New class and instructor!
Painting by Instructor Kelli Sweeney
Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
$110 member/$130 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies.
Program location: Farm at the Arb - McVay Learning Lab (in the Bee Center)
Adult 18+
All levels welcome
Class Overview:
Escape the Minnesota winter with a creative getaway inspired by vacation flowers and warm, tropical destinations. In this beginner-friendly watercolor workshop, you’ll paint vibrant blooms from the Caribbean, Mexico and other sun-filled locales while exploring color, form and the joy of relaxed creative expression. Guided by artist Kelli Sweeney, this class offers a welcoming space to slow down, paint and be inspired by the beauty of warm-weather flowers.
Bring a photo from a favorite vacation or choose from the instructor’s curated collection of tropical floral references. Whether you follow guided examples or create your own interpretation, you’ll be supported throughout the process.
In this class you will:
- Learn and practice beginner and foundational watercolor techniques.
- Paint vibrant tropical flowers from reference.
- Explore and discover your personal painting style.
- Learn about a featured “vacation flower,” including its history, background and personal significance to the instructor.
- Choose your own painting path — bring a vacation flower photo, select a reference provided by the instructor, or follow a guided floral painting option.
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.