Craft, Connect, and Celebrate at Arts Night in the Pub

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Northern Prairie Arts (NPA) is launching a diverse series of “Create Classes” this spring, offering residents the chance to explore everything from cutting-edge technology to the craft of a perfect cocktail.

Ralph Wamsher of NPA recently shared the upcoming schedule during a “community first” interview on Northeast Radio SD, emphasizing the organization’s mission to provide events that are both “creative and fun.”

Writing in the Digital Age

The season kicks off on Saturday, January 31, with “A.I. ~ Your Unpredictable Writing Buddy”. Held at Lake Area Technical College (LATC), the workshop features local author KT Webb, who has written numerous books, including The Evolved and the Chicago Love Stories series.

The course is designed to help writers navigate the modern landscape of artificial intelligence without losing their unique voice.

·        Overcoming Block: The class teaches writers how to use AI to break through creative ruts and generate ideas.

·        Editing and Vocabulary: Sessions will cover how to use AI tools for editing and expanding vocabulary.

·        The “Anti-Hijack” Approach: Webb emphasizes using AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement, ensuring it doesn’t “hijack” the story.

Mixology and Heritage Crafts

In February and March, the focus shifts to hands-on, tactile arts:

·        Mixology 101: On Saturday, February 7, from 2–4 p.m., Patrick “The Jigger Engineer” Anderson will host a session at Dempsey’s ATY @ the Airport. Participants (age 21+) will learn to craft classic cocktails—many originally created to mask the taste of spirits during Prohibition—and will even get to step behind the bar to mix their own drinks.

·        Wood Carving 101: Starting March 3, NPA will host a three-night wood carving course on consecutive Tuesdays. Led by Steve Hunter of Toronto, SD, the class covers safety and basic techniques, with all tools provided in the registration cost.

Arts Night at the Pub

NPA’s long-standing tradition, Arts Night at the Pub, continues on the second Thursday of every month at Dempsey’s.

·        February Theme: The upcoming theme for February 12 is “Taking Flight,” inviting artists to submit works ranging from photography and painting to poetry and video that interpret the theme in any creative way.

·        March Guest: The March event will feature author Lisa Green (writing under the pen name Lisa M. Green), who will discuss her historical fiction and coming-of-age novels.

Registration for all events is open at northernprairiearts.org.

NPA remains a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to highlighting local artists and providing affordable cultural opportunities for all ages.

Detailed Event Summary

Event Title	Date & Time	Location	Key Details
A.I. Writing Class	Sat, Jan 31	LATC	Bring a laptop; it focuses on AI as a creative tool for writers.
Mixology 101	Sat, Feb 7 (2–4 pm)	Dempsey’s ATY	Age 21+; learn classic cocktail history and techniques.
Arts Night: “Taking Flight”	Thu, Feb 12 (6:30 pm)	Dempsey’s ATY	Open theme show; includes a variety of artistic mediums.
Wood Carving 101	March 3, 10, 17	TBD (Watertown)	3-night course with tools included; focuses on safety/skills.
Arts Night: Lisa Green	Thu, March 12 (6:30 pm)	Dempsey’s ATY	Author discussion on historical and contemporary stories.