Experience Level: Beginner

Learn printmaking processes at Lino Cuts & Prints on Sunday, October 4 from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Mansion Library.

For a very long time, printmakers have transferred images from specially prepared plates to paper, fabric, wood and metal. In this workshop, instructor Billie Theide will help students learn to design, carve, prepare ink and transfer images to make unique works of art. Each student will get a toolkit that will enable them to continue to work at home.

$145/person. Registration will close September 27 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced; should have taken “Intro to Tarot” (ages 18+)

Expand your knowledge of tarot at Mystic Mondays: Advanced Tarot on Monday, Oct. 5 from 6-8 p.m. in the Mansion Library.

Instructor Charlie Rainbow Wolf will go deeper into the different types of tarot cards and spreads, offering more chances to learn different ways to read the cards.

$60/person*. Registration closes Sept. 28 or when the capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students should bring a notebook, pen, and a tarot deck of their choice. 

Experience Level: Beginner

Craft traditional witches' brooms using locally grown dried flowers and foraged materials at Besoms: A Witch’s Broom Workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Illinois Arboretum Shed.

Learn about the lore and history of besoms in the world of the occult and witchcraft. This is the perfect Halloween or fall activity! Students will take home their own handmade besom made from natural materials!

$65/person. Registration will close Sept. 29 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

Experience Level: Beginner

Learn about the art of stained glass at Intro to Stained Glass: Pumpkin on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in The Studio.

Instructor Kari Keller will teach students how to cut, shape and assemble a stained-glass pumpkin to take home. Grinding, fitting and soldering will be covered.

$100/person*. Registration will close Oct. 1 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students should wear closed-toe shoes. Safety glasses and gloves will be provided.

Experience Level: Beginner 

Learn the skills of improvisation, including scene creation and team dynamics at Improve Your Improv on Thursdays, Sept. 10 through Oct. 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Music Barn. 

Instructor Kyle Tasch returns to The Farms to teach this popular course, which will be jam-packed with improvisational fun that uses both short-form games and long-form scenes. 

This will not be a class to sit down, hear lectures, and take notes.  Students will be performing as much as possible to emphasize the mechanics needed to act out an entertaining and meaningful scene on the spot with no lines. There are many elements of improv that are not only useful on stage, but also in everyday life – wherever you might be put on the spot! 

Students who have already completed this class are welcome to join again. Beginners and those experienced in improv are all encouraged to join! 

$25/class. Registration will close two days before each class. 

— Sept. 10
— Sept. 17  
— Sept. 24  
— Oct. 1
— Oct. 8  
— Oct. 15 

Experience Level: All Levels (All Ages 15+) 

Step away from traditional fall décor and create a pumpkin bursting with personality at Pumpkin Mischief: Mixed Media Workshop on Sunday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in The Studio. 

In this fun and beginner-friendly mixed media workshop, students will create an expressive pumpkin on a 12" x 12" canvas while exploring a variety of creative techniques and materials. Using acrylic paints, Gelatos, Posca paint markers, and Mod Podge, you'll learn how to build vibrant color, add playful details, and create whimsical finishing touches. 

The pumpkin design will be pre-drawn on each canvas, making this class approachable for artists of all experience levels. Participants are welcome to follow the sample painting or customize their pumpkin with their own favorite colors and creative flair.

$115/person*. Registration will close Sept 11 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final. 

*All supplies will be provided 

Experience Level: Beginner

Learn about the process of making sourdough bread at Beginner Sourdough Breadmaking on Sundays, Sept. 27 or Oct. 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Mansion Kitchen and Carriage House. (Each class covers the same material.)

Instructor Hannah Fink will cover the basic biology of a ferment and what it means to a sourdough culture, how to mix sourdough, how to maintain a healthy starter in your home and the importance of baking with regionally grown grains. Students will also get hands-on experience as they learn to mix sourdough.

Prepared dough will be available to showcase baking and for students to prepare a snack toward the end of class. Students will take home their own jar of sourdough culture, a sample of gains from Janie’s Mill, as well as printouts of everything covered, simple recipes and a thorough list of resources.

$100/person. Registration will close 10 days before each course begins or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

Experience Level: Beginner

Create prints that mimic pen and ink drawings at Intaglio Printmaking on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 1 p.m. to 3:30pm p.m. in The Studio.

Local artist and art educator Sally Walsh will guide students as they create an Intaglio print. While printmaking usually involves an acid bath, oil-based inks and solvents, students will instead learn how to use all non-toxic and fumeless materials to accomplish the same result.

No prior drawing or printmaking experience is needed, but some hand strength is required to operate the press.

All participants will go home with at least one 5×7-inch print but may create more as time allows.

$60/person*. Registration will close Oct. 7 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students are welcome to bring pictures or drawing ideas for inspiration.