Classes

Register for classes online!

Download the mail-in registration form for all classes.

For questions regarding classes, please call Cindy McGowan at (763) 494-9762 or e-mail her.

Adult Classes

Comedy Tech Classes

The Business of Comedy-How to Sell Yourself
Presented by Scott Hansen
You are getting funny. Now what do you do? This workshop helps you put together effective promotional materials, advertising ,establish a web presence, effective press releases, and photos.
Mondays - July 19 and 26
Limited to 12 - $150.00
Download the PDF Registration Sheet

Advanced Comedy Writing
Requires taking the ESCW course or 2 years of comedy performing or audition. Subject to acceptance.
Designed to take the serious comedian on their next creative step, this workshop is devoted to writing and developing comedy material for your act. This workshop does not tell you what you are doing wrong....it has veteran comedians helping you to do things right!
You will get creative help from Scott Hansen and other veteran comedians who will take your material and stretch it to it's funniest zenith. Using Scott's trademark writing techniques, you will push your creativity to the maximum and have creative help from veteran comedians and writers to help you get the most jokes per minute.
The class will meet for two hours, once a week for four weeks and includes a personal one-on-one writing consultation each week. Attendees will also get priority performance time at Scott Hansen's Comedy Workshop.
"I've sold hundreds of jokes to stars like Jay Leno, Louie Anderson, Rob Schneider and Tom Arnold for hundreds of dollars per joke. If you get 3 jokes from this workshop...you come out ahead!"

Wednesdays- July 21,28, August 11,18
Limited to 12. - $350.00
Download the PDF Registration Sheet

The Basic Training: Writing for Television and Film Workshop
Presented by Jeff Cesario
If you've ever thought you had a great idea or story for a TV show or a movie, here's your chance to learn how to turn that idea into a finished script. Multiple Emmy winner Jeff Cesario will share his show business experiences and give you a guide to the basics in both TV and Film, with the help of 'nuggets' from friends like Peter Tolan and Denis Leary ("Rescue Me"), Ed Decter ("Something About Mary"), Ed Solomon ("Men In Black") and many more. In TV, Jeff has written and produced on the groundbreaking "Larry Sanders Show" and "Dennis Miller Live," and is currently writing on Jerry Seinfeld's new hit NBC show, "The Marriage Ref." In films, Jeff wrote the holiday favorite "Jack Frost" starring Michael Keaton and has contributed to scripts from "Barnyard" to "Lizzie McGuire." As a performer, Jeff has won awards for his cable specials, and his latest can currently be seen on Comedy Central. Jeff has appeared on "The Tonight Show", "Letterman," "Conan OʼBrien" and many more. He is currently performing his one-man show, "Brave New Dad," in venues around the country.
Friday and Saturday - July 30-31 from 1pm - 5pm
Price: $199.00 Advance / $139.00 Student Rate

Scott Hansen's Comedy Tune Up
Requires completion of Extremely Serious Comedy Workshop, Comedy Boot Camp or one year of comedy performing.
Scott Hansen's Comedy Tune Up is designed to help you get more from your comedy performance. He will show you how to wrench up your comedy power.
If you are either trying to move to the next comedy level or feel you need to put some octane in your comedy tank: this workshop is for you.
Scott will view video and live performances of all comedians and then show you what you can do to get more comedy mileage from each performance.
Scott has re-built the comedy engine of some of America's funniest comedy stars including two Emmy Award winners! He has been a paid consultant to comedians Tom Arnold, Roseanne Barr, Louie Anderson, Jeff Altman, Rob Schneider, Drew Carey and many more.
Wednesdays - August 11, 18, 25 and Sept. 1 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Limited to 12 - $99.00
Download the PDF Registration Sheet

Scott Hansen's Extremely Serious Comedy Workshop
Presented by Scott Hansen
Scott Hansen's Extremely Serious Comedy Workshop is an intensive, creative, workshop for persons that are interested in becoming stand-up comedians.Scott will share the knowledge of his award winning comedy performance experiences. You will also learn secrets that Rodney Dangerfield, Jay Leno, George Carlin, Louie Anderson and many more great comedians.
The class will run 2 hours, once weekly for five weeks and culminate with a recital performance at a comedy club.
Wednesdays- September 8,15 ,22, 29 October 6
Limited to 20 - $225.00
Download the PDF Registration Sheet

Soft Pastels and Impressionism (Ages 16-Adults)

Artist: Jordan Kammer

Learn the basics of soft pastels, the preferred medium of Degas! Students will discover the magnificence of color and color theory and have fun exploring different, usually messy, techniques for drawing with pastels. Come and create pastel sketches and paintings while learning the difference between the two!

Summer Session 2 - Thursdays, July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th from 9:00am - 12:00pm
Summer Session 3 - Thursdays, August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th from 9:00am - 12:00pm
Cost: $65 plus $20 for supplies (or you can bring your own)

In the Studio Saturday (Ages 16-Adults)

Artist: Michele Combs

Improve your painting skills and find your style by painting quick Prochades. (Pochade is a French word meaning a small painted sketch) In this workshop, we will paint from life and from photos. Please bring pictures of subject matter that interest you; some ideas will be provided by the instructor. This workshop will help you with future painting projects. Students will complete 3-4 small paintings 5x7 or 6x8. A materials list will be provided.

Summer Session 1 - Saturday, July 24th from 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $65.

Turn Your Photos into Paintings (Ages 18-Adults)

Artist: Tracie Thompson

Bring a photo you love, and learn to transform it into a painting. You'll learn how to bring out the best parts of the photo, improving on it as you create your work of art. Oil or acrylic painters are welcome; painting experience is helpful but beginners are welcome in this fun, friendly workshop. Tracie's oil painting method uses no turpentine or mineral spirits, so this is a safe class for those sensitive to solvents. A materials list and detailed outline of the class with photo-to-painting examples are on Tracie's website at: traciethompsonart.com. Oil painters have the option of buying supplies from the instructor for an additional $40, which includes the cost of a canvas up to 16" x 20."

Summer Session 2 - Saturday, July 24th from 10:30am - 4:30pm
Summer Session 3 - Saturday, August 28th from 10:30am - 4:30pm
Cost: $65 for class / $40 for oil painting materials, or bring your own. Acrylic painters will need to provide their own materials.

Test-Drive Oil Paints (Ages 18-Adults)

Artist: Tracie Thompson

Want to try oil painting with no commitment and no noxious fumes? This is your class. Take an evening to test-drive oils; no supplies required! The instructor provides everything you need and guides you in creating a simple 8" x 10" painting (you can work from a landscape design she provides, or do your own thing). You'll learn the basics of oil painting without smelly solvents, and your painting will be dry to the touch in a day or two.

Summer Session 3 - Tuesday, August 3rd and Wednesday, August 4th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Cost: $45 ($25 tuition; $20 covers materials.

Still Life Drawing (Ages 16-Adults)

Artist: Jordan Kammer

Learn drawing techniques and/or hone your drawing skills. Explore the importance of letting your materials do the work, your hands having their way and allowing your eyes to dictate their impressions using pencil, charcoal, conte crayons, and pastels. Please buy at least a number 2 pencil (or a few pencils of varying hardnesses: a 2H, HB and a 4B); a few sticks of vine charcoal and compressed charcoal; a kneadable eraser; conte crayons in sepia/bistre, sanguine, white, and black; a basic set of soft (not oil) pastels; paper (at least 20"x24") with a bit of texture is best.

Summer Session 3 - Tuesdays, August 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th from 9:00am - 12:00pm
Cost: $65 (Pencils, eraser and paper are necessary for the first class.)

6 Weeks of Studio Painting with Oils or Acrylics for Beginners to Advanced Students (Ages 18-Adult)

Artist: Michele Combs

Paint a subject of your choice. Bring objects or pictures to paint from. Focus will be on tackling the challenges of composition, color mixing, and values. Instructor will demonstrate and provide individual guidance. Instructor encourages each student to find their own individual style of painting.

Fall Session 1 - Tuesdays, October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and November 7th and 9th from 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: $145.00 (materials will be provided)

ART 2781 Quiltmaking Workshop

Brought to you By: North Hennepin Community College

North Hennepin Community College is pleased to offer ART 2781 Quiltmaking Workshop, 1 credit, at Maple Grove Arts Center.

This workshop demonstrates the basic processes and technical skills of quilting and introduces the artistic principals of color texture, line, form and composition. The instructor is Jane Bassuk, an NHCC Art instructor, who specializes in fabric arts and whose works have been showcased nationally www.janebassuk.com. The class will meet at Maple Grove Arts Center on the following dates:

Sat, Jan 22, 2011 from 8:30 – 4pm
Sat Jan 29, 2011 from 8:30 – 4pm
Sat Feb 5, 2011 from 8:30 – 4pm
Sat Feb 19, 2011 from 8:30 – 4pm

To sign up, you must first become an NHCC student. Visit www.nhcc.edu/admissions to apply for admission. Then register for classes at www.nhcc.edu/registration. For more information, call 763-424-0775 or 763-488-0391.

FREE Classes for All Ages

"FREE" Studio Drawing and Pastel Class for Beginners (Ages: 12-17 years old)

Artist: Jordan Kammer

Jordon a professional pastel artist will begin her 4 week class with the basic drawing instruction needed to ensure success with the pastels. You will learn material usage, composition and creative expression along with instructional guidance for both drawing and pastels in a fun studio setting. This beginning class is highly recommended and will educate you with the basic tools needed to succeed in other classes offered at the arts center. Materials are provided.
Minimum students for this class are 4 and the maximum is 7.

Summer Session 1 - Tuesdays, July 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th from 10am - 12pm
Fall Session 1 - Wednesdays, September 15th, 22nd, 29th and October 6th from 4:00pm - 6:00pm

"FREE" Studio Drawing and Painting with Acrylics Class for Beginners (Ages 18+)

Artist: Tracie Thompson

Tracie a professional artist will begin her 4 week class with the basic drawing instruction needed to ensure success with acrylic paints. You will learn material usage, composition and creative expression along with instructional guidance, for both drawing and painting, in a fun studio setting. This beginning class is highly recommended and will educate you with the basic tools needed, to succeed in other painting classes, offered at the arts center.
Materials are provided.
Minimum students for this class are 4 and the maximum is 7.

Summer Session 1 - Saturday, August 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th from 10am - 12pm

"FREE" Art and Wellness: An exploration into your creative process.

Artist: Michele Combs

Take a gift of time to discover the enjoyment you can derive from artistic exploration, self expression, and escape from daily routines.
This class will foster renewed energy and insight to take with you into your artistic journeys; whether you are a seasoned artist or simply curious about taking up a creative hobby. The creative process is built on play and the expression of personal perspective. It can be a meditative journey that increases self-awareness, self-esteem and calm in your life.
The instructor will incorporate movement and writing exercises into this studio art experience. You will work with a variety of materials while focusing on relaxation and inspiration in a fun and non-threatening environment. Upon completion, you will be able to remember your initial attraction to an old hobby, or inspired to take up a new one. All materials are included.

Fall Session 1 - Saturday, October 9th from 9:00am - 1:00pm
Fall Session 2 - Tuesday, October 12th from 9:00am - 2:00pm (Please bring a bag lunch)
Fall Session 3 - Saturday, November 9th from 9:00am - 2:00pm (Please bring a bag lunch)

Art Classes for Kids

Soft Pastels Camp (Ages 7-15 years old)

Artist: Jordan Kammer

Learn the basics of art through the exciting medium of the soft pastel! Students’ will discover and explore the varied elements of art: line, shape, color, value, texture, form, and space. This class is for the young artist of the sidewalk and driveway who always wished for stronger and richer colored chalks and pictures that didn't wash away in the rain. Wear old clothes or bring a smock.

Summer Session 2 - Wednesdays, July 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Summer Session 3 - Wednesdays, August 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Cost: $65 includes materials

Home-School Kids "9 Session" Drawing Class (Ages 11-17)

Artist: Jordan Kammer

Are you a parent who home-schools but not an artist? Does your child want to learn to draw? Then this class is for your son or daughter! We will explore a variety of drawing media from pencils to pastels and subjects ranging from landscapes to portraits. You'll be amazed how your son or daughter will progress in drawing ability after instruction and individual help from a professional artist!

Fall Session 1 - Tuesdays, October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and Novemeber 2nd, 9th, 16th 23rd and 30th from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Cost: $180.00 includes supplies