Passport to Russia: From Moscow to St. Petersburg

Russia, or Россия, is one of the largest countries in the world bordering Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Join ArtStart artists for a whirlwind tour of Moscow, the capital of Russia, and St. Petersburg. Then create art inspired by famous Russian composers and artists, as well as beautiful folk art traditions. Grab your passport and a warm coat and join this artistic adventure!

SESSION 2: Monday-Tuesday, December 29-30, 2025

9-10:30am: Clay

Dymkovo toys are a traditional Russian folk art handicraft made by women.They are moulded and painted clay figures of people and animals. Work with Gustavo Boada to create your own special Dymkovo toy using air-dried clay and acrylic paint pens.

10:45am - 12:15pm: Puppetry

Composer Sergei Prokofiev composed the symphonic fairytale Peter and the Wolf. Each character in the story is represented by an instrument of the orchestra. First listen to the musical tale. Then work with puppeteer Julie Boada to create finger puppets for each character. Share the tale with your family and friends using your finger puppets.

Winter is an ideal time to get cozy on the couch and create! If you have always wanted to learn to knit, but felt intimidated, now is your chance! Work with artist Laurie Witzkowski to learn some knitting basics such as casting on, knitting, purling, and casting off. You will create a mini scarf sampler, so you have all the skills to create a large one on your own.

For teens and adults.

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

Saturday, January 10th, 1:30-3:30 pm

Create a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special in your life! In this class, artist Tara Fahey will teach you three easy embroidery stitches.  Then choose from a variety of colorful buttons, felt, and ribbon, to fashion a unique heart-shaped pouch for treats for your loved one. All materials provided. $49

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

Saturday, February 7th, 10:30-12:30pm

Tuition: $49

For ages 13+

ArtScraps After Dark: Junk Journaling

Scrap, Yap and Sip! When the winter 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.

ArtStart Spring Camp 2026

Passport to Mongolia: From the Eurasian Steppes to the Gobi Desert 

Book your flight today to the fascinating and beautiful country of Mongolia bordered by Russia and China. Once the largest contiguous empire in the world, the Mongolian Empire was established in 1206 by Genghis Khan and continued until it dissolved in 1368. For over 3,000 years, the people of the steppes have been herders, moving in the search of better pastures for their animals. Today, approximately half of Mongolia’s population roams the vast plains living in yurts and moving their camps several times a year. Grab your passport and join ArtStart artists to create art work inspired by this nomadic culture! 

April 6-8 ◆ 9:00-12:15 pm

Mount Zion Temple 1300 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105

Deadline to register: March 27th

9:00-10:30am: Mixed Media: Secrets of the Gobi Desert - Jeanette Dickinson

Perhaps the first “nomads” were not who we think they were! The Gobi Desert, Mongolian for “waterless place”,  holds the world’s richest and most diverse deposits of dinosaur fossils, including oviraptor, ankylosaurus, and titanosaurus! Work with artist Jeanette Dickinson to create your version of one of these amazing prehistoric creatures. 

10:45am-12:15pm: Drawing and Painting: The Land of the Horse - Karen Anderson

The Mongolian Horse as a breed has not changed since the time of Genghis Khan. Essential to nomadic life, nomads own nearly 3,000,000 horses! Work with artist Karen Anderson to draw horses grazing, at play and  on the move. Then paint your favorite horse images on leather, a technique used by Mongolian artisans.

 Ages 6 - 12