New class and instructor!
Painting by Instructor Kelli Sweeney
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
$110 member/$130 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies.
Registration coming soon.
Program location: Farm at the Arb - McVay Learning Lab (in the Bee Center)
Adult 18+
All levels welcome
Class Overview:
Explore the surprising beauty of poisonous plants in this beginner-friendly watercolor workshop. While these plants are known for their toxicity, they also offer striking forms, rich color and fascinating stories from history and folklore. Guided by artist Kelli Sweeney, you’ll learn foundational watercolor techniques while painting these captivating species.
Choose a guided painting or follow your own creative direction using provided references and inspiration materials. This relaxed, supportive class is designed to help you build confidence in watercolor while discovering a new perspective on some of nature’s most intriguing plants.
In this class you will:
- Learn and practice beginner and foundational watercolor techniques.
- Paint botanical subjects inspired by poisonous plants.
- Discover and explore your personal painting style.
- Explore the mythological and historical stories and usage of specific painting samples sure to garner interest and excitement for the beauty of poisonous plants.
- Choose your own painting path — pick your own unique plant to explore your style or follow one of a few visually-guided plant painting options.
All Supplies Included:
The instructor will provide two technique painting practice sheets, one 9"x12" sheet of cold pressed watercolor paper, brushes, paint palettes, watercolor paints, book materials, image inspiration and individual support and guidance.
Instructor Bio:
Kelli Sweeney is a Minnesota-based artist and instructor with more than 10 years of experience painting plants and teaching watercolor. She formerly co-owned Wild Botanical Atelier, an art company focused on Minnesota native wildflowers and has completed commissions for Itasca State Park. Her artwork has been featured by retailers including Natural Light, Clean Haven Naturals, and Minnesota Made Apparel. Kelli has taught workshops throughout Minnesota and enjoys helping beginners build confidence while developing their own artistic style. In her free time Kelli enjoys playing sand volleyball, going to book club, playing violin/viola, volunteering as a Master Gardener in Sherburne County, Minnesota and watching her three children and husband play hockey.
Book Recommendations: "Wicked Plants" by Amy Stewart, "The Goth Garden" by Felicia Feaster and "Botanical Curses and Poisons" by Fez Inkwright
We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.
Address: Farm at the Arb Entrance Gate
If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Myers Education Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.