ArtStart’s Fall Camp: Diwali, Festival of Lights

Diwali is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the lamps that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. 

In this magical two-day camp, learn about the vibrant traditions now celebrated around the world during Diwali, from creating special decorations and eating sweets, to lighting candles and creating colorful sand art for entryways. 

9-10:30: Rangoli is a traditional Indian folk art where people draw colorful designs on the ground. It is meant to bring good luck and welcome guests during festivals like Diwali. Work with artist Swetha Avula to create your own beautiful rangoli design on a wooden disc using acrylic paint, mirrors, and tea lights.

10:45-12:15: In India, Diwali happens during the new moon phase, when things are darkest. So people create and hang colorful Akash Kandil, which means sky lanterns.  Fashion your own unique lantern with artist Tara Fahey to brighten up the cool autumn nights! 

Prospect Park United Methodist Church

22 Orlin Avenue SE, Mpls, MN 55414

(Right over the border from St. Paul, just off University near 280!)

October 15 & 16, 2026 

Ages 6-12

9 am -12:15 pm

Join us for a watercolor celebration of fall leaves using varieties of leaves and painting techniques; some you may know and some you may not have tried! We will use layering, glazing, illustrating and printing. Methods will be simple and painters can use them as they are inspired. Color theory strategies will help you show off your compositions and play with many design and texture options.

For teens & adults.

Fairmount Avenue United Methodist Church 1523 Fairmount Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

Saturday, October 17th, 10:30 am -12:30 pm

Deadline to register: October 10th

Tuition: $54

With Sara Dovre Wudali

Fairmount Avenue United Methodist Church 1523 Fairmount Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

Tuesdays 6-8 pm

This 4-part series is designed as a creative sampler. Participants will cross back and forth across the imaginary boundaries between art and poetry. While the series is designed to build creative muscle when taken as a whole, we also welcome sign-ups for individual classes for those whose schedules demand more flexibility.

Oct. 20 • Tanka: In this generative class, students will learn to gather the language of the senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch.

Tuition: $39 per class or $135 for all 4 (If you sign up for all 4, you will receive a rebate of $21)

Deadline: The week before each class

See all classes in this series here

With Sara Dovre Wudali

Fairmount Avenue United Methodist Church 1523 Fairmount Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

Tuesdays 6-8 pm

This 4-part series is designed as a creative sampler. Participants will cross back and forth across the imaginary boundaries between art and poetry. While the series is designed to build creative muscle when taken as a whole, we also welcome sign-ups for individual classes for those whose schedules demand more flexibility.

Oct. 27 • Block printing: In this beginning printmaking class we will draw, carve, ink, and print designs to create handmade illustrations.

Tuition: $39 per class or $135 for all 4 (If you sign up for all 4, you will receive a rebate of $21). 

Deadline: The week before each class

See all classes in this series here

ArtScraps After Dark: Junk Journaling

Scrap, Yap and Sip! When the fall chill hits, we’re warming things up with a cozy after-hours crafting night at ArtScraps in St. Paul. Join us for junk journaling, laughter, and socializing while we sip wine and snack on cheese and charcuterie. After the doors close to the public, you’ll get private access to shop the ArtScraps aisles for one-of-a-kind re-use art supplies to add to your junk journal and spark inspiration. Price: $49/person

With Claire Donovan

Claire is a St. Paul artist and creative events host who specializes in community-centered junk journaling experiences. She is passionate about making creativity accessible, low-pressure, and joyful for adults seeking connection, friendship, and a creative outlet. Through her events, she encourages people to experiment, play, and discover meaning in the art of reuse. As a born and raised St. Paul resident, she is excited to connect with the broader Twin Cities community through art and junk journaling. 

@JunkJournalBestie on Instagram & Tiktok

BYOB, Ages 21+

Some materials provided, with additional supplies from the store available for purchase. You are welcome to bring visuals such as photos, sheet music, magazines, etc. from home.

Sat, Nov. 14 & 21, 2026 • 10:30 am-12:30 pm

Fairmount Avenue United Methodist Church 1523 Fairmount Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

In this beginner-friendly class, work with artist Franny Haight to learn some essential skills and techniques of handbuilding. Along the way, you'll hear about the practice of clay foraging and what goes into preparing it for use. Finally, you'll create your own bespoke bookends with material sourced by Franny straight from the banks of the Mississippi!

Tuition: $140 

For teens & adults.

Our popular poetry series continues! Come celebrate autumn at our cozy ArtScraps store with an evening of art, poetry, and light refreshments. Patrick Cabello Hansel curates the ArtStart poetry series. His titles include The Devouring Land, Quitting Time and his latest Breathing in Minneapolis, which deals with the challenges that the city faced during 2020-2021. He has published poems and prose in over 90 journals and won awards from the Loft Literary Center and MN State Arts Board. All readings are free, but registration is required. Deadline to register: Day of event

Young at heart? Come and make a mixed media paper doll to set an intention! Maybe you will create a warrior, a queen, or a clown. Come play with collage papers, fake fur, ribbons, lace, and more. You will get a template to alter into any character you want, whether ornate or grungy. The head, arms, and legs are attached with brad fasteners to create moving parts. Explore colors and shapes, and make a figure that dances on your wall or hangs in a window.

Saturday, Dec. 5th, 2026 • 10:30 am-12:30 pm 

ArtStart's ArtScraps

Adults and Teens