The Duluth Art Institute enriches daily life with dynamic, innovative visual arts programming that upholds excellence and promotes inclusive community participation.

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EVENTS & EDUCATION

Before registering, please review the registration information & policies at the bottom of this page. 

Upcoming

  • Figure Drawing Open Studio

    • 04 Jan 2025
    • 06 Dec 2025
    • 12 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St)
    Register


    DAI Lincoln Park Building

    First Saturday of the month 10 AM - 12 PM

    $10 for members and $15 for non-members

    Artists must individually register online for each session.

    Check-in at the door is required.

    Attendees must be 18+

    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 and water bottles are welcome. Paper, sketching materials, and easels are available.


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  • Weekly Evening Open Studio

    • 08 Jan 2025
    • 30 Dec 2026
    • 104 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St)
    Register


    Weekly Evening Open Studio 

    Wednesdays, 5:00pm–8:00pm

    Lincoln Park Building

    Ages 16+

    Nonmembers: 1 free session, then $10/session

    DAI Student, Individual, and Family Members: 3 free sessions, then $5/session

    DAI Collector, Contributing, and Benefactor members: FREE


    Open Studio is a flexible space designed for artists to make connections and foster growth in our local art community.

    Artists are encouraged to bring their artwork in any medium to create in the studio. In this supportive community space, artists can socialize or focus on their creations. Each meeting facilitates an optional group critique at 7pm. Artists may also request critique before they work.


    How to Sign Up for Open Studio Sessions: 


    1) Purchase sessions online or in person prior to session, or claim your free sessions

    - Nonmembers receive 1 free session, then may register weekly for $10/session.

    - DAI Student, Individual, and Family members receive three free open studio sessions, then may purchase sessions for $5/session in increments of 1, 5, 10, and 15.

    - DAI Collector, Contributing, and Benefactor members may attend open studios for free!


    2) Arrive at the Lincoln Park Building, sign in, and create art! 

    Check in with Lin or Jesse and sign in on the sign up sheet. The DAI will track the number of sessions you attend. 


    Scholarships are available. Please email jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org for more information. 



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  • Youth Photo Club

    • 10 Feb 2025
    • 12 May 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • 2229 W. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55806
    • 4
    Register


    Youth Photography Club (Ages 13+)

    Mondays February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12

    4:15pm–6:45pm 

    DAI Lincoln Park Building 

    2229 W 2nd Street

    $80 Member ($100 Non-Member)

    Join the Youth Photography Club at the Duluth Art Institute. For teens aged 13 and up, this monthly educational session is open to anyone wanting to express themselves creatively through photography. Our time together includes field trips, individual and group projects, short info sessions,1 to 1 skill development and discussion of each other’s work. Participants are allowed to use any type of camera, including their phones. We also have a few digital cameras to use during the sessions when needed.

    Students are encouraged to explore new techniques, think outside the box, develop their own ideas, and learn to collaborate on projects, all while learning technical and aesthetic skills pertaining to photography. We use fun games and short assignments to introduce basic photography skills, and strengthen approaches to composition. Students also get to experiment with studio lighting and darkroom techniques. 

    Artists are encouraged to bring their own equipment (digital cameras, film cameras, phones, etc), but the DAI will have a limited number of cameras on hand. Contact Jesse at jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org with questions about equipment.

    Partial and full scholarships are available on a first come first serve basis. Please email Jesse at jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org if you're interested in registering with a scholarship!


    This program supported by:



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  • BAM Birkenstein Art movement (Lincoln Park)

    • 13 Mar 2025
    • 22 May 2025
    • 10 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 5
    Register


    BAM Birkenstein Art Movement (Lincoln Park)

    Thursdays (10 sessions) 

    March 13-May 22 (No class April 3)

    5:00pm–7:00pm

    DAI Lincoln Park Building 

    2229 W. 2nd St. 

    Grades 7

    FREE (Please register here on the website)


    The Birkenstein Art Movement (BAM) for 7th graders is a project inspired by civil rights leader Jean Birkenstein. The goal of BAM is to use the creative process as a tool to support individualized learning.

    Hosted weekly at the Lincoln Park Building of the DAI, the program is provided at no cost to participants. The session runs from 5-7pm. This is an ideal opportunity for students to delve into their creative interests while gaining leadership experience. We are also happy to compensate participants fuel cost for transportation. (Available on request)

    Middle schoolers explore disciplines such as ceramics, multimedia, painting, sketching, photography, and murals while also learning the difference between social movements, social activism, and protests. Each year, the program offers different opportunities for students to showcase their growth and achievements. Past projects have included presentations, exhibitions, and even a visit to city hall.


     This program is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board

    Questions? Please email jswitters@dulutthartinsttitute.org


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  • Advanced Oil Painting with Matt Kania

    • 01 Apr 2025
    • 22 Apr 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St)
    • 1
    Register



    Advanced Oil Painting with Matt Kania

    Tuesdays (4 sessions)

    April 1–22

    5:30pm–8:30pm

    DAI Lincoln Park Building

    2229 W 2nd Street

    Ages 18+

    $190 ($210 Non-Member)

    Registration Deadline: March 24


    Focus on becoming a better oil painter, exploring different ways to begin and moving through the stages of painting. Learn how to maintain a vision for your work throughout the messy process of painting.

    Topics for this class include: 

    • Color relativity
    • Seeing and matching colors
    • Using palette knives, brushes and rags
    • Methods for glazing in layers of color
    • When to use techniques like grisaille, impasto, bravura, and sgraffito 

    Previous painting experience is recommended, but all levels of painting skill are invited.

    Supply list will be provided upon registration.

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  • BAM Birkenstein Art movement (Duluth Public Library)

    • 03 Apr 2025
    • 22 May 2025
    • 8 sessions
    • Duluth Public Library 520 W Superior St.
    • 0
    Registration is closed


    BAM Birkenstein Art Movement (Duluth Public Library)

    (Gold room)

    Thursdays (8 sessions) 

    April 3–May 22

    5:00pm–7:00pm

    (6:15pm–8:00pm on 4/24 and 5/22)


    Duluth Public Library 

    520 W Superior St.

    Grade 7

    FREE (Please register here on the website)


    The Birkenstein Art Movement (BAM) for 7th graders is a project inspired by civil rights leader Jean Birkenstein. The goal of BAM is to use the creative process as a tool to support individualized learning.

    Hosted weekly in the "Gold room" of the Duluth Public Library, the program is provided at no cost to participants. The session runs from 5-7pm. This is an ideal opportunity for students to delve into their creative interests while gaining leadership experience. We are also happy to compensate participants fuel cost for transportation. (Available on request)

    Middle schoolers explore disciplines such as ceramics, multimedia, painting, sketching, photography, and murals while also learning the difference between social movements, social activism, and protests. Each year, the program offers different opportunities for students to showcase their growth and achievements. Past projects have included presentations, exhibitions, and even a visit to city hall.

     This program is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board

    Questions? Please email jswitters@dulutthartinsttitute.org


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  • Independent Study in Clay with Sheila Staubus

    • 12 Apr 2025
    • 07 Jun 2025
    • 8 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    Independent Study in Clay with Sheila Staubus

    Saturdays (8 sessions) 

    April 12–June 7 (No Class Memorial weekend May 24)

    Registration Deadline: April 1st


    10:00am–12:30pm

    DAI Lincoln Park Building 

    2229 W. 2nd St. 

    Ages 16+

    $285 ($330 Non-Member)


    Join us in creative clay work this spring!  We will have 7 weeks for making wet work.  Class will end with a gas cone 10 firing and an electric cone 7 firing.  Previous clay experience required.


    Students are encouraged to work outside of the arranged class time. The studio is open 7 days a week depending on clay studio monitor availability. All students will be given a monitor schedule. 

    Previous clay experience required. Structured for exploring techniques to create functional pottery, but students are welcome to explore other interests as well.


     


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  • Art Drop-Off Day - Annual Member Show

    • 23 Apr 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • DAI Downtown Galleries, US Bank Building, 130 W Superior St, Suite 400, Duluth, MN, 55802

    DAI member artists participating in the 2025 Annual Member Show must bring their artwork to the DAI Downtown Galleries during Art Drop-Off Day in order to be featured in the exhibition.

    Wednesday, April 23, 2025

    9:00am–6:00pm

    US Bank Building, 130 W Superior St, Suite 400, Duluth, MN, 55802

    Want to volunteer? Sign up here.

    BEFORE YOU DROP OFF YOUR WORK, PLEASE:

    • Make sure your DAI membership is active
    • Register online prior to dropping your art off
    • Plan to take any packing materials with you—we can not store it for you

    Review Annual Member Show details & register online

    How to get to the DAI Downtown Galleries

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  • Adventure Club Watercolor with Lin Rose

    • 28 Apr 2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St)
    • 10
    Register


    Adventure Club Watercolor with Lin Rose

    Monday

    April 28th, 2025

    5:30pm–7:30pm

    DAI Lincoln Park Building

    2229 W 2nd Street

    Ages 16+

    $60


    Meet your instructor: https://www.instagram.com/linnaea_borealis_rose/

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  • Beginning Watercolor 2 with Linnaea Borealis Rose

    • 05 May 2025
    • 23 Jun 2025
    • 8 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St)
    • 4
    Register


    Beginning Watercolor 2 with Linnaea Borealis Rose

    Mondays (8 sessions)

    May 5–June 23, 2025

    6:00pm–8:00pm

    DAI Lincoln Park Building

    2229 W 2nd Street

    Ages 16+

    $190 ($220 Non-Member)

    Registration Deadline: April 28, 2025

    Expanding on Beginning Watercolor 1, students will learn how to plan a medium-sized composition. Beginning and intermediate painters are welcome. Completion of Beginning Watercolor 1 is not a requirement. 

    Meet your instructor: https://www.instagram.com/linnaea_borealis_rose/

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  • Annual Member Show Reception & DAI Member Meeting

    • 08 May 2025
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • DAI Downtown Galleries, US Bank Building 4th Floor, 130 W Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802
    • 336
    Register


    Annual Member Show Reception & DAI Member Meeting

    Thursday, May 8, 2025

    5:00–8:00pm

    DAI Downtown Galleries

    US Bank Building, 4th Floor

    130 W Superior St, Suite 400

    All Ages

    Free

    Want to volunteer? Sign up here.

    About the Annual Member Show

    The DAI Annual Member Show (AMS) showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions and mediums. From vibrant paintings and drawings to photography, ceramics, and fiber art, this group exhibition features approximately 250 unique pieces, celebrating the immense talent and creativity of the DAI member artists.

    During the reception, guests will vote for the People’s Choice Award, which is announced and awarded the same evening. This event also serves as our Annual Members meeting where DAI members may vote on the Board of Director officers and welcome new members.

    Want to submit work to the Annual Member Show? Details and submission here. Submissions open March 7.

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  • May Free ArtDAI

    • 17 May 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • DAI LinDAI Lincoln Park Building, 2229 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55806coln Park Building, 2229 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55806
    Register

    Saturday, May 17, 2025
    1:00pm–4:00pm
    All Ages
    FREE

    VOLUNTEER TO HELP WITH A CRAFT HERE

    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.

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  • Art Pick-Up Day - Annual Member Show

    • 10 Jun 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • DAI Downtown Galleries, US Bank Building, 130 W Superior St, Suite 400, Duluth, MN, 55802

    DAI member artists participating in the 2025 Annual Member Show must pick up their artwork to the DAI Downtown Galleries during Art Pick-Up Day. Please bring any needed packing materials with you. 

    Tuesday, June 10, 2025

    9:00am–6:00pm

    US Bank Building, 130 W Superior St, Suite 400, Duluth, MN, 55802

    Want to volunteer? Sign up here.

    Review Annual Member Show details & register online

    How to get to the DAI Downtown Galleries

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  • BAM Summer Camp

    • 16 Jun 2025
    • 20 Jun 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 0



    BAM Summer Camp

    Monday–Friday (Five sessions)

    June 16–20, 2025

    9:00am–4:00pm 

    7th Grade

    FREE

    The Birkenstein Art Movement (BAM) for 7th graders is a project inspired by civil rights leader Jean Birkenstein. The goal of BAM is to use the creative process as a tool to support individualized learning.

    Hosted daily at the Lincoln Park Building of the DAI, the program is provided at no cost to participants. The session runs from 9am-4pm. This is an ideal opportunity for students to delve into their creative interests while gaining leadership experience. We are also happy to compensate participants fuel cost for transportation. (Available on request)

    Middle schoolers explore disciplines such as ceramics, multimedia, painting, sketching, photography, and murals while also learning the difference between social movements, community engagement, and protest. Each year, the program offers different opportunities for students to showcase their growth and achievements. Past projects have included presentations, exhibitions, and even a visit to city hall.


    Pick up is at 4pm


    Please fill out the release and Permission Form attached here. All Campers will need this form on file to participate. Completed forms can be emailed to jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org prior to the first day of camp, or printed and returned on first day of camp.


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  • SUMMER CAMP | Mystical Magical Me with Mx. Rose

    • 23 Jun 2025
    • 27 Jun 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 0
    Join waitlist



    Mystical Magical Me with Mx. Rose

    Monday–Friday (Five sessions)

    June 23–27 2025

    9:00am–4:00pm 

    Ages 9-13

    $240 ($290 Non-Member)

    Explore the art journey of telling stories through different methods of children's illustration with local artist and teacher Mx. Rose. Youths will explore fantasy art in different art mediums: paper-cutting art, sword and wand building, pastel etchings, watercolor painting, and line drawing. Each medium will be focused on the theme of the day: "Castle in the Sky" with watercolor, "Fantasy Self Portrait" in pastel etching, and more.


    Pick up is at 4pm


    Please fill out the release and Permission Form attached here. All Campers will need this form on file to participate. Completed forms can be emailed to jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org prior to the first day of camp, or printed and returned on first day of camp.


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  • SUMMER CAMP | DIY Room Decor with Tiffany Fenner

    • 07 Jul 2025
    • 11 Jul 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 10
    Register


    SUMMER CAMP | DIY Room Decor with Tiffany Fenner

    Monday–Friday (5 sessions)

    July 7–11

    1:00pm–4:00pm

    Ages 9–12

    $160 with Family Membership ($200 Non-Member)

    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 beads. Come personalize your room with art!


    Please arrive at 1:00pm each day at the Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55806). Your instructor will meet you each day at the entrance on 23rd Ave W.

    Pickup is at 4:00pm.

    Please fill out the release and Permission Form attached here. All campers will need this form on file to participate. Completed forms can be emailed to jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org prior to the first day of camp, or printed and returned on first day of camp.


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  • SUMMER CAMP | Soft Sculpture, Character Design, and Comics with Lauren Faherty

    • 28 Jul 2025
    • 01 Aug 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • DAI Lincoln Park Building (2229 W. 2nd St.)
    • 11
    Register


    Soft Sculptures with Lauren Faherty

    Monday–Friday (5 sessions)

    July 28–August 1

    9:00am–Noon

    Ages 13–17

    $160 with Family Membership ($200 Non-Member)

    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 sewing, and incorporate storytelling through comics and graphic drawing.


    Please arrive at 9:00am each day at the Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building (2229 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55806). Your instructor will meet you each day at the entrance on 23rd Ave W.

    Pickup is at 12:00pm

    Please fill out the release and Permission Form attached here. All Campers will need this form on file to participate. Completed forms can be emailed to jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org prior to the first day of camp, or printed and returned on first day of camp.


    Show details

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, 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.

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 

Depot events- Accessible parking is available on Michigan Street and in the pay lots to either side of the Depot. An elevator to all floors is available in the Depot. 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, camp, or workshop, contact Jesse Switters jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org.

Registration for the Birkenstein Art Movement (BAM) please contact Jesse Switters jswitters@duluthartinstitute.org 








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