Classes

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July 2025

Drop In Class - Kumihimo Japanese Braiding

Friday, July 25th, 1pm-6pm

Instructor: JoEllen Wollangk

Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese braiding technique that, with minimal instruction and a small hand held tool, can be mastered by anyone! Kumihimo translates to “gathered threads in Japanese, reflecting the method of combining multiple strands. Cords made using this method are highly decorative and strong, allowing for multiple applications.

Visitors who drop in for this class will be taught a simple braiding pattern and receive their own tool to take home with them. After they learn the basic concept, students are welcome to try more complex braiding patterns on their own!

No registration is required for this class but supplies are limited to the first 20 participants.

$10

Casein Painting with Mixed Media

Wednesday, July 30th, 10am-4pm

Instructor: Emily Runnerstrom

With qualities of both gouache and acrylic, casein paint may not be the most well known paint type but it is one worthy of exploration. Casein is a milk based paint with ancient roots dating back to the days of King Tut. Quick drying with a matte finish, it is perfect for using with mixed media applications. In this class students will explore casein paint and mixed media in abstract and representational compositions. All materials included.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$65

Book (art) Club Mini Lesson: Tibetan Prayer Book

Thursday, July 31st, 5pm-5:30pm

Instructor: Emily Runnerstrom

Calling all Book and Zine Artists! From 5:30pm to 8:30pm every final Thursday of the month bring your own supplies and latest project to join others in the book art and zine community for an evening of creative community for no charge. OR for a small fee, register for a mini lesson that begins at 5pm. In July the lesson will cover the construction of a Tibetan Prayer Book.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$15

August 2025

Cyanotypes

Friday, August 1st, 10am-2pm

Instructor: Michelle Sharp

Cyanotypes are one of the most easily-recognized photographic processes. Their dark blue hue is iconic and timeless. In this class, we’ll explore the process from start to finish. Students will learn how to mix their own chemistry, coat their own paper, assemble a composition, and expose and wash their print. Cyanotypes are an accessible way to explore photographic and sun-reactive processes. All materials provided. There will be a break for lunch.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$80

Japanese Stab Binding

Wednesday, August 6th, 1pm-4pm

Instructor: Emily Runnerstrom

Japanese stab binding is a traditional bookbinding technique originating in Japan, Korea, and China noted for the decorative stitching along the spine. This method is perfect for binding loose sheets of paper together and produces an elegant, visually appealing book. Students in this class will bind two books in this method. All supplies included.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$55

Eco Printing on Silk

Thursday, August 7th, 5pm-8pm

Instructor: JoEllen Wollangk

Using nature for inspiration AND as art supplies, students in this class will use flowers, leaves, twigs and other natural items to color and create patterns for their own unique, one of a kind silk scarf. Students will complete one scarf during class and will have the opportunity to purchase additional scarves. All supplies included.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$55

Textile Collages

Friday, August 8th, 1pm-4pm

Instructor: Stephanie Leisering

Explore color, texture, and depth in this special class taught by Fond du Lac textile artist Stephanie Leisering. Students will be provided with a variety of fiber materials, embellishments, and paper ephemera as their material as they think about collage in a new way. From composing the artwork to using special techniques to add depth, students will complete at least one artwork during the class. All supplies included.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$40

To Dye For! Simple Dying for Paper & Fabric

Wednesday, August 13th, 10am-1pm

Instructor: Mel Kolstad

Have you always wanted to learn how to dye paper and fabric easily, without having to purchase all of the supplies yourself? This class is for you! Fond du Lac artist Mel Kolstad teaches this engaging class in which students will earn three dyeing techniques and create all kinds of papers, fabrics and accessories, including creating silk paper from raw silk! You won't want to miss this one! All supplies included.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$45

Tunnel Books

Thursday, August 14th, 12pm-5pm

Instructor: Emily Runnerstrom

With a history going back to the 18th century, tunnel books are fascinating structures that capture complete environments within their covers. Students in this class will learn how to create a scene in three dimensions in this unusual book form. All materials included.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$65

Bottle Cap Fish Sculpture 2.0!

Friday & Saturday, August 15th & 16th, 10am-4pm each day

Instructor: David Wollangk

More bottle cap fish? Yes please! Neenah artist David Wollangk returns in August to teach a fancier, more intricate version of July’s bottle cap fish. In this two day class, students will learn both simple material manipulation and involved metal working techniques to create a one of a kind fish sculpture. Students don’t need to have taken the july class to take the August class, however students will want to take both classes to make a whole school of fish! All materials included. Class will break for lunch on both days.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$150

Pastel en Plein Air

Saturday, August 16th, 9am-4pm

Instructor: Mary Beth Drabiszczak

In this class, students will explore various ways to work in the pastel medium on-site in outdoor environments. Through guided discussions, instructor demonstrations, and individual activities, students will create thumbnails and studies from local surroundings. Particular focus will be placed on mark making and color theory, with the goal of supporting creative experimentation and play. Your instructor is award winning Waukesha pastel artist Mary Beth Drabiszczak. Mary Beth is an experienced plein air artist, traveling throughout the United States for plein air events and opportunities. This class is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are interested in trying this adventurous art practice. All supplies included. There will be a break for lunch.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$95

Photographing Your Artwork

Saturday, August 23rd, 9am-12pm

Instructor: Michelle Sharp

Being able to photograph your work well is a necessary skill for a maker’s toolbox. There are many reasons to document your artwork: for your website, for show applications, for marketing materials, for galleries, etc. Accurate colors, contrast, and proportions can make or break your work’s selection! In this class participants will learn best practices and tips for accurately photographing their artwork, even with a smartphone camera. Students should bring 1-2 pieces of their work to photograph and troubleshoot with. All physical mediums are welcome. Due to the nature of this class, the purchase of supplies will be required. However, with these supplies and Michelle's instruction, students will be set up with everything they need to document and share their artwork with confidence.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$50

Tetra Pak Printmaking

Wednesday, August 27th, 1pm-5pm

Instructor: Emily Runnerstrom

Tetra Pak printmaking is a simple way to become acquainted with intaglio print processes. While other intaglio processes such as etching and drypoint often employ the use of metal plates and sharp tools, Tetra Pak packaging (used for packaging food and drink) is used for the printing plate and tools as simple as ballpoint pens are used to create the printing image. In this class students will design a print and create a small edition during this class. All supplies included.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$50

A la Monet - Painting in the Style of Claude Monet

Friday & Saturday, August 29th & 30th, 10am-4pm both days

Instructor: David Wollangk

Impressionism was one of the most revolutionary art movements in modern history and Claude Monet was one of its most important masters. Once derided by critics and traditionalists, Impressionist artists influenced generations of artists through their innovative use of color to capture light itself. In this two day hands-on art history lesson, students will explore the materials, colors and methods used by Impressionists to produce a water lilies painting in the style of Monet. All supplies included, There will be a break for lunch both days.

This class will be taught in oil and is for students with previous oil painting experience. Instruction will not cover oil painting basics.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$150

September 2025

Value & Color Techniques - Three Day Class!

Thursday - Saturday, September 4, 5, & 6

9am-Noon each day

Instructor: Darcy Doiel

A solid understanding of color theory is valuable for artists in all mediums, and in this class you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in color! Students will meet September 4th, 5th, & 6th from 9 am to noon each day. By meeting three times for short classes in stead of one long day, students will be better equipped to absorb and apply the concepts taught, and will gain an understanding of color theory through a variety of exercises.

This course covers techniques for color mixing to achieve desired effects and emphasizes skills for portraying light, shadow, and depth to bring art to life by exploring the color wheel, color relationships, and how to create harmonious palettes. The techniques taught over these three days will focus on refining skills rather that producing a final piece and will equip your artist's toolbox with the tools you need to tackle color and value challenges with ease!All supplies included.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$150

Carved Eraser Stamps

Saturday, September 20th, 1pm-3:30pm

Instructor: Michelle Sharp

Many people are familiar with linocuts, a printmaking process in which an image is carved into linoleum to make a stamp. In this class, students will use a similar process to carve their own rubber stamps using erasers! Students will learn how to use gouges to carve rubber erasers into designs of their choice.

To reserve your place in the studio click on the button below.

$40

Class Cancellation Policy

Due to limited studio space, class cancellations must be made at least 1 week prior to the scheduled class. This gives us an opportunity to fill the space. You may cancel by email, phone or by dropping by Root & Runner Creative Space.

If you need to cancel your class:

If class cancellations happen more than one week prior to the class date, you have two options

1.) To retain the full value of your registration, we will offer the full class price in credit toward a future class.

2.) In the case you do not wish to put your registration fees towards a future class, Root & Runner Creative Space will retain 25% of your registration fees if you cancel more than one week before the class date. If you cancel less than one week prior to the class date, you forfeit any remuneration.

We do not prorate classes/workshops. If you are unable to attend 1 day of a multi-day workshop, there are no discounts.

If Root & Runner Creative Space initiates a class cancellation due to inclement weather, instructor unavailability, or any other reason, students will be reimbursed in full.