Current Courses
*No early registration special for all workshops
All supplies are included with the course fee
Arts
Basic Knitting 1
Saturday, April 22nd1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Anne Howard
Registration fee: NU $37, Public $47
Pick up a meditative and creative hobby in just three hours! Learn the basics of knitting and develop a pattern for your first project. Appropriate for all ages
Basic Knitting 2
Saturday, May 6th
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Anne Howard
Registration fee: NU $37, Public $47
After reviewing knitting basics, learn how to combine knitting and purling to follow patterns and complete projects. For students who have completed Basic Knitting 1 or who already know the knit stitch. This class is for all ages.
Beginning Cross-Stitching
Saturday, April 29th
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Rebekah Sigman
Registration fee: NU $37, Public $47
Students will be introduced to the principles of cross-stitching (supplies, technique, and pattern reading) as well as the endless ways this craft can be customized. This workshop will focus on students reading a cross-stitch pattern and completing a cross-stitch project from beginning to end. We will begin the workshop with an overview of cross-stitching and viewing completed projects and end the workshop by introducing students to the process of creating their own patterns.
Enchanted Teapot (Full)
Saturday, April 29th
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Instructor: Debra A. Blade
Registration fee: NU $37, Public $47
This workshop will teach decorative glaze techniques and focus on floral patterns. The instructor will also provide a brief history of teapots. Each student will receive an English style teapot to decorate.
*Supplies provided - 1 English Tea pot, tea caddy. Glazes and firing are included. Workshop will have 5 drawings for Teacups and other tea related accessories.
Party Pinatas - 2-day workshop
Wednesdays, April 19th and 26th
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Instructor: Debra A. Blade
Registration fee: NU $37, Public $47
Come and learn some fun paper mache techniques and a create a colorful party animal in time for Cinco De Mayo.
Screenprinting - 2-day workshop (Full)
Wednesday and Thursday, April 19th and 20th
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano
Registration fee: NU $47, Public $57
Craft colorful prints of your designs to hang on your walls or turn into handmade notecards. We’ll learn the decal inlay process using vinyl cuts so that you can print from your drawings or digital files. Students will be introduced to screenprinting in this two-day workshop learning how to print on paper materials and fabrics such as shirts and hoodies. Send your images (preferably silhouettes/vectors) to be processed beforehand, and other materials will be provided during the workshop. Learn hands-on skills in screenprinting to help bring your ideas to life in this fun and easy-to-make workshop!
*Supplies are included.
Wheel Throwing One-Day Workshop (Full)
Section A: Saturday, April 22nd (Date Night Special)
Registration fee: NU $90, Public $100 (for 2 people)
Section B: Saturday, May 6th
Registration fee: NU $47, Public $57
Section C: Saturday, May 20th
Registration fee: NU $47, Public $57
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Sylvia Tan
Want to dip your hands in a little clay? Come join us for a two-hour workshop where you'll learn the fundamental steps of throwing. Participants will get to throw as much as they can, but will only be choosing one piece to keep. Participants will get to choose from 4 different glaze colors to match their perfect creation. Projects will be available for pick up two weeks from the workshop's completion. No experience is required!
Movement
Introduction to Pole Dancing Workshop (NEW!!!)
Thursday, April 20th6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Instructor: Brittany Jenkins
Registration fee: NU $37, Public $47
This workshop is designed to introduce you to the art of Pole Dance! You’ll learn fundamental conditioning moves and basic dance techniques. This movement is designed to increase body awareness, overall strength, and flexibility. The pole workshop is for beginners, looking to have fun and get exercise differently. No matter what your fitness background is, the pole is open to anyone and all!
Body Confidence with Dance Poles
Thursday, April 20th7:45 - 9:15 p.m.
Instructor: Brittany Jenkins
Registration fee: NU $37, Public $47
This workshop will focus on basic introductory pole moves and fully integrating them into our movement, as a way to create more body ownership and bodily autonomy. It will include different ways to access sensuality including different kinds of conscious self-touch while dancing, increasing body awareness, and finding a deeper connection to ourselves. All of these tools allow us to more deeply access our bodies while building confidence, self-esteem, and resilience.
Drinks
Coffee Appreciation (Full)
Saturday, May 13th10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Sam Lowe
Registration fee: NU $37, Public $47
This course will dive into the origin of coffee and farming practices, complete with a coffee tasting, and a brew method tutorial, led by Backlot Coffee's sourcer and roaster, Sam.
Modern Cocktail Workshop Part 2*
Tuesday, May 2nd7:45 - 9:45 p.m.
Instructor: Kathleen and Mark Gruber
Registration fee: NU $47, Public $57
Can't decide what to order at the bar? Mixed up mixing cocktails? Missed last year's hugely successful Part 1? Jump Right In! Highlighted liquors include whiskey, gin, and rum. Practice with your own shaker or just sit back, relax, and taste the sample cocktails created by your instructor. Students will observe barware and mixing techniques and receive recipes for all the classic cocktails featured in the class. Cocktail lore will be sprinkled throughout for a humorous and informative class.
* You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course.
Tea History and Tasting
Saturday, May 6th
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Instructor: McKenna Troy
Registration fee: NU $37, Public $47
In this class, you will learn all about tea! Through tastings and stories, we'll explore varieties within the four main categories of tea - black, green, oolong, and white, as well as discuss and taste some herbal teas too. You'll leave this course with a wealth of knowledge on tea history and a foundation for building the refined pallet of a tea connoisseur!
Whiskey Seminar
Tuesday, May 9th7:45 - 9:45 p.m.
Instructor: Kathleen and Mark Gruber
Registration fee: NU $47, Public $57
Description: only offered once this quarter, this Rare Whiskey Seminar will cover several of the world's great whiskies: Bourbon, Rye, and Single Malt Scotch, including samples of rare, extra-aged whiskies. The history, the personalities and lore, distillation, and aging will be discussed. Cocktail recipes will be shared. Tasting samples of each whiskey will be available for attendees.
Special Interest
First Aid and CPR Training
Saturday, May 6th10:00 - 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Red Cross Training Corp
Registration fee: NU $37, Public $47
This course will be taught by American Red Cross-certified Northwestern student instructors who are members of the Red Cross Training Corps Student Group. Participants will be trained in adult and pediatric CPR and AED, choking, sudden illness, and life-threatening bleeding, and participants will have the knowledge and confidence to respond in emergency situations in minutes matter. Upon successful completion of all components of the training, participants will earn certification for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED that is valid for 2 years. This course consists of an online portion and in-person skills session (the online portion is to be completed before arriving to the in-person skills session). The in-person skills session is a synthesis of the skills and content learned through the online portion and will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Urban Biking Tricks and Tips
Saturday, April 29th1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Instructor: Elizabeth Adamczyk
Registration fee: NU $37, Public $47
This hands-on course will teach you how to navigate by bike confidently and safely around town. Students will learn the rules of the road (for bicyclists and motorists driving near bicyclists), how to communicate on the road as a cyclist, and how to safely navigate streets and paths. In addition to bike safety, this course will teach you bike maintenance tips and how to properly fit and adjust a helmet. Bring your bikes and helmets because this is a hands-on and on-bike workshop.*Participants are required to bring their own working bicycle
Check out the workshop tab for our single-session art courses in knitting, cross-stitching, decorative teapots, party pinatas, and wheel throwing !
All supplies are included with the course fee
Exploring Watercolor (Full)
Mondays, April 10th – May 15th (6 Sessions)6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Instructor: Ingrid Albrecht
Registration fee: NU $135, Public $145
Exploring watercolor takes you from A - Z in understanding watercolor painting, from overcoming the "fear" of the white paper, to using some "tricks" to achieving exciting results. YES....you CAN correct in watercolor painting!
Introduction to Dark Room (B&W) Photography (Full)
Sec A: Tuesdays, April 4th – May 9th (6 Sessions)Sec B: Thursdays, April 6th – May 11th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Mudgett
Registration fee: NU $135, Public $145
This course will explore the methods, history, and potential of analog film photography. Students will learn to use a 35mm cameras. Using a wide variety of black and white films, students will become familiar with several film development techniques and analog printing techniques in the dark room. All supplies are provided including a basic 35mm camera and films are provided. Students are welcome to bring their own 35mm camera.
Wheel Throwing I (Beginner) (Full)
Section A: Mondays, April 3rd – May 8th (6 Sessions)
5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt
Section B: Thursdays, March 30th – May 4th (6 Sessions)
3:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Chantal Chuba
11:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano
Registration fee: NU $135, Public $145
Students will be introduced to the basic principles of making functional ceramic art. In this course, students will begin with the process of wheel throwing with detailed instruction on how to throw a cylinder, bowl, and much more. The kinesthetic process of pottery will be explored through developing technical skills on the wheel as well as understanding the function of various forms developed throughout the history of ceramics. Learn how to make functional work that you can use at home as foodware for yourself, friends, or family. This course is for students who have never worked with clay before and is the perfect introduction to wheel throwing.
Wheel Throwing II (Intermediate) (Full)
Section A: Wednesdays, April 12th – May 24th (7 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano
Section B: Fridays, April 14th – May 26th (7 Sessions)
3:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Chantal Chuba
Registration fee: NU $155, Public $165
Wheel Throwing II is for students who have completed at least one wheel-throwing course in the past. In this course, Students will learn how to throw a large range of functional work and explore complex ways of decorating and glazing. From mugs and bowls to large vases, plates, and coffee pour-overs, this course is perfect for those who are looking to improve their throwing techniques and aesthetics. This course aims to improve the student's confidence in their abilities and to connect with the larger community within the studio.
*Prerequisites: have taken a beginner’s wheel throwing class
Wheel Throwing III (Advance) (Full)
Thursdays, April 13th – May 25th (7 Sessions)6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Ranch Ward
Registration fee: NU $155, Public $165
Wheel Throwing III is for students who have completed multiple intermediate sessions, and are ready for more independence as an artist. Students will be working on several larger projects that aim at discussing concepts, meaning, and aesthetics. Students should expect to begin working on a portfolio that showcases their concepts clearly. This course aims to grow students' understanding of ceramics as art. Students will be involved in creating an environment for ceramic art practices to bloom. This course is for dedicated artists looking to expand their concepts. Students will begin a social media account where they will share their works in progress, making work videos, and final products.
*Prerequisites: have taken an intermediate wheel throwing class
Introduction to Handbuilding (Full)
Tuesdays, April 11th – May 16th (6 Sessions)6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt
Registration fee: NU $135, Public $145
In this class, we will spend six weeks creating functional ceramic pieces! You will build by hand using the three main types of hand built clay construction, pinching, coiling and slab. We will also explore Kurinuki. We will work with the glazes available in the studio and learn proper glaze procedures. We will look also at various surface decoration techniques, such as so that your pieces will be truly one of a kind!
Beginners Wheel Throwing Bootcamp
Section A: Monday - Friday, July 10th - 14th
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt
Section B: Monday - Friday, July 24th - 28th
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Instructor: Chantal Chuba
Regular registration fee: NU $135, Public $145
Student will learn the process of wheel throwing from wedging clay to constructing cylinders on the wheel. The kinesthetic process of pottery will be explored through developing technical skills on the wheel as well as understanding the function of various forms developed throughout the history of ceramics. Learn how to make functional work that you can use at home as food safe ware for yourself, friends, or family. Students will get to throw as much as they can, but will only be choosing 5 piece to keep. Students will get to choose from 4 different glaze colors and the pieces will be available for pick up two weeks from the bootcamp’s completion.
Introduction to Pole Dance (Full)
Wednesdays and Thursdays, April 27th, May 4th, 10th, 11th, 18th, and 24th (6 Sessions)Section A: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Section B: 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
Instructor: Brittany Jenkins
Registration fee: NU $135, Public $145
This course is designed to introduce students to the art of Pole Dance! They will learn fundamental conditioning moves, and basic dance techniques, as well as many foundational spins and movements designed to increase body awareness, overall strength, and flexibility. The course is designed for true beginners and is open to all levels of fitness and backgrounds! This course is presented in partnership with Polerize.
Check out the workshop tab for a single-session couples lap dance class!
Tai Chi
Wednesdays, April 5th – May 10th (6 Sessions)7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Inna Melnikov
Registration fee: NU $79, Public $89
Tai Chi is a non-combat martial art, which helps cultivate mental focus, and builds the protective energy Qi in your lungs, creating a powerful immune defense against external pathogens. Take this course with Inna Melnikov, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with over 25 years of experience.
American Sign Language I (Beginner) - online course
Mondays, April 3rd – May 22nd (8 Sessions)6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Instructor: Peter Wujcik
Registration fee: NU $96, Public $106
This course introduces the basics of American Sign Language. American Sign Language (ASL) is quickly becoming one of the most widely used languages in the United States. This class will explore basic sign vocabulary and basic grammatical structures such as English to ASL and ASL to English. This class will cover basic Sign Language and a basic introduction to the world of Deaf Cultures.
Check out the workshop tab for single-session wine classes!
Wine Appreciation* (Full)
Section A: Tuesdays, April 18th – May 16th (5 Sessions)
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Section B: Thursdays, April 20th – May 18th (5 Sessions)
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Instructor: Mark Gruber
Registration fee: NU $130, Public $140
Welcome to the world of wine! Whether you’re new to wine or an old hand, there is always something new in the wine world. During each class, students will learn to taste and describe wines just like the professionals. Vinicultural areas in California, France, and the Southern Hemisphere are always featured along with new discoveries. Wine and food matches are heavily emphasized. Finally, a night of sparkling and dessert wines ends the five-week course.
*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course.
Spring Wines* (Full)
Thursdays, April 20th – May 18th (5 Sessions)7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
Instructor: Mark Gruber
Registration: NU $130, Public $140
Taste and discuss fun, lighter wines of spring with varietals including Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and Sparkling Wines.
*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course.
Pocket Billiards for Beginners (Full)
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Instructor: Larry Schwartz
Registration fee: NU $79, Public $89
These lessons are tailored to players who range from beginner level to advanced. You will learn topics ranging from mastering fundamentals to difficult shots and game strategies.
Applied Acting in Corporate Presentations
Wednesdays, April 19th – May 24th (6 Sessions)6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Instructor: Steven Fischer
Registration: NU $79, Public $89
THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL BUSINESS PRESENTATION CLASS! This is an acting class taught by a multi-award-winning film director who uses theatrical acting exercises and improv games to address presence/movement/gesture, conquer nervousness, and develop a voice with the intent of adding to your business presentation skills. Participants will experience feelings, learn to trust instincts and intuition, experience acting, movement, body language, tone, pace, rhythm, and apply it all in ways that cause effective communication.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mondays, April 10th – May 15th (6 sessions)6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor: Rongxi Ren
Registration fee: NU $79, Public $89
This course will introduce techniques and philosophy to cultivate a lifestyle of awareness and relief through mindfulness and meditation. Guided by Buddhism teaching, participants will learn breathing techniques for everyday use and time of stress. Participants will explore and gain a deeper understanding of self and learn how to cope with trauma and everyday anxiety.