Class Registration at Paradise Center for the Arts

“Artwork with a narrative voice —impressionistically influenced landscapes which surprise the conscientious & observant viewer with the message of the subject matter.” Rebecca loves painting in oils which lends itself to the creative process of “blending paint” and “mark-making.” Inspiration for Rebecca is the voice within the beauty and chaos of the landscape. Her paintings speak from the infinite dark night, to the surface and depth of the earth, asking you to take a second look – man influenced landscapes shared with nature’s geography, geology, and space to juxtapose our sense of reality together with associated fragments of memory and emotion. She has her Masters of Art degree from Regis University which has broadened her view of the many facets of being an artist and importantly believing in the adage of “being true to yourself”.

My claywork has always been a way for me to relax – it began as a way to cope with 2 small children. I channel my energies into pieces that I hope will bring pleasure to others. Whether functional pieces to be used for serving, or whimsical leaf faces, I make the pieces to last and serve a purpose. Many of my pieces reflect nature as they are formed when leaves are impressed into the clay for texture. Whether a face, or a bowl, the impression is unique and made ‘in season’ using a freshly picked leaf. (Favorite leaves are burdock (for faces), sunflower, squash, grape and oak.) Molds, when used, serve only to gently support the clay until clay is stiff enough to stand alone. All my ceramic instruction has been gleaned from area Art Centers and workshops. Not a single college class has been taken and I am thankful to all the area talent that so willingly shares their knowledge. The clay and glazes I use are lead-free. My creations, depending on the type of clay, are fired to 2100-2300 degrees. Currently I teach ceramics classes, for all levels of interest, at the Paradise Center for the Arts.

Judy has been a fiber artist for most of her life and each new day brings new eyes and new inspiration. The needle and thread has genetic roots in her life. Her grandmother turned every piece of cloth in her home into a living history.

Judy Saye-Willis, southern Minnesota artistin 2002 the needle and thread began weaving through Judy’s unique jewelry and later the bindings in her book arts. Whether working on jewelry, fiber, or book arts she strives to make work with exciting color, texture, and strong eye appeal.

Judy is a Minnesota native and brings to her work the visual memories of the north woods, the lakes and rivers, the bluffs and valleys, and the fields and prairies. Quiet reflection brings inspiration for unlimited possibilities in her work. The years she spent in business has provided her with the self-discipline needed to go to her studio and do the work focusing on a project until it is finished.

Julie Fakler creates vibrant original domestic animal paintings and pet portraits. She received individual artist grants from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) for projects that promoted adoption of animals from the Prairie's Edge Humane Society (2011) and S.A.F.E. Sanctuary (2014). Fakler is the director of operations at the Paradise Center for the Arts, and sits on the SEMAC Board of Directors. She holds a BFA in painting and drawing from Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

Mark James Lusardi is an active Raku artist that exhibits his work throughout the mid-west and teaches Raku and primitive firing workshops. Builds Raku kilns, organize equipment and materials for workshops, fire and load kilns. Mark works at Continental Clay Company, Minneapolis Minnesota (2001-present). ClayTechnician/ Glaze Designer Responsibilities – Operate glaze mixing equipment, research and design of new and old glazes, Set up manufacturing equipment, research and design clay bodies, technical support for customers, load and operate kilns, manufacture glazes and casting slip, repair pug mills, set up and demonstrate product at Art Ed conventions, operate pug mill, operate air float machine, operate forklift, repair kilns, perform warehouse duties, retail assistant. Mark will be setting up the Raku kiln and materials, fire kiln, load and unload the items from the kiln. Mark will also talk about the history of Raku and the process.

I love experimenting and trying new glass fusing techniques to create organic, flowing pieces of glass that can be used as design elements in other pieces.  After the initial fusing, the glass is often cut up, coldworked, refused, and then slumped in a mold for the final shape. I love opening up the kiln to see how the glass has been transformed in the fusing process, and the results never cease to amaze me.  I hope that you too will enjoy the artwork as much as I do. Dale is a Studio Art Assistant at Normandale College working in the fused glass, photography, & print-making studios.  He exhibits & sells his art work at local and regional art fairs & art centers.  Dale teaches introductory glass fusing classes for adults & kids out of his studio in Northfield, The Paradise Center for the Arts, and at other local Art Centers.

Child’s Play Theatre Andrew Velishek teaches children’s theatre camps, Acting for Little Ones, and Improv at the Paradise. Andrew has 27 years of acting experience, 17 years of Producer, Director, and Designer experience, all in schools, and community theatre settings. Andrew is founder of Child’s Play Theatre.

Jason Hillesheim teaches a variety of visual arts techniques to elementary, middle, and high school age students at Devine Mercy, Bethlehem Academy, and the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault, MN. With dedication and creativity Jason makes the learning experience fun and memorable for the children. Hillesheim is committed to creating an environment that will stimulate and improve the students’ creativity, appreciation, confidence, awareness and enthusiasm for learning the visual arts.

Jillian Steger is a jewelry artist who has spent most of her life creating. "For as long as I can remember I've been making things. I started out crafting little people out of twist ties when I was five. I moved on to miniature for my dolls, then I discovered beads."

For several years, Jillian created jewelry for her family and friends then went to school for Jewelry Manufacturing and Repair in 2010. After graduation she spent five years working as a professional goldsmith, before deciding to return to the diverse world of beaded jewelry. Now, she owns Serenity Pond Creations and works out of her small studio just outside of Kenyon MN. She uses a broad range of materials including silk ribbons and the spent shells from a .22 long rifle to create unique and memorable jewelry.

Photography is my way of sharing the way I see the world. I also love the adventure of getting the hard to reach location. I received my degree in photography at the University of Minnesota Duluth. For myself every photo is an opportunity for technical excellence. UMD School of fine arts student art show 1st place, TPT Capture MN editor's choice award, TPT Capture MN people's choice.

Christina Angell is originally from Faribault, MN. She graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in 2015 with a major in Art and a minor in Education. For the past two years she has been teaching K-7 art at St. Odilia School in Shoreview, MN. She loves to draw, paint, weave, work with clay, write calligraphy, take photos, and many other things. Some of her favorite artists are Frida Kahlo, Georgia O'Keeffe, Heather Day, and Robert Rauschenberg. Outside of art, she also loves cats, sushi, nature, crocheting, coffee, and anything vintage.

Iron Head Sculptural Services (IHSS) is an always changing, ever expanding collective of artist, artisans, and creative thinkers of many disciplines whose goal is to support people in their unique projects. Founding members Kelly Ludeking, Brad Hertko, Justin Peters, and Karen Peters with more than 50 years of collective casting experience form the core of this diverse organization. Iron Head holds cast and fabricated metal workshops for students and organizations of all skill levels and varieties, with a focus on cupola cast iron sculptures. IHSS will be providing all foundry needs, materials, course instruction, for the scratch tile workshop and iron pour this summer.

Share your passion and talent for the arts! The Paradise Center for the Arts is looking for teaching artists who are interested in teaching others how to create, and appreciate the visual and performing arts. The Paradise Center for the Arts is seeking instructors for: Textiles, Clay, Photography, Painting, Acting/Theatre, Drawing, Literary arts, Collage, Book making, Sculpture, Music, fused glass, Jewelry, and more. If you are interested in teaching, please contact Julie Fakler for more information, 507-332-7372 ext. 4, info@paradisecenterforthearts.org