Creative Arts courses - Central Oregon Community College

ART 166 : Photography: Lighting Techniques

This course explores the basic fundamentals of photography lighting. Introduces lighting setups for various genres of photography, including fine art and commercial. Examines the concept of artistic vision, lighting styles, conditions, exposure and composition. This is a non-credit Community Education class, taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

January 6, 2026 to March 19, 2026 | 9:00am-11:20am PST | 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!

Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PDT | Bend

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.

January 5, 2026 to March 2, 2026 | 6:00pm-9:00pm PST | Bend

Coloring with Copic Markers

Learn to use Japanese copic markers! This class is an introduction to alcohol-based copic markers and how they blend to create beautiful color artwork. You will learn what copic markers are, what the letters and numbers on the markers mean, and how copic markers are different from other kinds of markers. You will also get plenty of hands-on time to practice copic art techniques like blending, shading and layering, using multiliners, and drawing on different kinds of paper. During class, you will create a piece of copic artwork using what you have learned. Materials are required for this course. You can view this information in the "Bulletin" section of the online course listing or on your e-mail Confirmation Letter sent after registration. You can also request by e-mail at ceinfo@cocc.edu.

Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 9:00am-12:00pm PST | 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.

January 27, 2026 to February 3, 2026 | 5:30pm-7:30pm PST | Bend

Drawing: Abstract Simplified

Let's get creative! In this playful class, you'll learn to see everyday objects in a whole new way. Abstract drawing isn't about making things look "real", it's about capturing their energy, shape and spirit. Using colored pencils, crayons, watercolors and ink, you'll experiment, loosen up and discover your own unique style. No experience needed.

Friday, February 27, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond

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.

Friday, January 30, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond

Drawing: Beginning Simplified 1

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.

Friday, December 5, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend

Drawing: Beginning Simplified 2

Building on the information in Beginning Drawing 1, 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.

Friday, December 12, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend

Drawing: Beginning Simplified 3

In session three of Beginning Drawing, you will investigate the advanced drawing techniques of pencil, ink, and charcoal. Bring a black and white photo of something you would like to draw that is approximately 8 by 10 inches. All other materials are supplied. Beginning Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.

Friday, December 19, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | 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!

December 12-13, 2025 | 10:00am-3:00pm PST | Bend

Drawing: One-Point Perspective

Bring your drawings to life with depth and distance! Perspective is the magic trick that makes objects appear to recede into space. In this fun, easygoing class, you'll learn exactly how it works. With step-by-step instruction, you'll create one-point perspective drawings of simple subjects like houses, barns, fences, sidewalks and more. By the end, you'll have at least two finished pieces that show off your new skills. All levels are welcome.

Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend

Drawing: Perspective Simplified 2

It is better to learn one-point perspective after taking Perspective Simplified 1 because it makes the concepts easier to understand. This technique relies more on horizontals, verticals, and different points of view. All skill levels are welcome. Pencil or ink techniques will add to the interest of your two finished projects. All skill levels are welcome. All materials are provided. Perspective Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.

Friday, November 14, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond

Drawing: Perspective Simplified 3

This exciting class teaches you how to put one-point and two-point perspective into one finished drawing using pencil, ink, or colored pencils. Subjects you choose can be outdoor buildings and landscape, cityscapes, or interior rooms. Perspective Drawing Simplified series builds on techniques and experience. It is recommended the series be taken in order, but not required.

Friday, November 21, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond

Drawing: Two-Point Perspective

Take your drawing skills to the next dimension! Perspective gives your artwork the illusion of depth and distance. In this class, you'll learn how to master it with two vanishing points. Through easy, step-by-step instruction, you'll create dynamic drawings of houses, barns, fences, sidewalks and more. By the end of class, you'll have at least two finished perspective pieces to show off. All levels welcome.

Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | 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.

September 26, 2025 to November 21, 2025 | 4:15pm-6:15pm PDT | Bend
January 16, 2026 to March 13, 2026 | 4:15pm-6:15pm PST | Bend

Holiday Wreath Workshop

Learn to create beautiful holiday wreaths with wreath maker Damian Fagan. Use fresh conifer greens, cones, berries, and other materials to make two holiday wreaths. Enjoy the creative process and bring items to add your personal touch to your wreaths. Wreath rings, wire, greens, cones, berries, and bows provided. Bring a pair of pruning shears and gloves, if needed. If time allows, a short session on building greenery swags will be included.

Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 9:00am-12:00pm PST | Bend
Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 1:00pm-4:00pm PST | Bend

HUM 269: Popular Culture - Graphic Novels

This course examines the role of comic books and graphic novels as cultural and artistic creations in popular culture and literature. Identifies a vocabulary for discussing, explaining, writing and analyzing comics. Explores relevant social and historical events in the development of comics. May include comics to film comparisons or principal author studies. This is a non-credit Community Education class taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

January 5, 2026 to March 16, 2026 | 10:00am-11:50am PST | 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

iPhone Photography Basics

Discover the ins and outs of creating incredible photos with your iPhone. This class will teach you how to use your iPhone camera more effectively using basic composition skills and exposure control. Learn about image editing and apps that can add that extra something to make your images stand out. You'll likely discover things you never knew about your iPhone camera, and be inspired to create images that you'll love!

Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 5:00pm-8:00pm PST | Bend

Leatherworking: No-Sew Crossbody Bag

Did you know you can create an entire leather bag without one stitch of sewing? In this No-Sew 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 bag. All materials and supplies will be available at the class.

Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 1:00pm-4:00pm PST | 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!

Metal Arts Workshop: Build Your Own Disc Ring with Gemstone

Learn the fundamentals of metalsmithing while making your own textured disc ring with a set gemstone! In this hands-on class, you'll explore essential jewelry techniques including filing, sanding, sizing, forming, hammering, finishing and more. We'll begin with a brief lecture covering safety and an overview of metal arts, followed by step-by-step demonstrations. You'll measure and size your ring, then use torches and hammers to form and solder both the ring band. Once ring bands are constructed and finished, a 6mm gemstone bezel will be soldered to the ring band and stones will be set. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Friday, January 9, 2026 | 12:00pm-4:00pm PST | 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, January 17, 2026 | 10:00am-2:00pm PST | Bend
Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 10:00am-2:00pm PDT | Bend

Metal Arts Workshop: Ornament Workshop

Learn the fundamentals of metalsmithing in this engaging four-hour workshop! Perfect for beginners, this hands-on class will introduce you to key techniques such as filing, sanding, ring sizing, forming, hammering, soldering, and finishing. We'll begin with a short lecture on the metal arts and important safety practices, followed by a live demonstration. Then, you'll design and create your own ornament. 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. By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind ornament, crafted entirely by you. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity!

Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 9:00am-1:00pm PST | 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 Workshop: Thick Bands and Stacker Rings

Learn the fundamentals of metalsmithing while creating your very own thick banded and stacker rings! In this hands-on class, you'll explore essential jewelry techniques including filing, sanding, sizing, forming, hammering, finishing, and more. We'll begin with a brief lecture covering safety and an overview of metal arts, followed by step-by-step demonstrations. You'll measure and size your ring, then use torches and hammers to form and solder your rings. 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. By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a unique, handcrafted banded and stacker ring set, and a solid introduction to basic metalsmithing skills. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 9:00am-1:00pm PST | 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!

November 5-26, 2025 | 5:00pm-8:00pm PST | Bend
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

Mini-Art Journal: Cut, Bind, and Design

Unleash your creativity in this hands-on workshop where you'll craft your own mini-art journal from scratch! In this short yet engaging class, you'll learn the basics of paper cutting, simple bookbinding techniques, and cover design to create a unique, pocket-sized journal. Whether you want to use it for sketching, collage, or daily reflections, this DIY journal will be a personal work of art. No prior experience is needed, just bring your creativity, and we'll provide the materials! Additionally, this course will offer a demonstration on selecting various art supplies to pack and use when traveling with your mini-art journal.

Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 9:00am-1:00pm PST | 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.

January 7, 2026 to March 11, 2026 | 10:00am-11:20am PST | Madras

MUS 137: Class Guitar I

This class teaches fundamentals of guitar performance in a class format. This is a non-credit Community Education course, taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

January 5, 2026 to March 18, 2026 | 3:00pm-3:50pm PST | Bend

MUS 138: Class Guitar II

This class teaches fundamentals of guitar performance in a class format. This is a non-credit Community Education course, taken with credit students. You will not receive college credit.

January 5, 2026 to March 18, 2026 | 4:00pm-4:50pm PST | 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.

February 4, 2026 to March 4, 2026 | 5:30pm-8:30pm PST | Bend
April 1-29, 2026 | 5:30pm-8:30pm 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, November 22, 2025 | 9:00am-1:00pm PST | Bend
Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 9:00am-1:00pm PST | Redmond

Photography: Jumpstart for Film

Out from the past and into the present. Explore the world of film photography. Learn how to use your film camera, vintage or new! The course will cover the types of film, lenses, and camera types. You will learn how to load and unload the film, be it 35mm or 120 roll film. Learn to set your camera's exposure, F-stop, shutter speed, ISO, and focusing. Home development of the film will not be demonstrated. Bring your camera and film. This course is open to all film cameras.

Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 9:00am-1:00pm PST | Bend

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.

March 3-10, 2026 | 5:30pm-7:30pm PST | 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.

Add your name to our Redmond Community Choir Interest List.

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.

Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend
Friday, February 13, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond

Watercolor Simplified 1

Learn the simplicity and the joy of watercolor for all levels of experience. Discover simple techniques to create three small paintings with the use of ink to accent and define shapes. These techniques are easy and fun with step-by-step instructions. All materials are provided. The Watercolor Simplified courses build on technique and experience. It is recommended that the courses be taken in order, but it is not required.

Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond

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.

Watercolor Simplified 3

Using the techniques learned in Watercolor Simplified 1 and 2, you will discover how value and blending are key elements in giving depth and volume to a finished painting. Students will complete a painting 8x10, 9x12 or 11x15 inches. All materials are provided. The Watercolor Simplified courses build on technique and experience. It is recommended that the courses be taken in order, but it is not required.

Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Redmond

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