Teaching is a big part of my art practice, and I love working with students in group settings and one-on-one.

I am currently scheduling teaching and speaking engagements for 2026-2027.

My Teaching Philosophy

My aim is to take the mystery out of art-making, instilling confidence in you as you practice exercising your creativity and trying new skills. This includes helping you think about the skills you want to learn, and even how to dedicate even a little more time to making art in your every day life. We do this by embracing experimentation, play, and intuition.

My biggest influence, as an artist and an educator, is Sister Corita Kent. Close behind her is inspiring educator Lynda Barry and expert feedback facilitator Liz Lerman.

I have over twenty years of experience as an artist and teacher. My first lessons in making things were at home as a kid, where I learned to sew my own clothes in 4H. I studied traditional printmaking (relief, intaglio, litho) in college, and soon after began letterpress printing and screen printing. I started quilting when my friends started getting married. I have an MFA in Studio Art from the University of Texas.

Past and current teaching includes: Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, North House Folk School, Austin Center for Book Arts, University of Texas at Austin.

Can’t wait for a class?
I also offer private and small group instruction.

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Ways to Work with Me

Artist Talk

A classic but quirky slide talk about my life and work as an artist. I give a general overview of how I came to be an artist, my influences, favorite processes, and what it’s really like to be a single woman artist in 2025. 60 minutes: 30-45 minute lecture, time for Q&A. Virtual: $200, In-person: $250 plus travel expenses outside the Twin Cities metro area.

Visiting Critic

I come to your class, art guild or group and give feedback about works in progress or completed work. My critique process is: informed by Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process, and rooted in kindness and generosity. This can be combined with an artist talk. Contact me for rates.

Lectures and Workshops

  • I will share about my life and work as a sewist and quilter.

    60 minutes: 30-45 minute lecture, time for Q&A. Virtual: $200, In-person: $250 plus travel expenses outside the Twin Cities metro area.

    • You Have Everything You Need: How an affirmation about studio supplies became a life motto

    • Swedish Quilts Up Close: Learn about the two years I spent at an artist residency, making quilts and studying the work of Åsa Wettre, author of Old Swedish Quilts, and the trip I took to Sweden to see part of her collection in person.

    Interested in a longer, hands-on experience or workshop for your guild? Send me a message.

  • With a background in traditional printmaking, letterpress printing, color theory, and textiles, I bring a wealth of knowledge to your craft school, community organization, or other group. I have been teaching for over twenty years and I have a passion for helping students build skills and confidence with materials and processes that will serve them far beyond the container of class—in a way that welcomes and de-mystifies.

    Workshop length and focus is flexible and can be adapted for your audience. I love teaching tried-and-true workshops, developing new variations, and creating customized classes from scratch.

    Popular classes include:

    • Essentials of Sewing

    • Nothing New: Make a Quilt from Old Clothes

    • Color and Composition for Book Arts

    • Color Theory for Quilters

    • Braid a Wool Rug

    • Spirals, Stars, and Snails: Braided-in cotton rugs

  • I also offer private and small group lessons and creative consulting by the hour. These typically take place over Zoom, but can also be in person.

    This is perfect for you if:

    • You are looking for one-on-one instruction at a time that works for you.

    • You are hoping to start, re-start, or otherwise tend to your creative practice.

    • I can also work with small groups of friends, family, or coworkers interested in working on a project together or learning the same techniques or skills—essentially we can make a class just for you!

    Rates: $80/hour, one hour minimum. $350/five hours, paid in advance

    Contact me for small group rates. Additional fees apply for travel outside the Twin Cities metro area.

    Contact me to schedule.

  • “Laura’s leadership in group settings is unparalleled. She combines direct communication with humor and heart. She demonstrates technical processes with ease. Laura builds scaffolding around creative conversations, allowing participants to reach the depths required for (self) discovery.”

    –Erin M.

  • “Laura Brown balances a deep well of knowledge and technical mastery of her craft while embracing an intuitive and playful approach AND a keen eye for detail. She is a delight!”

    –Laura W.

  • “Laura is so approachable. Her delivery/style puts one at ease, resulting in more engagement.”

  • “Laura’s sense of color and form is whimsical and joyful. Her artwork always brings a smile while delivering a heartfelt message.”