Art Club Returns to the Walker for a Fall Season of Free Thursday Night Creativity
Popular weekly program invites visitors of all experience levels to experiment, connect, and create together
This fall, the Walker Art Center invites visitors to make something, try something new, and connect with others through Art Club, a free Thursday night series designed for adults, centered on creative experimentation and community.
Beginning in September, Art Club offers a new artistic adventure each Thursday, with activities ranging from acrylic painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and zines to photography, poster design, and unconventional approaches to art-making. Designed for all skill levels, the workshops welcome seasoned artists, first-time makers, and anyone curious to explore a new medium in a relaxed group setting.
Art Club has become a popular part of the Walker’s Free Thursday Nights, with participants frequently sharing how meaningful it feels to create alongside others and learn from artists in a communal environment.
“Art Club has grown and evolved over the last four years, a great (and unexpected) perk of communal crafting! We have realized how many people are craving a safe and inspiring place to gather in community. Many participants tell us they appreciate having a chance to step away from their phones, stop thinking about the news for a while, and make something with their hands instead of doomscrolling.” Says Manager of Public Engagement Sophia Reed.
Events regularly feature local guest artists, community collaborators, and public workshops that encourage social connection, creative exchange, and skill-sharing.
Rather than emphasizing formal artistic training, Art Club creates space for creative freedom and discovery. Participants are encouraged to experiment, follow their curiosity, and engage with materials and ideas in unexpected ways. Past and upcoming activities span ceramics, acrylics, weaving, zines, cosplay, music sampling, and more.
Each Thursday offers a fresh opportunity to discover a new process, meet fellow makers, and experience art as something to participate in—not simply observe.
Art Club: Polaroid Photo Albums
Thursday, September 17, 5–8 pm
Art Lab
Make your memories even sweeter by collecting them in a one-of-a-kind photo album, customizable with a variety of papers, tapes, stickers, and other found objects. Bring your own photos or take new Polaroids with the cameras provided.
Thursday, September 24, 5–8 pm
Walker Art Center
The Walker’s inaugural Neighborhood Night features events and activities designed and led by members of the Whittier community. In partnership with the Whittier Alliance, a neighborhood association, join us for a night of hands-on art-making, activities, community, and resource sharing.
Analog Connections with Present Company
Thursday, October 1, 5–8 pm
Walker Art Center
Not virtual. Not over the phone. Not through a screen. St. Paul’s analog activists Present Company invite you to unplug and embrace connection during this night of in-person art-making, exploring analog tech, retro games, and conversations about fashion and how trends naturally evolve and cycle back over time.
Thursday, October 8, 5–8 pm
Online registration opens two weeks prior to event.
Walker Art Center
Grab a drink and get ready to channel your inner sculptor. Discover your personal style using the versatile medium of cardboard. Seventy-five-minute workshop sessions, led by Walker educators with expertise in cardboard sculpture, will begin at 5 pm and 6:30 pm.
Thursday, October 15, 5–8 pm
Cargill Lounge
Zines return to the Walker! Peruse our collection of magazines and art books to copy, clip, and create your own pocket-sized zine. Use one of our pre-made templates or build your own booklet.
Art Club: Open Studio–Jewelry Making
Thursday, October 22, 5–8 pm
Art Lab
Whether you need to mend a chain, replace a charm, or explore an idea for a new set of funky earrings, come join our jewelry-making open studio! Bring existing projects or start something new at this communal crafting session. See where your creativity leads you or consult with one of the Walker’s trained educators for ideas and simple guidance.
Thursday, October 29, 5–8 pm
Art Lab
Cut and collage a curated social media profile for any person, place, or thing. The catch—you cannot use any images of that person, place, or thing! Despite all the careful consideration we put into our online presentation, can we really control how we’re perceived?
Thursday, November 5, 5–8 pm
Art Lab
Express yourself on a bigger scale in this a hands-on workshop exploring poster design. Inspired in part by the Walker Design Triennial: Beyond Materialism, this drop-in workshop is focused on form, function, and creativity.
Thursday, November 12, 5–8 pm
Art Lab
In this drop-in workshop, we’re getting experimental and using our bodies as paintbrushes. The challenge: Use any body part except your fingers! Will you use your elbow or knee as a palette knife? Your shoulder, heel, or toe as a sponge? The choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless. This activity is perfect for a fun date or night out with friends. Body paint is water-based and nontoxic.
Thursday, November 19, 5–8 pm
Art Lab
Pinch, poke, and mold a mini clay masterpiece during this communal crafting session. A limited variety of air-dry clays and tools are available on a first-come, first-served basis. See where your creativity leads you or consult with one of the Walker’s trained educators for ideas and simple guidance.