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

ArtStart’s Winter Camp: Passport to Norway (Session 1)

Norway is a spectacular country, famous for its mountains and fjords. Home to the indigenous Sámi as well as the descendants of the Norse people, Norway boasts a rich cultural heritage of folk art forms. In these two camps, you will explore a colorful style of painting called rosemaling, and learn about Viking runes. You’ll also hear about the little gnomes called Nisse, and create beautiful Sámi silverwork designs. 

Session 1: December 21 & 22nd 

9:00-10:30am Viking Runes with Jeanette Dickinson

Ancient runes were an alphabet used by the Norse people. They are associated with wise women and the gods, particularly Odin, the god of magic and poetry. In this class led by artist Jeanette Dickinson, you will learn the meanings of these ancient symbols and create your own rune stones and pouch. 

10:45-12:15pm Rosemaling with Anna Clowser

Rosemaling is a beautiful style of painting full of scrolls and swirling patterns. It was first used to decorate church walls, but, later, people  started painting everyday wooden items like bowls and chairs. Work with artist Anna Clowser to paint a small wooden chest to keep your secret treasures.

Ages 6-12

9 am -12:15 pm

Sunny Hollow Montessori 636 Mississippi River Blvd S, St Paul, MN 55116

ArtStart’s Winter Camp: Passport to Norway (Session 2)

Norway is a spectacular country, famous for its mountains and fjords. Home to the indigenous Sámi as well as the descendants of the Norse people, Norway boasts a rich cultural heritage of folk art forms. In these two camps, you will explore a colorful style of painting called rosemaling, and learn about Viking runes. You’ll also hear about the little gnomes called Nisse, and create beautiful Sámi silverwork designs. 

Session 2: December 28 & 29th

9:00-10:30 - Nisse - Norwegian Gnomes with Julie Boada

In Norway, a gnome is called a nisse — a creature who lives in barns or homes, protecting the countryside and the people who live there. Join artist Julie Boada to create your own little household guardian from felt and thread, and learn some lore about these friendly creatures. 

10:45-12:15 - Sámi Silverwork Designs with Gustavo Boada 

The Sámi are indigenous people of Europe who live in the northern part of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. Learn a bit about their culture, including reindeer herding, and then create an intricate design on silver craft foil  inspired by Sámi brooches, rings, and amulets.

Ages 6-12

9 am -12:15 pm

Sunny Hollow Montessori 636 Mississippi River Blvd S, St Paul, MN 55116