Looking for something fun and interesting during the winter?

The Austin Area Art Center will hold the class “Creating a Paper Dragon Puppet” for youth from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7.

The class will offer a brief history of the Chinese New Year celebration and the importance of the dragon in Chinese culture. Students will learn rendering techniques and tips for juxtaposing colors to create interesting effects using watercolor pencils for the head, tail and legs of the dragon.

Origami will be used for the accordion style body incorporating recycled materials. Using paper construction techniques, students will embellish and assemble their personalized dragon. This program is suitable for students in fourth-grade and older. Contact the Austin Area Art Center at 433-8451 or stop in at the Oak Park Mall to register for the class instructed by Kim Finnegan.

The cost of this class is $12, so register soon to reserve a spot. The supplies needed are watercolor pencils. The rest will be provided.

A charming class

A charming class is coming to the Austin Area Art Center.

A charm bracelet making class will be held 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 21 at the Art Center in Oak Park Mall.

The class will teach basic techniques for making a charm bracelet. The charms will be handmade with either craft or copper wire, so there are a few basic tools needed to complete this project. The beads, wire, and other materials will be supplied; however, people can bring special beads to incorporate into a bracelet.

The class is open to ages 9 to adult. The cost is $25, plus a $5 material fee.

To reserve a spot, come to the Center during regular business hours, Wednesday through Sunday noon to 4 p.m. or call the Center at 507-433-8451.

A list of supplies is available at the Art Center. Payment is required to ensure a space in the class.