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Mondays, January 11th – February 22nd (6 Sessions - no class on January 18th/MLK Day)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Early Registration fee: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration fee: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Ingrid Albrecht

ENERGY, IMPROVISATION, IMPULSE, GESTURE, and CHANCE are ALL characteristics of this printing process, as stated by William Jung. During this 6-week course, participants will learn the Monotype printing process in ink and watercolor using the Additive, Subtractive, and freestyle processes. Students will also learn how to use the two mediums together for exciting results. This is a popular class that promises a lot of creative FUN and some outstanding results.

Supplies are included.

In this class, we will spend six weeks creating functional ceramic pieces! You will build by hand using the three main types of hand-built clay construction, pinching, coiling, and slab. We will also explore Kurinuki. We will work with the glazes available in the studio and learn proper glaze procedures. We will also look at various surface decoration techniques, such as so that your pieces will be truly one of a kind!

Section A: Mondays, January 11th – March 1st (6 Sessions - no class on January 18th/MLK Day + February 8th)
3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt

Section B: Tuesdays, January 12th – February 23rd (6 Sessions - no class on February 9th)
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt

Section C: Wednesdays, January 20th – February 24th (6 Sessions)
3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano

Section D: Thursdays, January 21st – February 25th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Instructor: Lillian Frances

Early Registration fee: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration fee: NU $162, Public $172

Students will be introduced to the basic principles of making functional ceramic art. In this course, students will begin with the process of wheel throwing with detailed instruction on how to throw a cylinder, bowl, and much more. The kinesthetic process of pottery will be explored through developing technical skills on the wheel as well as understanding the function of various forms developed throughout the history of ceramics. Learn how to make functional work that you can use at home as foodware for yourself, friends, or family. This course is for students who have never worked with clay before and is the perfect introduction to wheel throwing.

Section A: Tuesdays, January 12th – February 23rd (7 Sessions)
3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano

Section B:  Wednesdays, January 13th – February 24th (7 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Instructor: Lillian Frances

Section C:  Thursdays, January 14th – February 25th (7 Sessions)
3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano

Early Registration fee: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration fee: NU $162, Public $172

Wheel Throwing II is for students who have completed at least one wheel throwing course in the past. In this course, Students will learn how to throw a large range of functional work and explore complex ways of decorating and glazing. From mugs and bowls, to large vases, plates, and coffee pour-overs, this course is perfect for those who are looking to improve their throwing techniques and aesthetics. This course aims to improve the student's confidence in their abilities and to connect the larger community within the studio.
*Prerequisites: have taken a beginner’s wheel throwing class

Thursdays, January 28th - February 25th (5 Sessions)
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Mark Gruber

Welcome to the world of wine appreciation! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, there's always something new to explore in the realm of wine. In this lecture-based series, students will learn the art of tasting and describing wines with professional finesse. Each session delves into a different region: California, France, and the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting both renowned and emerging wines, emphasizing value for money.  The program culminates in a special evening dedicated to sparkling and dessert wines, providing a delightful conclusion to the five-week journey.

*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course. 
**Bring two (2) wine glasses to each class. We do not provide or store your wine glasses.

Thursdays, January 28th - February 25th (5 Sessions)
7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Mark Gruber

Welcome to the world of wine appreciation! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, there's always something new to explore in the realm of wine. In this lecture-based series, students will learn the art of tasting and describing wines with professional finesse. Each session delves into a different region: California, France, and the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting both renowned and emerging wines, emphasizing value for money.  The program culminates in a special evening dedicated to sparkling and dessert wines, providing a delightful conclusion to the five-week journey.

*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course. 
**Bring two (2) wine glasses to each class. We do not provide or store your wine glasses.

Mondays, January 11th – March 8th (8 Sessions - no class on January 18th/MLK Day)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Peter Wujcik

This course introduces the basics of American Sign Language. American Sign Language (ASL) is quickly becoming one of the most widely used languages in the United States. This class will explore basic sign vocabulary and basic grammatical structures such as English to ASL and ASL to English. This class will cover basic Sign Language and a basic introduction to the world of Deaf Cultures.

Thursdays, January 21st – February 25th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $72, Public $82
Regular registration: NU $82, Public $92
Instructor: Anne Beall, author of The Compassionate Writer

How can understanding ourselves and others help us write better stories?

In this six-week course, we’ll explore how compassion—for ourselves, the people and characters we write about, our readers, and the writing process itself—can help us write with greater honesty, nuance, and emotional depth. Drawing on The Compassionate Writer, we’ll discover ways to find our voice, turn experiences into meaningful stories, and connect with readers.

Through discussion, guided writing exercises, examples, and supportive feedback, we’ll explore character motivations, complex relationships, conflict, and emotional turning points. We’ll experiment with how approaching the same experience or character with greater understanding can deepen the writing and its impact on readers.

We’ll also examine the emotional side of writing: self-doubt, perfectionism, fear of judgment, difficult memories, and the inner critic that often keeps writers stuck or silent. Participants will learn compassionate approaches to drafting, editing, and giving feedback, along with strategies for working through blocks, handling rejection, and sustaining a writing practice.

This course welcomes writers of memoir, creative nonfiction, fiction, and personal essays at all levels—from those just beginning to experienced writers looking to reconnect with their voice. Participants may bring a work in progress or begin something new.

Wednesdays, January 20th – February 24th (6 Sessions)
5:00 - 5:50 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $54, Public $64
Regular registration: NU $64, Public $74
Instructor: Cate Curtis

Known for its energetic and sensual movements, salsa is one of the most popular dances in the world. This class will introduce you to the history and basic movements of salsa dance. We will focus on both solo and partner dancing, with an emphasis on the social aspects of the dance. By the end of the course, you will be able to recognize the rhythms of salsa music, execute salsa’s basic steps, and dance with a partner. All levels are welcome, and no dance experience is required.

Wednesdays, January 20th – February 24th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $54, Public $64
Regular registration: NU $64, Public $74
Instructor: Cate Curtis

Since its earliest beginnings in 1920s Harlem, swing has been a popular social dance known for its energetic movement and upbeat tempos. This class will introduce you to the history and basic movements of swing dance. We will focus on both solo and partner dancing, with an emphasis on the social aspects of the dance. By the end of the course, you will be able to identify swing music, execute swing’s rhythmic steps, and dance with a partner. All levels are welcome, and no dance experience is required.

Wednesdays, January 20th – February 24th (6 Sessions)
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $62, Public $72
Regular registration: NU $72, Public $82
Instructor: Inna Melnikov

Come learn Tai Chi, a non-combat martial art, that helps cultivate mental focus and builds protective energy. This course will introduce the skills and philosophy of ancient Chinese martial arts. This traditional spiritual and physical practice cultivates spirit, energy, physical and mental strength, focus, and memory. Great ideas have an opportunity to emerge during the calm meditative state it provides.  Join the Tai Qi class conducted by the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Inna Melnikov, who has taught Tai Qi at Norris for over 15 years.

Tuesdays, January 19th – February 23rd (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $72, Public $82
Regular registration: NU $82, Public $92
Instructor: Larry Schwartz

These lessons are tailored to players who range from beginner level to advanced. You will learn topics ranging from mastering fundamentals to difficult shots and game strategies.