in the kiln and your creation will be ready for pick up in 3 weeks. Class is held in the Sunnyside art room, SS 146.

• Date: September 18, 2:15-3:15 pm

• Teaching artist: Cherish Haskell

• Level: Beginner and above

• Age: Gr. K-1

• Class size: 12

• Participation fee: $25

Register online through Red Wing Community Education.

Ninety minutes of instruction on the pottery wheel! Learn all of the steps of centering the clay and pulling walls to create your own clay bowl or cup! Paint your creation with colorful underglazes or the instructor can glaze your work for you before firing. Work is fired in our kiln and ready for pick up in 2-3 weeks. Each participant can fire up to two items. Please enter Red Wing High School through door #40. 

• Date: September 16, 6-7:45 pm

• Teaching artist: Cherish Haskell

• Level: Beginner and above

• Age: 8 +

• Class size: 12

• Participation fee: $60

Register online through Red Wing Community Education.

Create your own silly monster face out of clay! Make a unique character by adding eyes, teeth and whatever else you would like, then glaze them with bright colors. We will fire them in the kiln and your creation will be ready for pick up in 3 weeks.

• Date: September 16, 2-3 pm

• Teaching artist: Cherish Haskell

• Level: Beginner and above

• Age: Gr. 2-4

• Class size: 12

• Participation fee: $25

Register online through Red Wing Community Education.

An introduction to the fascinating world of Flower Pounding or Hapazome in Japanese, a natural dyeing process that uses leaves, flowers, and other organic materials to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind designs on fabric. Participants will learn about the principles of eco-printing, including the types of plants best suited for dyeing, and a discussion of mordants and how they affect the colors and permanence of the prints.

The class will provide hands-on experience as students choose plant materials provided by Flower Valley Orchard flower farm, arrange them on prepared fabric (we will provide natural fabrics such as silk or cotton) and use a hammer to pound the flowers into the material to transfer the pattern. By the end of the class attendees will leave with their own beautifully printed fabrics and a better understanding of natural dyeing.

• Date: Sept 13 from 9-11 am

• Teaching: Cherish Haskell

• Level: Beginner and above

• Age: 13 +

• Class size: 12

• Participation fee: $55

​Note: This workshop is in partnership with Red Wing Arts Clay & Creative Center and Flower Valley Orchard Flower Farm and will take place at the farm (29732 Orchard Road, Red Wing). Flower Valley Orchards is pretty deep in a valley in a cellular dead zone. Most people lose service right after turning onto Orchard Rd

Explore your creativity and experiment with different materials! Use a combination of acrylic ink, watercolor, and wax-resist techniques to create stunning floral paintings. Acrylic ink is a versatile medium that allows for bold and vibrant colors, while watercolor provides a softer and more delicate touch. Wax resistance is a technique where wax is applied to the paper before the paint, creating a unique texture and visual interest. Learn to use these different materials and techniques to create beautiful floral compositions. You will have the opportunity to experiment with color, texture, and layering to create a unique piece of art.

• Date: September 11 from 5:30-7:30 pm

• Teaching artist: Cherish Haskell

• Level: Beginner and above

• Age: 15 +

• Class size: 12

• Participation fee: $50

Register online through Red Wing Community Education.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the blooming flowers as you wander through the vibrant fields of Flower Valley Orchards Flower Farm and hand-pick your blossoms to create a personalized bouquet. The instructor will demonstrate some simple watercolor techniques that participants can use to create a painting of their chosen flowers. Whether you are a seasoned painter or a novice looking to explore a new artistic technique, this staycation adventure or day trip promises to inspire your creative spirit while surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the flower farm.

• Date: Aug 30 from 9-11 am

• Teaching artist: Cherish Haskell

• Level: Beginner and above

• Age: 13 +

• Class size: 24

• Participation fee: $85 (includes handpicked bouquet and all painting supplies)

What to bring:

• Water for sipping.

• Comfy *outside* appropriate shoes.

• Optional - Your own vase to pick into for longer travel times home or to design your bouquet in the field in your favorite vase.

What is provided for flower picking:

• Sharp snippers with safety lock mechanism for safe picking and walking.

• A jar to pick into.

• Picking tips on how to get the best longest lasting flowers.

• Info on flowers that are safe (or not safe) for pets at home.

​* Flower Valley Orchards is pretty deep in a valley in a cellular dead zone. Most people lose service right after turning onto Orchard Rd

Red Wing Arts is pleased to host free artmaking opportunities for community members to learn, experiment with, and experience different techniques and media. Community Saturdays are free and open to all ages to drop in and stay as your schedule allows. All materials are provided.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Celebrate the beauty of the outdoors by turning natural materials into works of art! We’ll explore the art of nature printing using real petals, leaves, and other gathered botanicals.

You’ll learn simple techniques to press and print with natural textures, creating colorful, one-of-a-kind designs on paper and fabric. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own pressed leaves or favorite finds from a nature walk.

Join fellow K-12 art educators this summer for a free workshop on rejuvenating and sustaining your artistic practice. In this two-hour workshop, we will explore goal-setting, routines, accountability, and self care. Participants will connect with colleagues, share work in-progress, and have the opportunity to contribute to a showcase at the November AEM Conference in St. Joseph, MN.

Class Information:

• Saturday, August 16 from 10am-12pm

• Teaching artist: Ursula Hargens

• Level: Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced

• Open to adult K-12 educators

• Class size: 20

• Participation fee: FREE

Artist Bio: Ursula Hargens is a ceramic artist based in Minneapolis and a long-time educator. She co-founded the Minnesota New Institute for Ceramic Education and was a member of the Center for Craft’s inaugural Teaching Artist Cohort. Currently, she teaches art at Mounds Park Academy in St. Paul. Ursula is a threetime McKnight Artist Fellow, has received grants from the Jerome Foundation and the Minnesota State Arts Board, and was named Ceramic Arts Network’s 2020 Artist of the Year.

See more of her work here: https://www.ursulahargens.com/