Acrylic Painting: 4 Class Series
2026-03-03 17:00 - 2026-03-14 15:00 UTC | Gladje Gallery
Have you always wanted to learn how to paint—but weren’t sure where to start? This four-part Acrylic Painting Series for Beginners is designed to take the fear out of painting and replace it with confidence, curiosity, and creativity.
Guided by artist and instructor Steve Levey, students will learn the foundational skills of acrylic painting through four classes that intentionally build upon one another. Topics include composition, design, sketching, color, paint application, and essential acrylic techniques, all taught in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment.
This is the perfect opportunity to finally say yes to that creative pull you’ve been feeling. Learning to paint helps reduce stress, sharpen focus, and reconnect you with play and self-expression—and there’s truly no better time than now to start something you’ve always wanted to do.
✨ Why join this series?

Build real skills step-by-step, without overwhelm
Gain confidence using acrylic paints and tools
Create artwork you’re proud of while enjoying the process

A material list will be provided upon registration. Students can either shop and purchase their own materials from this list; or for $25 payable to the instructor, Steve will bring a pre-made kit for you to your first day of class. Please note while registering which option you prefer: bring your own supplies OR reserve a pre-made material kit for purchase. This kit will include paints, brushes, canvases, palette, and palette knife and will be the student’s to keep.
Students must register at least 48 hours in advance.
Series Dates:March 3, 5, 10, 14
Series Times:
March 3, 5, 10 are all 5 – 7pm
March 14: 12 – 3pm (allowing more time for students to finish projects!)
$100 registration fee includes all 4 classes! Save your seat today to take advantage of this great deal.

Wednesday Watercolor Club
2026-03-04 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-11 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-18 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-25 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-01 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-08 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-15 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-22 13:00 - 16:00 and 1 more date | Gladje Gallery
Weekly Open Watercolor Studio
Join us for our Weekly Open Watercolor Studio, a welcoming space for watercolor enthusiasts of all skill levels! 🎨
Bring your own projects and materials, and immerse yourself in a creative environment surrounded by fellow watercolorists. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this is the perfect opportunity to express yourself and connect with others who share your passion for watercolor, or simply get more focused on your own projects.
Each open studio session is only $10 for you to come and carve out time for yourself and your craft!
New to watercolor and don’t have your own materials yet? No problem, just bring an additional $10 to the studio when you arrive, and this will include your studio pass + watercolor supplies for that day. We will have a supply list for those who are interested in purchasing their own materials from there!
Please register in advance as we have limited spaces available.

Marketing for Artists: Social Media 101 - Sharing Your Work with the World
2026-03-07 14:00 - 16:00
You were not given your creativity to hide it.
So many talented artists quietly create beautiful work… yet never share it beyond their immediate circle. Not because they don’t care—but because technology feels intimidating, self-promotion feels uncomfortable, and the idea of “marketing” can feel completely out of alignment with a creative soul.
This gentle, beginner-friendly workshop is here to change that!
In this class, I’ll walk you step-by-step through setting up simple social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram), connecting them together, and learning how to share your art in a way that feels authentic, natural, and true to who you are. We’ll focus on showcasing not just your finished pieces, but the heart, process, and story behind them—because people don’t just connect with art, they connect with the artist.
We’ll also talk about the emotional side of sharing:
• The fear of being “seen”
• Feeling awkward about posting
• The disappointment when something doesn’t sell
• The belief that you shouldn’t “put yourself out there”
This is not about becoming famous or chasing trends.
This is about honoring your gifts, letting your work be witnessed, and giving others the opportunity to connect with what you create.
You’ll leave with:
✔ A Facebook and Instagram account set up and linked
✔ A simple understanding of what to post (and when)
✔ Easy photo tips using just your phone
✔ Caption templates you can reuse again and again
✔ A renewed confidence in sharing your art with the world
You don’t have to be tech-savvy. You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to be willing to take one small step forward!
Your art matters… and someone out there is waiting to see it.
Attendees, please bring: your phone, tablet or laptop (if possible!) Otherwise there will be handouts for you to implement these steps at your home computer.

Kid's Spring Staycation: DIY Bird Feeders!
2026-03-09 10:30 - 12:00
Calling all young artists and nature lovers! 🌼 Join us for a super fun and hands-on art adventure where we transform everyday materials into eye-catching birdhouses and bird feeders that YOU design and decorate. Lauren Dittle will guide kiddos step-by-step as they build, paint, and personalize their very own bird hangout to attract feathered friends this spring!
What We’ll Do:
– Create a DIY birdhouse / bird feeder using recycled materials and lots of imagination
– Paint, decorate, and customize with bright colors, fun patterns, and personal flair
– Add perches and hangers so your masterpieces can be proudly displayed outside a window or in a yard
– Learn simple tips for filling your feeder with seeds and watching birds come visit!
🌿 This project isn’t just about crafting … kids will practice creativity, fine motor skills, and get excited about nature and wildlife too! Perfect for spring break fun, making something unique and meaningful.
Spaces are limited — grab your spot and let’s make some art that birds will LOVE this spring! 🐤💛
*Kids ages 8+ can stay unsupervised; please plan for an adult to stay with kiddos under age 8!*
Please bring your own *washed out* milk / juice carton (the cardboardy-papery- type works best!) See photos for examples. There WILL be a few extra here if you don’t have one.
All other materials will be supplied by Glädje.

Kids Spring Staycation: Watercolor Tulips!
2026-03-10 10:30 - 12:00
Spring has sprung (or at least, it will soon!) – and we’re celebrating with bright, beautiful watercolor tulips!
Join us for a colorful, creative morning where kids will learn simple watercolor techniques to paint a cheerful bouquet of tulips in their own style. With artist Lauren Dittle, we’ll explore how to draw tulip shapes, add vibrant watercolor washes, and bring our floral masterpieces to life!
✨ What We’ll Do:
Sketch fun tulip shapes and stems on quality watercolor paper
Practice watercolor techniques like layering color, blending and resistance
Paint bold, springtime tulips with leaves and background that POP
Encourage artistic expression with color choices and creative touches
💧 Why It’s Awesome:
This class is perfect for budding artists (pun intended) of all skill levels! Kids will practice fine motor skills, learn how watercolor behaves on paper, and create a masterpiece they can proudly display at home. It’s a refreshing way to welcome spring and make art that blooms! 🌈
Spaces are limited—reserve your child’s spot at least 48 hours in advance and let’s paint some spring magic together! 🖌️🌸
*Kids ages 8+ can stay unsupervised; please plan for an adult to stay with kiddos under age 8!*

Crash Course: Colored Pencils
2026-03-12 17:00 - 19:00
Curious about colored pencils but don’t know where to start? Get to know the basics of materials, color, form, and blending. No colored pencil experience is necessary; however, experience with graphite pencils is recommended.

Jean Crocker Returns! Featured Artist
2026-03-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Gladje Gallery
We’re thrilled to welcome back Jean Crocker as our featured artist at Glädje, beginning February 1, with a special second artist opening on Saturday, March 14 from 12 – 4 PM.
Jean’s work is rooted in traditional watercolor methods, layered with acrylics and unexpected materials like rice paper, tissue, gesso, and gel medium. Her paintings range from realistic to abstract, always holding onto a sense of place, emotion, and humanity. With a background in commercial art, drafting, and technical illustration—and years of study under nationally known watercolor artists—Jean brings both precision and play to her work.
There will be refreshments served in the main gallery for this event.
Whether you’re coming with a partner, a friend, or just yourself, we invite you to gather with us, meet the artist, and celebrate creativity, connection, and the joy of making!
💌 Free & open to the public🎨 Exhibition runs beginning February 1; and Jean returns on March 14.

Illustrating Warblers in Graphite
2026-03-19 17:00 - 19:00
In this class, you’ll focus on illustrating warblers using graphite, capturing their delicate forms, subtle markings, and lively character. Through guided exercises, you’ll learn how to observe proportions, build soft tonal values, and use line and shading to suggest feather texture and movement. Emphasis will be placed on careful observation, to create refined yet lively bird illustrations. This class is suitable for intermediate level students and encourages patience, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for these beautiful songbirds. Students should have some experience in graphite before taking this class.

Student provided: Graphite pencils of choice, kneadable eraser, white gum eraser, paper of choice (very fine-tooth paper is best)

Marketing for Artists, Part 2: Building Your Email List & Staying Connected
2026-03-21 14:00 - 16:00
Social media helps people discover you.
Email helps them stay connected to you.
In this second workshop, we’ll take the next gentle step in sharing your work by building something even more personal: your own email list.
An email list is simply a way to stay in touch with the people who already love your art—past buyers, collectors, friends, and those who feel connected to your creative voice. It allows you to share updates, new pieces, upcoming shows, and your story… without algorithms, pressure, or noise.
In this class, I’ll guide you step-by-step through:
• Setting up a simple email platform (I’ll demonstrate using MailChimp)
• Creating your first email list
• Writing a warm, human welcome message
• Sending a simple monthly newsletter (no fancy design required)
• Understanding how to lightly organize or “tag” your audience so you can stay connected to the people most interested in your work
We’ll also explore the idea of an optional “free gift” (such as a behind-the-scenes story, printable, or small creative offering) that people can receive when they join your list—shared in a way that feels generous, not salesy.
Most importantly, we’ll talk about the heart behind email:
This is not about pushing people to buy.
This is about nurturing relationships, staying visible, and allowing your art to grow in the lives of others over time.
You’ll leave with:
✔ A starting point on your email list
✔ A simple welcome email written or drafted
✔ A clear, doable plan for staying in touch
✔ Confidence in sharing without pressure or overwhelm
You are not “too late.”
You are not “bad at technology.”
You are simply an artist learning a new way to get your art into the hands & minds of others!
*Note: This can be a stand-alone class and Part One is not a requirement to take this workshop.
Attendees, please bring: your phone, tablet or laptop (if possible!) Otherwise there will be handouts for you to implement these steps at your home computer.

Watercolor Florals
2026-03-28 13:00 - 15:00
Learn to paint detailed floral illustrations in watercolor in this focused, skill-building class. We’ll cover techniques like precise brushwork, color mixing, and layering to help you create refined flowers and foliage. Ideal for beginners and anyone looking to strengthen their watercolor skills.

Mixed Media Birds
2026-04-16 17:00 - 19:00
Let go and play with Pan Pastels, ink, and pencil in this relaxed mixed-media session. Learn simple blending and texturing techniques, then add ink and pencil details to create charming, fluffy birds with personality. Students should have some experience with dry media.

Wildflower Watercolor Workshop
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Gladje Gallery
Discover the beauty of watercolor while painting Minnesota’s native wildflowers. In this beginner-friendly class, instructor Kelli Sweeney will introduce the basics of watercolor—including brushwork, color mixing, and layering washes—while guiding you step-by-step through a floral painting.
Along the way, you’ll learn a bit about local wildflowers and how their natural shapes and colors can inspire your artwork. By the end of class, you’ll leave with new watercolor skills and a finished floral piece to take home.

Kombucha Brewing
2026-04-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Gladje Gallery
Curious about making your own kombucha at home? Join Susie Danielowski for a fun, approachable introduction to this probiotic-rich, fermented tea.
In this hands-on class, Susie will walk you step-by-step through the kombucha brewing process—from understanding the basics of fermentation to caring for your SCOBY and flavoring your finished brew. You’ll learn practical tips, troubleshooting techniques, and how to confidently create your own batches at home.
Participants will have the opportunity to see the process up close, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of this living craft. Samples may be shared during class to explore different flavor profiles and fermentation stages.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel empowered with the knowledge and tools to begin brewing kombucha on your own—and keep it going for as long as you’d like.
Come ready to learn, experiment, and enjoy the process!

Beginner Landscapes in Acrylics
2026-04-23 16:00 - 19:00
Build your skills and learn the steps needed to create beautiful landscapes! Learn about everything from composition to color from artist Lauren Hefty.
No experience necessary; however, taking Crash Course: Acrylics (or an equivalent class) is recommended.
Students are encouraged to bring their own reference photo for inspiration!

Local Author Event at Glädje: Judy Stern & Rudi Hargesheimer
2026-04-25 11:00 - 15:00 | Gladje Gallery
Saturday, April 25, 2026📍 Glädje🕚 11:00 AM – Judy Stern Book Reading & Signing🕐 1:00 PM – Rudi Hargesheimer Photo Presentation
Join us at Glädje for a special day celebrating storytelling, creativity, and local authorship as husband-and-wife duo Judy Stern and Rudi (Randy) Hargesheimer share their newest works through two unique presentations — perfect for families, readers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys discovering local talent.
Guests are welcome to attend one presentation or make a day of it! Enjoy Judy’s morning children’s book reading, step out for lunch nearby, and return for Rudi’s inspiring afternoon photography presentation.

🐧 11:00 AM — Judy Stern: Three Scary Escapes, PJ Penguin
Book Reading & Signing | Recommended ages 4–9
Bring the kids for a lively and imaginative storytime with local Glädje author Judy Stern as she presents her newest children’s book, Three Scary Escapes, PJ Penguin.
PJ Penguin may have one wing shorter than the other, but he’s a brave and curious helper who always believes he can fix the trouble he finds himself in. Alongside his loyal friends — Zip the sled dog and Al the albatross — PJ escapes angry cooks, sneaky pirates, hungry green pigs, and even a mysterious hermit during a series of thrilling adventures far from Antarctica.
Will they make it all the way to the North Pole to meet the man who gives toys to animals everywhere? Come find out during this engaging reading designed especially for young listeners and families.
A book signing will follow the presentation.

🌊 1:00 PM — Rudi Hargesheimer: Superior Trails
Author Talk & Photography Presentation
Discover and experience the beauty of ALL shores of Lake Superior through the lens of Glädje photo artist Rudi Hargesheimer as he presents images from his newest book, Superior Trails: A Photo Tour of Lake Superior’s Best Hiking Trails.
Featuring dramatic landscapes and breathtaking scenery from around the greatest of the Great Lakes, this presentation showcases some of the world’s most stunning hiking destinations — many closer to home than you might think. From accessible short walks to rugged backpacking routes, Rudi’s work invites both seasoned hikers and casual explorers to discover the magic of Lake Superior.
With over 320 images featured in the book, you may just leave inspired to plan your next adventure!

About the Authors
Judy Stern and Rudi Hargesheimer are longtime Glädje contributors who live in the St. Croix River Valley.
Judy Stern is the author of eight books, including two beloved PJ Penguin children’s stories available at Glädje. Her writing also includes Gallery Days, chronicling the history of the Artists’ Quarter in historic downtown Minneapolis, as well as works inspired by Native American philosophy and lessons learned through nature.
Rudi Hargesheimer is an acclaimed photographer whose books celebrate Lake Superior and the surrounding region. His previous work, The Superior Hiking Trail Story: The Trek Continues, documents the history of the 300-mile trail through more than 400 photographs. A longtime board member and former President of the Superior Hiking Trail Association, Rudi continues to capture the landscapes of Lake Superior and the St. Croix River Valley through his photography.

✨ Free and open to the public!
📚 Books will be available for purchase and signing at Glädje.
Come celebrate local authors, inspiring stories, and the beauty of adventure — all in one creative afternoon.

Janis Dehler: Art & Poetry Exhibit
2026-05-01 17:30 - 20:30 | Gladje Gallery
Janis Dehler – Poetry & Art: Unfolding the Heart
Join us at Glädje for an evening with Cambridge, Minnesota artist and author Janis Dehler, whose work explores the powerful intersection of art, poetry, and spiritual connection. Through expressive paintings and reflective writing, Dehler invites viewers into a journey of healing, awareness, and our shared human experience.
With more than 35 years of experience as a grief counselor and spiritual companion, Dehler brings a deep understanding of the emotional landscape into her creative work. Her art and poetry flow together as a meditation on transformation—moving through shadow and uncertainty toward connection, gratitude, and renewed clarity.
This special evening celebrates Dehler’s latest collection, Unfolding the Heart, a beautifully integrated book of paintings and poetry that explores the rhythms of the inner life and our relationship with the natural world.
Reception: May 1 | 5:30–8:30 PMArtist Reading & Talk: 7:00 PM
Wine, coffee, and light refreshments will be served.Part of the annual Spring Open Doors Art Tour.

Sea Life - Paper Art
2026-05-14 16:30 - 18:30 | Gladje Gallery
Dive into creativity with this vibrant 3D paper art design that brings the magic of the ocean to life. With eight pre‑cut layers, your sea creatures gain beautiful depth, color, and dimension as you assemble your artwork guided by Brenda Pace.
All supplies are provided—including an 8″x8″ frame—so you can take home a finished piece that’s ready to hang. And to keep those creative waves flowing, enjoy a little chocolate that Brenda likes to supply for participants!
A bright, joyful project for anyone who loves the sea and loves to create. 🌊 🐢

Modern Dutch Still Life
2026-05-16 14:00 - 17:00 | Gladje Gallery
In this reimagining of the Dutch still life, students will learn to paint modern, richly colored florals in acrylic paint. We will brush up on basic color theory, composition as well the history of Dutch still life painting.

On Eagle's Wings: Paper Art
2026-05-27 14:00 - 16:30 | Gladje Gallery
Let your creativity take flight with this stunning 3D paper art project! The graceful motion of this design captures the beauty of a bird in flight, brought to life through eight carefully layered cuts.
Each layer will be pre‑cut for you, and all supplies—including an 8″x8″ frame—will be provided. Every finished piece will have its own unique character, making your artwork truly one of a kind.
You’ll head home with a beautifully framed creation, ready to display and enjoy.

Paper Art Treefrog
2026-06-25 14:00 - 16:30 | Gladje Gallery
Hop into creativity with this lively 3D paper art project featuring a bold, full‑of‑personality tree frog. With its bright colors and dynamic pose, this little frog practically leaps off the page and makes a statement! 🐸
Your design is built from twelve layered cuts that give it incredible depth and dimension. All layers will be pre‑cut for you, and every supply you need will be provided—just bring your creativity.
Each layer will be pre‑cut for you, and all supplies—including an 8″x8″ frame—will be provided. Every finished piece will have its own unique character, making your artwork truly one of a kind.
This is another fun, vibrant project that’s sure to brighten any space! You’ll head home with a beautifully framed creation, ready to display and enjoy. 🖼️

Art On the Block 2026
2026-09-26 10:00 - 17:00 | Gladje Gallery
Art on the Block is our annual outdoor art fair at Glädje! Come for the art, stay for the beautiful September weather, live music, food trucks, and fun family activities.

Our goal with this event is to bring artists and makers together for the public to connect, shop, and learn.
RSVP here if you are coming!!

Looking forward to this fabulous day this fall with you!
