Bloomington Campus

Beginning ceramics: Wheel Throwing

For true beginners curious about ceramics or students with some experience looking to rediscover their skills with clay, this class will take you through the fundamental techniques of working with clay on the wheel. Students will learn to throw from beginner forms (pulling cylinders) and expand to things that interest them! Bowls, cups, mugs, plates, teapots, vases, planters, etc. We will work towards personal goals of the student while improving technique and gaining information regarding throwing itself. No prior experience necessary and all prior experiences welcome!

NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

10/21/2024 - 12/9/2024 | Mondays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Maggie Fitzgerald | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $275

waitlist HERE

experienced ceramics: Wheel Throwing

Looking to build new clay skills and refine existing ones? This class is a great continuation for students with some experience who would like to advance their wheel-throwing techniques: centering, pulling, forming, and finishing. We will explore the wheel as a tool for making functional ceramics and sculpture. Altered wheel-thrown forms will be demonstrated. Finally, we will learn about glaze and finishing techniques. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the nature of clay, glazes, ceramic processes, and equipment while exploring their own projects.

PREREQUISITE: Beginning Ceramics: Wheel Throwing or an equivalent level of experience in ceramics is recommended for this class.

NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

10/22/2024 - 12/10/2024 | Tuesdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Maggie Fitzgerald | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $275

waitlist HERE

Clay in the kitchen

Clay and food have an ancient, intimate relationship. People have been cooking in clay since the first clay pots were shaped. In Clay in the Kitchen we will focus our clay shaping skills on making vessels for cooking and baking. Depending on their intended use, our cooking pots will be fired either to stoneware temperatures--such as lidded casseroles and cloches for baking in an oven--or low-fire earthenware temperatures for open flame cooking, like Japanese donabe, Korean ttukbaegi, Central and South American olla, and north African tagine. Because the potter's wheel is only 6,000 years old and people have been cooking in clay long before then, all of our cookware can be made with slabs and/or coils, thrown on the wheel, or a combination of both. While we are primarily concerned with form and function of these pots, we will also explore various means of decorating and finishing.

PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed at least one full-length beginner level CLL ceramics course at the Ivy Tech Main Campus and be familiar with the CLL ceramics studio space and practices.

NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

10/23/2024 - 12/11/2024 (No class 11/27) | Wednesdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Scott Barton | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $260

waitlist HERE

an interplay of ceramic techniques & ideas

This course is designed for people who have experience with shaping clay and who wish to explore their imaginations and broaden their skills in the art and craft of ceramics. The class encourages both independence and the interplay and incorporation of ideas and techniques of fellow ceramicists. That is, we will learn from and teach each other. We will also push ourselves in new directions and face failure together. We will use methods of hand-building, wheel-throwing, surface-texturing, and their combination to create pieces of art of underlying functionality, pure aesthetics, or both. Come to this class with your ideas and goals. You already know what you can do. Now do more.

PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed at least one full-length beginner level CLL ceramics course at the Ivy Tech Main Campus and be familiar with the CLL ceramics studio space and practices.

NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

10/24/2024 - 12/12/2024 (No class 11/28) | Thursdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Scott Barton | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $280

waitlist HERE

advanced ceramics study

This course is designed for experienced CLL students to have the freedom to explore the wheel and beyond without the structure of a traditional class. Under the supervision of your instructor, you will have time reserved in the studio in addition to open studio hours to build on the skills you’ve gained in beginner and experienced level classes toward individual goals and projects.
This class will be supervised by instructor Scott Barton, who will help shape and support your experience in this course, while emphasizing the freedom to explore and providing feedback toward your progression.

PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed at least one CLL ceramics class at the Ivy Tech Main Campus studio beyond the beginner level, and be familiar with the CLL ceramics studio space and practices.

NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

10/25/2024 - 12/13/2024 (No class 11/29) | Fridays, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Scott Barton | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $230

waitlist HERE

rigid heddle weaving

Want to learn more about weaving? This class is great for true beginners, as well as folks who have some experience on a loom! You'll learn how to dress a loom for weaving, how colors interact in a woven textile, a variety of woven structures and how to plan your own woven projects. You will walk away with your very own set of cloth napkins and a scarf, plus numerous samples - all handmade by you! 

Supplies: Materials for the first project will be included, and we will discuss how to make informed decisions for purchasing your own materials for remaining projects. Looms will be supplied for in-class use, and can be taken home for the duration of the class.

NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

10/22/2024 - 12/10/2024 | Tuesdays, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Ary Bird | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $195

REGISTER HERE

natural dyeing

Learn to harvest the rich colors of nature in this completely introductory dyeing class! We will discuss and experiment with a variety of natural materials, such as plants and plant extracts, as well as food you may find in your own kitchen! Additionally, we will cover how to modify dye baths in order to produce multiple colors from one single dye source, resist techniques to create designs on your textiles, and eco printing to capture the actual shapes of the plants with which we dye.

Supplies: All dye matter and equipment required for the duration of the class is included in the registration fee. Materials for the first project will also be included, and we will discuss how to make informed decisions for acquiring materials for remaining projects.

NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

10/23/2024 - 12/11/2024 | Wednesdays, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Ary Bird | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $225

REGISTER HERE

adding meaning with mending

Mending is an art form as old as fiber arts itself, though today few people still practice. There is a phenomenon that happens though, when you put your own time and effort into mending a textile or garment. Not only do you add longevity to its life, you also imbue it with a sense of importance by adding a bit of yourself to the piece. In this class, we will learn ways to repair an array of pieces, whether woven or knit, by apply patches, darning, embroidering, etc. You will be asked to bring in your own pieces to work on, along with your creativity!
 
Supplies: Supply kits containing fabric patches, needles, thread, yarn, and darning needles will be provided and are included in the class registration fee.

11/13/2024 - 12/11/2024 (No class 11/27) | Wednesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Sarah Nichols | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $95

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mosaic pixel art workshop

In this 3-hour workshop, you'll use small square tiles to create a bold, stand-alone mosaic that's ready to hang on your wall! Take design inspiration from 8-bit computer graphics, cross-stitch, quilting, or your own imagination. We'll cover the basics of working with thin-set mortar to create a durable, water-resistant art piece. With no tile cutting required, this class is perfect for anyone, from the complete mosaic novice to those with more experience who are looking for a fun way to stretch their creativity. All class materials included!

This workshop is open to adults, as well as youth ages 12+ who plan to attend with an authorized adult who is also registered. If you are registering a youth participant, please also submit our Youth Participation Form.

NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees due to limited capacity. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

11/16/2024 | Saturday, 10:00am-1:00pm
Sara Colvard | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $65

REGISTER HERE

beginning watercolor II

This course is an ongoing introduction to the art of watercolor, specifically designed to follow Beginning Watercolor I. Explore new techniques while continuing to discuss and work with composition, color planning, masking, perspective, and negative painting. Each class will provide encouragement, gentle critiques, and advice to inspire individual improvement.

PREREQUISITE: It is recommended that students take Beginning Watercolor I or a similarly structured watercolor class before this course.

SUPPLIES: Please bring 140# watercolor paper, paints, and supplies previously obtained to the first class. Please don't purchase additional materials before the class; the instructor will provide a short shopping list.

10/1/2024 - 11/12/2024 (No class 10/15) | Tuesdays, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Nancy Metz | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $150

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illustrated journaling with watercolors

Illustrated journaling is trending and this instructor is a chronic journaler! Learn how to save your memories, document your travels, or create a themed “body of work”, all while experimenting with various watercolor mediums and techniques. Students are asked to complete homework assignments, bring their journal to class, and share for gentle critiques and suggestions. Having fun is required!

NOTE:  this course is designed for students with previous watercolor experience and instruction. 

SUPPLIES: A watercolor journal will be provided. For the first class, students should bring any watercolors supplies they have on hand. The instructor will provide guidance on any supplies needed for the remaining classes.

10/17/2024 - 11/21/2024 | Thursdays, 1:30pm-4:00pm
Jeanne Ellen Dutton | Bloomington Fine Arts Supply | $150

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painting in oil for impatient & hesitant beginners 

In this step-by-step painting class for beginners, we will take a hands-on approach that is heavy on results: you will be in the middle of your first painting and picking up tricks-of-the-trade before you know it. Much of the instruction is individualized. These classes are also designed to accommodate repeat students, so continuing education can be a lifelong experience.

10/22/2024 - 12/10/2024 | Tuesdays, 7:00pm-9:30pm
Michael Teague | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $170

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painting from photographs & imagination in oil

Do you have personal photographs or drawings you would like to see as paintings? Or maybe you want to paint in a particular style? Would you like to learn how to paint in your own style better? Michael’s individual-based method is geared towards the personal needs of his students and emphasizes results. This class will cover various topics in oil painting including glazing, scumbling, and under-painting. It will also include discussion about textural versus flat paints, as well as soft versus hard edge mixing. These classes accommodate new and repeat students, as continuing education is a lifelong experience.

10/23/2024 - 12/11/2024 | Wednesdays, 7:00pm-9:30pm
Michael Teague | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $170

REGISTER HERE

from the eye to the easel

Nature has a simple way of putting things together. Once you learn her tricks, you will have a way of understanding any creative project you will want to tackle. For the beginning painter, the first thing you learn is to let the brush do the work for you. Painting is a right-brain activity: once you get in the zone, your blood pressure drops, and the painting practically paints itself. Once you let the right brain take over, space, color, light, and form will become second nature.

10/24/2024 - 12/12/2024 (No class 11/28) | Thursdays, 2:15pm-4:45pm
Michael Teague | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $160

REGISTER HERE

beginning painting: opaque media

Painting is a way to make an image that can be rich, enjoyable, and surprisingly real. Through working with paint you can explore how things look, or experiment with color and brushwork to express your thoughts or feelings. Or you can combine these pursuits as you see fit.

This class will introduce fundamental practices and concepts for working with opaque paint media. Opaque paint media involve the use of white to lighten colors, allowing for a great deal of flexibility in image making. Oil, acrylic, or gouache are all suitable for this class; if you have always been interested in trying oil painting this could be a good opportunity to do so.

Most of the in-class work will be done from direct observation of still life setups, but first we will learn about the paints, brushes, and other materials we will be using, then we will then explore paint application and study color and value relationship. Our first still life painting will be done monochromatically, in one color, with attention paid to both the positive and negative value shapes that we see in the still life, a concept that we will discuss in class. We will then move on to mixing simplified areas of color from direct observation, and begin to consider color temperature and the roles the color of light and local color have in making up the world we see.

Prerequisite (recommended): This is a process-oriented class requiring or building patience. Simple procedures will be introduced, and time will be allowed on an individual basis for building familiarity with these procedures. To get the most out of this class, it is recommended that students will have taken a beginner level drawing class and ideally Drawing: Light and Shade with the Center for Lifelong Learning.

Supplies: No supplies are required for the first day of class. Painting supplies lists will be provided for subsequent classes during our first class meeting.

10/24/2024 - 12/19/2024 (No class 11/28) | Thursdays, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Ben Pines | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $145

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inventing landscape & other imagery with colored pencil

There is logic to how natural forms are put together and appear to us. In this class you will learn a few tricks in order to invent objects and locations in a believable pictorial space. Additionally, you will learn how an impressionist’s imagination with color can evoke not only a style but also a mood. We will explore the medium of colored pencil as a doorway into untapped creativity in landscape artistry.

10/28/2024 - 12/9/2024 | Mondays, 2:15pm-4:15pm
Michael Teague | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $125

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watercolor technique

This course is designed for anyone who is interested in watercolors, from beginners to experienced artists interested in learning new skills and techniques, and how to choose strong compositions. Using a limited pallet you will learn how to mix color, shades and tone. Whether you paint along with the instructor or work on your own, you can expect individual attention. You will be amazed at what you can do!

10/31/2024 - 12/12/2024 (No class 11/28) | Thursdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
MarySue Schwab | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $95

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learn calligraphy & more

Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing. With the use of simple tools and good technique, you'll learn the basic strokes, size, and spacing of lettering so you can use these skills as a springboard for decorative lettering and flourishes. This class is open to all skill levels.

10/31/2024 - 12/12/2024 (No class 11/28) | Thursdays, 12:30pm-1:30pm
MarySue Schwab | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $55

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the future of color: Botanical painting & earth pigments

Join Maria Schechter in exploring natural materials to create color palettes from fruits, flowers, and earth pigments. Prepare a couple of pigments from a recipe, and then paint with them. The painting and some supplies will be yours to keep.

Highlights:

• Begin with a virtual tour of the Lascaux Caves in France.
• Learn about the history and use of earth pigments.
• Discuss tannins and mordants (substances used to bind dyes to fabrics) that are used in natural dyeing.
• Process and create botanical colors from materials like black walnuts, onion skins, avocado seeds, and blueberries.
• Learn from Ellen Jacquart, director of MC IRIS, why native plants are important and find out what we can do to help preserve and maintain healthy landscapes.

Activities:

• Examine ancient wall paintings and illuminated manuscripts.
• Process one or two colors with a group of others using pre-prepared materials and a processing video.
• Understand mordants, tannins, and alternative salts/metals for dyeing.

Materials Provided:

• Stretched, recycled watercolor paper that has been prepared with layers of processed onion skins; pipettes and brushes
• Definition list, dyer’s method recipe, and list of mordant modifiers.
• Recipe journal, brushes, magnifying glass, and reference books.
• Link to Maria’s YouTube channel for detailed instructions.

Takeaways:

• Confidence in processing foraged materials at home.
• Encouragement to explore and experiment with botanical dyeing
• A two-color bio art painting
• A gift bag with:
  — Recipes
  — A list of reference books and links to videos
  — A handmade recipe journal to write down your own recipes
  — Brushes and a handheld magnifying glass

No prior skill required, just a love for nature and curiosity!

IVY TECH EMPLOYEE NOTE: This class is not eligible for fee remission for Ivy Tech employees. Please see our CLL fee remission guidelines for more information.

11/2/2024 | Saturday, 10:00am-2:00pm
Maria Schechter | Ivy Tech Main Campus | $60

REGISTER HERE

proceed with caution: balancing family history findings with human history of trauma and controversy [In-person or virtual]

During the course of conducting family research, some discoveries can lead to the surfacing of memories, family trauma, and surprises in one’s genealogical lineage. Stories of the lives of ancestors may lead to the discovery of controversial elements and as details surface from archives and historic records.

We will discuss ways to prepare for and process records and discovery while maintaining a historic researcher perspective. Frustrations with missing information, “brick wall” challenges, and inaccessible resources will be reviewed, as well as techniques to channel the research planning. Suggestions for personal follow-up will be included.

No experience or prior family search experience required.

NOTE: This class will be held at the Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus in a Learn Anywhere classroom space that also accommodates Zoom participants. All students will have the opportunity to attend either in-person or virtually via Zoom. Information for participating via Zoom will be sent no later than 2 days before the class start.

10/9/2024 | Wednesday, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Susan Snider Salmon | Ivy Tech Main Campus or Zoom | $10

REGISTER HERE

intentional genealogy: growing family trees through planned research supported by historic resources

This course is framed by applying best practices for genealogical research.

We will: (1) focus on using contemporary online sources, as well as expanding an understanding of the various web-based services (free and fee based); (2) explore essential in-person research of printed and stored historic records; (3) provide a framework to plan research objectives, formulate a usable personalized record keeping system, and resolve differences in the historical records; (4) model how to maintain research records, locate and interpret vital records, examine and apply US Census archival data, and track family members through local and social records; (5) establish methodology to get and keep records organized; (6) identity how to plan and conduct research, document and maintain citations, and write research reports and record progress.

No experience or prior family search experience required.

Supplies: Students may bring a personal computer to use, if desired, as well as an electronic storage filing option (external hard drive, thumb drive, etc.). It is recommended that all students have computer/internet access outside of class, as well as a program to read adobe files and a current membership to an online family tree making system.

NOTE: This class will be held in-person at the Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus. If you need to miss a class and would like to review the material covered that day, we do have the ability to Zoom-record the meeting upon request and with the consent of other participating students.

11/13/2024 - 12/18/2024 (No class 11/27) | Wednesday, 2:00pm-4:30pm
Susan Snider Salmon | Ivy Tech Main Campus or Zoom | $90

REGISTER HERE

chair yoga & meditation [virtual]

Come experience the many benefits of yoga: improve your flexibility, strengthen your muscles, refine your breathing technique, cultivate ease in your joints, reduce stress, and improve your sleep! And you can do all of this while seated! Each class will work toward these benefits and include a meditation exercise. This class is perfect for students looking for a gentle yoga option, those new to yoga, and anyone who might have limited mobility. No previous experience is necessary. If you are interested in this class but have concerns about beginning a yoga practice, please consult a doctor.

11/5/2024 - 12/17/2024 (No class 11/26) | Tuesdays, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Patricia Pauly | Zoom | $60

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Functional fitness [virtual]

Fitness isn’t impossible, and it doesn’t have to be about setting personal records weight lifting or running marathons. Functional Fitness is about staying healthy and fit enough to do what you want to do, whether that's carrying your own golf clubs, gardening, or just staying active. The key is to get started!
This class will focus on three aspects of functional fitness: overall strength, flexibility, and balance. The movements will generally be whole body movements and imitate “real life” movements. Participants may wish to consult with their physician prior to taking this class if they have any medical issues.

No prior fitness experience is necessary, and modifications will be offered to make each exercise do-able for every student. This class is open to all adults ages 18+ and is perfect for anyone who wants to put more life in the years they have ahead!

11/7/2024 - 12/19/2024 (No class 11/28) | Thursdays, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Patricia Pauly | Zoom | $60

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homesteading [In-Person or Virtual]

Sustainable living is more than a passing trend, but many practitioners (or those who want to be) often lack practical information on how to successfully live off the land, especially when it comes to raising farm animals. Lifelong farmer, homesteader and Owen County native Bill Pursell guides participants through important considerations associated with homesteading. Classes will cover everything from site and animal selection to land and water management to gardening. Bill pulls the class together by also examining the business of homesteading, including budget and tax considerations, trading, marketing, auctioning, as well as topics of interest to participants.

Note: This class will be held in-person at the Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus in a Learn Anywhere classroom that also accommodates live instruction for those who wish to attend virtually. All students will have the opportunity to participate and may attend either in-person or virtually via Zoom each class as needed.

Household Discount: Registered students may sign up one additional member of their household to attend classes at no cost. If you are interested in registering for this class and would like to sign up an additional household member, please contact lifelonglearning@ivytech.edu for additional details. 

11/7/2024 - 12/12/2024 (No class 11/28) | Thursdays, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Bill Pursell | Ivy Tech Main Campus or Zoom | $90

REGISTER HERE