If your sketchbook has been sitting in a drawer since spring, the city has a nudge for you. The Bloomington Center for the Arts is promoting its upcoming classes as a way to find, or refresh, your creative spark. The city pitches them as a chance to try something new, sharpen your skills or just carve out time to make things. It says the BCA and local arts organizations offer classes for a range of interests and experience levels.
The fall lineup is already rolling. Creative Journaling with Heidi Jeub started October 7 and runs through October 28 for $150. If you missed it, a second round runs January 6–27. The next new class to start is Pastels with Charlene Ridlon, a short one: 3 sessions on October 19, October 26 and November 2, also $150.
For the winter, Introduction to Abstract(ish) Art meets February 1, 8 and 22 and March 1 for $175. That's the city's spelling, and it sounds like a good fit for anyone who likes the idea of abstract art but isn't ready to fully commit to it.
Families with little ones have Music Together, which costs $205 and runs September 16 through November 25, skipping November 11. The free sample class was September 9, so this session is well underway. If you missed the start, contact the BCA before assuming you can join.
The lowest-commitment option is Artist Open Studio, which costs $20 a session on various dates from September through December. It's a good pick if you already know what you want to work on and mostly need the space and the excuse.
Registration runs through the city's WebTrac registration site, the same parks and rec system used for programs, passes and facility rentals. With questions, contact Siri Hellerman, the arts center's assistant manager, at shellerman@BloomingtonMN.gov, or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 952-563-8877 (parksrec@BloomingtonMN.gov).
