Unleash your creativity with a diverse array of arts classes offered through Encore at SJC!
Explore the captivating world of Stained Glass, including Bevels, Jewels & Grids, and Lead Techniques. Delve into watercolor with World of Watercolor or craft unique jewelry with Modern Art Jewelry Making. Master your skills in Pottery and Drawing. Discover a whole new artistic realm today!
Arts Classes
Creativity and the joy of making art aren’t confined to the studio. Whether sketching, simple watercolors or other media, learn techniques so that you can artistically record experiences as you live them and fill your day with art in a variety of settings inside and outside. We’ll put together an “Art to Go” kit and
practice skills by exploring the campus during class time. A supply list can be obtained from the Encore office.
Instructor: LORALIE (LORI) MILLER
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SU ARTS 104 E05
7/9-8/20, THU, 9:30-noon, SJC Room 1905
Where does your imagination go when you think of modern jewelry? Explore the design process by creating several simple pieces of jewelry in a hands-on experience with a variety of materials including metal, paper, resin, and concrete. Think of all the materials to add to our challenges—almost anything will work. Expand your outlook on what constitutes jewelry making and jewelry materials - get ready to be excited! Supply list available from the Community Learning Center at registration.
CATHERINE THOMAS-KEMP is an accomplished jewelry artist and loves sharing her expertise in community.
1 credit hour
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E68
7/9-8/27, THU, 12:30-3:40 pm, Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Art Studio
2 credit hours
Cost: $13 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$125 residents under 65, $393 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E42
9/3-12/10, THU, 12:30-3:40 pm, Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Art Studio
(no class 11/27)
1 credit hour
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026SU ARTS 104 E44 (registration begins 2/13)
5/14-7/2, THU, 12:30-3:40 pm, Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Art Studio
Now that you have stained glass skills, you can focus on specialty projects, such as building a glass kaleidoscope, a specialty jewelry box, or a terrarium. Reinforce existing skills and develop advanced techniques with an eye to specific final projects. Students will need to know how to use a glass cutter and solder as well as design basics before enrolling in this class. If you wonder if the class is appropriate, please contact the instructor through the Encore office. $15 supply fee payable at registration will cover shared materials; all additional supplies will be the responsibility of the students. Tools, workbooks, glass and costs will be discussed at the first class.
Instructor: JOHN NICHOLS
Cost (includes supply fee): $26.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$82.50 residents under 65, $216.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E10
8/10-9/21, MON, 5-9:10 pm, Trades & Technology Building Trades Shop Room 2223*
(no class 9/7)
It’s a Tiffany themed stained glass experience for repeat students to finely hone their skills and continue their projects. Glass artist John Nichols will help you choose a design and fabricate a glass panel during the class, suitable to frame. Explore design and color choices, cutting and grinding techniques, foiling and soldering processes, and finishing touches to create dazzling projects to be proud of. Students will need to know how to use a glass cutter and solder as well as design basics before enrolling in this class. If you wonder if the class is appropriate, please contact the instructor through the Encore office. $15 supply fee payable at registration will cover shared materials; all additional supplies will be the responsibility of the students. Tools, workbooks, glass and costs will be discussed at the first class.
Instructor: JOHN NICHOLS
Cost (including supply fee): $26.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$82.50 residents under 65, $216.50 non-residents
8/12-9/16, WED, 5-9:10 pm, Trades & Technology Building Trades Shop Room 2223*
It’s a Tiffany themed stained-glass experience for beginning students. Glass artist John Nichols will help you choose a design and fabricate a glass panel during the class, suitable to frame. Explore design and color choices, cutting and grinding techniques, foiling and soldering processes, and finishing touches to create dazzling projects. Students are welcome to repeat the class to reinforce the beginning experience. $40 supply fee payable at registration will cover shared materials; all additional supplies will be the responsibility of the students. Tools, workbooks, glass and costs will be discussed at the first class.
Instructor: JOHN NICHOLS
Cost (including supply fee): $51.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$107.50 residents under 65, $241.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E23
8/13-9/17, THU, 5-9:10 pm, Trades & Technology Building Trades Shop Room 2223*
2026FA ARTS 104 E30
10/17-11/21, SAT, 8:30 am -12:40 pm, Trades & Technology Building Trades Shop Room 2223*
*Use outside entrance labeled “Building Trades Program” rather than main entrance.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced clay person, let your imagination run wild and let that clay artist inside you roam free. Learn hand building and wheel throwing with clay as well as how to fire the pots in the kiln and glazing techniques. Students will be responsible for their own tools and clay. Please come to the first day of class with clay and tools at the ready, as we will be hands-on from day one! Contact Jessica at 505-632-8351 (day) or 505-419-7526 (evening) for a list of supplies. $35 supply fee payable at registration for firing and glazes.
Instructor: JESSICA POLATTY
Cost (including supply fee): $41.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$97.50 residents under 65, $231.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E04
8/19-10/7, WED, 5:30-8:40 pm, Henderson Fine Arts Center Room 9036
Whether you are brand new, have been out of touch for a while, or want to continue your skills, gain an overview of the basics. Learn all of the basics of using the Tiffany method of fabrication and a group of patterns to start with. $40 supply fee payable at registration will cover shared materials; all additional supplies will be the responsibility of the students. Tools, glass and costs will be discussed at the first class.
Instructor: JOHN NICHOLS
Cost: (including supply fee): $36.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$92.50 residents under 65, $226.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E32
8/22-10/10, SAT, 8:30 am-12:40 pm, Trades & Technology Building Trades Shop Room 2223*
(no class 9/5)
Whether you are just beginning or want to advance existing skills, simplify watercolor with a combination of tricks, techniques and tools including sponges, spray bottles and washes. Learn the fundamentals of good composition with the use of shapes, contrast and color to help create more interesting and entertaining paintings. Supply list available from the Community Learning Center.
MICHAEL BULLOCH was born into an artistic family in Farmington. He had a brush in his hand as soon as he could sit up, and he sold his first painting when he was four. His popular Encore classes are a venue to tap into his expertise.
Cost: $13 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$125 residents under 65, $393 non-residents
2 credit hours
2026FA ARTS 104 E28
8/24-12/14, MON, 6-9:10 pm, Henderson Fine Arts Room 9032
(no class 9/7, 11/23)
Enter a world of textile arts. Discover hands-on fun as you practice dyeing and painting textiles. Explore simple Shibori techniques, beginning Batik, Serti Technique and Stone Dyeing. We will complete four beautiful and useful pieces while we enjoy the pleasant support and camaraderie of creating together.
Although this course is intended for beginners, all are welcome. A supply list can be obtained from the Encore office.
Instructor: LORALIE (LORI) MILLER
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E33
9/3–11/19, THU 2-4 PM, WCCL 1905
In this class, we will learn about medicinal plants and some of the folk traditions for using them. We will make some traditional products, using knowledge that has been passed down over centuries. We will make lotions, potions, salves, and infusions. We will gather new recipes, as well as share family and cultural knowledge, and guide the group in preparing some of most useful products. Each participant will be provided a binder, prepared for organizing the knowledge gained, recipes, and resources for ongoing herbal learning and recipe collecting. You will have the opportunity to make some herbal gifts as the holidays approach. This class is fun and satisfying, a place for learning, sharing, and enjoying a unique camaraderie with others who share an interest in herbs. $15 supply fee payable at registration.
Instructor: LORALIE (LORI) MILLER
Cost: $21.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$77.50 residents under 65, $211.50 non-resident
2026FA ARTS 104 E11
9/4–11/20, FRI 9-11am, WCCL 1905
Observe and translate the world through simple drawing methods. Whether you’re a beginner or have experience, this engaging class will encourage you to find and expand your abilities as we explore linework, shape, tone, perspective, figures and landscape, and composition. Supply list available at the Community Learning Center at registration; expect supplies to cost $25-30.
JENNIFER GILMORE started her art career in the Young Artists’ Program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A lifelong professional artist, she also holds a degree in Graphic Design.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E17
9/14-11/9, MON, 9:30 am-12:20, Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Art Studio
Build on what you learned in Drawing Skills and sharpen your technique. This class is for artists with some experience who want to improve composition, linework, shading with color, and perspective. You’ll also explore scale, subtractive drawing, and practice drawing living subjects. Supply list available at the Community Learning Center at registration; expect supplies to cost $25-30.
JENNIFER GILMORE started her art career in the Young Artists’ Program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A lifelong professional artist, she also holds a degree in Graphic Design.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E15
9/17-11/12, THU, 9:30 am -12:20 pm, Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Art Studio
Bevel borders enhance stained glass by using focal points to create brilliance. Add flair to your projects by refracting light and creating calming effects, through advanced yet simple techniques. Students will need to know how to use a glass cutter and solder as well as design basics before enrolling in this class. If you wonder if the class is appropriate, please contact the instructor through the Encore office. Tools, workbooks, glass and costs will be discussed on the first day of class. $15 supply fee payable at registration will cover shared materials; all additional supplies will be the responsibility of the students. Tools, glass and costs will be discussed at the first class.
Instructor: JOHN NICHOLS
Cost: $26.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$82.50 residents under 65, $216.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E06
9/23-10/28, WED, 5-9:10 pm, Trades & Technology Building Trades Shop Room 2223*
What comes after your first stained class? Discover innovative techniques, sharpen your skills, finish existing projects, and incorporate bevels and jewels into your art. Appropriate for students who have taken Beginning Stained Glass or other classes. $15 supply fee payable at registration will cover shared materials; all additional supplies will be the responsibility of the students. Tools, workbooks, glass and costs will be discussed at the first class.
Instructor: JOHN NICHOLS
Cost (including supply fee): $26.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$82.50 residents under 65, $216.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E56
9/24-10/29, THU, 5-9:10 pm, Trades & Technology Building Trades Shop Room 2223*
Frame your work using wood, brass, copper, zinc or lead came. Using pre-measured & pre-made frames, learn to cut your own custom sized frames and coordinate processes to add reinforcement to your glass art projects. $15 supply fee payable at registration will cover shared materials; all additional supplies will be the responsibility of the students. Tools, workbooks, glass and costs will be discussed at the first class.
Instructor: JOHN NICHOLS
Cost (including supply fee): $26.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$82.50 residents under 65, $216.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E12
9/28-11/2, MON, 5-9:10 pm, Trades & Technology Building Trades Shop Room 2223*
2026FA ARTS 104 E14
11/5-12/17, THU, 5-9:10 pm, Trades & Technology Building Trades Shop Room 2223*
(no class 11/26)
Our color theory class is a foundational glass fusing workshop designed for beginner students. This workshop combines lecture with hands-on project building, allowing students to explore how glass colors interact when fired, understand their reactions and learn about the effects of layering. Each participant will create a beautiful 6”x6” fused glass dish in the color gradient of their choice. Various other topics will be covered including kiln set up and how to prep a slump mold. This class will help you understand how and why glass behaves the way it does in the kiln.
Class fee of $15 for glass fusing materials.
Instructor: JOHN NICHOLS
Cost (includes supply fee):
$36.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$92.50 residents under 65, $226.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E02
11/4-12/16, WED, 5-9:10 pm, Trades & Technology Building Trades Shop Room 2223*
(no class 11/25)
Ornaments and chotskies, suncatchers and gifts – discover basic designs to enjoy the stained glass craft through the treasured time of your holiday season. Students will need to know how to use a glass cutter and solder as well as design basics before enrolling in this class. If you wonder if the class is appropriate, please contact the instructor through the Encore office. $15 supply fee payable at registration will cover shared materials; all additional supplies will be the responsibility of the students. Tools, workbooks, glass and costs will be discussed at the first class.
Instructor: JOHN NICHOLS
Cost (includes supply fee):
$21.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$77.50 residents under 65, $211.50 non-residents
2026FA ARTS 104 E48
11/9-12/14, MON, 5-9:10 pm, 12/12, SAT, 8:30 am-12:40 pm, Trades & Technology Building Trades Shop Room 2223*
(no class 11/23)
