Creative Arts   

This acrylic class is for the absolute beginner as well as more experienced painters. We will follow step-by-step instructions to create our paintings while also learning why and what we are doing. Paintings will be completed over several class sessions. All materials are provided.

Mary Cassatt was the only American artist to participate in the exhibitions held in Paris between 1874 and 1886 by a group of French painters known as the impressionists. Cassatt received her early art education at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. She moved to Paris at the age of 22 to receive further training and spent most of her adult life there. This class will examine her oil and pastel works as well as her printmaking. In addition we will see how Cassatt's influence extended beyond her own works through her support for the suffragette movement and the guidance she provided to wealthy Americans looking to bring European art home.

This class offers a look at current anthropological research by screening a variety of short films about topics that have been explored by anthropologists at Chico State. Each film will be introduced by the instructor's remarks about its relevance to the broader context of contemporary anthropological discourse. All screenings will be followed by time for questions.

Five different art projects, five different instructors. Come create with us and have fun!

This class features a wide range of topics, from the classics of European art to American landscapes. Please join us for this exciting series, as we learn about the lives and works of four fascinating artists.

Explore the world of beading while designing your own bracelet. Get to know the tools of the trade and the different types of materials available for jewelry making. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.

Explore the world of beading while designing your own bracelet. Get to know the tools of the trade and the different types of materials available for jewelry making. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.

Explore the world of beading while designing your own bracelet. Get to know the tools of the trade and the different types of materials available for jewelry making. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.

Come play with color, patterns, and textures. These can be a catalyst for creativity and a way into journaling. You do not have to be an artist. No drawing or painting is required; this is not an art class. There are no rules, and this is not a diary. Journaling is recommended for self-reflection, stress relief, and self-expression, but often is not easy to do. We will use hands-on activities to get unstuck and help you to journal.

Come play with color, patterns, and textures. These can be a catalyst for creativity and a way into journaling. You do not have to be an artist. No drawing or painting is required; this is not an art class. There are no rules, and this is not a diary. Journaling is recommended for self-reflection, stress relief, and self-expression, but often is not easy to do. We will use hands-on activities to get unstuck and help you to journal.

"Folkloric" means "for everyone" – all ages, all abilities. If you can walk, you can dance; if you can talk, you can sing. This interactive class weaves together lecture, movement, live percussion, and discussion to explore embodied practices that preserve culture and build community. Participants learn through doing, engaging mind, body, and spirit in traditions that entertain, educate, and strengthen. As a bonus, when you're done, you won't need a trip to the gym.

Yes, really. Studies show it's better than crossword puzzles. It's good for your brain, your body, and your social life. We will find our common interest, be it modern dance, social dance, partnering, etc., and enjoy dance together. All levels of experience and abilities welcome.

Collage is a creative medium accessible to people of all artistic skill levels. We'll explore the world of collage by using different papers and techniques. There is no wrong way to create a collage. It is simply a matter of layering color, texture, and patterns. And it's fun!

Explore how voices in harmony helped shape music, culture, and community across nearly a thousand years of history. This class traces the emotional power of blended voices, from sacred chant and barbershop harmony to big band vocal groups, gospel, soul, country, doo-wop, rock harmonies, the folk music revival, the birth of the sonic layer, the British Harmony Invasion, and beyond. Through guided listening, storytelling, rare footage, and unforgettable performances, we'll celebrate the timeless magic of voices blending together to move, inspire, and unite us.

Did you know the Magna Carta, US founding documents, da Vinci's and Rembrandt's drawings, Bach's musical scores, and many other important historical documents were written with oak gall ink? We'll explore a brief history lesson, make our own ink samples from California's endemic valley oak galls (oak apples), and take a short stroll through the riparian forest, discovering how galls are created each spring by California gall wasps. We'll look for other types of galls and gall-inducing species. Each participant receives their own ink sample.

History. Art. Bees. Orland has plenty of each. Spend a couple of hours exploring all three in one afternoon. The Alta Schmidt House Museum houses many historical artifacts, documents, and photos. The Orland Arts Center and Gallery has a new exhibit every three months, plus other events almost monthly. The Honeybee Discovery Center is a great learning experience for schoolchildren, but also for all other age groups. Check out the Story Walk in Library Park when walking between the venues.

The Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area, Llano Seco Unit hosts massive numbers of Pacific Flyway migratory birds in November. Taking our sketchbooks, binoculars, field guides, and cameras, we'll meander along the 1/2-mile walking trail and stop at two observation platforms allowing us to observe and quickly sketch bird poses and behaviors. We'll identify key species: green-winged teal, American wigeon, northern shoveler, mallard, pintail, bufflehead, snow geese, white-fronted geese, swans, ring-necked ducks, sandhill cranes, and raptor species.

Igor Stravinsky was one of the 20th century's most astonishing musical innovators. During a career spanning more than 60 years, he repeatedly surprised audiences by reinventing his musical style, from Russian fairy tales and lush ballets to elegant neoclassical works and powerful sacred music. At the core of his achievement stands The Rite of Spring whose Paris premiere provoked one of the most famous incidents in music history. Each class will combine Robert Greenberg's engaging (and humorous) lectures with performances and video excerpts from some of the world's finest musicians and dance companies. We will also hear insights from conductors and teachers who will help us listen.

Dive into the world of jewelry fabrication and discover how to create your own sterling silver rings! This is an introductory class on silver soldering where you will learn how to hammer, torch, and polish metals into your very own ring. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.

Dive into the world of jewelry fabrication and discover how to create your own sterling silver rings! This is an introductory class on silver soldering where you will learn how to hammer, torch, and polish metals into your very own ring. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.

"Jug Band: a band that uses primitive or improvised instruments (such as jugs, washboards and kazoos) to play blues, jazz, and folk music" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). We'll gather once a week to explore the history of jug bands, and to sing and play jug band songs. This class is less about musicianship, and more about exploring the roots of this great American art form. We'll listen to 1920s and 1930s recordings, and trace jug band influences on modern day music. Then we'll recreate some old-time music!

Knitting with others is a wonderful learning environment. This class is designed to give knitters who have mastered the basic stitches of knit and purl a chance to work on a project of their choosing while we chat and share ideas online with other knitters. All levels of ability are welcome! Gale contributes to the class by offering tips and suggestions for patterns, yarn, and tools based on her years of knitting experience.

Improv is all about being spontaneous and not overthinking, so it's a great exercise for the brain. Plus, it's a lot more interactive than doing crosswords or sudoku, because we play it together. Come stretch your brain and have a lot of fun doing it!

Did you ever want to color, draw, or write in a book as a child? Give yourself free rein in this workshop. You can do all those things and more. It is called an altered book. You can draw or stamp in it; add collage, stickers, ribbon, paper tape, photos, or memorabilia; and much more. We will explore what can be done with a gently used book by altering and embellishing it. This is something you can continue at home.

This class is for people who already know how to play the A-G chords. We play and sing 3-, 4-, and 5-chord songs by Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, the Everly Brothers, and other musicians from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. The class is mostly to practice feeling comfortable with playing guitar while singing. There is some instruction on more advanced guitar playing. Bring a guitar, ukulele, or other stringed instrument, or you're welcome to come just to sing along with the class.

Reading poetry helps you to know things more fully; it commands your attention; and it can sustain good conversation. In this class, participants select poetry from favorite sources to read aloud with fellow enthusiasts.

Reader's theatre is an easy acting form of theater where actors read the scripts so no memorizing is required. There is minimal physical movement because actors are generally seated while reading the play. The acting is done primarily with the actors' voices, emotions, facial expressions, and gestures. This will be a playful class where we will read a variety of short comic plays with fun characters in silly situations.

Reader's theatre is an easy acting form of theater where actors read the scripts so no memorizing is required. There is minimal physical movement because actors are generally seated while reading the play. The acting is done primarily with the actors' voices, emotions, facial expressions, and gestures. This will be a playful class where we will read a variety of short comic plays with fun characters in silly situations.

Each week the class will read poems by an individual poet, a collection of poems on a specific subject, or a collection of poems in a specific style. A wide range of poets and poetry will be presented, from classic to contemporary. We will discuss poetry from the perspective that the poet creates the work but the reader activates it.

Sing and/or play popular gospel songs. Bring your voice, guitar, violin, cello, harmonica, squeeze box, or other instrument and join a group of people singing and playing for fun. This is not meant to be religious. It's just a place to enjoy great music. Join us!

Experience the joy of singing four-part harmony, barbershop style! In this class we will choose your singing range (bass, baritone, lead, or tenor). Splitting the class into four groups by range, you will learn your part with your group. Next, we'll bring the groups together and sing the songs, hearing the harmonic blend of chords. No experience in four-part harmony is required, just the ability to sing a simple song (such as "Happy Birthday") in tune.

Sharpen your drawing and watercolor skills as we paint and sketch together on a variety of subjects. The purpose of this class is to provide a supportive community for those who work to keep their journal practice alive. We will share ideas and sometimes our favorite art materials, the ones that make this practice all the more fun. With seasonal sights available to us as examples, plan on some brilliant pages in your sketchbook.

Tap dance involves rhythmic, percussive, and precise movement of the feet while promoting the flow and individual style of the entire body. Classes will include warm-up, structured movement phrases that will build in complexity, and creative explorations. All levels are welcome. Good standing balance is recommended.

Tap dance involves rhythmic, percussive, and precise movement of the feet while promoting the flow and individual style of the entire body. Classes will include warm-up, structured movement phrases that will build in complexity, and creative explorations. All levels are welcome. Good standing balance is recommended.

Join us for a relaxed, welcoming eight-week art series designed for beginners and anyone returning to creativity. Using a single sketchbook throughout the class, you'll build a simple, enjoyable creative habit – one page at a time. Each week explores a new approach: gentle drawing, marker basics, watercolor, watercolor pencils, colored pencils, smartphone photography for inspiration, and maintaining your sketchbook practice. No experience or perfection needed – just curiosity. By the end, you'll have a sketchbook filled with your artwork. Please bring the same sketchbook each week.

Persia, now called Iran, has an ancient and rich history of producing fascinating architecture and artifacts whether they be paintings, ceramics, decorated tile works, metal works, or carpets. The beauty of Persian culture from earliest times has significantly influenced a large part of the world's creative endeavors. This class will introduce select works from early Persian history through the early twentieth century.

Start your Tuesday with music and songs. Join us in a fun, informal sing-along. Bring your voices and/or musical instruments. The operative word is "fun." If you like music, you will like this class. All levels welcome!

This watercolor class is for the absolute beginner as well as more experienced painters. We will follow step-by-step instructions to create our paintings while also learning why and what we are doing. All materials are provided.

This class is an introduction to watercolor. We will focus on learning the basics of technique, color mixing, blending, and familiarizing ourselves with the medium of watercolor. Some classes will be dedicated to techniques; in other classes we will be creating finished works. The class will help you to feel more confident in your watercolor practice. All materials are provided.

Bend, twist, texture, and hammer various wires to build your own earrings! Add bead embellishments or style it your way with wire coils. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.

Bend, twist, texture, and hammer various wires to build your own earrings! Add bead embellishments or style it your way with wire coils. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.

Bend, twist, texture, and hammer various wires to build your own earrings! Add bead embellishments or style it your way with wire coils. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.

Learn fun social dances from around the world, including Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Greece, Israel, Scotland, and the United States. Line, circle, and couple dances. No partner required.

This writer's workshop serves a community of writers interested in sharing their writing and responding to other writers' work. We will focus on fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction, poetry, travel writing, stories for children, and other types of writing. Following a workshop format, this class will be an opportunity for students to receive feedback for their written work and provide meaningful support to fellow writers.

Learn to write a short 10- to 20-minute play. We will cover the basics of playwriting, including format, structure, character, conflict, and dialogue. This is a workshop-style class in which we discuss concepts and techniques, share what we have written, and write short exercises to develop skills. Prompts will be offered to stimulate your ideas. There will be an opportunity for some of the plays to be performed in the annual OLLI Play Festival.