Creative Arts courses - Central Oregon Community College

Acrylic Pouring: Beyond the Basics

Acrylic Pouring: Beyond the Basics is a joyful dive into color, movement and controlled chaos. Designed for advanced beginners and intermediate students who have poured before, this class encourages experimentation with paint consistency, layering and flow to create expressive surfaces. Think of it as adult finger painting with a little more intention and a lot more color. By the end of the class, you will have completed 3-4 acrylic pouring paintings of various sizes. All materials supplied.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10:00am-1:00pm PDT | Bend

Art 141: Vector Art Illustration

This course introduces professional techniques for generating vector art and graphics. Covers visual problem solving and the process of creating vector illustrations using industry standard software through the use of reference and research. This is a non-credit Community Education course, taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

April 2, 2026 to June 11, 2026 | 1:00pm-3:20pm PDT | Redmond

ART 142: Digital Painting - Basics

Translate traditional drawing and painting techniques using digital tools on the computer. Includes use of pressure-sensitive electronic pen tablets, stylus and industry-standard software to create digital art that implements various traditional mediums. Emphasizes concept and personal style development. This is a non-credit Community Education course, taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

March 30, 2026 to June 10, 2026 | 12:00pm-2:20pm PDT | Bend

ART 161: Photography - Darkroom Basics

This course introduces traditional black-and-white photography, including camera operation, composition, film processing, printing, presentation and developing personal voice as an artist. This is a non-credit Community Education course, taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

March 31, 2026 to June 11, 2026 | 12:00pm-2:20pm PDT | Bend

ART 269AC: Photography-Art and Commercial

This course introduces two pathways in photography for career development, Fine Art and Commercial. It will focus on artistic and conceptual aspects of photography, employing photography as a medium of self-expression and creativity in fine art and utilize technical skills in the service of commercial photography to photograph material for print, sales or digital advertising. This is a non-credit Community Education course, taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

March 31, 2026 to June 11, 2026 | 9:00am-11:20am PDT | Bend

ART 269PJ: Photography-Photojournalism

This course develops basic skills needed for effective online and print photography for use in newspapers, magazines, web journals and blogs. Focuses on developing appropriate behavior and craft needed to meet publication deadlines. Presents a variety of photojournalistic work, such as news photographs, human interest and feature pictures, political campaigns, live performances, press conferences, sporting events or as stories that explore contemporary social issues. Emphasizes importance of print quality, picture editing, image content, captioning, journalistic ethics and business practices for freelance and staff photojournalists.. This is a non-credit Community Education course, taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

March 31, 2026 to June 9, 2026 | 6:00pm-8:20pm PDT | Bend

ART 289: Custom Framing for Art

This course introduces the art of custom framing for all types of artwork. Techniques for identifying types of art and how to properly display and protect them. Create custom frames, hand-cut mats, glazing and mounting using framing-specialized tools. Conversational practices will be emphasized. This is a non-credit Community Education course, taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

April 2, 2026 to June 13, 2026 | 6:00pm-7:50pm PDT | Bend

Art: Mixed Media- Collage

Get ready to mix it up! In this creative, hands-on class, you'll explore how to combine color, texture and dimensional objects to create a one-of-a-kind three-dimensional collage. Build on design principles while experimenting with layers, materials and personal touches. Bring any meaningful items you'd like to include in your piece, or just come as you are; plenty of materials will be provided!

Calligraphy Simplified 1

This introductory class explores a brief history of calligraphy, essential tools of pen, ink and paper. The focus is on learning one classic style, guiding you through each stroke. Practice time ensures you'll gain confidence and skill, setting a strong foundation for your calligraphy journey.

Friday, May 15, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond

Ceramics: Hand Building Techniques

Designed for those at the beginner to advanced beginner level, this course introduces the foundational techniques of working with clay using only your hands and simple tools. Students will explore multiple hand building techniques including: press, hump/slump and slip casting molds, box forms with lids, and coil and slab sculpture. This course provides a supportive environment to experiment with personal expression whether you're looking to try something new, or start your journey in ceramics.

March 30, 2026 to May 18, 2026 | 6:00pm-9:00pm PDT | Bend

Digital Photo Organization

Clean up your digital photo collection with professional organizer and photo coach Debbie Bauman. In this interactive course, you will learn how to identify your own personal strategy for managing your photos and techniques to create a beautiful collection of memories that your family will enjoy for generations. This class will empower you to better organize and preserve your precious memories and show you how to safely share your photos.

April 21-28, 2026 | 5:30pm-7:30pm PDT | Bend

Drawing: Beginning Charcoal Foundations

Dive into the dramatic and versatile world of charcoal drawing! Charcoal Foundations is geared toward the beginning user of charcoal and provides an introduction to the tools, techniques and concepts needed to create expressive, dynamic work.

Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend

Drawing: Beginning Simplified

Have fun learning how to draw, even if you think you can't. This class shows you techniques to develop skills using geometric shapes which are then softened and rounded to draw anything. Beginning drawing is the basis for all fine art because it teaches you how to see objects in a different way. You will do a technique sheet and a finished drawing. No experience is required. Materials are supplied. Beginning Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

Drawing: Beginning Simplified 2

Building on the information in Drawing: Beginning Simplified, you will explore the importance of value (shading) which provides depth and perspective on a two-dimensional surface. Value is one of the main elements in drawing and painting, and adding charcoal makes it exciting. The projects include a pencil drawing and a charcoal drawing. Materials are included. Beginning Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.

Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

Drawing: Feathered Forms: Sketching Birds

Feathered Forms is a hands-on drawing class designed to demystify the complex shapes of avian subjects. You'll learn to look beyond the intricate details of feathers and focus on the fundamental proportions, posture and underlying structure that give birds their unique character.

Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend

Drawing: From Forest Floor to Paper: Sketching Mushrooms

The fungus are among us! You can't go far in Central Oregon without running into toadstool-patterned socks or a delicious mycological item on the menu. And foraging for morels and chanterelles is a seasonal delight for many. Designed for curious beginners and those who may have some drawing experience but want to learn about fungal structure, this class will help students understand the details that give each mushroom distinct personality.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend

Drawing: Introduction to Botanical Drawing and Painting

Do you love to look at beautiful flowers and plants in art? You can learn to capture flowers and other botanical subjects on paper in a series of simple steps! Class includes an introduction to supplies, botanical drawing and watercolor painting techniques, and you will have plenty of time to try out the techniques in class. All materials provided by instructor. No experience necessary, all skill levels welcome!

April 24-26, 2026 | 10:00am-3:00pm PDT | Bend

Drawing: Sketching Central Oregon Trees

Central Oregon is surrounded by natural beauty, including a variety of trees common in the High Desert. From towering Ponderosa pines and aromatic Junipers to beautiful quaking Aspen, there's loads to observe and capture in our own backyard. This class focuses on shape, texture, foliage and creating depth through light and shadow, and is appropriate for the beginning sketcher or those looking to add to their existing skillset.

Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend

Drawing: Sketching Wildflowers of Oregon

Nature has already done the designing. We will simply learn how to draw it in Sketching Wildflowers of Oregon! Designed for curious beginners and those who may have some drawing experience but want to learn about botanical structure, this class will help students understand the details that give each wildflower its distinct personality.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend

FA 125: World Cinema

This course introduces a comparative study of international feature films and their directors from around the globe, analyzing subject matter, theme, genre, narrative structure, character, film style and technique as expressions of diverse cultural worldviews and distinctive artistic visions. This is a non-credit Community Education class taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

March 30, 2026 to June 10, 2026 | 3:00pm-4:50pm PDT | Bend

Figure Drawing Open Lab

Be part of a community of beginning and professional artists as you practice drawing/painting the human figure. This course offers a structured studio environment with nude and clothed models.

April 10, 2026 to June 5, 2026 | 4:15pm-6:15pm PDT | Bend

Henna Design: History and Hands-On Practice

Did you know henna has a rich history dating back to the Egyptians? Also known as "mehndi", this class explores the style of henna, its vast cultural traditions and safe application on the body and other textiles. The course covers application tools, including how to roll your own henna cone, and a selection of essential designs to jumpstart your artistic style. You will walk away with a deeper understanding of henna's roots as a form of body art and its therapeutic value. You'll also have a better understanding of henna safety and the precautions needed in using various ingredients. You'll come away from this class with your very own custom henna kit that includes all-natural henna paste, aftercare information and everything you need to practice on your own or with others!

**For health & safety, mild essential oils will be used in this course. An alternate paste will be available for those who are sensitive to lemons or the topical use of essential oils. Please let the instructor know ahead of time if you have been diagnosed with G6 anemia.

Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 12:00pm-4:00pm PDT | Bend

Introduction to Guitar Online Course

Learn to play any style of music on the guitar, and become the musician you've always wanted to be! This course provides basic guitar skills that you'll build step-by-step with hands-on exercises, audio and video recordings, and detailed instructions to put you well on your way to becoming a skilled player.

Click here to register online through Ed2Go

Layers of Expression: Art Journaling for Creativity and Reflection

This four-week art journaling class is designed to guide participants through an expressive, hands-on journey into creative self-discovery using layers of paint, paper, texture and storytelling. Whether you're an experienced artist or a curious beginner, you'll learn to move beyond the blank page and unlock your unique narrative through tactile layers of your own artwork.

April 3-24, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend

Leatherworking: Cuff Bracelet and Earrings

Learn the art and craft of leatherworking in this hands-on workshop! Students will learn how to design, stamp and paint two, separate projects: a cuff bracelet and a pair of earrings. At the end of the class, you will know the best ways to effectively stamp leather using leather tools, what paints to use to make your designs stand out, how to finish the leather and how to set rivets. All tools and materials are included.

Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 1:00pm-4:00pm PDT | Bend

Leatherworking: No-Sew Small Crossbody Bag

Did you know you can create an entire leather bag without one stitch of sewing? In this No-Sew Small Crossbody Bag workshop, you will learn how to cut out leather, punch holes, weave leather, set rivets and add a closure. By the end of the class, you will be able to take home a fully-functional and cute-as-heck small, crossbody bag and a bonus coin purse to go with it. The crossbody bag made in this class is different than previous classes: it is smaller. All tools and materials are included.

Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 1:00pm-4:00pm PDT | Bend

Macram�: Let's Get a Little Bit Knotty!

Macram� is an easy method method for crafting textile pieces that can be both functional and beautiful and more importantly, fun to create! In this class, crafter Melanie Bills will teach essential macram� knows and design techniques that form the foundation of countless creative projects. As a group, students will learn and complete one, small macram� project together (think: a keychain or a bracelet), learning the key knots and patterns that can be adapted to create other craft projects like earrings and charms. All supplies provided, and no experience necessary.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 10:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

Mastering Digital Photography: Photographing People Online Course

Become a skilled photographer when it comes to taking beautiful pictures of adults, children, or babies. This course will help you discover the best way to shoot faces, fix common close-up problems, and use digital photo editing techniques to retouch your photos.

Click here to register online through Ed2Go

Metal Arts Workshop: Build a Bezel

Learn the foundational skills of bezel setting and create your own beautiful, custom jewelry piece! In this hands-on class, you'll explore essential jewelry techniques including filing, sanding, sizing, forming, hammering, finishing and more. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10:00am-4:30pm PDT | Bend
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:00am-4:30pm PDT | Bend

Metal Arts Workshop: Etching-Build a Bar Necklace

Add texture, pattern, and personality to your jewelry through the art of metal etching! In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to design, transfer and etch your own custom pattern onto metal, then cut, shape and finish it into a stylish bar necklace. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 10:00am-2:00pm PDT | Bend

Metal Arts Workshop: Spinner Ring

Learn the fundamentals of metalsmithing while creating your very own fidget (spinner) ring! In this hands-on class, you'll explore essential jewelry techniques including filing, sanding, sizing, forming, hammering, finishing and more. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Friday, March 20, 2026 | 10:00am-2:00pm PDT | Bend
Friday, April 10, 2026 | 1:00pm-5:00pm PDT | Bend

Metal Arts: Beginning Jewelry Techniques- Cut Out Bracelet and Stone Set Pendant

In this hands-on, beginner-friendly metalsmithing course for adults, you'll develop essential skills in hand-tool use, soldering, and metal fabrication. Through guided instruction and studio time, you'll complete two personalized projects: a cut-out metal bracelet and a stone-set pendant. Along the way, you'll explore historical and contemporary jewelry practices while learning techniques such as cutting, filing, forming, texturing, and bezel setting. Choose from brass or copper, both included in the class cost. Sterling silver will also be available for in-class purchase if you'd like to upgrade your materials. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity and willingness to learn!

May 5-26, 2026 | 5:00pm-8:00pm PDT | Bend

Metal Arts: Beginning Jewelry Techniques-Pendant and Stone Set Ring

In this beginner-friendly metalsmithing course for adults, you'll gain essential skills in hand-tool use, soldering and metal fabrication. Through guided instruction, you'll create two personalized projects: a custom metal pendant and a stone-set ring. Along the way, you'll explore historical and contemporary jewelry practices while learning techniques such as cutting, filing, forming, texturing and bezel setting. Choose from brass or copper, both included in the class cost. Sterling silver will also be available for in-class purchase if you'd like to upgrade your materials. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity!

April 3-24, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend

Metal Tooling with Copper and Brass

Discover how fun and easy it is to turn metal into art! In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to emboss designs into copper and brass using simple tools and techniques. Create two unique pieces, one in each metal, and explore how texture, depth and shine bring your designs to life. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own design idea if inspiration strikes!

Friday, March 13, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond
Friday, June 12, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

MUS 101: Music Fundamentals

This course presents the fundamentals of music making, including notation of pitch, rhythm, music terminology, scales, key signatures, intervals and chord spelling. This is a non-credit Community Education course, taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

March 30, 2026 to June 10, 2026 | 10:00am-11:20am PDT | Redmond

MUS 118: Music Technology-MIDI/Audio I

This course provides hands-on instruction in current applications of music technology in a MIDI/audio studio. Use various music production tools in live sound engineering and mixing. This is a non-credit Community Education class, taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

March 30, 2026 to June 10, 2026 | 1:00pm-2:20pm PDT | Bend

Painting with Impact: Acrylics with David Kinker

Join renowned Central Oregon artist David Kinker: painter, muralist, art instructor and river enthusiast, for a creative adventure in acrylic painting! In this unique class, you'll learn to transform a flat surface into a window of depth, variety and colorful interaction. David will share his five visual harmonies: texture, value, analogous color, intensity and color interaction. These tools help landscapes come alive with energy and emotion. You'll explore how color is an extension of light and form, and gain confidence in mixing colors with control. Along the way, you'll discover how the psychology of sight can guide you in composing dynamic, visually compelling paintings.

April 1-29, 2026 | 5:30pm-8:30pm PDT | Bend

Photography 101: Digital Camera Operations and Exposure

Learn how to create stunning digital photographs from start to finish with professional photographer Steve Giardini. The course focuses on camera operations, including buttons, dials, features and the best settings for specific photo goals. Expect hands-on practice behind the camera. A field coaching session is included, which will take place at a public park in the Bend area. Students must arrange their own transportation to the practice site. Both beginner and intermediate photo enthusiasts are welcome.

March 10-24, 2026 | 5:00pm-7:30pm PDT | Bend

Photography 102: File Management and Lightroom Editing

This course teaches best practices for managing digital photo files and basic Adobe Lightroom editing skills. Professional photographer Steve Giardini will guide you in developing a practical computer file management strategy to protect, organize and make file retrieval easier. Learn essential photo editing techniques to turn digital photos into beautiful images. The course includes a field photo session. Students need an Adobe Lightroom subscription or be willing to sign up for a free 7-day trial. A portable computer or tablet with Wi-Fi or cellular service is necessary. Please contact the instructor for help before buying software or hardware. Some portable computers will be available for use only in the classroom. Editing software is not provided. All photo enthusiasts are welcome.

March 26, 2026 to April 9, 2026 | 5:00pm-7:30pm PDT | Bend

Photography 103: Landscape Composition and Advanced Editing Techniques

Join professional photographer Steve Giardini to learn how to compose and edit nature and landscape photographs for stunning results. The course covers photo composition theory and advanced Lightroom editing techniques. Be prepared for fast-paced presentations, at-home and in-classroom editing practice (sample files provided), and hands-on field practice. This course includes two field practice sessions in the Central Oregon region. Students must self-transport to field sessions.

April 14-28, 2026 | 5:00pm-7:30pm PDT | Bend

Photography 104: Advanced Field Techniques and Advanced Editing

Learn advanced outdoor photography techniques from professional photographer, Steve Giardini. Techniques covered include panorama, near-far focus bracketing (stacking), exposure bracketing, hyperlocal distance skills and associated editing techniques. This course is designed for photo enthusiasts who have a strong understanding of essential camera operations and exposure management concepts such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, the exposure triangle and histogram. The course includes two in-field practical sessions. Students must arrange their own transportation to the field sessions.

June 2-16, 2026 | 5:00pm-7:30pm PDT | Bend

Photography Jumpstart

Dive in to the world of digital photography. Learn how to capture a beautiful image and use simple photo editing techniques to create a final product. Course includes an overview of basic camera controls as well as post-processing techniques.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 9:00am-1:00pm PDT | Madras
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 9:00am-1:00pm PDT | Prineville

Pottery

Students will learn various techniques of working with clay through demonstrations and specific projects. Those with prior clay experience will review techniques and expand their skill level in both wheel throwing and hand building. Because there is a wide range of skill level and technique focus among students, emphasis will be placed on individual development and one-on-one attention, particularly for beginners. Materials are required for this course.

Prineville: Night Star Photography

Experience the creativity and beauty of star photography with professional photographer Brent Bunch! Learn how to do star photography and light painting with a flashlight, how to set up a digital camera in full manual mode to achieve the best star shots and how to edit star shots on your computer. This class will take place at Prineville Reservoir State Park, which is an International Dark Sky park.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 7:00pm-11:00pm PDT | Prineville

Printed Photo Organization

Join professional organizer and photo coach Debbie Bauman in this�interactive course focused on sorting and organizing printed photos. This is a great course for those who are overwhelmed with how to start organizing their boxes, bins and bags of printed photos and outdated media.

May 5-12, 2026 | 5:30pm-7:30pm PDT | Bend

Redmond Community Choir

Redmond Community Choir provides an opportunity for amateur singers to participate in a fun choral singing experience. This non-auditioned ensemble will learn and perform a wide variety of musical styles and genres, including classical, pop, sacred, jazz and spiritual. The course will culminate with a concert performance at the end of the term. All experience levels are welcome. Bring $25 (cash or check) for a music rental fee to the first class session.

February 23, 2026 to May 17, 2026 | 6:30pm-8:30pm PST | Redmond

Watercolor Simplified

Dive into the joy of watercolor! No stress, just color and flow! In this fun, beginner-friendly class, you'll learn simple techniques to create three small watercolor paintings, using ink to accent and define your shapes. With easy, step-by-step instruction, you'll explore how water and pigment dance together to create beautiful effects. Watercolor Simplified is part of a series that builds on each class's techniques and experience, it's best to take them in order, but you're welcome to jump in anywhere along the way! All materials are provided.

Watercolor Simplified 2

Discover more watercolor techniques in the second class to create texture and depth in your paintings using salt, plastic wrap, spray bottles and masking fluid. No experience is required for the two projects. Watercolor Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required. All materials are provided.

Friday, March 20, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond
Friday, May 1, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Redmond

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