The Crossing Arts Alliance

In this beginner-friendly watercolor class, you'll learn to paint a peaceful scene featuring a lone tree and a shimmering icy river. With just four basic colors, we’ll explore the magic of shapes and reflections—proving that simplicity can be stunning. All art supplies are provided to help you complete your own 9" x 12" masterpiece. Just…

Join us Friday, November 14 from 5-7pm to kick off our 2025 Kringle Market! Open to everyone, come on in for light snacks and holiday treats, find artwork and fine crafts made by dozens of local and regional makers. Unique cards and gifts, sweet holiday decor, and more! Kringle Market is open Friday, November 14…

Join Master Weaver Shannon Lucas Westrum for a hands-on basket weaving workshop, where you will create a beautiful Celtic Knot basket! This workshop highlights traditional craftmanship and practical functionality, Shannon will guide participants though the process of weaving this elegant design from top to bottom. All materials will be provided, making this workshop ideal for…

🎃 Pumpkin Watercolor & Crayon Resist Art Class 🖌️ Celebrate the spooky season with a splash of creativity! Join local artist Katy Yenter at The Jessie F. Hallett Library in Crosby, MN for a free Halloween-themed art class featuring pumpkin watercolor painting with crayon resist techniques. This hands-on workshop is perfect for all skill levels…

Join us for an evening of inspiration, refreshments, and community vibes as we celebrate our Annual 8x8 Art Auction and Fundraiser! The walls will be filled with incredible 8x8 artworks created by talented local artists—and yes, they’re all up for grabs. Auction Timeline: -Bidding begins: Sunday, October 19th -Bidding closes: Sunday, October 26th -Artwork on…

🎃 Calling All Ghouls, Goblins, and Creative Spirits! 👻 Get ready to kick off the spooky season with a frightfully fun morning at The Crossing Arts! On Saturday, October 18th, join us for an All-Ages Kid Studio where we’ll dive into the magical world of Halloween Dioramas. Whether you're a tiny trick-or-treater or a grown-up…

It's pumpkin season, so what better way to celebrate then painting some pumpkins in our sketchbooks! Join us at The Crossing Arts, Wednesday, October 15th from 5:30-7pm where we will use watercolor and pen to create some beautiful pumpkin sketches. Just in time for Halloween! Sketchbooks will be available to purchase at The Crossing Arts…

Join mosaic artist DeeDee Narum at The Crossing Arts Alliance where you will design and create a mosaic pumpkin on wood base. Size approximately 6 inches. Students will learn to use tile nippers to cut glass as well as learn basic grouting and take home a finished pumpkin in fall colors. All supplies and tools…

Ready to step up your acrylic painting techniques? Then this FREE class at The Pine River Public Library is for you! Artist Lara Royer will go into more step-by-step instructions to make you feel more confident in your painting journey. These classes fill up fast, so register soon to save your spot! Free to the…

Welcome to the Brooke-Ashley Gallery Reading & Mediumship Workshop featuring Live Energy Healing! Join us at The Distressed Art Loft on September 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM (Central Time) for an evening of connection and healing. Brooke-Ashley will conduct a one hour Gallery Reading. That will lead into a one hour Mediumship Workshop that will…

Join us for the opening reception of Cup North 2025 to experience the work of 30+ new and returning ceramic artists, each sharing five cups for exhibition and purchase. The Crossing Arts' Gallery Committee Chair and curator of the exhibition, local potter Nick DeVries, will share an artist talk - at 5:30. Learn more about…

Have you wanted to learn more about acrylic paints but just haven't known where to start? Or maybe you have some experience with acrylics, but want to try your hand at landscapes? Then this class taught by local artist, Lara Royer, is perfect for you! This acrylic painting class is great for beginners and even…

Join us every second Wednesday of the month at The Crossing Arts Alliance for an inspiring and fun gathering of art enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned sketchbooker or just starting, this club offers something for everyone! New to using drawing pencils? Then the September Sketchbook Club will be a great start for you! This month…

🎨✨Studio Saturday at The Crossing Arts Alliance✨🎨 Get ready to unleash your inner artist at Studio Saturday – a casual, fun-filled, creative hangout for all ages! Seasoned artists and beginners alike are sure to love the projects we have planned. Join us the last Saturday of every month from 10 AM to 12 PM for…

Get ready to roll, twist, and shape your way into a whole new creative adventure! Join artist Nikki Besser for a hands-on, 3-hour introductory class that dives into the mesmerizing art of paper quilling—where colorful strips of paper become delicate designs and dazzling mini masterpieces. ✨ What You’ll Learn: The basics of paper quilling shapes…

Unlock your inner artist in this lively and engaging oil painting class with instructor Darcy Brambrink! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will introduce you to the essentials of oil painting in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. You'll receive all the supplies needed to create your own stunning…

🎨✨Studio Saturday at The Crossing Arts Alliance✨🎨 Get ready to unleash your inner artist at Studio Saturday – a casual, fun-filled, creative hangout for all ages! Seasoned artists and beginners alike are sure to love the projects we have planned. Join us the last Saturday of every month from 10 AM to 12 PM for…

🎨✨Studio Saturday at The Crossing Arts Alliance✨🎨 Get ready to unleash your inner artist at Studio Saturday – a casual, fun-filled, creative hangout for all ages! Seasoned artists and beginners alike are sure to love the projects we have planned. Join us the last Saturday of every month from 10 AM to 12 PM for…

Join us for a laid-back evening of abstract painting. We will paint birds using watercolor and stencils, then we will add detail with ink. No experience required. Ages 16+ Free to the public - Registration is required as space is limited. View more Brainerd MN Events & Activities | Find Brainerd Resorts | Book your Brainerd Hotel

Unlock your inner artist in this lively and engaging oil painting class with instructor Darcy Brambrink! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will introduce you to the essentials of oil painting in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. You'll receive all the supplies needed to create your own stunning…

Join Master Weaver Shannon Lucas Westrum for a hands-on basket weaving workshop, where you'll craft a versatile basket perfect for hearth or harvest. Under the expert guidance of Shannon and her apprentice, you'll build a sturdy grid base and weave the sides around an 8" square hoop. You'll also learn to create cordage from local…

Join us every second Wednesday of the month at The Crossing Arts Alliance for an inspiring and fun gathering of art enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned sketchbooker or just starting, this club offers something for everyone. For our June Sketchbook Club, join artist Katy Yenter as we explore the idea of drawing outside! Sketch some…

Are you new to drawing with chalk pastels, or interested in using this new medium and want a little more guidance? Then this class is for you! Join artist Lara Royer at The Crossing Arts Alliance for this intro to chalk pastels class where you will learn fundamental techniques like blending, layering, and creating texture.…

Join us in welcoming artist Nikki Besser on Friday, June 6th from 5:00-7:00PM for a FREE reception at The Crossing Arts Alliance. Nibble on snacks, meet fellow art-lovers, and enjoy an engaging artist talk! Open to the public. Portrayals in Paper: Tales of Overcoming is a powerful collection of quilled paper artworks by Minnesota artist…

Join mosaic artist DeeDee Narum and make a beautiful, whimsical piece for your garden just in time for summer! Students will learn how to use glass nippers and grout to create a stunning, 3x6" hanging garden mosaic. Choose from red, blue, pink, or purple for your ornament! All materials will be provided, including safety glasses.…

Experience the Cherrywood Challenge at The Crossing Arts Alliance! Mark your calendars! From May 27–31, The Crossing Arts Gallery will showcase the “Seed” collection from the 2024 Cherrywood Challenge: Poppy. This unforgettable exhibition features stunning art quilts created by talented artists from around the world—each one a tribute to the vibrant poppy. Don’t miss our…

Join exhibiting artist, Sam Zimmerman, for a creative afternoon of storytelling and art! Sam will share images and stories of the North Shore’s animals, birds, and fish that influence his artwork and will teach participants the Ojibwemowin names for these creatures. Beginner-friendly | Ages 18+ Then, guided by Sam, create your own 11”x14” acrylic painting,…

Join us in welcoming artist Sam Zimmerman for an artist talk and reception at The Crossing Arts Alliance on Friday, May 16th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Nibble on snacks, enjoy good company, and learn more about the artist! This event is free and open to the public. This exhibition, "Walking the Shores", is a…

Join exhibiting artist, Sam Zimmerman, for a reading of "How the Birds Got Their Songs" at The Crossing Arts Alliance! When the Great Spirit presents a challenge to the birds, one of the birds tricks the others and earns the prettiest song. Find out which bird—and where you can hear it today! This story was…

Discover the joy of watercolor painting in this beginner-friendly, two-hour workshop led by local artist Daria Blanton. Learn how to use loose, expressive wet-on-wet techniques and layering methods to add depth and vibrancy. With Daria’s guidance, you'll have the opportunity to practice at your own pace and leave with your own, ready-to-frame cherry blossom painting…

Join Author Lisa Cassman for a Springtime Celebration! Celebrate the beauty of spring with author Lisa Cassman as she reads from her book, Our Butterfly Walk! Gather for a heartwarming book reading, a signing, and a chance to chat with the author. Kids can also enjoy a fun butterfly coloring activity! Inspired by her love…

Please join us at Passport Brainerd (Sage on Laurel - 606 Laurel Street, Downtown Brainerd) from 5 - 7pm on Thursday, May 8 to celebrate The Crossing Arts' 25 Years of Celebrating the Arts in our Community! Enjoy signature cocktails, appetizers, desserts, a few speeches, door prizes, and a lot of shared memories. We are…

Join us for our first Intro to Drawing and Painting class at the Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library in Crosby! In this class, you will learn about the basics of drawing and painting. Learn about line, shape, perspective, value (light and shadow), color theory, and composition. We will explore various media, including charcoal, graphite, pastel,…

Starting on September 26, 2024, The Crossing Arts will host an After School Open Studio / Art Club for middle and high school students on Thursdays* from 4:00 – 5:30pm. *No School, No Studio Night* Each week youth will engage with different medias, sometimes continuing work on a past project, sometimes digging into something new.…

Starting on September 26, 2024, The Crossing Arts will host an After School Open Studio / Art Club for middle and high school students on Thursdays* from 4:00 – 5:30pm. *No School, No Studio Night* Each week youth will engage with different medias, sometimes continuing work on a past project, sometimes digging into something new.…

Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop led by local artist, Patricia Lintner, where you’ll dive into the world of gel plate printing! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to experiment with color, shape, and texture. In this workshop, you’ll explore: ✨ The magic of gel…

It’s that time of year again! We’re excited to present our annual “Young at Art” exhibit at The Crossing Arts Gallery, running from April 1st to 12th. Come celebrate the creativity of K-12 students from the Brainerd Lakes Area at our opening reception on Friday, April 4th! Join us from 5-7pm for snacks, fun, and…

Starting on September 26, 2024, The Crossing Arts will host an After School Open Studio / Art Club for middle and high school students on Thursdays* from 4:00 – 5:30pm. *No School, No Studio Night* Each week youth will engage with different medias, sometimes continuing work on a past project, sometimes digging into something new.…

🎨 Studio Saturdays at The Crossing Arts Alliance! 🎨 Join us on the last Saturday of each month from 10 AM to 12 PM for a delightful, low-key creative experience that’s fun for all ages! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to dabble in some artistic fun, Studio Saturdays has something for everyone.…

Get ready to add a burst of color to your life! Join local fiber artist Karen DeVries for an immersive, hands-on workshop that will introduce you to the world of dyeing natural fibers with Procion dyes. Whether you’re new to dyeing or looking to level up your skills, this workshop is for you! ✨ What’s…

🌷🌼Join mosaic artist DeeDee Narum for a beautiful project to welcome spring! 🌼🌷 Students will learn how to use glass nippers and grout to create a stunning, 5×5″ floral mosaic on MDF. Choose from red, blue, pink, purple, or orange for your petals! All materials will be provided, including safety glasses. Usher in the new…

Join Master Weaver Shannon Lucas Westrum for a hands-on basket weaving workshop, where you’ll craft a versatile basket perfect for hearth or harvest. Under the expert guidance of Shannon and her apprentice, you’ll build a sturdy grid base and weave the sides around an 8″ square hoop. You’ll also learn to create cordage from local…

Join us for a lively Pen & Ink Workshop with artist Lyssa Lovejoy, where we’ll explore the world of line and texture! In just two hours, you’ll unleash your creativity with the art of pen and ink, learning simple techniques like hatching, stippling, and everything in between. Whether you’re doodling at home or looking to…

Join exhibiting artist Lyssa Lovejoy as she discusses her captivating new series, “Wonders of the West.” This collection honors the vital contributions of Black individuals who played a key role in shaping Wild West history. In this thought-provoking discussion, Lyssa will explore the untold stories of the American frontier, drawing inspiration from her own family…

🎨 Studio Saturdays at The Crossing Arts Alliance! 🎨 Join us on the last Saturday of each month from 10 AM to 12 PM for a delightful, low-key creative experience that’s fun for all ages! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to dabble in some artistic fun, Studio Saturdays has something for everyone.…

Please join us in celebrating the opening of “Wonders of the West”, a stunning exhibition by Minnesota artist Lyssa Lovejoy. Discover the untold stories of the American frontier! This engaging showcase honors the vital contributions of Black individuals who shaped Wild West history. Meet the artist, enjoy refreshments, and view these incredible, important works. This…

Starting on September 26, 2024, The Crossing Arts will host an After School Open Studio / Art Club for middle and high school students on Thursdays* from 4:00 - 5:30pm. *No School, No Studio Night* Each week youth will engage with different medias, sometimes continuing work on a past project, sometimes digging into something new.…

The third and final installment of Darcy Brambrink’s “Mastering Watercolor” series. Elevate your watercolor skills by learning to create the illusion of distance and foreground in landscapes. This class focuses on tonal values, shapes, and sky, using artist-quality pigments and supplies. Explore color mixing, wet-into-wet techniques, and layering to complete a 9 x 12 painting…

🎬✨ Ready to unleash your inner filmmaker? Middle and high school students, join us at The Crossing Arts Alliance for an interactive workshop with award-winning local filmmaker, Leah Xiuzhen Rathe! 🎥🌟 🗓️ When: Saturday, February 8th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm From brainstorming to filming to live editing—create a short film from start to finish! 📽️🎨…

Starting on September 26, 2024, The Crossing Arts will host an After School Open Studio / Art Club for middle and high school students on Thursdays* from 4:00 – 5:30pm. *No School, No Studio Night* Each week youth will engage with different medias, sometimes continuing work on a past project, sometimes digging into something new.…

Join instructor Mark Smith for a demonstration and hands-on lesson in constructing a traditional Appalachian style turkey-wing whisk broom. Each participant will complete their very own small, hand-held broom! All tools and materials will be provided. Materials will include multiple colors of nylon twine, leather strips for a hanging loop for each piece, and broom…

Unleash your creativity with Darcy Brambrink’s beginner-friendly watercolor class! The first installment of a series of three watercolor classes to be taught by this instructor. Learn essential skills like gradients, color mixing, and techniques to highlight shapes. We’ll also create a beautiful blueberry painting together! All supplies are provided – just bring your imagination! If…

Learn all about the business of art with exhibiting artist, Layl McDill. From art fairs to galleries, online stores to pop-ups, discover diverse ways to monetize your creativity. With over thirty years of experience, Layl’s philosophy is to have fun and success will follow. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned pro looking for…

The Crossing Arts Alliance proudly presents “Tangled Tales,” an exhibition by Minnesota artist Layl McDill. Using polymer clay and found objects, McDill creates playful, intricate pieces that honor animals that have been affected by climate change. In this collection, she explores her inner conflict between using polymer clay, a plastic, and her desire to reduce…

Starting on September 26, 2024, The Crossing Arts will host an After School Open Studio / Art Club for middle and high school students on Thursdays* from 4:00 - 5:30pm. *No School, No Studio Night* Each week youth will engage with different medias, sometimes continuing work on a past project, sometimes digging into something new.…

Take a break from the stressful holiday season with a fun, easy project at The Crossing Arts! We’re opening our studio every Saturday until Christmas for casual, holiday themed make and take projects. Drop in any time between 10am and 4pm and get creative! $5/person. On Saturday, December 14th, you can create a hand painted…

Join us on Saturday, December 14, 10 to noon, when we will be giving out creativity kits to anyone who wants a little bit of creative fun. Kits will be available on tables inside of Crossing Arts. Kits include two art projects, a coloring sheet, and more! Creativity Kits are free to the public. Kits…

One Thursday each month, we’ll be hosting a High School Studio night for teens! Come on over to the Crossing Arts after school and do some art! View more Brainerd MN Events & Activities | Find Brainerd Resorts | Book your Brainerd Hotel

Young artists ages 10-14 are invited to join us for a fun art project one Tuesday each month! Summer studio hours are TBD. This event is free to attend! Donations of $10 per student are appreciated but not required. Thank you! View more Brainerd MN Events & Activities | Find Brainerd Resorts | Book your Brainerd Hotel

The Crossing Arts Alliance is thrilled to host its annual Kringle Market, featuring handmade gifts and holiday decor from dozens of regional artists. Members of The Crossing Arts are invited to attend a members-only opening reception this Friday, November 22nd from 5:00-7:00 pm. Sip hot cider, get a sneak-peek at holiday goodies, AND enjoy a…

Bring your young artist to Crossing Arts for Kids’ Studio Saturdays! Each month, we’ll have a kiddo-friendly project in the studio for the creative little ones in your life. Kiddos must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free, though donations of $5-10 per child are appreciated when possible. Donations keep this program running…

Join instructor Sarah Duberowski at The Crossing Arts on Saturday, November 23rd for a fun, beginner-friendly weaving project! Make your own cardboard weaving loom, learn how to prepare it for a project, and master a few basic weaving techniques in this class. Use your new skills to weave wall hangings, handbags, coasters, potholders, and more!…

Join mixed media artist, Patricia Lintner, for this fun workshop on Saturday, November 16th! What better way to spend a November Saturday than to make your own stocking stuffer gifts for that special someone on your list or even yourself? Hey, you deserve it! We will spend the day making art tags that can be…

Join us on Saturday, November 9, 10 to noon, when we will be giving out creativity kits to anyone who wants a little bit of creative fun. Kits will be available on tables inside of Crossing Arts. Kits include two art projects, a coloring sheet, and more! Creativity Kits are free to the public. Kits…

One Thursday each month, we’ll be hosting a High School Studio night for teens! Come on over to the Crossing Arts after school and do some art! Traveling for this event? Find Brainerd Lakes Area Lodging

Young artists ages 10-14 are invited to join us for a fun art project one Tuesday each month! Summer studio hours are TBD. This event is free to attend! Donations of $10 per student are appreciated but not required. Thank you! Traveling for this event? Find Brainerd Lakes Area Lodging

Kick off the holiday shopping season with a fun sip-and-shop event at The Crossing Arts on Friday, November 1st from 5-7pm. We’re celebrating the opening of “Small, Giftable Works” in the gallery by sipping wine, shopping the new exhibit, chatting with the artists, AND… an event-exclusive letterpress project with Mary Bruno of Bruno Press! With…

The Crossing Arts Gallery is excited to present its first-ever “Small, Giftable Works” group show. We’re kicking off the holiday shopping season with a showcase of six Minnesota artists: Libby Anderson (Hinterland Goods), Mary Bruno (Bruno Press), Karen DeVries hand-dyed goods, Desi Murphy Pottery, Sharon Nordrum (Ricky Tics Arts), and Brian Wolff (Wolff Woodworks). You’re…

Learn how to make a cute, felted-wool pumpkin in this three-hour workshop with instructor Karen Storkamp. Karen will teach the basics of felting, as well as creative techniques to give your pumpkin its own unique personality! Registration is $40, all materials are included. Ages 12+, beginners welcome! What to Bring: Lunch! View more Brainerd MN Events &…

Join artist Tracy Miller for a fun, two-hour acrylic painting workshop! Get whimsical and expressive as you learn to paint an adorable raccoon in Tracy’s signature, colorful style. $45, all materials included. Ages 16+ View more Brainerd MN Events & Activities | Find Brainerd Resorts | Book your Brainerd Hotel

Starting on September 26, 2024, The Crossing Arts will host an After School Open Studio / Art Club for middle and high school students on Thursdays* from 4:00 – 5:30pm. *No School, No Studio Night* Each week youth will engage with different medias, sometimes continuing work on a past project, sometimes digging into something new.…

Bring your young artist to Crossing Arts for Kids’ Studio Saturdays! Each month, we’ll have a kiddo-friendly project in the studio for the creative little ones in your life. Kiddos must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free, though donations of $5-10 per child are appreciated when possible. Donations keep this program running…

Join us on Saturday, October 12, 10 to noon, when we will be giving out creativity kits to anyone who wants a little bit of creative fun. Kits will be available on tables inside of Crossing Arts. Kits include two art projects, a coloring sheet, and more! Creativity Kits are free to the public. Kits…

Please join us on Friday, October 11th from 5-7pm for a reception celebrating our Annual 8×8 Art Auction and Fundraiser. This event is free and open to the public! Enjoy refreshments while you view the many FABULOUS works of art contributed by local artists and community members. The timeline for the 8×8 Exhibition, Auction, and…

Young artists ages 10-14 are invited to join us for a fun art project one Tuesday each month! Summer studio hours are TBD. This event is free to attend! Donations of $10 per student are appreciated but not required. Thank you! Traveling for this event? Find Brainerd Lakes Area Lodging

Local fiber artist, Karen DeVries, returns to Crossing Arts to teach another exciting fabric-dyeing technique: ice-dyeing! In this two-hour class, Karen will lead students in dyeing two cotton dish towels using ice and powdered dyes. As the ice melts overnight, the dye will dissolve into the water to create beautiful, unpredictable patterns in your finished…

Join mosaic artist DeeDee Narum for a fun project to usher in the new season! In this three-hour workshop, students will mosaic an autumn leaf onto a wooden base. A variety of leaf shapes and glass colors will be available. DeeDee will instruct the class in using tile nippers, adhering glass to the base, and…

Bring your young artist to Crossing Arts for Kids’ Studio Saturdays! Each month, we’ll have a kiddo-friendly project in the studio for the creative little ones in your life. Kiddos must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free, though donations of $5-10 per child are appreciated when possible. Donations keep this program running…

Artist Tracy Miller will lead participants in creating four mini masterpieces out of shrink plastic in this fun, low-key workshop. Recreate a classic work of art such as “The Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh or create an original masterpiece of your very own! Watch your creations transform as they shrink, then finish them with…

Young artists ages 10-14 are invited to join us for a fun art project one Tuesday each month! Summer studio hours are TBD. This event is free to attend! Donations of $10 per student are appreciated but not required. Thank you! Traveling for this event? Find Brainerd Lakes Area Lodging