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This beginner level course will cover painting various subjects and themes in acrylics such as still life, landscape, floral, seascape, and many more. Students will learn skills such as loose brushstrokes, underpainting, layering, composition basics and mixing a strong color palette - all skills which they will be able to add to their own painting practice. Students will also learn to understand color values and temperature and to create depth and dimension in their acrylic paintings. Lessons on color mixing, compositional fundamentals and brush techniques will be covered.

This course introduces students to basic photographic principles and the use of cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment. There will also be a brief overview of the history of photography and the development of cameras and lenses over the last century. To better understand how cameras turn light into images there will be simple explanations and comparisons of how film cameras and digital cameras work.

Discussions will include basic composition concepts to enhance images. The course will conclude with information on image file handle and simple image manipulation with basic photo editing tools. Students will also have an opportunity to participate in a fun weekly photo assignment involving shooting a common theme and critiquing the results.

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.

Learn how to move and stay fit while traveling (or staying home) using just your body and simple, portable props! This fun travel fitness course will keep students moving wherever they go! Using simple, packable props (bands, balls, etc.) students will learn how to keep their body strong and flexible. Students will be guided through the process of learning how to utilize their travel & home environments to accomplish their fitness goals. This travel-themed Pilates workshop is available for all levels of experience.

Please bring a mat and wear stretchy clothes.

All props needed for this workshop will be provided in a Prop Bag.

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.

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.

For many, the world of black and white photography is another world. The rarified world of masters like Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Dorothea Lange and Imogen Cunningham. A time past, a time of film, not digital capture. Yes, another world, but not one out of reach for any photographer using any camera. Come explore the potential of black and white for your own photography. Gain inspiration by discussing the work of different masters in each class. Photograph weekly assignments in color, converting to black and white, and posting on Flickr.com for feedback. This class is hybrid, meeting on Zoom with two sessions in person on location for a photography shoot. For all skill levels using phones to mirrorless cameras.

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.