Arts & Aging Registration
Spring into creativity with our FREE Arts & Aging classes exclusively for CommonBond residents aged 55 and older!
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, our classes offer a fantastic opportunity to explore your artistic side in a supportive community setting.
Exciting News – Extended Class Sessions! We’re thrilled to announce that all classes now run for 20 weeks, offering two extended 8-week sessions with a brief break in between, followed by a culminating celebration. This expanded format gives you more time to develop your artistic practice, build deeper connections with your fellow artists, and work closely with our wonderful teaching artists. As always, classes are free and all materials are provided!
In-person Classes
Join our in-person classes! They’re open to all CommonBond residents who are 55 or older and live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
To join a class, you just need to be able to get yourself to the location of the class in the Twin Cities metro area (refer to our transportation resources section below for help).
There are 3 easy ways to register! Pick the way that works best for you:
- Click on a registration link below and fill out a short form.
- Call (651) 383-4099 and we can sign you up over the phone.
- Your Advantage Services Coordinator can also help.
The registration deadline is Monday, January 6th so sign up today!
Clay — Global Hand-Building
With Teaching Artist Elizabeth Coleman (Northern Clay Center)
This IN-PERSON class embarks students on a worldwide journey of ceramic art. You’ll learn hand-building techniques to create clay vessels inspired by various cultures and traditions. Perfect for beginners and experienced potters alike, this class offers a supportive community atmosphere where you can explore global ceramic styles. All materials are provided, allowing you to focus on shaping and decorating your unique creations. Please note that this class is a special partnership with the Northern Clay Center, bringing expert instruction to our community.
- 20-week class from 1/6/25 to 5/19/25
Two 8-week sessions with a 1-week break in between followed by a culminating celebration. - Mondays from 2pm-4pm
- The Lumin (Link to Google Maps)
830 Cretin Ave S
St Paul, MN 55105
Painting and Sculpture — From Canvas to Object
With Teaching Artist Gail Katz-James
This IN-PERSON class takes you on an artistic journey exploring painting across different dimensions and materials. You’ll discover the versatility of acrylics as you create on wood, cardboard, and canvas, while drawing inspiration from various historical art styles. Learn exciting techniques like using molding paste to add dimension to your work and try your hand at monoprinting. Perfect for both beginners and experienced painters, this class offers a welcoming environment to experiment with materials and techniques while enjoying weekly creative community. All materials are provided, allowing you to focus entirely on your artistic exploration.
- 20-week class from 1/7/25 to 5/20/25
Two 8-week sessions with a 1-week break in between followed by a culminating celebration. - Tuesdays from 10am-12pm
- Riverview Senior Housing (Link to Google Maps)
5360 Riverview Rd
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Watercolors — Value, Color, Contrast
With Teaching Artist Judy Cline
This IN-PERSON class offers a deep dive into the fundamentals of watercolor painting. Whether you’re building on previous experience or starting fresh, you’ll explore essential techniques for capturing light and shadow. Beginning with pencil and charcoal foundations, you’ll progress to black-and-white watercolor washes before applying these skills to create structured full-color paintings. All materials are provided in this comprehensive course designed to enhance your artistic technique.
- 20-week class from 1/8/25 to 5/21/25
Two 8-week sessions with a 1-week break in between followed by a culminating celebration. - Wednesdays from 2pm-4pm
- Bassett Creek Commons (Link to Google Maps)
10505 8th Ave N
Plymouth, MN 55441
Acrylics — Paint like Monet, Van Gogh, Frida, and Picasso!
With Teaching Artist Michèle Coppin
This IN-PERSON class takes you on an exciting journey through Modern Art’s greatest masterpieces. You’ll explore various styles and themes inspired by iconic artists known for their revolutionary use of color, form, and subject matter. Perfect for both beginners and experienced artists, this class offers a supportive environment to discover your own creative voice while learning from the masters. All materials are provided, allowing you to focus entirely on your artistic exploration.
- 20-week class from 1/9/25 to 5/29/25
Two 8-week sessions with a 1-week break in between followed by a culminating celebration. This schedule also reflects accommodations for the teacher’s schedule. - Thursdays from 10am-12pm
- Shingle Creek Commons (Link to Google Maps)
4600 N Humboldt Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55412
Online Classes
Our online classes are open to ALL CommonBond residents who are 55 or older.
To join an online class, you need to have an email address, a tablet or computer, and access to the internet. If you need help with these items, please indicate it on the registration form.
There are 3 easy ways to register! Pick the way that works best for you:
- Click on a registration link below and fill out a short form.
- Call (651) 383-4099 and we can sign you up over the phone.
- Your Advantage Services Coordinator can also help.
The registration deadline is Monday, January 6th so sign up today!
Writer's Studio
With Teaching Artist Rachel Moritz
This ONLINE class is designed to help you build a regular writing practice and develop a community of writing peers. Each week, we will write from short readings and prompts, with time to share creative work and practice skills to make your writing stronger. Although our focus will be on poetry and life stories (nonfiction), writers of all backgrounds, interests, and abilities are welcome.
- 20-week class from 1/9/25 to 5/22/25
Two 8-week sessions with a 1-week break in between followed by a culminating celebration. - Thursdays from 10am-12pm
- ONLINE class: Zoom link will be emailed to you.
Transportation Resources
Metro Mobility is a shared ride public transportation service for certified riders who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to a disability or health condition. Trips are provided for any purpose. Click or tap the link above to visit the website and learn more.
Metro Transit is the public transportation resource for the Twin Cities, offering an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike. Click or tap the link above to visit the website and learn more.
Arts & Aging is Generously Supported By:
The Arts and Aging Program 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. The Arts and Aging Program is supported by E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.
