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.

In this workshop, we will discuss the basic "building blocks" of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as how these genres can combine and overlap to create new hybrid-genre works. Students will be invited to pursue a common question or topic across their writing in multiple genres if they like, or explore each one with a unique idea in mind. Stretch your creative muscles in this workshop where fun, introspection, and experimentation are encouraged. Students will need writing supplies of their choice.

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.

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.

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. 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.

This class is a continued exploration of games designed to help students revive their ability to play and have fun. Games focus on the skills of communication, 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.

Discover the living cultures of the coastal and plateau tribal groups in the Pacific Northwest and all that they have to offer to this region. In this class we will learn about ancient tribal traditions as well as current ones. Through stories, tribal voices, and experiential activities we will examine how tribal perspectives can differ from our modern culture.

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.

Take a journey through the early modern period in architectural history - from the monumental stature of neo-classical manors to the fantastical sculptures of art nouveau gardens. 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 define 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.

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.

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.

Please join us as we continue our study of Washington geology! Geologic Tales of Washington will build on the geologic story we have been teasing out of Washington's landscape in previous courses. This course is designed to appeal to people new to geology as well as to students who have attended previous classes in this course series. There will be something new for everyone!

Topics discussed will include evolving plate tectonic models, a deeper dive into our glacial history, more on Washington's earthquakes, and new thoughts on Washington's mountain ranges including the beautiful volcanic cones of our Cascades.

This course is designed to help students tap into their life experiences and transform them into compelling stories. Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a unique approach to writing memoirs that combines the power of guided reminiscence with writing exercises. Whether you are a seasoned writer, or just starting out, GAB offers a structured, supportive environment to explore your memories, reflect on your life and create meaningful narratives.

Creative writing can spark new ideas, serve as a powerful vehicle for self-reflection, and sharpen our attention to the world. In this class, we'll read short works together in class that invite discussion of the basic "building blocks" of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction (as well as theatrical scripts and comics/graphic narratives, time allowing), then write new work in response to generative prompts.

We'll discuss a few unique approaches to finding inspiration and breaking through writer's block, too. All levels of experience are welcome. If you're exploring creative writing for the first time or looking to invigorate an existing practice, this class should have something to offer you.

This class is a continued exploration of games designed to help students revive their ability to play and have fun. Games focus on the skills of communication, 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.

Through life's ups and downs, poetry can be a valuable companion, whether you are reading it or writing it. In this class, students will do both. By studying elements of craft such as metaphor, imagery, and theme, students will read both ancient and contemporary poems, discuss them together, and write new poems. No prior experience is necessary. If you've ever been curious about poetry and wanted to learn more in a welcoming and supportive environment, this class is for you.

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.