Workshops
The Horse of Course drawing and sculpting workshop with a live horse model, 2022
Workshops
Events
Weekly Afternoon Open Studio
Bring your own supplies and projects to connect with others while you create. Each session includes an optional end-of-session group critique in the final half-hour.
AMS Pre-Reception Cocktail Fundraiser & Jazz Concert
Get your ticket today to reserve your FREE PARKING SPACE IN THE HOLIDAY CENTER RAMP for the evening! The DAI is hosting this legacy building fundraiser to help reach our goal of raising $60,000. Join…
Teen Open Studio (Spring 2026 Sessions)
Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome. Pay what you can. Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not…
Annual DAI Member Meeting
Directions Park on the street or in the Holiday Center Ramp, entrance on 1st Street between 2nd and 3rd Ave W. If you are also planning to attend the AMS Reception later in the evening,…
Annual Member Show Reception
The region’s beloved event, the Annual Member Show, showcases the work of DAI member artists. Everyone is welcome to celebrate these talented artists at the reception, including the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice…
Weekly Evening Open Studio
Bring your own supplies and projects to connect with others while you create. Each session includes an optional end-of-session group critique in the final half-hour.
Clay Independent Study with Lucas Anderson
8 Sessions | This hands-on class includes pottery wheel, altered forms, handbuilding, and glaze demonstrations. Types of vessel construction covered include platters, jars, pouring vessels, other large forms, whistles, and beyond, with plenty of time…
Peyote Stitch Keychains with Airlea Defoe
From the instructor: "Boozhoo! My name is Airlea Indaniss DeFoe. I'll be showing you how to make a peyote stitch keychain with leather fringe. You will learn how to do peyote stitch, make leather fringe,…
Figure Drawing Open Studio – May 2026
Sessions are open to all serious artists, from beginner to expert. Every session includes a live model, starting with short gestural poses and moving into longer holds. Work time is self-directed, no instruction offered. Headphones…
Ocarina Making with Karen Keenan
3 Sessions | Learn how to make and play stoneware clay ocarinas with musician and potter Karen Keenan. In the first class session, hand-build ocarinas—a type of fipple flute. In the second session, learn about…
Circle Weaving with Tiffany Fenner
A beginner-friendly fiber art workshop. Learn to weave colorful wall hangings using circular embroidery hoops or metal rings. Learn how to warp a circular weaving frame, weave basic over-under patterns, and build texture using yarn,…
Beaded Earring Making with Tashia Hart
1 Session | Learn basic jewelry-making skills to design your own beaded earrings with award-winning artist and writer Tashia Hart.
Youth Photo Club
10 Sessions | This twice-monthly educational session is open to any 13+ youth wanting to express themselves creatively through photography. Club meetings include field trips during Sunday sessions, individual and group projects, short info sessions,…
May Free ArtDAI
A beloved tradition. Stop in for a FREE, casual, creative art-making afternoon and learn to make simple, fun crafts that can be customized for artists of all ages.
Branch Weaving with Tiffany Fenner
Create woven wall art using natural forked branches as a frame and simple, natural fiber materials. Prepare a branch for weaving, create warp threads between the branch points, weave yarn and fibers into patterns and…
Beginning Clay with Matt Larson
8 Sessions | Learn the basics of throwing pottery on the wheel using the C.O.P.S (center, open, pull, shape) method, and basic handbuilding techniques with instruction from ceramicist and potter Matt Larson.
Figure Drawing Open Studio – June 2026
Sessions are open to all serious artists, from beginner to expert. Every session includes a live model, starting with short gestural poses and moving into longer holds. Work time is self-directed, no instruction offered. Headphones…
Digital Art Camp with Ant Nold
5 Weekday Sessions | Explore digital art in this fun five-day camp! Students will learn how artists use tablets to draw, paint, edit images, and create simple animations. A limited number of iPads will be…
DIY Room Decor with Tiffany Fenner (JUNE)
5 Weekday Sessions | Make your room into the ultimate artist space! Campers complete a variety of paper mache and clay projects to decorate their space. Projects include clay coaster sets, shelves, and oil diffuser…
Figure Drawing Open Studio – July 2026
Sessions are open to all serious artists, from beginner to expert. Every session includes a live model, starting with short gestural poses and moving into longer holds. Work time is self-directed, no instruction offered. Headphones…
DIY Room Decor with Tiffany Fenner (JULY)
5 Weekday Sessions | Make your room into the ultimate artist space! Campers complete a variety of paper mache and clay projects to decorate their space. Projects include clay coaster sets, shelves, and oil diffuser…
Soft Sculpture with Lauren Faherty
5 Weekday Sessions | Bring your stories to life! Through a variety of media, this class allows for 2D and 3D experimentation. Students can design a plush character, explore the basics of hand and machine…
Patterns in Beadwork with Airlea Defoe
Instructor Airlea Indaniss DeFoe will teach students how to make patterns in beadwork using color theory, drawing, and counting. To develop these skills, students will make beaded wall art that hangs down to create an…
Figure Drawing Open Studio – August 2026
Sessions are open to all serious artists, from beginner to expert. Every session includes a live model, starting with short gestural poses and moving into longer holds. Work time is self-directed, no instruction offered. Headphones…
Figure Drawing Open Studio – September 2026
Sessions are open to all serious artists, from beginner to expert. Every session includes a live model, starting with short gestural poses and moving into longer holds. Work time is self-directed, no instruction offered. Headphones…
Figure Drawing Open Studio – October 2026
Sessions are open to all serious artists, from beginner to expert. Every session includes a live model, starting with short gestural poses and moving into longer holds. Work time is self-directed, no instruction offered. Headphones…
Figure Drawing Open Studio – November 2026
Sessions are open to all serious artists, from beginner to expert. Every session includes a live model, starting with short gestural poses and moving into longer holds. Work time is self-directed, no instruction offered. Headphones…
Figure Drawing Open Studio – December 2026
Sessions are open to all serious artists, from beginner to expert. Every session includes a live model, starting with short gestural poses and moving into longer holds. Work time is self-directed, no instruction offered. Headphones…
Registration Policies
- Tuition must be received one week prior to the class start date and two weeks prior to camp start dates to ensure both your place and adequate class materials.
- If there is insufficient enrollment 7 days prior to event date OR on listed registration deadline, the DAI may cancel the event, notify registrants, and refund all payments including deposits. Last-minute cancellations may also occur for weather, emergency, or instructor illness.
- Class tuition includes a $10 non-refundable registration fee, not including subsequent sessions of multi-day classes. Camp tuition includes a $25 non-refundable deposit due upon registration.
- Students cancelling one week before the first class session or two weeks prior to the first day of camp are eligible for a refund, not including deposits or registration fees. Refunds cannot be made after classes begin.
- Student Members are not eligible for membership discounts on classes.
- No refunds available for fundraiser tickets and other paid special events.
Online registration with credit card payment preferred. To pay by cash or check, contact Jesse Switters jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org. Following payment, check all inboxes for a confirmation email.
Check calendar details for event-specific policies.
Accessibility
Gallery events – Accessible parking is available nearby on Superior Street and in the pay lots in the Holiday Center and Duluth Transit Center. An elevator to all floors is available in the US Bank Building. DAI galleries are located on the 4th floor. In-gallery seating available.
Lincoln Park Building events – There is accessible parking in the lot at the back door, and a ramp to access the second floor.
Building hours, locations, and driving instructions
Scholarships
Scholarships may become available at times. For more information, or to request a partial or full scholarship for a class or camp, contact Jesse Switters jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org.