How to act like an artist in Cloud Town (Winter Edition)
As a seasoned local in the arts of St. Cloud, I often get taken by surprise when folx say that there’s little to do or there’s nothing for artists. So here we are with an official reflection of things you can do to act more like an artist in 2024, if you’re in Central Minnesota.
At first sight, St. Cloud may not seem to have multitudes of things to do, but we have enough to gather people with like interests and unique world perspectives, that feed creatives with both inspiration and connections. Where we may lack large, well funded institutions, we make up with smaller, grassroots operations that are meant to serve friends and strangers alike.
As it is winter, or so we thought, we have a different need to connect, and making is a great way to get your hands dirty and make for a better way of life. Here’s a short list of some of my favorites, but please feel free to share other opportunities in the comments below.
If you were born and raised in Central Minnesota, you may already have access to a fully furnished wood shop or welding shop. But do you have a CNC cutter or laser? If you are not lucky to have all you need, you can get yourself a membership to Make It Mac’s Makerspace. You have access to 3D printing, woodworking, welding, blacksmithing, and more! If you are not familiar with using this type of equipment, you are assisted with knowledgable staff and they offer a bunch of workshops to get a taste for various types of crafts and making.
If you are one of the many marginalized members of our community that never felt comfortable in a shop class or using equipment that seem scary (you know, because they melt metal and all), this is the place for you! An all-inclusive space with knowlegable and kind employees helps you get the hang of any or all of the equipment. Workshops is a great way to get used to the equipment, then you can continue to utilize the facility when you get inspired. Daily, Weekly and Monthly memberships are available. DEFINITELY check them out! Read More from St. Cloud Shines
Arts Underground at The Paramount Center for the Arts
The Paramount Arts Underground offers people of all ages the opportunity to come and play in the Paramount Arts Studios to develop artistic skills in a variety of mediums. Thursday Nights allow for you to try your hand at a variety of art techniques and skills, with your entire family.
Working with a studio mentor, you can try your hand at throwing a bowl on the wheel, piecing a mosaic together, turning a wooden bowl on the lathe, forming a sculpture out of clay or creating a painting or drawing. The Paramount has all of the supplies and equipment you need to try something new. Arts Underground welcomes teens, adults and supervised children to come and create together.
Pottery, Ceramic Sculpture, Mosaic, Painting, Drawing, Fused Glass, and Wood Turning, with periodic specialty mediums such as Print Making, Performing Arts, and Fiber Arts.
Let me self promote for a minute, but when I was searching for things to feed my own creative soul I realized I missed the ability to draw people from life. While I hated doing 4 hour drawing sessions in art school (I probably snuck out at the end due to pure exhaustion), I did understand the value of drawing from life, and developing my own style.
Everyday People Sketch Night is a weekly gathering of artists, of all levels! An “Everyday Person” is our model for 3-15 minute poses, based on their comfort and experience. My organization, Heijeu Arts, provides most of the materials, but artists can bring their own stash and knowledge to share.
Currently, we are doing a series of Sketch Nights at the Rainbow Wellness Collective, a new, much needed establishment in downtown St. Cloud. We are pleased partner with RWC to find new ways to engage the community during the winter months.
Avon Hills Folk School
Avon Hills Folk School is located just outside St. Cloud, in Avon, MN. If you like to get in touch with nature and enjoy the challenge of making things by hand, be sure to check out their workshop schedule. The pure nature of their mission is to connect artisans to each other and to the community.
Besides workshops in felting, ceramics, basketweaving, and more, they are currently offering a seasonally appropriate “Maple Syrup Experience” as their trees provide liquid gold… sap that gets cooked down to make the most lovely of syrup! The wealth of knowledge and passion for the Central MN landscape will always be shared by founder, Chris Schellinger, along with a sense of humor that makes you feel welcome.
While there are many more opportunities to engage with Central Minnesota as an artist (or aspiring artist), I wanted to keep the list manageable and seasonal. I will write a follow up as the seasons change.