Courses

Adobe Photoshop Essentials

Impress your business organization, friends, and family by enhancing their photos and creating magazine cover-quality enhanced images. This course is included in the Graphic Design Software Essentials Certificate course.

March 6-31, 2023, Online Only
May 1-26, 2023, Online Only
July 4-28, 2023, Online Only
October 2-27, 2023, Online Only

Building Your Vision: Taking Your Photography from Good to Great!

Are you a photographer who wants to take their images to the next level? Or maybe you are just getting started. Discover compositional basics, discuss concepts of building your photographic vision, and take away ideas and concepts that you can put into practice right away.

Thursday, March 2, 2023, Online Only

Bunny Gnomes

Every home should have a gnome, and this is your chance to make one, just in time for Spring! Join Alicia for a fun night of crafting and socializing in a unique workshop. No sewing is involved, and all materials are provided.

Sunday, March 26, 2023, Aegir Brewing Company

Ceramics: Clay Exploration

Experience the tactile art of working with clay! Designed for every level of artist, you'll start with a hand building project to learn some basic techniques and progress to throwing on a pottery wheel.

February 28, 2023 to May 9, 2023, HC Art Rm Door 5
March 13, 2023 to May 22, 2023, HC Art Rm Door 5

Ceramics: Clay Sampler | age 16+

Try your hand at working with ceramics! Emphasis will be on learning and having fun as you explore one of several hand-building techniques or start throwing clay on the potter's wheel. Sign up with a friend!

February 28, 2023 to March 14, 2023, HC Art Rm Door 5
March 21, 2023 to April 11, 2023, HC Art Rm Door 5
April 18, 2023 to May 2, 2023, HC Art Rm Door 5

Ceramics: Intermediate - Form and Function | age 16+

Improve your craft and push your creative limits! During this 2.5-hour intensive class, you will learn the importance of form and function throughout ceramics and apply practical methods and teachings to your work.

March 30, 2023 to May 25, 2023, HC Art Rm Door 5

Comedy Writing: How to Be Funny on Paper and Stage

Whether you need to make a dull work presentation more lively, mix laughter with learning in the classroom, or ultimately want to write for print/production or perform your own stand-up routine, this fast-paced session will show you how to apply humor to all aspects of your life. You will learn the anatomy of a joke, how to use your powers of observation to sharpen your wit, how to write different types of jokes, and how to use humor to entertain and influence people.

Saturday, March 4, 2023, Online Only

Crescendo Music Lessons

The Crescendo Music Program provides individual music lessons to students of all ages -- school age through adulthood. For additional program information, click the session dates below.

September 12, 2022 to May 22, 2023, HC Music Room Door 5

Dance: Tap - Adult | 18+

Have you always wanted to learn to tap dance but never had the chance? Whether your dance background is minimal or extensive, this class is a great way to get your feet moving!

March 9, 2023 to May 18, 2023, HC Stage Door 5
June 15, 2023 to August 10, 2023, RH Dance Studio Door 10

DIY Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop

Have you been wanting to make your own chunky knit blanket? Sign up now for this class and learn how! The class includes all materials needed to make a 45x55" or 40x60" throw, and personalized instruction. Food and beverages will be available for purchase before, during, and after the class.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Pour Wine and Bistro
Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Pour Wine and Bistro
Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Pour Wine and Bistro
Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Pour Wine and Bistro

Explore the World as a Travel Writer

If you love to travel and love to write, this is for you! We will discuss how to use all your senses in a new destination to create more detailed and in-depth descriptions that capture and maintain readers' interest, and whether or not you need to include photos with your work. You will also learn how to find and submit your finished product to print and online markets, the business side of travel writing (how to take travel tax deductions), and how to avoid worn-out travel-writing cliches.

Saturday, March 4, 2023, Online Only
Saturday, July 8, 2023, Online Only

Fox Hollow Get Golf Ready

This series of 3 lessons is geared for adults who have little or no golf experience and would like to feel more confident on the course.

May 9-23, 2023, Fox Hollow Golf Club
June 6-20, 2023, Fox Hollow Golf Club
July 11-25, 2023, Fox Hollow Golf Club

How to Outline and Write an Irresistible Romance

Romance is the #1-selling fiction genre. Whether you're a new or experienced writer, this comprehensive session will help you sharpen your skills with practical step-by-step advice. You will discover the different romance sub-genres and understand the proven romance formula. You will also learn to create a unique setting, introduce your protagonist (lead character), percolate friction, and write relatable dialogue.

Saturday, March 4, 2023, Online Only

Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People | age 13+

In just a few hours, you can learn enough to delight in years of playing the piano. Learn to play the way professionals do -- using chords. With this online Zoom class, you can sit at your home piano or keyboard and learn without any pressure.

Saturday, February 25, 2023, Online Only

Macrame | age 12+

Finally, the project you've been asking for! Join Alicia for a fun afternoon in this exciting NEW workshop where you'll get simple directions to create a freestyle macrame design. We'll supply all the materials you need to create a 20x36in macrame wall hanging. Personalize your creation with a variety of natural-toned yarn choices, including, but not limited to, whites, ivory, creams, greys, tans, and blacks. Beverages and food will be available to purchase from Pour Wine Bar & Bistro, located in Otsego. Recommended for ages 12+; students under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Saturday, April 22, 2023, Pour Wine and Bistro

Mike Lynch Minnesota Starwatch Program

Make the stars your old friends as we watch the great celestial show over Elk River and vicinity. Following a short orientation, you will enjoy quality time outside under the sky getting to know constellations such as The Big Bear, Orion the Hunter, Leo the Lion, and some of the great stories behind them. We will use large telescopes, among the largest mobile telescopes in Minnesota and Wisconsin, for close-up views of the moon, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and other wonders in the late winter and early spring skies.

Tuesday, April 11, 2023, SM Media Door S

MN Nail Art

Are you looking for an EASY and casual DIY class? Look no further! Relax, socialize, and craft your very own MN Nail Art wallhanging in this unique workshop. You COULD spend $70 or more for one in a store, or on supplies to create at home, but why? This class includes all materials and tools needed to make an 11x13 finished piece, plus Alicia's simple one-on-one instruction.

Sunday, February 26, 2023, Aegir Brewing Company

Mosaic Birdbath

A birdbath can draw a multitude of entertaining birds to your yard, and adds a beautiful focal point! Create a unique birdbath from terra cotta and colorful mosaic tiles.

Tuesday, April 4, 2023, HC Blesener Cmty Rm Door 5

Mosaic Butterfly, Dragonfly or Lizard Project

Create a stained glass mosaic butterfly, dragonfly or lizard and add a piece of custom artwork to your home or garden!

Thursday, February 16, 2023, HC Blesener Cmty Rm Door 5

Podcasting

Podcasts are like "on-demand radio," and cover all kinds of topics! Do you have a business, hobby or passion you'd like to share? Discover how to get started in podcasting and how you can reach your maximum audience.

February 6, 2023 to March 3, 2023, Online Only
April 3-28, 2023, Online Only

Portrait Drawing Class | age 16+

Let's draw faces! Learn the skill of portrait drawing using only pen and paper. Bring in some prints of your face or the faces of loved ones. Learn proportions and shading using pen. You'll have time to practice, and the instructor's examples will be available for reference. All tools needed will be provided.

Thursday, March 23, 2023, HC Rm 111 Door 5

Soap Making 101

Discover the delight of homemade soap for yourself or to share as gifts! Using the cold process method, learn how to make soap through demonstration and participation.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023, ER Rm 352 Door H

Succulent Bar Workshop

Do you love succulents but can't keep them alive? Or are you looking for a fun Mother's Day gift? Here is your chance to create a no-maintenance succulent garden! Choose from a variety of pots, sand, rocks, and an array of the best premium ARTIFICIAL succulents. Only you will know they are not real. All materials are included.

Sunday, May 7, 2023, Aegir Brewing Company

Watercolor Painting - Nature Edition | age 16+

Have you been afraid to try working with watercolors? Don't be! This class is perfect for anyone interested in dabbling in watercolor painting, no matter what your skill level. Discover new techniques while learning how to paint insects, including butterflies, ladybugs, and honeybees.

Thursday, February 23, 2023, HC Blesener Cmty Rm Door 5

Write a Riveting Mystery, Suspense, or Crime Story

Become a mystery writer for fun or profit! You will discover the different sub-genres and three-act story structure of mystery writing and create an intriguing cast of characters. Learn how to research and pick your setting, make sure your opening grabs readers' attention, and use "red herrings" to misdirect your readers and create suspense until you're ready for the final reveal.

Saturday, March 4, 2023, Online Only
Saturday, July 8, 2023, Online Only

Acrylic Pouring: Minnesota State Love

You've watched the videos, now discover the magical world of acrylic pouring for yourself! Using fluid acrylics and pouring medium, our instructor will show you how to produce the same beautiful abstract artwork you've seen on Pinterest. Create an acrylic pour on a 12" wooden cut-out of the State of Minnesota, and leave the clean-up to us. We'll provide a tray to carry your painting home, along with vinyl stickers you can apply later for extra detail.

Monday, July 24, 2023, RM Art Rm Door A

Canvas Barn Owl Painting

Gather your friends for a fun night of painting! Follow along with Charlene as she provides step-by-step instructions for you to create an acrylic painted Barn Owl masterpiece. All supplies are included in the cost of the class.

Thursday, February 9, 2023, HC Lounge Door 5

Don't Stop. Be Leavin' Door Hanger Grab-and-Go Kit

Add some humor to your neighborhood with this witty door hanger! Set up a neighborhood party and order this grab-and-go kit for the perfect summer craft night. The kit includes all the supplies you will need including a 12-inch wood round, pre-folded ribbon bow, paint, paint brushes, vinyl letters, and greenery.

June 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023, VM Media Door L

Fun with Fused Glass - Introduction

Let our instructor guide you through the basics of fusing art glass. Design a beautiful functional dish, coasters, or wall art. Once your project is complete, it will be fired in the kiln. You will receive an email approximately one week after the class to let you know when your project is available for pick-up at Handke Center, 1170 Main Street, Elk River.

Friday, March 10, 2023, River Birch Glass Studio
Saturday, March 25, 2023, River Birch Glass Studio

Fused Glass Garden Art

Make a beautiful piece of kiln-fused garden art that you can stake and put in a favorite spot in your garden or planter. Once your project is complete, it will be fired in the kiln. You will receive an email approximately one week after the class to let you know when your project is available for pick-up at Handke Center, 1170 Main Street, Elk River.

Friday, April 21, 2023, River Birch Glass Studio

Fused Glass Suncatchers and More!

Learn the art of fusing glass and make an eye-catching piece of original art for your window, wall, or table. Once your project is complete, it will be fired in the kiln. You will receive an email approximately one week after the class to let you know when your project is available for pick-up at Handke Center, 1170 Main Street, Elk River.

Saturday, May 20, 2023, River Birch Glass Studio

Fused Glass Tie Dye

Learn the fascinating method of "slurry on glass" to create a gorgeous design for your fused glass plate, bowl or wall hanging. Once your project is complete, it will be fired in the kiln. You will receive an email approximately one week after the class to let you know when your project is available for pick-up at Handke Center, 1170 Main Street, Elk River.

Sunday, April 2, 2023, River Birch Glass Studio

Patriotic Fringe Flag Grab-and-Go Kit

Celebrate the national holidays this summer by getting crafty with this easy, unique patriotic fringe flag kit! It's a perfect project for a family craft night or for some quiet time by yourself! Kit includes a wood base, paint, paint brushes, wood star, glue, and step-by-step instructions.

June 1-30, 2023, VM Media Door L

Wine Glass Painting | Birch Trees

Paint a set of birch trees on 2 wine glasses using step-by-step instructions by artist Charlene! All instructions and supplies are included in cost. Painting is completed in 3 hours for you to take home and display.

Tuesday, March 28, 2023, HC Lounge Door 5