Arts & Culture   

Calling all seasoned Canasta enthusiasts! Join us for a lively and social play session where experienced players can connect, sharpen their skills, and enjoy a fun-filled game in great company. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends, expand your playing circle, and immerse yourself in the joy of Canasta. Please bring a couple of decks of cards and any card spinners or holders you have. We look forward to an engaging and enjoyable gathering! No discounts. or waivers.

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.

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. The price is per person.

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 or 2025 cards if you have them available—it's sure to be an enjoyable gathering! Registration is required. No discounts. or waivers

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.

Explore the rhythms of West Africa, Cuba, and Brazil on the drums. We’ll play indigenous rhythms on the conga, ashiko, and djembe drums; you’ll learn how hand drumming is used to express and communicate. Drumming is a healthy way to keep you balanced and less stressed, plus you get to play with others in the class; It’s fun. A new rhythm will be introduced each week for you to play and explore improvisation. Our universal love stems from the concept that drums are considered one of the oldest forms of music in the world and are a celebration of human history. A limited number of drums may be available to rent from the instructor. New and returning students are welcome. Summer 2025 will meet along the Charles in Brighton. Note: Bring a hand drum of your choice to the first lesson, or you can rent from DrumConnection (call first: 781-316-8068). A $5 materials fee for the DrumConnection Hand Drumming for Beginners Book is payable to the instructor. No discounts apply.

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 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 related to various choreographic styles. Please note: this class is designed for couples only. The price is per person.

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.
 

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.