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Course #
Day
Dates
Time
Room
Fees
Instructor
FALL Q1 2025Visual and Performing ArtsRegister early for all classes.(Then you won't be disappointed if your class is full or canceled.)3D Paper Pumpkins (1 Class Session) Let us get ready for Fall! With decorative paper and a template, we will create paper pumpkins that can be used as fall ornamentation. Under the guidance of the instructor, you will transform these simple supplies into personalized 3D pumpkins. Lab fee of $5.00 is to be paid to the instructor. VP200.1 T 9/30 6-8PM Room 107 Reg $20 Seniors $18 Guderian ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Aboriginal Style Painting (Acrylic) for Beginners (4 Class Sessions) In this class, Guests will explore the rich and vibrant world of Aboriginal Australian art. Known for its deep cultural significance and unique visual style, we will begin by understanding the history and cultural context of Aboriginal art, including the role of symbolism and dreamtime stories told in these paintings. Guests will explore the meanings behind the motifs and patterns, such as circles, dots, lines, and animals, and how these elements connect to the land, nature, and ancestral spirits. Through this course, participants will learn how to create their own Aboriginal-inspired artwork.View student examples of this work here: https://bit.ly/AboriginalStylePaintingLab fee of $20.00 is to be paid to the instructor.
VP100.1 F 9/19 - 10/10 10am - 12pm Room 108 Reg $80 Seniors $72 Curson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acrylic and Oil Painting Lab (9 Class Sessions) This course offers Guests an immersive studio experience, providing a dedicated three-hour block per class session for the focused practice of either drawing or painting. Guests are encouraged to explore and develop their skills by working on subjects that resonate with their individual artistic interests on any given day. The instructor will be readily available throughout each session to provide personalized guidance, constructive feedback, and address any technical or conceptual challenges Guests may encounter. This extended class time allows for in-depth exploration of chosen subjects, experimentation with various techniques and materials, and the development of a sustained artistic practice within a supportive learning environment.
VP101.1 F 8/15 - 10/10 9am - 12pm Room 107 Reg $270 Seniors $243 Antkowiak ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Adventures in Photography (8 Class Sessions) Adventures in Photography is a course designed for Guests with beginner to intermediate level photography skills. The course will provide weekly projects (such as Landscape, People, Pets Wildlife, Sports, Close-up [Macro], Special Effects, Black and White, Series: Story Telling, etc.) that will allow Guests to develop their photographic skills using any camera, whether it be digital, film, or a smartphone (iPhone and Android). The weekly assignments (3-5 photographs are due each week) will be introduced with lectures focused on that particular topic and what photographic techniques can be used to enhance the assignment. Understanding various camera/smartphone settings will also be discussed. Each session (except the first) will include a critique of the Guests' work from the previous week's assignment. Input will come from the instructor as well as fellow Guests to help guide each Guest in making creative and compelling photographs. The final assignment will be a "series" of photographs using the techniques learned during the course of the class to tell a story of the Guest's choosing. VP600.1 Tu 8/12 - 9/30 6 - 8pm Room 108 Reg $160 Seniors $144 Heyman ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Art Studio (6 Class Sessions) This class provides a dedicated time and environment for individuals seeking a regular opportunity to engage in creative pursuits. Regardless of the chosen medium—oil paints, acrylics, pastels, drawing, or collage—Guests can utilize this course as either a supportive space for creation or as a platform to challenge their artistic boundaries. VP102.1 W 9/3 - 10/8 1 - 4pm Room 107 Reg $180 Seniors $162 Henderson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Beginning Sewing (8 Class Session) Want to learn how to sew your own clothes? Then this is the class for you! This beginning class teaches all the basics of sewing, operating a sewing machine, etc. Enrolled Guests will get assistance to make the Ilford Jacket by Friday Pattern Company, a workwear inspired chore coat. VP700.1 T 8/12 - 9/30 6 - 8:30pm Room 112 Reg $200 Seniors $180 Baaten ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Card Making (Fall Themed and More!) (1 Class Session) BACK BY REQUEST! Make up to 10 unique cards to give to friends and family. Using cardstock, scrapbook paper, glue, scissors, washi tape and hole punches, you will walk away with unique homemade Autumn, Halloween, Birthday, Congratulations, Thank You cards, and more. Unleash your inner creativity and connect with loved ones through the heartfelt art of handmade cards. In this engaging workshop, you will learn to craft distinctive cards perfect for a variety of occasions. Dive into a world of tactile materials, including sturdy cardstock in an array of colors, beautifully patterned scrapbook paper, reliable glue for secure assembly, versatile scissors for precise cuts, decorative washi tape to add flair, and handy hole punches for unique embellishments. Under expert guidance, you will transform these simple supplies into personalized expressions of joy, gratitude, and celebration. By the end of this session, you will proudly possess a collection of one-of-a-kind cards suitable for birthdays, congratulatory messages, heartfelt thank yous, and other special moments. Please note that a $10 lab fee, payable directly to the instructor, covers the cost of all provided materials, ensuring you have everything you need to bring your creative visions to life. Join us for a rewarding experience and discover the satisfaction of giving a gift made with your own hands. Lab Fee of $10.00 to be paid to the instructor.
VP201.1 T 9/9 6 - 8pm Room 107 Reg $20 Seniors $18 Guderian ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fun Photography! (2 Class Sessions) Unlock the potential of your smartphone or digital camera! This engaging short course, led by an award-winning photographer, is perfect for photography enthusiasts who want to elevate their skills. Learn practical techniques to capture stunning photos of your friends, pets, special occasions, travel adventures, and beloved children or grandchildren. Bring your phone or camera and gain the knowledge and confidence to take better pictures of all the wonderful aspects of your life. Ideal for social media aficionados! VP602.1 W 8/20 - 8/27 1:30 - 3:30pm Room 113 Reg $40 Seniors $36 Heyman ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fundamentals of Drawing and Beyond This drawing course is designed to increase your visual awareness and attain methods to help create lines and the effect of three dimensional drawings while having fun. Drawing is fundamental to most forms of art. We will explore the use of line, value, form, perspective, texture, and proportions throughout various drawing exercises. Guests will have group and individual instruction. Demonstrations and lectures will be given to educate each Guest. We will work from photographs of your choice, as well as occasional still lifes. Many class projects are geared for beginners and intermediate Guests. Advanced and intermediate Guests are welcome to work on their own personal projects to further perfect their skills. Please view the instructor’s website at www.garybergren.com
VP103.1 Th 8/14 - 9/4
4 class
1 - 4pm Room 107 Reg $120 Seniors $108 Bergren VP104.1 Th 9/11 - 10/9
5 class
1 - 4pm Room 107 Reg $150 Seniors $135 Bergren ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Intermediate Improv (6 Class Sessions) This class will focus on exercises that touch on the three principles of improv: Yes and ..., Make Your Partner Look Good, and Be Spontaneous. Guests will learn to think on their feet and feel at ease to share their thoughts and ideas in a warm and welcoming environment. This will build on the beginner class with more emphasis on scene work and character development. VP800.1 Th 8/14 - 9/18 2 - 3:30pm DV THEATER Reg $90 Seniors $82 Rich ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Intermediate Sewing (Sewing 2) (8 Class Sessions) In this course, Guests are encouraged to select a sewing pattern of their choosing and will get hands-on support from the instructor in constructing it. Class will run like a workshop where Guests can ask questions and get help with some of the trickier aspects of sewing, such as fitting garments and making basic adjustments to pattern pieces. This is an intermediate level course so Guests are expected to have a working knowledge of their sewing machine. VP701.1 T 8/12 - 9/30 1:30 - 3:30pm Room 112 Reg $160 Seniors $144 Baaten ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learning Classical Guitar (8 Class Sessions) This class introduces advanced beginners to musical notation and basic classical guitar compositions. By the end of the course, Guests will be able to play simple classical pieces and will have a general understanding of the guitar neck and hand positions. Prior elementary music and guitar knowledge is necessary. Participants must bring a nylon-string guitar and a footstool. VP500.1 M 8/11 - 10/6 6 - 8pm DV THEATER Reg $160 Seniors $144 Davora ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Metal Relief Sculpture (9 Class Sessions) Starting with copper, learn the technical aspect/process of tooling light metals. Learn to thoroughly tool the metal, including developing raised/embossed and recessed areas, working neatly with this unusual process. Develop aesthetic sensibility in creating a pleasing composition (use of space). Learn finishing techniques including antiquing, polishing, and mounting artwork. Continue with tooling aluminum and/or brass as time permits. Learn to tool light metals like copper, aluminum, and brass, developing raised/embossed and recessed areas neatly. Focus on aesthetic composition and finishing techniques such as antiquing, polishing, and mounting.Copper Relief Sculpture Examples: https://bit.ly/CopperReliefSculptureExamplesLab fee of $30.00 is to be paid to the instructor. VP105.1 F 8/15 - 10/10 12:30 - 3pm Room 108 Reg$220/Seniors$198 Curson --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mosaic Art Workshop (8 Class Sessions)
Discover the art of mosaics in this engaging workshop suitable for all skill levels. Whether you are new to the craft or an experienced artist, you can work independently on your chosen projects while finding inspiration in a supportive environment. An instructor will offer guidance to beginners and assistance to those with more experience. While glass is a common medium, experimentation with diverse materials and innovative techniques is highly encouraged. Embrace the world of mosaics! Lab fee of $25.00 is to be paid to the instructor. Guests may have additional material costs depending upon their projects. VP106.1 M 8/11 - 10/6 1 - 4pm Room 108 Reg$240/Seniors$216 Zuckerman --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Multi-Level Floral Design (5 Class Sessions) This floral design class offers courses for all levels, from beginner to master, catering to individuals seeking personal enrichment or professional certification. Course offerings include Basic, Advanced, Modern, Wedding, Instructor Training, and Master Floral Design. Advanced Guests interested in Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement, are also encouraged to enroll. Please note that participants will be responsible for the cost of any extra materials needed for their weekly arrangements. A one-time lab fee of $25.00 is to be paid to the instructor on the first day of class for class supplies. VP400.1 T 9/2 - 9/30 12:30 - 3pm Room 108 Reg $125 Seniors $113 Nagata VP401.1 W 9/3 - 10/1 9:30am - 12pm Room 108 Reg $125 Seniors $113 Nagata ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Oils or Acrylics Painting (Landscapes and Portraiture Painting) This class is designed for beginning, intermediate, and beyond Guests. Learn to expand your creativity and art education while having fun. Paint from photos of your choice. Learn strong composition by lectures, and how to attain accurate color, values, and representation through painting demonstrations and individual instruction including critiques. Powerpoint lectures on various forms of composition and a portrait video is available upon request and is encouraged for further advancement towards professionalism. Please view instructor’s website at www.garybergren.com VP107.1 Th 8/14 - 9/4
4 classes
9:30am-12:30pm Room 107 Reg $120/Seniors $108 Bergren VP108.1 Th 9/11 - 10/9
5 classes
9:30am-12:30pm Room 107 Reg $150/Seniors $135 Bergren ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paper Cutting for Beginners - Mola (5 Class Sessions) Paper cut art is a fascinating and intricate form of visual art that involves cutting paper into shapes, patterns, and images to create beautiful, detailed works. The art form dates back centuries and has been practiced in various cultures around the world, with different styles and techniques emerging over time. Our project is based on "Molas," an art form created by Kuna Indians in Panama … your choice of image content. Please see student examples here: https://bit.ly/PaperCuttingMolas Lab fee of $20.00 is to be paid to the instructor. VP109.1 F 8/15 - 9/12 10am - 12pm Room 108 Reg $100/Seniors $90 Antkowiak ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Film Forum: Reel to Real Talk - (9 Class Sessions) Reel-to-Real Talk is a Film Forum that uses acclaimed films to promote discussion about universal issues and timely topics. We explore how literary elements (character conflicts, irony, foreshadow, symbol, theme) and cinematic techniques (performance, directing, cinematography, editing, music) enhance the cinematic viewing experience. Post viewing discussions offer social commentary and promote exchanges of relevant theme ideas. In the 2025 Fall Q1 Term, we will view various acclaimed international films. Our critical evaluations will be based on examining literary elements like screenplays, symbols, irony, and foreshadow, plus exploring cinematic techniques such as musical scoring, acting performance, film editing, and cinematography skills. In the 2025 Fall Q1 Term, we will view a variety of films that include:No Subtitles Necessary: Laslo and Vilmos;The Red Violin;Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon;Sweet Bean;Osama;Wadjda;The Whale Rider;Rabbit-Proof Fence; and,The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. *No Class is held on: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025. Tuesday class Guests will attend Thursday, September 25, 2025.
VP300.1 Tu 8/12 - 10/7 9:30 - 1pm DV THEATER Reg $170 Seniors $153 Thorner VP301.1 Th 8/14 - 10/9 9:30 - 1pm DV THEATER Reg $170 Seniors $153 Thorner ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Watercolor Beginning (8 Class Session) Unlock your creativity and explore the vibrant world of watercolor painting in this introductory course. Designed for beginners, this class covers essential techniques such as washes, blending, layering, and color mixing. Guests will learn how to use brushes, papers, and paints effectively while developing their own artistic style. No prior experience necessary—just a willingness to experiment and have fun with color and water.
VP110.1 M 8/11 - 10/6 11am - 2pm Room 107 Reg $240 Seniors $216 Baaten ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Watercolor - Intermediate (8 Class Sessions) Take your watercolor skills to the next level in this intermediate-level course designed for Guests with basic experience. Build on foundational techniques as you explore more advanced methods such as glazing, negative painting, and working with masking fluid. Emphasis will be placed on composition, color harmony, and developing a personal style. Through a mix of guided instruction and independent projects, Guests will refine their technique and gain confidence in tackling more complex subjects like portraits, dynamic landscapes, and layered textures. Prerequisite: Beginning Watercolor or equivalent experience. VP111.1 M 8/11-10/6 2:30-4:30pm Room 107 Reg$160/Seniors$144 Baaten --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fall Q1 Holidays:9/1 Del Valle Education Center, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek