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- 3D Woodcarving Animals for Beginners
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
Whittling is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. In this hands-on class, beginners will learn essential techniques, from selecting wood and tools to making precise cuts. Over three sessions, students will create two charming animal carvings to treasure or gift, while mastering tool sharpening for razor sharp results. Discover the joy of whittling!
Instructor will provide two precut animal blanks, sandpaper, finishing oil, acrylic paint, and brushes to use in class.
Supplies List: Please bring the following items to class.
- FLEXCUT Detail Knife KN13
- Carving Glove
- Thumb Guard (Instructor recommendation: self-adhesive bandage wrap, 1-2 inches wide)
- Honing Strop
- Pencil
No class 10/13
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- Acrylic Painting: Create with Color and Design NEW!
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
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 acrylics 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, types of paint, brushes, mediums, and surfaces, with an emphasis on creating your own materials from available components. Learn to select and prepare canvas, understand which types of paint to use with different brushes and tools, and apply a variety of painting techniques.
Supply List:
- Acrylic paints: recommended are artist or professional grade acrylics such as Liquatex Basic, Golden Heavy Body, Utrecht, Daniel Smith, Grumbacher, Shiva, Hyplar, and similar brands that primarily come in tubes. Students can also use brands such as Artist's Loft or Master's Touch acrylic paint, or even the small 2 oz bottles of craft paint acrylics. Pretty much anything will do if you purchase a set of primary colors (black, white, red, blue, and yellow).
- Brushes: flat and round brushes for acrylic painting (synthetic or hog bristle) in variety of sizes - 3/4 inch wide, #6, #8, #10, round brush (size 2 or 4 for details), or your favorite brushes, including a fan brush. A starter set that includes a fan brush is recommended; students will be learning fan brush techniques along with all the others.
- Surfaces: canvas panels or stretched canvas: two measuring 9"X12" or 11"X14", or a canvas paper pad. Students will need approximately 20-25 sheets or boards to practice. Feel free to use whatever size or type you are comfortable with, but these sizes will be best for practicing your painting techniques.
- Water container (old cup or can)
- Pencil and eraser
- Rags or paper towels
- White paper plates or palettes or palette pads
No class 11/11 and 11/25
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- AI Filmmaking and Creative Video Generation NEW!
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
AI video generation is reshaping the landscape of independent filmmaking, post-production, and digital storytelling, making it easier than ever to translate concepts into moving images. However, easier does not always mean better, visually coherent, or ethically sound. Building on foundational concepts found in ecosystems like Gemini, this session introduces participants to the bleeding edge of AI filmmaking through Google Flow - Google's AI creative studio for creating, refining, and composing videos and stories - with specific attention to how the Veo model powers cinematic video generation.
The session focuses on responsible creative practice: balancing the efficiency of synthetic media with the human-centered judgment required for artistic integrity, copyright navigation, representation, and trust. Drawing extensively on the principles of AI Cinematic Realism, participants will explore how to evaluate AI-generated media beyond surface polish, focusing instead on visual coherence, temporal continuity, and emotional plausibility. Filmmakers, multimedia designers, and storytellers will leave with practical strategies for experimenting with generative video in ways that are thoughtful, transparent, and responsible.
Please bring your laptop to class. You will need to use at least one AI tool, such as Gemini, ChatGPT, Copilot, or Claude. For this class, Gemini is the preferred option.
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- Digital Photography Level 1 - Essentials
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
This introductory course provides a hands-on foundation in digital photography, focusing on the essential camera controls and concepts needed to create well-exposed, sharp, and intentional images. Students learn how aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, focus systems, depth of field, and lenses work together to control light, motion, and focus. Rather than learning camera-specific settings, students will develop a strong understanding of universal photographic principles that apply across all camera brands and systems.
Emphasis will be placed on technical fundamentals, enabling students to confidently operate any digital camera and prepare for more advanced photographic techniques. This course is designed for beginners and hobbyists seeking a solid technical foundation, preparing them to confidently move into advanced composition, creative storytelling, flash, or lighting techniques.
Students must have a digital camera and instruction manual with them for class.
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- Digital Photography Level 2 - Creative Techniques NEW!
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
Sharpen your photography skills through hands-on practice and creative exploration. Topics include white balance, capturing motion, night photography, depth of field, composition, flash photography, exposure overrides, and complex lighting techniques. Classroom sessions focus on camera techniques, shooting strategies, and constructive critiques of student work, helping students develop the skills to choose effective photographic solutions for a variety of situations.
A digital camera with adjustable aperture and shutter speed controls is required; advanced compact cameras are acceptable.
Prerequisites:
- Students should be able to shoot their camera in Program, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority modes. Student should have basic knowledge of secondary camera overrides, such as flash and exposure compensation.
- Digital Photography Level 1 or equivalent is encouraged.
Students must have a digital camera and instruction manual with them for class.
No class 10/13
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- Drawing Basics
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
Looking for a fun, informative and stress-free introduction to drawing? This class introduces the fundamentals of how to sketch and draw beginning with materials and equipment and then focusing on the five fundamentals of drawing: line, shape, value, edge, and perspective. Students will use common, everyday objects from which to draw beginning with single objects and adding complexity as the student develops competency and confidence. Class is a combination of lecture, demonstration and one-on-one feedback. Work at your own pace. No drawing skills or experience is required.
Supplies List
- Sketchbook 9"X12" spiral bound, medium or smooth surface
- One of each: 8B, 4B, 2B, B, HB, H, 2H, 4H
- White, Hi-Polymer eraser
- Kneaded eraser
- Pencil Sharpener
- Vine charcoal
No class 10/6, 10/13, and 11/10
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- Hand-Carved Wooden Jewelry NEW!
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
Transform wood into beautiful wearable art. In this class, students will carve, shape, and finish unique wooden jewelry including pendants, earrings, bracelets, and other small accessories. With a variety of design options to choose from, you'll create personalized handmade pieces that make meaningful keepsakes or one-of-a-kind gifts.
Supplies List: Please bring the following items to class.
- FLEXCUT Detail Knife KN13
- Carving Glove
- Thumb Guard (Instructor recommendation: self-adhesive bandage wrap, 1-2 inches wide)
- Honing Strop
- Pencil
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- Learn to Knit: A Beginner's Workshop NEW!
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
Learn the fundamentals of knitting in this welcoming course for beginners. You'll start with choosing yarn and needles, then learn to cast on, knit, purl, bind off, read simple patterns, fix common mistakes, and shape your knitting with basic increases and decreases. Through guided practice and simple projects including a coaster or dishcloth, sampler, and scarf, you'll build confidence and develop the skills needed to continue knitting independently. No prior knitting experience is required.
Supply List:
- Approximately 2 - 4 skeins of yarn depending on the weight
- Pair of straight or circular knitting needles for the yarn weight (the corresponding knitting needle information is on the yarn label)
- Scissors
- A knitting yarn gauge ruler
- Basic scarf knitting pattern (optional)
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- Mosaic Candle Holder NEW!
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
Join us for a creative mosaic candle class and craft a stunning custom piece to light up your space! This beginner friendly class will guide you through arranging colorful glass tiles to design a unique candle holder that sparkles when lit. Students will learn essential mosaic techniques, from selecting and placing tiles to grouting and finishing your project. At the end of the class, you'll complete a beautiful candle holder that makes a perfect addition to your home or a thoughtful handmade gift.
All supplies are included.
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- Mosaic Photo Frame
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
Add a personal touch to your memories by creating a one of a kind mosaic photo frame! In this hands-on workshop, you'll design and complete your own frame using colorful tiles. With guidance from an instructor, you'll learn how to arrange your design, work with tile cutters and apply grout. This relaxing, creative session is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to explore mosaic art. You'll go home with a finished frame ready to showcase your favorite photo.
All materials are provided.
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- Moving Meditation for the Modern World NEW!
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
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.
Please wear loose fitting clothing or athletic wear. You will need the ability to sit, stand or move for 45- 60 minutes with rest breaks. This is a gentle physical class. If you have medical conditions, seek advice from your health practitioner and make instructor aware of any limitations. Please bring water and yoga mat/cushion (optional).
No class 10/13
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- Photography Workshop: Chasing Fall Colors NEW!
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Item: F40864
Fee: $49.00
Dates: 10/24/2026 - 10/24/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Days: Sa
Sessions: 1
CEUs: 0.3
Building: BVARR
Room: Arranged
Address: ,
Instructor(s): Juan Aguilera
Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
This course is an on-location workshop focused on hands-on, real-world photography with students and less on theory. The goal is to help you practice one main concept in a real setting while learning how to see and use light, framing, and camera settings on location. Instead of relying on preset or recommended camera settings, you'll learn how aperture, shutter speed, focal length, distance, light, and composition work together to create different photographic effects. Through guided practice and experimentation, you'll develop an understanding of the underlying concepts so you can apply them in a variety of photographic situations.
Location: Kubota Gardens, Seattle. Any location related fees required to participate in this class such as entrance fees or parking fees are not included in the course fee. Meeting information and the instructor's cell phone number will be emailed to you 1 day before the class date.
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- Poetry Workshop NEW!
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
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.
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- Recreational Piano
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
The focus of this class is learning to play piano in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Whether you are returning to piano after an extended time away or learning to play for the first time, this class will help you take the next steps on your piano journey. Topics include: staff reading, rhythm, chords and lead sheets, and major and minor triads. Music for the class will include folk, classical and popular styles. This course is designed for students with little to no musical experience.
Required Textbook:
- Piano Fun for Adult Beginners: Recreational Music Making for Private or Group Instruction, ISBN: 1423489896.
Students are recommended to have a piano or a keyboard to practice on, but it is not required.
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- Self-Defense for Women
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
Research indicates that women who successfully defend themselves are better able to quickly recognize threatening situations, express, and if necessary, physically enforce their boundaries. Learn those skills. Recognize assailant ploys and manipulations--and how to thwart them. Practice releases from common grabs and decisive strikes to vital targets. Assess your risks, and plan around them. Understand the connections between awareness, threats, and our media environment. Come prepared to challenge yourself--emPOWERment doesn't get more fun.
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 them to the first day of the class.
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- Sketchbook Journaling: Drawing Your Everyday World NEW!
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
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.
Supplies List
- Sketchbook with multi media or water color paper, between 5X7 - 8X10 size
- Dual tip sharpie with thick side and thin side
- Gel pen
- White acrylic pen
- Sketching pencil
- White polymer eraser
- Travel watercolors
- Pentel travel watercolor brush
No class 10/6, 10/13 and 11/10
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- Soft Pastel Painting: Composition and Design Basics NEW!
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Online registration closes 1 week before the class start date.
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.
Supply List:
- Pastel set: Feel free to bring any artist grade starter-set pastels. Recommended are pastels with medium-soft variety from Reubens, Mungyo, Rembrandt, Unison, Sennelier, or Richeson, etc.
- Sanded paper (ground): A small pad of sanded paper with about a #400 grit surface. Many brands of sanded paper is available and work. Uart brand is among the most popular. (example: Uart sanded pastel art paper, off-white, 9"X12" paper, Grit #600, 10 sheet pack)
- Other items from home: Smock or outerwear as pastels are dusty, messy, and stain your clothes, masking tape, blending tools, rags, hand protection, rubber goves, or protective hand cream, face mask if you are sensitive to breathing the dust.
No class 11/11 and 11/25
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- Cell Phone Photography 101
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Registration is closed.
Bring Smartphone with camera to class - iPhone or Android.
You don't need a fancy camera to take stunning photos - your smartphone is a powerful creative tool! This beginner-friendly class helps you unlock the full potential of your phone's camera. You'll learn how to compose beautiful shots, control exposure, use natural light creatively, and explore basic editing tools built into your phone.
This class will also cover mobile apps that enhance your photos and storytelling skills. Whether you're snapping travel shots or building your Instagram, this course makes photography fun, accessible, and inspiring. Students need a smartphone-iPhone or Android-with camera.
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- Digital Photography Level 1 - Essentials
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Registration is closed.
Students must have a digital camera and instruction manual with them for class.
No class 7/14
This introductory course provides a hands-on foundation in digital photography, focusing on the essential camera controls and concepts needed to create well-exposed, sharp, and intentional images. Students learn how aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, focus systems, depth of field, and lenses work together to control light, motion, and focus. Rather than learning camera-specific settings, students will develop a strong understanding of universal photographic principles that apply across all camera brands and systems.
Emphasis will be placed on technical fundamentals, enabling students to confidently operate any digital camera and prepare for more advanced photographic techniques. This course is designed for beginners and hobbyists seeking a solid technical foundation, preparing them to confidently move into advanced composition, creative storytelling, flash, or lighting techniques.
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- Moving Meditation for the Modern World
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Registration is closed.
Please wear loose fitting clothing or athletic wear. You will need the ability to sit, stand or move for 45- 60 minutes with rest breaks. This is a gentle physical class. If you have medical conditions, seek advice from your health practitioner and make instructor aware of any limitations. Please bring water and yoga mat/cushion (optional).
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.
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- Self-Defense for Women
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Registration is closed.
Research indicates that women who successfully defend themselves are better able to quickly recognize threatening situations, express, and if necessary, physically enforce their boundaries. Learn those skills. Recognize assailant ploys and manipulations--and how to thwart them. Practice releases from common grabs and decisive strikes to vital targets. Assess your risks, and plan around them. Understand the connections between awareness, threats, and our media environment. Come prepared to challenge yourself--emPOWERment doesn't get more fun.
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 them to the first day of the class.
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