St. Cloud Area School District 742 Community Education

If you want to leave a legacy for your family, reflect on life transitions, or begin writing your memoir, the Guided Autobiography method will help you get started. Using a thematic approach, participants write a short two-page story each week that gradually builds a personal memoir while stirring meaningful memories. Each session includes creative activities, writing tips, and helpful prompts centered on major life themes. Participants continue writing their stories at home and are invited to bring them back the following week to share in a safe and supportive environment. The Guided Autobiography method was developed by James Birren, a pioneer in gerontology research at the University of Southern California. Because the approach originated in an academic setting, it has been extensively studied and shown to help foster self-acceptance and a deeper sense of how one’s life has mattered. No writing experience is necessary. Enter door 1. “I started a memoir in 2021 but got stalled. I needed motivation and some new ideas and certainly got them in this class. As a bonus I gained some new friends” - GAB Student

Discover the art of beautiful writing in this hands-on beginner calligraphy class. Learn the fundamentals of modern calligraphy from the start with perfecting how to hold your pen and form letters to crafting balanced, eye-catching compositions. Through guided practice, you'll develop your stroke and lettering skills and then apply them to create a finished art piece to proudly take home. Enter door 1.

Inspired by viral art videos, this class taps into the wild, expressive side of art-making by using tree branches dipped in black paint to strike a canvas and create bold, abstract works. Class will start by gathering branches before heading inside to experiment on canvas boards. Then you'll unleash your creativity on a pre-primed 16” x 20” canvas to make a one-of-a-kind statement piece. Please wear appropriate clothes for painting.

At this trendy art class, you'll learn how to make abstract art by placing dots of paint in different patterns onto a canvas and using a squeegee to blend the color. Each participant will have the opportunity to practice first on multiple small canvas boards before making their own larger creation on a 16” x 20” canvas. Please wear appropriate clothes for painting.