In Person Classes   

With recent rhetoric about a "51st state", what do you know about Canada, the amazing country to the north of us? This course will cover the history of British Columbia, placing it within the larger framework of Pacific Northwest history. Students will examine and compare U.S. and Canadian political structures and policies. It will also highlight cultural differences, including First Nations histories and perspectives. Learn about regional heroes, must-see natural wonders, historical landmarks, and unique culinary delights. There will be ample opportunities to share collective expertise and to engage in individual scholarship about all things Canadian.

Take a journey through the ancient and early Christian periods in architectural history - from the celestial significance of ancient ziggurats to the symbolic ordering of Byzantine mosaics. This course explores how architecture changed over centuries, shaped by shifting cultures, philosophies, and artistic ideals. Along the way, you'll look at key buildings that defined each era, get to know the ideas behind their appearances, and draw connections between structures that were built worlds apart.

By the end of the course, you'll have a solid understanding of the cultural backgrounds informing major architectural movements, be able to identify significant buildings and their symbolic features, and recognize how architecture from different times and places connected in surprising ways. No background in architecture is needed - just curiosity and an appreciation for the built world.

Discover how to use the natural world as both your canvas and co-creator during this in-person course. Perfect for beginners and nature lovers alike, this hands-on class teaches you alternative ways of observing and capturing local landscapes by tuning into natural patterns, colors, and textures. You will explore several art mediums (pencil, watercolor, sculpture) while creating unique physical projects, including temporary sculptures made from found items, intricate impressions, and painting. The course builds skills and works through sketching, drawing, and plein-air painting (watercolor) in the final sessions.

Ready to continue your colored pencil journey? This ongoing class is designed for returning students who wish to deepen their skills and explore new techniques in a supportive and inspiring environment. Through a series of carefully selected projects, students will strengthen their understanding of color, layering, texture, value, and composition while continuing to discover the joy of the creative process. As confidence and experience grow, students who wish to do so are welcome to bring their own reference photographs and receive individualized guidance tailored to their interests and skill level. Whether your passion lies in florals, landscapes, wildlife, portraits, still life, or abstract designs, this class offers a welcoming space to refine your technique, develop your own artistic voice, and enjoy the lifelong journey of creative expression.

Prerequisite: At least one semester of Exploring Colored Pencils.

We live in a world defined by materials, yet the items we touch every day remain a mystery. This visual and discussion-driven course pulls back the curtain on materials science. We will untangle the complexities of the global plastic problem, exploring the realities of recycling, composting, and waste management. Beyond sustainability, we will dive into the "hottest" technological innovations of our time, discovering why specific materials are chosen for life-saving medical implants, carbon-fiber drones, and Mars rovers.

Through interactive lectures and vibrant group discussions, we demystify the substances that shape our daily lives, empowering you to navigate the intersection of sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and future material discoveries.

Did you know that when you are completely immersed in your current action, you are meditating? Creating art is an example of an activity that teaches you how to focus on, and live in, the moment. Join us to experience the joy of creating amazing art with the humble but versatile medium of colored pencils. Learn simple tips, tricks and techniques for creating rich and vibrant artwork, which can be applied to all subjects including florals, still-life, landscapes, portraits, abstracts and more. No drawing experience or expertise necessary. Instruction will be tailored to suit each individual's skill level.

Sixty-seven years after the beginning of the Space Age there is a new resurgence of efforts to develop the resources of the domain John Kennedy called “this new ocean.” The exploration of space is now a global phenomenon, with many new players, both nation-states and commercial entities. This course will review the history of the first space age and what it portends for the second.

This games course is designed to help students with individual wellness, creativity, and both mental and physical stimulation in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Students will participate in improvisational games designed to enhance memory, engage with other students and explore movement. This course is accessible to students of all skills and abilities.

Qigong is a longevity practice dating back over 5,000 years that combines gentle movement, meditation and breathing. It has been practiced by emperors and peasants, yogis and gurus, and today can be found in longevity practices all over the world. This class is perfect for stress-reduction, improving balance, and connecting with the natural world and mature body. The class uses the YOQI method to introduce time-tested longevity practices.

This class is perfect for all levels and is designed to let you go at your own pace. We will explore the physical, mental and seasonal elements of aging and incorporate them into a weekly practice. This in-person movement class can be done standing, seated in a chair or on a cushion. Qigong is a gentle practice that requires no specialized training or equipment other than attuning to your own body and potential.

Required Form: All fitness/movement class students are required to complete the “Activity Release, Limitation of Liability and Assumption of Risk” form before participating the class. Please click Activity and Release, Limitation of Liability and Assumption of Risk to download the form and bring the completed form to the instructor on the first day of the class.

Step back into the remarkable Golden Age of Radio and discover how Big Band music and live variety shows helped shape American culture during the 1930s, 40s, and early 50s. This entertaining and informative lecture explores the rise of legendary orchestra leaders such as Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington, along with the unforgettable radio personalities, like Bing Crosby and Eddie Cantor who brought music, comedy, and drama into millions of homes each night. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how radio became America's first true mass entertainment medium, influencing popular music, humor, advertising, and family life. Through stories, rare audio clips, and historical insights, audiences will experience the excitement of live broadcasts, wartime programming, and the nationwide popularity of swing music. The lecture also examines how television and rock and roll eventually brought this extraordinary era to a close while leaving a lasting influence on entertainment today.

Myth is far more than an ancient story; it is a foundational framework passed down through generations to help humanity make sense of the world around them. Early cultures looked to these sacred narratives to unlock universal mysteries, explain natural phenomena and find harmony within their environment, and articulate moral truths. From the thunderbolts of Zeus to the grandeur of the Odysseus, Graeco-Roman mythology has shaped Western art, language, and culture. In this course, we will explore the world's most enduring divine stories; from cosmic creations and divine intrigues to heroic quests and the fragile boundary between mortals and gods, examining how classical and Roman cultures seamlessly intertwined art and mythology to mirror their deepest values, morals, and cultural identities.

This class is a continued exploration of games designed to help students revive their ability to play and have fun. Games focus on communication skills, listening, self-awareness and spontaneity. Activities are designed to enhance memory, engage other students and explore movement. This course is accessible to students of all skills and abilities.

Qigong is an ancient practice, originating over 5,000 years ago that combines movement, meditation, and nature. It has been a source for modern Tai Chi and gave yoga many of its meditative practices. This is a class perfect for the beginner to the seasoned practitioner. We will align with the natural world and modern triggers, using the YOQI method to learn time-tested breathing techniques, flows, and moving meditation practices. We will explore how to keep regulated in a world of constant change and technology and incoporate them into a weekly practice. This in-person movement class can be done standing, seated in a chair or on a cushion. Qigong is a gentle practice that requires no specialized training or equipment other than attuning to your own body and potential.

Required Form: All fitness/movement class students are required to complete the “Activity Release, Limitation of Liability and Assumption of Risk” form before participating the class. Please click Activity and Release, Limitation of Liability and Assumption of Risk to download the form and bring the completed form to the instructor on the first day of the class.

Explore the living cultures, histories, and contributions of the Coastal and Plateau tribal groups of the Pacific Northwest. In this course, students will learn about the enduring traditions of Native communities, from ancient practices to contemporary cultural expressions. Through tribal voices, stories, hands-on experiences, and experiential activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and how they may differ from dominant modern American culture.

The course highlights the rich cultural knowledge, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Native peoples to the Pacific Northwest. It also invites exploration into your own relationship with the land and provides resources for further exploration.

This course will begin with understanding basic camera functions and how to adjust camera settings. Students will learn the 3 principles of lens aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings to create quality images. Further instruction will include composition, lighting techniques, and camera handling to improve image quality. Lessons will become more advanced and build on the basics presented in previous sessions. Some of the more advanced topics will include Astro-photography (moon and stars), Macro-photography (extreme close-ups), dramatic lighting techniques, and other fun and interesting ways to create striking images. There will also be discussions about how to choose editing software, how to catalog and store images for easy retrieval and an overview of digital imaging technology and image file types.

Each class will have a suggested shooting idea for students to practice, sharing their results for review and critique with an online Flicker account. A camera with adjustable settings is recommended for the course. No books required. Presentation notes will be provided.

In this workshop, we will discuss the basic "building blocks" of poetry, such as imagery, metaphor, and theme. Together, we will read several contemporary poems, then write in response to open-ended prompts that balance structure and creative freedom. No prior experience with poetry is necessary, though seasoned writers are welcome as well.

By the end of the course, students will be able to write original poems that demonstrate an awareness of key elements of poetic craft, engage in thoughtful discussions about poetry while emphasizing appreciation and respect, and articulate an understanding of poetry's relevance and value in contemporary life. Students will need writing supplies of their choice.

This two lecture series traces the evolution of the singer-songwriter tradition - from the early pioneers of personal songwriting to the extraordinary explosion of influential artists during the 1960s and 70s. Along the way, the series explores how deeply personal music transformed popular culture, changed the recording industry, and continues to shape contemporary music today. The lectures combine historical background, artist profiles, classic recordings, cultural commentary, and rare stories behind many of the era's most memorable songs.

Learn how to turn a sketchbook into a creative journal filled with drawings, observations, and personal stories. This class explores urban sketching, nature studies, travel memories, food illustration, visual notetaking, composition, and mixed-media techniques using ink, markers, and colored pencils. Through demonstrations, exercises, and guided projects, students will create expressive sketchbook pages that combine images and text. Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, this course encourages observation, creativity, and the joy of recording everyday experiences.

Experience the joy of creating your own art by learning the basic steps of good design composition and the use of materials for painting with pastels in a welcoming, no-stress environment. Emphasis is placed on line, form, color, texture, and space as tools to improve composition skills. Learn how to use basic tools and different types of soft pastels, with an emphasis on creating your own materials from available components. Learn to select and prepare textured grounds and become familiar with the different types of pastels and tools. Learn how to layer and blend colors together to create beautiful, finished artwork.

This lecture traces the rise of surf bands from the beaches of Southern California to the top of the national music charts, exploring the artists, songs, and youthful spirit that defined the era. Attendees will hear the stories behind legendary performers such as Dick Dale, The Beach Boys, and Jan and Dean while learning how surf music reflected America's fascination with cars, beaches, freedom, and the California lifestyle. Through classic recordings, vintage visuals, and behind-the-scenes insights, the lecture also examines how the Beatles and the changing social climate of the mid-1960s brought the surf music craze to a sudden end. This lecture offers a lively journey into one of the most colorful and enduring chapters in rock-and-roll history.

This single lecture explores the fascinating evolution of Top 40 radio - from its explosive rise in the 1950s through its dominance during the rock-and-roll era, to the technological and cultural changes that eventually led to its decline. Attendees will discover how innovative programmers, legendary DJs, and powerhouse stations helped shape American popular culture and influenced generations of music listeners.

This lecture-based class examines the eastern Mediterranean world of the Bronze Age Minoans and Myceneans, Archaic and Classical Greece, and the Hellenistic societies emerging from Alexander the Great's conquests. We will explore archaeological remains, selections from ancient literature and philosophy, and modern scholarship all within the context of social, political, and cultural history.

The Evergreen State has experienced incredible geologic change since the breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia 750 million years ago. Dynamic Washington will lead you through the story of Washington's geologic evolution as the topography and landmass were changed by tectonic forces, volcanism, glaciers, earthquakes, and natural disasters.

We will learn how the timing and the sequence of geologic events led to the magnificent modern landscape of coastlines, mountains, and deserts we enjoy today. Join us this quarter as we embark on this fascinating geologic journey through time!

Discover the transformative power of Generative AI in this engaging course. Designed for both beginners and tech enthusiasts, this course provides an accessible introduction to the principles and practical applications of Generative AI. Students will explore how GenAI technologies such as ChatGPT, can enhance everyday tasks, from automating routine activities fostering creativity and improving decision-making processes.

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to integrate Generative AI into your daily routine, making life more efficient, creative, and enjoyable. Join us and embark on a journey to harness the full potential of GenAI in your everyday life! No prior technical knowledge or programming skills are required to participate. Basic computer and internet skills are helpful.

Designed especially for active retirees, this class focuses on building strength, improving balance, and enhancing everyday movement with confidence and ease. Led by an experienced Pilates instructor, each session offers clear guidance, supportive progressions, and plenty of options to meet you where you are.

Participants will learn foundational Pilates principles - posture, breathing, alignment, and core support - while gently strengthening the legs, hips, back, shoulders, and abdominal muscles. Special attention is given to balance, joint health, and functional movements such as standing, walking, reaching, and getting up and down safely.

Classes are mat-based and low-impact, with the use of chairs and simple props for added comfort and support. No prior Pilates experience is required. This course is ideal for students who want to stay strong, steady, and active - whether for daily life, hobbies, or travel - while enjoying a calm, encouraging community environment.

Please bring a mat and wear stretchy clothes.

Required Form: All fitness/movement class students are required to complete the “Activity Release, Limitation of Liability and Assumption of Risk” form before participating the class. Please click Activity and Release, Limitation of Liability and Assumption of Risk to download the form and bring the completed form to the instructor on the first day of the class.

This participative discussion class looks at national and international current affairs each week. Discussions include politics and other topic matters suggested by the group. Events are considered based on their effects today and into the future, historical context and leadership.