Artability Workshops
People Incorporated provides free public Artability Workshops in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Register here! Artability provides a space for people to tap into the creativity within themselves, free of expectations or judgments. Our workshops and art shows are designed to be accessible to all, regardless of previous experience or ability. The arts can be a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, personal growth, and a bit of fun. Each workshop includes art materials to share and the opportunity to paint, play, and learn together with other artists. A teaching artist is available to help answer questions, offer guidance, and provide feedback on the work of the participants. A mental illness diagnosis is not required to attend, and you must be at least 18 years old.
Artability Workshop locations:
- People Incorporated Northside Community Support Program, 1309 Girard Avenue North, Minneapolis
- People Incorporated York Mental Health Clinic, 317 York Avenue, Saint Paul (please go to the front entrance on York Avenue and ring the doorbell; the workshop is in the conference room at the end of the hallway to your right after entering the building)
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
The Artability program hosts an annual art show and sale for the general public to promote mental health in our community. The 2023 Artability Art Show & Sale will take place once again at the Union Depot in St. Paul on Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28.
2023 Workshop descriptions, schedule, and registration (additional workshops coming in June!)
Please note: If you cannot make it to a workshop that you are registered for, please cancel your registration so that our teaching artists can be prepared with the proper amount of materials, and/or so that another participant can take your spot. If there are 3 or fewer participants registered, the workshop may be canceled. Cancellations are communicated via email, so make sure to check your email prior to the workshops. Thank you!
Inspiration, motivation, critique, collaboration, and encouragement for creative writers of all genres, forms, and experience levels. Get inspired by prompts, see your work through a new lens, get out of your comfort zone through interesting exercises, share your works in progress, and receive feedback from your fellow writers.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou
Group Leader: Colin Chambers
Location: York Mental Health Clinic, 317 York Avenue, St. Paul
- Sunday, January 29, 1-3 pm
- Sunday, February 26, 1-3 pm
- Sunday, March 26, 1-3 pm
- Sunday, April 30, 1-3 pm
- Sunday, May 21, 1-3 pm
- Sunday, June 25, 1-3 pm – Register here
- Sunday, July 30, 1-3 pm – Register here
- Sunday, August 27, 1-3 pm – Register here
Join us every (or any) Wednesday for an open studio. An assortment of supplies will be available for use, in addition to a social setting in which to work and an Artability group leader to answer questions or provide guidance when needed. Connect with other artists and take advantage of the art supplies provided to foster your creativity and experience structured time to focus on your art making.
Group Leader: Tessa Weyhe
Location: Northside Community Support Program, 1309 Girard Avenue N, Minneapolis
- Wednesday, January 25, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, February 1, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, February 8, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, February 15, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, February 22, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, March 8, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, March 15, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, March 22, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, April 5, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, April 12, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, April 19, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, April 26, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, May 3, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, May 10, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, May 17, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wednesday, May 24, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, June 7, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, June 14, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, June 21, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, June 28, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, July 5, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, July 12, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, July 19, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, July 26, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, August 2, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, August 9, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, August 16, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
- Wednesday, August 23, 3:30-5:30 pm – Register here
Participants will draw portra
its, with emphasis on shapes and composition, from a variety of reference materials, including iconic, well-known artworks, snapshots, studio portraits, and others in our life. We will also spend time looking at and discussing model-drawn and painted portraits. We will explore the fluidity of lines, composition, relationships between figures, and technical details that will improve our drawings.
Teaching Artist: Alison Bergblom Johnson
Location: York Mental Health Clinic, 317 York Avenue, St. Paul
Choose from the following dates:
- Saturday, January 28, 1-2:30 pm
- Sunday, March 12, 3-4:30 pm
- Sunday, May 14, 3-4:30 pm
- Saturday, June 17, 1-2:30 pm – Register here
- Sunday, August 13, 3-4:30 pm – Register here
We’ll get to write in, fold, and cut into books to make our very own sculpture from existing books. Participants will explore a variety of alterations and observe and discuss examples of how other artists have altered books. Artability provides a space for people to tap into the creativity within themselves, free of expectations or judgments. The arts can be a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, personal growth, and a bit of fun. Our workshops and art shows are designed to be accessible to all, regardless of previous experience or ability.
Teaching Artist: Alison Bergblom Johnson
Location: Northside Community Support Program, 1309 Girard Avenue N, Minneapolis
Choose from the following dates:
- Sunday, February 12, 1-2:30 pm
- Sunday, April 9, 3-4:30 pm
- Saturday, May 20, 1-2:30 pm
- Saturday, July 16, 3-4:30 pm – Register here
- Saturday, August 19, 1-2:30 pm – Register here
Participants will dra
w, paint, cut, tear, and glue to make their own mixed media compositions. We will also review examples of mixed media work from the canon to better understand how other artists have made mixed materials work for them. Artability provides a space for people to tap into the creativity within themselves, free of expectations or judgments. The arts can be a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, personal growth, and a bit of fun.
Teaching Artist: Alison Bergblom Johnson
Location: Northside Community Support Program, 1309 Girard Avenue N, Minneapolis
Choose from the following dates:
- Saturday, February 18, 3-4:30 pm
- Saturday, March 18, 1-2:30 pm
- Sunday, April 16, 1-2:30 pm
- Sunday, June 11, 3-4:30 pm – Register here
In this acrylic p
ainting techniques course, we will be covering essential basic acrylic painting techniques that can be applied to any subject matter you choose to paint. We will cover materials, brushwork, washes, color mixing, tonal value, and other fundamental skills. Great class for beginners or those looking for a refresher in acrylic painting. This class can be messy, and acrylic paint stains, so please dress accordingly! Supplies will be provided.
Teaching Artist: Tessa Weyhe
Location: York Mental Health Clinic, 317 York Avenue, St. Paul
Choose from the following dates:
- Sunday, February 19, 1-2:30 pm
- Sunday, June 4, 3-4:30 pm – Register here
Artists will learn about using hand-sewing techniques to create pendants or earrings out of felt, with the addition of small beads or embroidery stitches as embellishments. Artability provides a space for people to tap into the creativity within themselves, free of expectations or judgments. The arts can be a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, personal growth, and a bit of fun.
Teaching Artist: Jenny Stice
Location: Northside Community Support Program, 1309 Girard Avenue N, Minneapolis
Choose from the following dates:
- Sunday, February 19, 9:30-11 am
- Sunday, July 16, 3-4:30 pm – Register here
In this class, we will focus both on developing our skills of observation, as well as to draw what we see instead of what we think. We will start with some basic drawing techniques, after which we will spend time drawing a still life
with guidance.
Teaching Artist: Tessa Weyhe
Location: York Mental Health Clinic, 317 York Avenue, St. Paul
Choose from the following dates:
- Sunday, March 19, 1-2:30 pm
- Sunday, July 23, 1-2:30 pm – Register here
Artists will learn what needle felting is and how it works. Learn the basics of needle felting and the skills needed to create flat-felted
artwork. This type of needle felting is often referred to as painting with wool roving. Depending on the specific theme for the class, participants will be led in creating a similar needle-felted artwork.
Teaching Artist: Jenny Stice
Location: Northside Community Support Program, 1309 Girard Avenue N, Minneapolis
Choose from the following dates:
- Sunday, March 19, 9:30-11 am
- Sunday, August 20, 3-4:30 pm – Register here
This workshop will begin with a guided mindfulness meditation. We will experiment with a couple of mindfulness-in-art exercises, which will encourage a “flow” mindset. Artists will be provided with a variety of supplies and encouraged to create in an open studio-type environment. Some examples and techniques will be demonstrated, and then the artists will be free to create intuitive art pieces and will experience how mindfulness is integrated with art. 
This class is great for anyone interested in using art therapeutically. I like to think of it as giving my brain a bath!
Teaching Artist: Tessa Weyhe
Location: Northside Community Support Program, 1309 Girard Avenue N, Minneapolis
Choose from the following dates:
- Sunday, May 21, 1-2:30 pm
- Sunday, August 20, 1-2:30 pm – Register here
A still life artwork that includes various symbolic objects designed to remind the viewer of their mortality and of the worthlessness of worldly goods and pleasures.
Teaching Artist: Alison Bergblom Johnson
Location: York Mental Health Clinic, 317 York Avenue, St. Paul
- Saturday, July 15, 1-2:30 pm – Register here
Join us every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month for an open studio. An assortment of supplies will be available for use, in addition to a social setting in which to work and an Artability group leader to answer questions or provide guidance when needed. Connect with other artists and take advantage of the art supplies provided to foster your creativity and experience structured time to focus on your art making.
Teaching Artist: Jasmine Callies
Location: York Mental Health Clinic, 317 York Avenue, St. Paul
Choose from the following dates:
- Saturday, March 25, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Saturday, April 8, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Saturday, April 22, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Saturday, May 13, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Saturday, May 27, 3:00-5:00 pm – Register here
- Saturday, June 10, 3:00-5:00 pm – Register here
- Saturday, June 24, 3:00-5:00 pm – Register here
- Saturday, July 8, 3:00-5:00 pm – Register here
- Saturday, July 22, 3:00-5:00 pm – Register here
- Saturday, August 12, 3:00-5:00 pm – Register here
- Saturday, August 26, 3:00-5:00 pm – Register here
Intuitive paintin
g is a method of creating art that aims to explore and uncover aspects of the inner self. It is suited to beginning artists, and to advanced painters. Some common objectives of intuitive painting include personal expression, spiritual enlightenment, relaxation, meditation, working through creative blocks, self-reflection, and exploration of inner feelings. You will come away from the workshop with an original painting and renewed creativity!
Teaching Artist: Catherine Palmer
Location: People Incorporated’s Northside Community Support Program, 1309 Girard Ave N, Minneapolis
- Saturday, July 29, 1:00-2:30 pm – Register here
Adults can enjoy the positive benefits of finger painting. Fingerpainting is a great way to let loose, get dirty, and express yourself in ways that you used to do as a child. Come to this workshop to explore, learn, and develop through sensory methods. Feeling the cool, squishy texture of the paint and experimenting with color and patterns encourage creative play. It’s also an excellent way to express emotions.
Teaching Artist: Jasmine Callies
Location: People Incorporated’s Northside Community Support Program, 1309 Girard Ave N, Minneapolis
- Sunday, July 9, 1:00-2:30 pm – Register here
In this class, you will lea
rn basic crochet stitches and their abbreviations in a pattern and how to start and finish a project. In this series, we will be working on a simple coaster. In my experience, knowing these basic concepts can open up a world of crochet possibilities, and I encourage anyone who likes crocheting after this class to experiment with video tutorials and patterns available online. With understanding fundamentals, the possibilities are endless!
In this 3-part introductory class, you will receive supplies, guidance, and support to crochet. Please ensure you can attend all 3 sessions when registering for this workshop series! You are welcome to bring yarn or crochet hooks if you have personal preferences.
Teaching Artist: Claire Weatherly
Location: People Incorporated’s Northside Community Support Program, 1309 Girard Ave N, Minneapolis
- Saturday, June 17, 1:00-2:30 pm – Register here
- Saturday, July 8, 1:00-2:30 pm – Register here
- Saturday, July 22, 1:00-2:30 pm – Register here
Learn basic printmaking techniques in the workshop designed for beginners!
Teaching Artist: Debra Ripp
Location: People Incorporated’s York Mental Health Clinic, 317 York Avenue, St. Paul
- Saturday, June 3, 1:00-2:30 pm – Register here
Come explore various fun painting techniques, such as scrape painting and squeegee painting, in this casual painting class designed to encourage a sense of play! This class focuses on process over product, meaning the emphasis is on the experience of painting, and not as much on the final product. Painting in this way is a great way to stimulate your creativity and engage your brain in the present moment, and you may even discover a few painting techniques that you’d like to carry over into your regular painting process!
Teaching Artist: Catherine Palmer
Location: People Incorporated’s Northside Community Support Program, 1309 Girard Ave N, Minneapolis
- Saturday, August 5, 1:00-2:30 pm – Register here
Whether you’re a seasoned jewelry maker or have never touched beads in your life, come and experiment with me! I will be available to teach folks how to use pliers and wire to create pendants, earrings, keychains; the list goes on!
Teaching Artist: Claire Weatherly
Location: People Incorporated’s York Mental Health Clinic, 317 York Avenue, St. Paul
- Sunday, August 6, 1:00-2:30 pm – Register here
Pareidolia is a psychological phenomenon in which people see patterns in a random stimulus. In this art workshop, participants are encouraged to use their creativity to transform visual stimuli into meaningful images. Pareidolia can be a symptom of certain mental health diagnoses; however, experiencing pareidolia is not uncommon. Pareidolia is often used in Art Therapy to allow patients to address their struggles through whatever images they see (similar to Rorschach Inkblots, and Thematic Apperception Tests). Using pareidolia as an art form not only breaks negative stereotypes surrounding mental health diagnoses, but it can also empower those who experience this phenomenon.
Teaching Artist: Claire Weatherly
Location: People Incorporated’s York Mental Health Clinic, 317 York Avenue, St. Paul
- Sunday, August 6, 3:00-4:30 pm – Register here
