Arts & Culture   

Acrylic paint, the chosen medium for many amateurs and professional artists, is a versatile, non-toxic, and easy to clean that offers brilliant colors. This course provides an introduction to the skills and practices of acrylic painting, including paint thinning, surface preparation, and paint application techniques. We will also concentrate on general painting skills such as composition and color mixing. Students will be encouraged to pursue their own choices in subject matter and style. Artists at all levels are welcome.
 

Creative Darkroom and Alternative Processes Photographers working with film strive for the perfect black-and-white print. Using basic paper and developer, this is possible and rewarding. And this class will offer the chance to refine printing skills. But there is a whole world of darkroom 'recipes' that push the basics and the conception of what a black and white image should look like. This class will offer a chance to explore a few of these alternative techniques and chemistry if the student wishes. Some of the techniques used will be Amidol, Selenium, Sabatier, Sepia, and Blue Toning. Students will work from their own negatives; 35mm and medium format. There will be a $20.00 materials fee payable at the first class. Students may contact the Instructor prior to the first class with any questions at  jochef@gmail.com.

No class on 10/5, 10/12, 11/2, 11/9, 11/30 and 12/7

For centuries the drum has provided people with a powerful basic tool to express themselves, to communicate, and to form community. Focusing on tone production, simple to complex rhythmic interaction, and the subtleties of drumming, you will play rhythms of West Africa, Cuba, and Brazil on different drums including conga, djembe, and ashiko. Each week a new rhythm, technique, and time pattern will be presented. After several weeks you will have acquired enough knowledge to begin to improvise and be comfortable in any drumming situation. No prior musical training is necessary. Please bring a conga, djembe, or ashiko hand drum. A limited number of drums may be available to rent from the instructor. 

Learn to carve and shape unique and practical kitchen utensils in this hand tool focused class. Carve from existing templates or create your own original design. In this class you will learn to accurately read the grain direction of wood and to safely use different hand tools used in carving. A materials list will be emailed upon registration.

Enjoy a beautiful experience learning how to create three seasonal flower arrangements. In this hands-on class you will learn techniques for designing simple arrangements that you can then replicate at home. You will also learn tips on selecting flowers and containers and how to care for flowers to achieve long lasting freshness. At the end of each workshop, you will leave with a stylish arrangement to take home to enjoy or give as a gift. Registration for this three-session workshop will be closed one week prior to the first meeting.

Experience the joy of discovering your singing voice in this foundational course. Designed for singers of all levels, we focus on vocal technique as the key to unlocking your potential. You will explore the range, agility, and timbre of your voice while working on proper tone production, breathing, and posture. Through solo and group singing, you’ll apply these techniques to a chosen repertoire spanning traditional jazz standards to contemporary show and pop tunes.
Each term concludes with a live recital in front of friends and family, offering students the opportunity to gain out-of-classroom experience and real-time performance exposure. This is a chance to showcase your growth—from where you began to where you are now—leaving loved ones inspired and often amazed.

Experience the art of ensemble singing in a dynamic and collaborative setting. Open to singers of all levels, this course explores the unique elements of group singing, such as blending, harmony, and stylistic interpretation. Students will engage with diverse repertoires that reflect the richness of real-world choir selections—ranging from Americana and gospel to global pieces in Japanese, Chinese, Latin, and more. A cappella singing is also incorporated to challenge and inspire participants.
The course culminates in an end-of-term recital where participants showcase their growth and versatility. This performance not only celebrates the group’s hard work but also provides invaluable out-of-classroom experience, preparing singers for real-world performance situations.
 

Ink and watercolor can be combined in many different styles to create everything from quick sketches to children’s books and comics or detailed renderings. Explore ink using a variety of techniques, including drawing with dip pens and brushes, and applying ink washes. Mix watercolors using layering and wet-into-wet techniques. Draw both from observation and imagination to develop your approach to combining line and color.

This course is for students who have completed "Sewing for the Absolute Beginner" and/or for those who have some basic sewing skills and are comfortable using a sewing machine.
Students will learn how to use a bias tape, sew in a sleeve, neckline facing, darts, two kinds of zippers - regular and invisible, a patch pocket, and buttonholes/ buttons.Samples made will be kept for future reference. Sewing machines are provided or you can bring your own. Some sewing supplies are provided by the instructor. A list of supplies will be given at the first class.
 

Have you ever watched a movie or TV show with couples dancing together and thought "That looks fun"?  Well, you're right, it is fun!  This
Introduction to Ballroom will focus on 2 of the most popular smooth dances, Waltz and Foxtrot.  You and your partner will learn the basics of each and beyond.  As your confidence and ability grow, more dance figures will be introduced. We supply the instructions, you supply
the energy and willingness to learn. This class is designed for couples only.

This class is designed for those who own a DSLR or mirrorless camera and feel stuck shooting in Auto mode. Come and learn how to utilize the settings on your camera to have greater creative freedom over your photos. This class includes learning about exposure and basic composition.
Please bring your own camera.

Watercolor is one of the most pleasurable and satisfying media employed by both beginning and experienced artists. The soft transparent colors and textures lend themselves to a variety of subjects and techniques, and yield paintings that reflect the unique spontaneity and creativity of each individual artist. In this class we will concentrate on representational methods in an effort to pursue new avenues of creativity. A supply list will be provided upon registration.

This course is designed to teach you the basics of woodworking by walking you step-by-step, and machine-by-machine, through the process of building a set project that lays the foundation for good woodworking techniques. Our emphasis will be on the achievement of a solid foundation in the skill and process of the woodworker's craft, rather than on the size and complexity of the product. The proper use of machinery with an emphasis on shop safety will be reviewed. Please bring a pair of safety glasses, a tape measure, and earplugs to class. 

Beginning jewelry-making students can continue learning in this workshop which focuses on creating a set of 3 textured bangle bracelets, one each in sterling silver, bronze, and copper. Students will learn to develop further their fabrication skills, including measurement, texturing, filing, forming, soldering, and tumbler finishing. All materials will be provided, including sterling silver, bronze, copper (in different shaped wires), saw blades, solder, and sandpaper. A materials fee of $40 is payable to the instructor on the day of the class.

Beginning jewelry-making students will learn the fundamental techniques for designing and fabricating a sterling silver textured band ring. Students will learn how to texture, file, form, solder, sand, and polish the ring. All materials will be provided, including sterling silver, copper (for practicing techniques), saw blades, solder, and sandpaper. A materials fee of $40 is payable to the instructor on the day of the class.

There's a reason your grandmother loved this game, and you will too. Mah Jongg is a strategic tile-based game that uses "suits" like rummy. It's complicated and addictive, so learn the rules, play once, and you'll want to play again and again. Join us to learn its basic moves and the strategies you need to win. 

Note: Please bring a current Mah Jongg standard or large size card.  Order from "The Store" link at nationalmahjonggleague.org

Calling all experienced Mah Jongg enthusiasts! Join us for a delightful community-building play session where experienced players can come together for a fun-filled time. Seasoned players will have the opportunity to meet new friends and expand their circle. Don't forget to bring along your sets and/or 2024 cards if you have them available—it's sure to be an enjoyable gathering! Registration is required. No discounts.

Are you missing the thrill and creative expression of processing film and printing your photographs? Open Darkroom will provide you with the equipment and space to do it all. Enlargers for 35mm to 4x5 format are available. We will have basic chemistry for film, paper, and some for toning. Bring your negatives and paper. Class size is limited to maintain safe social distancing within the darkroom space.

Open to intermediate students and above. Bring your ideas of what you would like to create in this hands-on open studio-style class. You will spend one-on-one time with Laurie as she helps you advance your skill set as you navigate from an idea to project completion.  Students should bring the materials they intend to use, such as metal, stones, and any preferred hand tools.
Prerequisites: Students enrolled in this class should have completed at least 3 Beginner level classes in Metalsmithing technique and/or possess basic silversmithing skills such as soldering, sawing, flex shaft use, sanding/polishing, and be able to work safely with basic shop tools and equipment.  Students must also be able to work independently between instructor consultations.

Students who have prior experience in woodworking with hand tools and machinery can build whatever they wish in this course, subject to approval by the instructor in the first class. Tables stands, dovetailed medicine cabinets, and objects requiring elaborate joining or carving are suggested projects. The proper use of machinery with an emphasis on shop safety will be reviewed. Please bring a plan, design, or photograph of your proposed project, a pair of safety glasses, tape measure, and earplugs to the first class. Each student should expect to spend $70-$100 on wood. Costs vary based on the project and choice of wood. Students should have completed Introduction to Woodworking or its equivalent. 

Even in this fast, electronic age, it is amazingly satisfying to develop your pictures in a classic black-and-white photography darkroom. This course will teach the fundamentals of photography, and for returning students, use of the darkroom with guidance. We will review proper film exposure, development, and printing. Students will gain darkroom experience and increased understanding to produce pictures of high quality that are appreciated in person. This course is for beginners and students with some darkroom experience who would like guidance in producing exquisite prints. Students assume the cost of film, paper, and incidentals. Approximate cost, $40-$50.

Even in this fast, electronic age, it is amazingly satisfying to develop your pictures in a classic black-and-white photography darkroom. This course will teach the fundamentals of photography, and for returning students, use of the darkroom with guidance. We will review proper film exposure, development, and printing. Students will gain darkroom experience and increased understanding to produce pictures of high quality that are appreciated in person. This course is for beginners and students with some darkroom experience who would like guidance in producing exquisite prints. Students assume the cost of film, paper, and incidentals. Approximate cost, $40-$50.

Even in this fast, electronic age, it is amazingly satisfying to develop your pictures in a classic black-and-white photography darkroom. This course will teach the fundamentals of photography, and for returning students, use of the darkroom with guidance. We will review proper film exposure, development, and printing. Students will gain darkroom experience and increased understanding to produce pictures of high quality that are appreciated in person. This course is for beginners and students with some darkroom experience who would like guidance in producing exquisite prints. Students assume the cost of film, paper, and incidentals. Approximate cost, $40-$50.

Salsa is a Latin-Caribbean dance form that developed from a blend of Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythmic, musical, and dance traditions. In our sessions, students of all levels of dance will learn contemporary salsa derived from the traditional Latin-Caribbean merengue, calypso, cha cha, and rumba. You will also learn to recognize different Latin musical patterns as they relate to various choreographic styles. Please note: this class is designed for couples only.

This class is geared toward students planning to take the newly revamped digital SAT exam. In our twice a week sessions, we focus on learning strategies, reviewing important content, and covering test taking techniques. Students will take practice tests sourced directly from the College Board between class sessions to simulate the actual test. The instructor will provide feedback on the students' progress in both the math and verbal sections of the SAT. The required text, The Official Digital SAT Study Guide published by the College Board (2023 edition), is available for purchase online.
 

In this course, you will learn how to use a sewing machine while making your own pajama pants. We will cover textiles, sewing notions and tools, and how to determine your pattern size using a commercial sewing pattern. We will discuss all the needed supplies in the first class. Sewing machines are provided or bring your own.

 

Building on the foundation of Voice I, this course is for singers who want to refine their technique and expand their skills. Students will deepen their understanding of range, agility, and timbre while focusing on vocal mastery and musical interpretation. The repertoire is selected collaboratively with the instructor, emphasizing more challenging pieces across genres.
The course culminates in an end-of-term recital, allowing students to perform for an audience of friends and family. This real-world experience helps build confidence and showcases the significant progress made throughout the term. Prerequisite: Completion of Voice I or an equivalent introductory singing course.
 

This workshop will teach urban gardeners how to create an eco-friendly garden. The instructor reviews the basics of gardening, as well as garden design, plant choice, and lawns, from an urban and sustainable perspective. She also reviews common urban gardening challenges and how to solve them. This presentation is geared towards beginner and intermediate gardeners, who have small outdoor spaces in city settings. Bring pictures and a rough sketch of your planting areas to do some hands-on garden designing.

Have you always wanted to play the violin, or have you played in the past and want to pick it up again? From the fiddlers of the Hardanger plateau in Norway to the Highlands of Scotland and Cape Breton Island, from the stage of Carnegie Hall to the quaint fiddlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Carolinas, the violin has succeeded in suiting every style and fulfilling every need. We will explore the balance needed for proper tone production, along with how to read notes, comfortably hold the bow, and play in small ensembles. Violin players of all levels are welcome. Please bring a violin and a shoulder rest. An appropriate textbook to be determined after the first class will be required for approximately $15-18. No classes on 9/26, 10/3

Creative Darkroom and Alternative Processes Photographers working with film strive for the perfect black-and-white print. Using basic paper and developer, this is possible and rewarding. And this class will offer the chance to refine printing skills. But there is a whole world of darkroom 'recipes' that push the basics and the conception of what a black and white image should look like. This class will offer a chance to explore a few of these alternative techniques and chemistry if the student wishes. Some of the techniques used will be Amidol, Selenium, Sabatier, Sepia, and Blue Toning. Students will work from their own negatives; 35mm and medium format. There will be a $20.00 materials fee payable at the first class. Students may contact the Instructor prior to the first class with any questions at  jochef@gmail.com.

No class on 10/5, 10/12, 11/2, 11/9, 11/30 and 12/7

Open to intermediate students and above. Bring your ideas of what you would like to create in this hands-on open studio-style class. You will spend one-on-one time with Laurie as she helps you advance your skill set as you navigate from an idea to project completion.  Students should bring the materials they intend to use, such as metal, stones, and any preferred hand tools.
Prerequisites: Students enrolled in this class should have completed at least 3 Beginner level classes in Metalsmithing technique and/or possess basic silversmithing skills such as soldering, sawing, flex shaft use, sanding/polishing, and be able to work safely with basic shop tools and equipment.  Students must also be able to work independently between instructor consultations.