Arts and Crafts through Community Learning Center
Unleash your artistic spirit with hands-on classes at SJC’s Community Learning Center. From painting and floral design to crochet and batik, there’s something for every maker.
Explore painting techniques in Beginning or Intermediate Painting or venture outdoors with Introduction to Plein Air. Try traditional Batik art, create framed nature keepsakes in our Pressed Flowers Workshop, or craft beautiful bouquets in Floral Arranging. Fiber artists will love our Crochet Critters series, which allows you to create plushies, pillows, or playful totes. Alternatively, bring your projects to Fiber Arts Lab for guidance and inspiration. All experience levels welcome.
Come create something amazing!
Arts & Crafts Courses
Embark on a creative journey with our Beginning Painting class, tailored for both novices and those with
some painting experience. Whether you prefer acrylic (tole), oil, or watercolor, this course offers the flexibility to choose your preferred medium and dive into the world of painting.
Participants will explore:
• Medium Selection: Guidance on choosing your painting medium and identifying the necessary supplies during the first class.
• Application Techniques: Learn the fundamentals of applying your chosen medium to create beautiful
works of art.
• Color Theory: Understand and utilize the color wheel to enhance your artistic expression
• Art History & Principles: Gain insights into the history of art and the five core principles of art to enrich your painting practice.
• Project Creation: Work on special projects that reflect your individual style and creativity.
This course is suitable for ages 15 and up. Students are responsible for their own supplies. Join us to develop your painting skills and unleash your artistic potential.
20 hrs.
Instructor: JOYCE CARDON
8/12-9/30, TUES, 4:30-7 pm, SJC Room 1905, $79
10/7-12/2, TUES, 4:30-7 pm, SJC Room 1905 $79 (no class 11/25)
Reignite your passion for painting! Intermediate Painting is designed for those looking to further develop their artistic abilities. Whether your interest lies in folk art, oil, or watercolor, this course provides a supportive environment to explore and enhance your creativity.
• Diverse Art Styles: Discover a variety of styles, including folk art, oil and watercolor landscapes, still life, and portraits, and select your preferred focus.
• Supply Identification: Identify and gather the necessary supplies for your chosen projects during the first class.
• Advanced Color Theory: Refine your understanding and application of the color wheel to elevate your artwork.
• Artistic Principles: Review and apply the five core principles of art to improve your technique and composition.
• Skill Enhancement: Use various mediums to advance your painting skills, tailored for students with experience in their chosen medium.
This course is suitable for ages 15 and up. Students are responsible for their own supplies. Join us to renew your creativity and take your painting skills to the next level. 20 hrs.
Instructor: JOYCE CARDON
8/14-10/2, THURS, 1-3:30, SJC Room 1905, $79
10/9-12/4, THURS, 4:30-7 pm, SJC Room 1905 (no class 11/27), $79
Step into the vibrant world of floral design with our “Floral Arrangement Basics” class. This introductory course is perfect for anyone looking to learn the art of creating stunning bouquets and arrangements. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and creativity! Join us to discover the joy of floral design, enhance your creativity, and bring the beauty of fresh flowers into your life. Materials fee of $50 payable to instructor. All materials will be provided, and you’ll take home your own gorgeous creation after each class. 9 hrs
Instructor: LAURIE HARRIS
9/9-10/14, TUES 6-7:30 pm, HHPC 55336, $64
Capture the beauty of the outdoors with this introductory class on plein air painting. Learn the fundamentals of painting in natural light while exploring techniques for composition, color mixing, and quick sketching. You’ll work outside at local scenic spots, guided by an experienced instructor who will help you see and interpret the landscape in a new way. You’ll also learn the basics of building your own painter’s box for easy setup in the field. Come prepared to be outside—dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Great for beginners or studio painters looking to step outside and loosen up their style. Use your favorite medium—watercolor, acrylic, or oil—and bring a spirit of adventure!
Instructor: JEN BOTTOMS
9/20-10/25, SAT 9-Noon, SJC 1905/Outdoor locations TBD $100
Brighten up your home with a beautiful handmade rose pillow! In this intermediate crochet class, you’ll create a stunning floral cushion using the Rose Pillow pattern from One and Two Company. With layered petals and bold color choices, this eye-catching design makes a perfect accent piece or heartfelt gift. Students should be comfortable with basic crochet techniques and increases. Pattern purchase is required; please bring your own yarn and supplies. Contact the Community Learning Center for link to pattern and materials list. 8 hrs
Instructor: MICHELE TRUBY-TILLEN
8/27-9/17, WED, 6-8 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208, $59
In this fun and creative class, you’ll learn how to crochet the African Flower motif and turn it into colorful plush animals. The instructor will guide you through each step, from making the floral shapes
to assembling them into soft, three-dimensional creatures. This class is great for anyone who enjoys crafting with yarn and wants to try something new. You’ll leave with a handmade plushie and the skills to make more on your own. Appropriate for ages 15 and up (10 and up welcome with an accompanying adult). Patterns for this class are available on Etsy. Contact the Community Learning Center for link to pattern and materials list. 8 hrs
Instructor: MICHELE TRUBY-TILLEN
9/24-10/15, WED, 6-8 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208, $59
Add some personality to your errands with these charming crochet farm animal shopping bags! In this fun, beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn how to make an adorable animal-themed tote using a pattern from One and Two Company. Choose from cute characters like a cow, pig, or chicken—each one as functional as it is fun. You’ll get guidance on stitches, assembly, and adding expressive details to bring your farmyard friend to life. Students should know basic crochet stitches and bring their own materials; pattern purchase required. Contact the Community Learning Center for link to pattern and materials list. 8 hrs
Instructor: MICHELE TRUBY-TILLEN
10/22-11/12, WED, 6-8 pm, 30th Street Education Center, Room 208, $59
Discover the timeless art of preserving nature’s beauty! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to dry and press flowers, then turn them into charming keepsakes like framed botanical art, bookmarks, or greeting cards. Perfect for beginners, this class covers flower selection, pressing techniques, and creative project ideas you can easily recreate at home. All materials provided—just bring your love for flowers and creativity! $50 supply fee paid to instructor on first day of class.
Instructor: LAURIE HARRIS
10/28-11/18 TUES, 6-7:30 pm, HHPC 55336, $59
Explore the captivating art of Batik, a traditional Indonesian technique that uses wax as a resist to create intricate patterns and textures. In this class, you’ll learn to craft a unique painting on masa paper, experimenting with layers of wax and washes that bring depth and dimension to your work. Each piece becomes a one-of-a-kind creation—full of surprises and texture! A materials list will be provided before class, and a $25 materials fee for masa paper is payable to the instructor at the first session. Get ready to dive into a truly magical art form! 8 hrs
Instructor: JEN BOTTOMS
11/8 & 11/15, SAT 8-Noon, WCC Room 1905, $50
Don’t you love those adorable amigurumi plushies everyone is creating? Now you can create your own Fat Cat crochet pet in this one-day workshop. Join us as we walk through the steps of creating a soft, whimsical animal that is perfect for gifts, display, or just for fun. You’ll learn techniques for shaping, stitching, and assembling these charming characters. Basic crochet skills are required. Pattern purchase is required; please bring your own yarn, hook, and stuffing. Suitable for ages 10 and up with an accompanying adult. Contact the Community Learning Center for link to pattern and materials list. 2 hrs
Instructor: MICHELE TRUBY-TILLEN
11/19, WED, 6-8 pm, 30th Street Education Center, Room 208, $25
It’s time to get assistance with crochet, knit, tablet weaving, bobbin lace, embroidery or any other needle art project. Bring a project you just can’t seem to finish— or get started on those favorite gifts. For those who have always wanted to learn how to crochet, the time is now, with hands-on-instruction. Beginners will learn basic stitches and finish a scarf. Bring size 4 light color crochet yarn (not variegated or multi-colored) size G, H, or I crochet hook (with a wooden or rubber handle), small scissors and knitting needle size 8. Appropriate for ages 15 and up (10 and up welcome with an accompanying adult). 12 hrs
MICHELE TRUBY-TILLEN has been crocheting for over 35 years and advanced her knowledge over the years through 4-H, competing at the San Juan County Fair and National Yarn Craft Council Teaching Certification.
12/3-12/17, WED, 6-8 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208, $59
