Classes

Expand knowledge of hand-drumming techniques for djembe and kpanlogo drums, bells, shakers, and stick drums; create full textures of rhythms in traditional West African genres, and how the layers of rhythms work together to create a conversation.

This ensemble meets on Fridays at Christ Lutheran Church (location change!) in Marine on St. Croix from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The ensemble is composed of Intro to West African Drumming students and/or those who have attended a community West African Drumming event.

Pre-registration required: Register Online or RSVP to Jen Vieth at [email protected].

Location: Online ZOOM presentation – Link sent upon registration

Program Fee: This event is FREE, but donations to one or both of the non-profit organizations are encouraged.

Co-hosted by the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union and Carpenter Nature Center

Learn about Minnesota birds from the comfort of your home! Join MOU and CNC online for presentations from regional bird experts, passionate birders, and educators. Presentations are 20-25 minutes each with 5-10 minutes of Q&A. Pre-registration for this event is required to receive the zoom link.

Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or register ONLINE HERE.

Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033

Program Fee: $15 per person / $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’

Join CNC Orchardist Sam Behrends for a hands-on pruning workshop in the CNC orchard. Pruning techniques will be briefly covered indoors, then participants will move outside to the orchard to try their hands at the pruning techniques they just learned. Participants are encouraged to bring their hand pruners and loppers, a limited quantity are available to use. Sanitization of tools is required, sanitizer will be provided. Participants should be prepared to be outside in the weather of the day. Participation in the Apple Tree Care workshop ahead of time is encouraged, but not required.

Program is offered: MN – Sunday, March 23rd and 30th

Painting Party at Saint Croix Vineyards!

Sip your favorite SCV wine and let your inner artist out to create something special!

Take your artwork with you and leave the clean up behind!

Local artists inspire and instruct customers step-by-step to create their finished painting. With our step-by-step instruction method customers without painting experience are at ease.

$45 per person

Ticket includes 1 glass of wine / NA beverage and all supplies needed

Tickets or Call: 612-597-1302

Level 1: In this course, instructors will give an overview of the SAWW Training Program, OSHA regulations and requirements, and instruct participants in saw body mechanics, personal protective equipment, necessary tools, saws, tree felling, and limbing, bucking, and topping.

Level 2: Certification takes place on Thursday, April 3

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR TRAINING(S)

Join us for this cozy DIY workshop!

Create a Chunky Knit Blanket or Pillow with step-by-step instruction. No knitting experience or tools needed!
You will choose your yarn colors upon your arrival for this workshop.
We offer an exclusive selection of yarn from our private label with Lion Brand Yarn.

Your 3 hour DIY experience starts $99 with our standard Chunky Knit Blanket (approx. 40"x50" throw).

This sound bath will help you connect with your heart and find your “center.” This is a perfect time to release and relax. After a brief description of what a sound bath is, how they work, and benefits of sound healing, there will be a demonstration of the instruments.  We will move through guided breath-work and a mind body scan before drifting off to the healing sounds of the crystal sound bowls, chimes, and steel drum. All are welcome, no experience needed. Please feel free to bring a yoga mat, blanket and pillow or bolster (for comfort while enjoying the sound bath.)

Your instructor for this class is Katelyn Hart from Align Optimal Wellness.

With 20 years of experience in different healing modalities, Katelyn specializes in helping clients achieve balance, relief, and relaxation through personalized sessions. Whether it be massage, sound healing or Reiki, her approach combines different techniques to address both physical discomfort and mental stress. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or simply in need of a restorative break, she provides a nurturing environment where healing can take place.

As a passionate sound healer, Katelyn believes that sound is a powerful tool for transforming energy and promoting inner peace. Using a combination of sacred instruments such as crystal bowls, drums and chimes, individuals are guided through deep relaxation and healing experiences. These sounds resonate with the body’s energy centers, helping to release blockages and restore balance on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level.

Katelyn’s practice is rooted in the belief that we are all vibrational beings, and through the resonance of sound and healing touch, we can realign ourselves with the harmony of the universe.

This class is sponsored by the Foundation for Bayport Public Library and is free for participants.  Registration is required.

Hosted in partnership with SAWW Training, which is an umbrella organization that promotes safe and efficient chainsaw use, both professionally and recreationally. In Level 2, you will review topics covered in Level 1, and cover maintenance, hands-on filing, RDT (Reduce Downtime), limbing techniques, precision felling assessment, and precision at the stump, including notching, hinge, species differences and terrain. Felling practice.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR TRAINING(S)

Join us for this cozy DIY workshop!

Create a Chunky Knit Blanket or Pillow with step-by-step instruction. No knitting experience or tools needed!
You will choose your yarn colors upon your arrival for this workshop.
We offer an exclusive selection of yarn from our private label with Lion Brand Yarn.

Your 3 hour DIY experience starts $99 with our standard Chunky Knit Blanket (approx. 40"x50" throw).

Join our 8-week Beginning Wheel-Throwing Ceramics class at WHAT Art School to explore the art of creating functional and artistic pottery. Perfect for beginners, this course offers hands-on experience with wheel-throwing techniques, including centering, shaping, trimming, and glazing. Each week, you'll receive personalized instruction and practice creating unique pieces. Whether you're looking to develop new skills or simply explore your creative side, this class provides a supportive environment for growth and artistic expression.

What You’ll Learn:
How to center clay and create basic forms like bowls and mugs.Trimming, surface decoration, and glazing techniques to finish your pieces. The full process of creating functional and artistic pottery!

Class Details: April 9 - May 28 Time: Wednesdays, 6:30–9:30 PM Price: $475 (25 lbs of clay included, additional clay available for purchase) Ages: 16+ (Max class size)
No experience required! You’ll get hands-on practice and personalized instruction in a supportive, creative environment.

Limited spots, so reserve yours now at the link below!
https://whatartschool.com/classes/p/beginner-ceramics-class

Let's talk about Kevin Wilson's "ability to craft an everyday family drama and inject it with one odd element that turns the story on its head." In Nothing to See Here, the children burst into flames when they are agitated. Join a book discussion and spark conversations about neurodiversity, self-control, caring for each other and finding community.

(Must be 21+ to participate)
Join our pastry chef for a hands-on sourdough bread making class, paired with a fun drink mixing session! You’ll learn every step of the sourdough process, from mixing your starter to shaping and baking your loaf.

While learning the craft of your bread, our team will guide you through mixing delicious drinks to pair with your freshly baked sourdough. At the end of the class, take home a starter, a lam, your own loaf of bread, and newfound cocktail skills.

With guided instruction from Peg Medcraft, a crafty pottery instructor with 30+ years of experience, you will create a woodland, functional, hanging birdhouse!

*Details*
Perfect for beginners and seasoned potters
Hands-on -guided instruction
Take home your finished birdhouse after Peg fires it in her kiln.

Skill Level
No experience needed.

Age Requirement
Students ages 18 and older are welcome to attend this class.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $40
Materials Fee: $30
Total Cost: $70

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible!

Our instructor will guide you step-by-step as you create your own masterpiece.

📅 April 12, 2025
⏰ 6:30 - 9:00 PM
📍 WHAT Art School, St. Croix Falls
💲 $55 (Includes all materials + first drink free!)

What to Expect:
-Step-by-step painting instruction
-Your choice of beer, wine, or a non-alcoholic drink (first one’s on us!)
-A fun and relaxed atmosphere—perfect for a date night or night out with friends!

Seats are limited—reserve yours today! https://whatartschool.com/classes/p/paint-and-sip

In this class, students learn how to read a Turned Krokbragd chart and weave a cotton band using three groups of heddles. If you have taken Beth’s Introduction To Band Weaving class or have some experience with band weaving, you will love expanding your knowledge with this technique.

In this class, students will learn what makes a Turned Krokbragd pattern/band different from a Plain Weave band/pattern, how to follow a Turned Krokbragd pattern, how to manipulate supplemental heddle groups, and what to consider when designing a Turned Krokbragd pattern.

Students will weave as much as they can within the allotted class time. Depending on the length of their woven band, students can make a lanyard, key chain, or bookmark.

Class looms may be checked out by individuals willing to return looms and materials to the instructor at an agreed-upon location within 2 weeks of class. Assistance in finishing bands is only available during class or when meeting at the instructor’s home in Andover, MN.

Your instructor will provide the following materials:

100% warped loom (warping is not taught in this class; it is briefly discussed).
Shuttle (Pre-Wound and ready to use).
Hardware to finish bands as keychains or lanyards
Written Instructions.

Students are asked to bring:

Enthusiasm for learning.
As your class is scheduled over a lunch hour, we highly recommend you bring a lunch or click HERE to learn about local eating opportunities in the area.

Skill Level
Intermediate: prior experience or attendance in the Plain Weave class are prerequisites to this class. Basic band weaving techniques are not taught in this class though they are reviewed.

Age Requirement
Students ages 18 and older are welcome to attend.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $60
Materials Fee: $20
Total Cost: $80

NOTE:  Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible!

It is not too late to start a garden! April is the perfect time to begin starting seeds for an abundant harvest. Starting your own seeds can be confusing and stressful if you’ve never done it before, but it is so rewarding!

In this class, Gabriella will share tips that reduce the stress and unknowns beginners face. We will cover sustainable seed companies, lighting and greenhouse options, transplanting, preventing dampening off, and general tips for healthy seedlings.

In Seed Starting and Beyond, students will learn about soil building, tips for no-till gardening, and creating edible landscapes that are beautiful and abundant.

Gabriella began starting her own seeds nearly 10 years ago and has come so far (and made many mistakes!). She has found methods of seed starting, organizing, planting, and soil building that have improved her garden and success.

In this class, each student will plan their very own planting calendar tailored to their seeds and garden needs. Students will learn how to read seed packet instructions, do research on frost dates and seed starting timing, mix up their own seed starting mix, make plant pots from newspapers, and plant a tray of their own seeds to take home.

Your instructor will provide the following:

A variety of seed to plant in class
Planting tray
Pot maker tools to take home
A 0.5 gallon mister sprayer to bring home
Newspaper
Seed catalogs and books to look through
Hand out with all class information and local and sustainable seed and garden resources

Students are asked to bring:

Blank 2025 wall calendar
Sharpie marker
Sandwich-size Ziploc bags (at least 10)
Roll of blue painter’s tape
Optional but recommended: seeds you want to plant at home throughout the sowing season, clothes that can get a bit dirty, or an apron if desired.
As your class is scheduled over a lunch hour, we highly recommend you bring a lunch or click HERE to learn about local eating opportunities.

Skill level
Beginners-Intermediate students are welcome. We will be covering basics and beyond!

Age Requirement

Students ages 16 and older are welcome to attend this class. Ages 16-17 can attend with parent permission by email to [email protected].  Students between the ages of 10 and 16 may attend, but the student must attend with a parent or guardian. For Youth discount please email [email protected].

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $75, and $55 for Youth
Materials Fee: $40
Total Cost: $115, and $95 for Youth

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel the class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance a teacher’s need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible!

Soma yoga is a very gentle and slow-paced practice to decrease tension in chronically tight areas, focusing on alignment and stability when finding our classic asanas (yoga poses). This is a great practice to “reset” our bodies for improved mobility, stability, and function.

Learn a series of gentle somatic movements to relieve tension in chronically tight areas and find your best classic asana variation for a practice that is generous and kind to your body.

Please note this class will meet the following Saturdays:
April/May Series:  April 12, 26, May 3, 10, 2025

Drop-ins welcome.  The cost will be $15 per session payable before class.

Students are asked to bring:

mat
strap
pillow or bath towel
Water bottle encouraged!

Skill Level
Beginner, or those wanting to include a gentle reset practice for their bodies

Age Requirement
Students ages 18 and older are welcome to attend this class.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $40 for the April and May sessions.

Let's talk about Kevin Wilson's "ability to craft an everyday family drama and inject it with one odd element that turns the story on its head." In Nothing to See Here, the children burst into flames when they are agitated. Join a book discussion and spark conversations about neurodiversity, self-control, caring for each other and finding community.

Let's talk about Kevin Wilson's "ability to craft an everyday family drama and inject it with one odd element that turns the story on its head." In Nothing to See Here, the children burst into flames when they are agitated. Join a book discussion and spark conversations about neurodiversity, self-control, caring for each other and finding community.

Dive into Jonathan Haidt’s groundbreaking exploration of the youth mental health crisis in this engaging 3-part group study hosted by Stillwater Community Ed. Together, we’ll unpack societal shifts, including smartphones and social media, and we’ll explore practical strategies for fostering resilience.

Dive into Jonathan Haidt’s groundbreaking exploration of the youth mental health crisis in this engaging 3-part group study hosted by Stillwater Community Ed. Together, we’ll unpack societal shifts, including smartphones and social media, and we’ll explore practical strategies for fostering resilience.