MURDER MYSTERY at AFTON HOUSE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026 9:15-9:30 a.m. Arrive at the Eisenhower Community Center and meet your host for check-in at the front entrance Welcome Desk. 9:45 a.m. Leave from the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins, MN. The bus should park in front of door A. 11:00 a.m. Arrive in the tiny village of Afton, MN at the historic Afton House Inn overlooking the St. Croix River Valley where you will be seated in the Wheel Room or Pennington Room. This modern property is filled with antique ambiance. Upon arrival, guests will receive their parts for the murder mystery play. In the process of removing suspicion from yourself, you question or point to others with motive and opportunity. During this two hour of non-stop laughter and mystery solving you will be served a luncheon. (You can be an onlooker or participant in solving the mystery.) Menu: Rosemary Roasted Pork Loin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, a Rosemary Demin Glaze, Fresh Vegetables, Rolls & Butter, Coffee or Hot Tea, Dessert. 1:00 p.m. After the mystery is solved, take a few minutes to look around this delightful property. If rooms are not occupied, visitors are able to view the unique rooms furnished with heritage pieces and decorated with cozy amenities. 1:30 p.m. Leave Afton. 2:45 p.m. Estimated return time to Hopkins *Theme-appropriate costumes are welcome, though not required!

Create a needle felted spirit doll out of wool roving. Learn to use felting needles, core wool, and colorful felt batting to make a great addition to your fall decor.

Have you ever wanted to experience the joy of painting with oils but been afraid to try? Then this class is for you. You will create a beautiful Oil Painting on an 8 x 10 inch canvas following step-by-step instructions all while learning about the paints and other tools needed to create an oil painting. All supplies are provided. Note: Please bring a box to bring your painting home in at the end of class as oil paints remain wet for a long time.

Have you ever wanted to experience the joy of painting with oils but been afraid to try? Then this class is for you. You will create a beautiful Oil Painting on an 8 x 10 inch canvas following step-by-step instructions all while learning about the paints and other tools needed to create an oil painting. All supplies are provided. Note: Please bring a box to bring your painting home in at the end of class as oil paints remain wet for a long time.

Enjoy a Fun-Filled Non-School Day at Multi-Sport Camp This exciting camp offers skill training and games in three sports: soccer, basketball, and flag football. Athletes will spend about one and a half hours on each sport, taking part in fun instructor-led activities and games. The day will also include other popular games like kickball, capture the flag, wiffle ball, dodgeball, and more. Please have your athlete bring two snacks, a lunch, and a water bottle to stay energized throughout the day.

View the night sky through the Lawrence Sauter telescope located inside the Observatory Dome atop the Eisenhower Community Center. View stars, planets, and more with an experienced guide. The dome-enclosed telescope provides a spectacular view of the night sky. Part of the class takes place outdoors, so please dress accordingly for weather. Visitors with physical disabilities who cannot climb the steep staircase up to the observatory are still very welcome to visit the observatory program and take part in the classroom portion of the event.

Learn the time-honored tradition of oil painting in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. Explore color, value, paint application, design and composition in this most forgiving medium. We will also look at the work of other artists for inspiration and techniques in art-making. All levels are welcome, whether you are just starting out, continuing, or returning to oil paints. Supply List (Note: Please purchase supplies no sooner than 5 days before class, in case of cancellation due to low enrollment) Oil Colors-- Cadmium Yellow Medium Cadmium Red Light Alizarin Crimson Ultramarine Blue Thalo Blue Thalo Green Viridian Burnt Sienna Burnt Umber Yellow Ochre Titanium White (large tube) Bristle Brushes Flat #8, Filbert #6, Round #2 Small container of Gamsol or other Odorless Mineral Spirits Container with lid for solvent Palette Knife with offset handle Palette -Masterson 12" x 16" with lid and paper liners Stretched Canvases--1 to 2 per class

In this course we will continue to explore different painting techniques, working on our perceptions and having a lot of fun! There will be lectures and time for guided practice while focusing on how the formal elements of painting such as composition, color and value can be used to create a skillful painting. Lectures will continue to analyze historical and contemporary paintings to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of oil painting. During guided practice students will receive demonstrations and direct recommendations which introduce a wide variety of approaches that can be used to enhance the quality of their work. Intended for beginning and intermediate-level students. Note: A suggested supply list will be sent 7-10 days before the first class.

Take your artistic journey to the next level in this comprehensive 8-week advanced workshop. Designed for returning students, this course bridges the gap between classical still-life painting and the exciting challenge of portraiture. Throughout the session, we will split our focus to master two major genres: Still Life: We will continue to refine our realistic techniques in painting stationary subjects. Portraiture: Students will transition to painting from a live model, learning how to apply their color theory knowledge to create luminous, realistic skin tones. To support our studio work, each session will include visual presentations and lectures. We will explore the structural anatomy of the human face to ensure accuracy in our portraiture. We will also analyze master paintings to see how color chemistry has evolved throughout history.

If you are currently taking a pottery class through Hopkins Community Education at any level of experience, join us at Open Pottery Studio on Saturdays to work on a piece from class or on a personal project. Use your own clay from your class or purchase additional clay from the attending instructor for $40 (check or exact cash). While our instructors supervise the open studio for the hours of 9:30-12:30, no instruction is provided. We need a minimum of 3 students registered for a particular Saturday session to run, so if you want to participate, you can help instructors and students by registering before Noon on the Thursday before the Saturday session that you want to attend. No Drop-Ins.

Join us for an ornament making party! We will set up 4 stations, each with a different ornament to make. Your child will be creating an adorable snowman ornament, an ornament inspired by that famous reindeer with the red nose, and so much more! Please pack a nut-free snack and drink for your child each day.