WDCECourse Descriptions
CON - Continuing Education
CON178
Holiday Floral Workshop
Bring your friends and have some fun making floral holiday decorations using seasonal foliages.
CON292
Introduction to Yoga - A Beginning Practice
Yoga is the union of the body, mind, and spirit. Appropriate for beginning and intermediate level participants, these practice sessions offer instruction on the basics: asanas (powerful stretching postures), pranayama (mastering energy), and meditation (divine stillness). Loose-fitting clothing is recommended; bring a blanket or mat to lie on.
CON370
Women in History-Her Place and Your Place
This course will briefly explore the role of women in history-the role of both illustrious and notorious women and their contributions to history. It will also examine roles in the past, present, and future.
CON374
Personal Safety and Security
Learn variuos methods to keep yourself, family, friends, and co-workers aware of potential safety and security issues that arise in our communities and daily lives. These include traveling to use of the Internet and general tips on everyday interaction with other people.
CON375
Narcotics in America
Why are drugs used and what type of habits and addictions are prevalent in our community? This class (designed for business professionals, school teachers, law enforcement, and concerned parents) will open your eyes to many of the major narcotics being shared, abused, and sold on our streets, businesses, and homes each day.
CON376
Stand Up: Overcoming Your Fear of Public Speaking
Become a better public speaker. Identify areas to improve and learn proven tips to better your communication abilities. Use the challenge of various impromptu tasks to help you become more comfortable in front of people. It will be challenging to some, but fun for all!
CON382
Animal Farm: The Fact and Fiction
This interdisciplinary course provides an in-depth study of George Orwell's "Animal Farm". Read the book from a purely literary perspective and then enjoy a history lecture concerning the true Russian history that inspired the novel.
CON386
How to Take Unique Pictures
Amateur photographers: Learn tricks to take better pictures in this hands-on instructional workshop. Learn new ideas and easy camera techniques with inspirational guidance in how to find great pictures locally. Bring your own digital camera and be prepared to travel to photo locations on your own. Dress for any weather.
CON391
The Wrap is Part of the Gift
If you're all thumbs when it comes to gift wrapping and you've reached the gift bags only stage, come and learn some tips and tricks to make your package the one that's too pretty to open.
CON392
Understanding Personal Finances
Managing your personal finances can seem like a difficult task. Become acquainted with all aspects of personal finances and understand how basic financial skills allow you to become more comfortable with daily fiscal challenges.
CON396
Basic Math Skills for the Workplace
Sharpen your rusty math skills with other adults. Brush-up on fractions, percentages, the metric system, measurements, and decimals. Prepare yourself for a new job, for further education, or for your own purposes. Find out that math can actually be fun.
CON398
Introduction to Painting with Acrylics or Oils
Beginners and novices will learn to find painting ideas, how to begin, and how to layer a painting. Learn about blending colors, how to add contrast and depth to a painting, and how to apply fine details to finish your work of art.
CON399
Drawing for Beginners
Discover the easiest way to correctly begin and finish a pencil drawing. Learn traditional techniques on how to draw, shade, shadow, and add depth to a drawing. Simple drawing examples are provided to help achieve realistic results and increase creative expression through cartoon characters, landscape pictures, and understanding perspective drawing.
CON434
Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement
Learn the concepts and practices that can make your retirement comfortable and free from money worries and identify lifestyle issues facing retirees. Discover how to protect your hard-earned assets from erosion due to inflation and the possible cost of long-term care.
CON438
The Road to Higher Consciousness: Finding Hidden Wisdom in Myth & Mysticism
By studying the role that gods and heroes have played in mythology and the mystic religions of the world, we will seek to answer these questions: what is the higher consciousness and how do we find it?
CON439
The Life of George Orwell
This class reviews the life of George Orwell and what influenced him to write his two most famous works, 1984 and Animal Farm.
CON440
Get Your Blog On
Ready to get your blog on the web? Learn what it takes to create, maintain, and drive traffic to your blog site. By the end of this course you'll have planned, designed, built content, and found your audience to get your blog on!
CON441
Basic Knitting
Knit one, purl two! Have you always wanted to learn to knit but haven't? Now's your chance to make your own scarf. Learn to knit, purl, cast on, and bind off.
CON442
Meditation & Relaxation Techniques
Feeling overwhelmed with everyday stress? Learn meditation and other relaxation techniques to help you experience inner peace, health and spiritual awakening.
CON504
Introduction to Cake Decorating
with databases using Access 2010. Participants learn basic cake decorating techniques that include icing a cake smoothly, writing messages, borders, basket weave, baby and bridal shower cakes, and roses. Participants must bring a toolkit that includes a pastry bag, coupler, writing, star, leaf, rose and flower nail, and icing spatula.
CON507
Stained Glass 2: Window Building or Lamp Building
Create your own stained-glass window. This course expands upon techniques learned in Introduction to Stained Glass.
CON534
Introduction to Jewelry Making
Make your own jewelry! Learn basic wire techniques. Use tools to fabricate jewelry. Design and produce a sterling silver link bracelet with a toggle clasp and sterling silver and gemstone earrings. Tools and materials are provided.
CON538
Jewelry Design
Learn about tools of the jewelry trade and make your own clasps and hooks. Design a necklace and pendant, bracelet, and earrings using a jig and silver wire. Tools and materials are provided.
Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Jewelry required or permission from the instructor.
CON578
Introduction to Massage Therapy
In this introductory class to the healing arts, Participants learn four kinds of massage in a primarily hands-on workshop. The methods covered include Swedish massage, polarity therapy, reflexology, and shiatsu. Wear a backless bathing suit under your clothes and bring a blanket and towel.
CON595
Introduction to Stained Glass
Learn stained glass techniques using lead and copper foil. Assemble three small samples using this technique. No supplies are provided.
CON640
Conversational Russian
Learn the basic skills of speaking, reading, writing, and listening with attention to selected aspects of Russian culture. At the end of this course, you will be able to read and write short texts as well as communicate in Russian.
CON644
Do It Yourself - Professional Picture Framing
Learn how to frame your own artwork, pictures, and other memorabilia. Discuss the keys to choosing the right matting and frames. Explore mat cutting, image mounting, low budget, and 100% conservation framing of everything from a simple family photo to your favorite painting, collection, or sports jersey.
CON670
Growing Native Plants to Attract Birds
Do you have an interest in native plants? Learn about a variety of shrubs, trees, and flowers native to Pennsylvania and especially attractive to birds. This course focuses on fast-growing native plants that need little maintenance; many of which are relatively inexpensive to purchase.
CON673
Bookbinding Crash Course
Learn different bookbinding techniques including stab, accordion folds, and long stitch. This course combines technique and discussion as well as ways to encourage community through simple methods of mass production. Participoants are encouraged to work at home on projects for class discussion. For ages 12 and up.
CON674
Printmaking Techniques for Beginners
Learn to make handmade prints at home and discover the benefits of multiple images without the use of a printing press. This course covers a wide range of relief printmaking from a variety of surfaces to cutting and hand printing on a variety of eastern and western papers.
CON678
Holiday Gifts from Your Kitchen
Have an old-fashioned holiday and delight your family and friends with wonderful, inexpensive gifts from your kitchen. This year make gifts in the comfort of your own kitchen, on your own time, and save money while surprising everyone on your list with edible pleasures.
CON682
Basic Scrapbooking Methods
Learn the basics of this fast-growing hobby including taking the best p hotos for scapbooking, using the tools of the trade, designing creative layouts, journaling, lettering, and much more. Bring a friend and enjo y! Instructor provides a materials list for the class.
CON687
Weaving Market Basket
Participants will learn the basics of basket weaving and will weave their own market basket. The finished basket will be eight inches square with an un-notched U-shape handle. Enjoy displaying the basket at your own home or give it as a gift!
CON688
Weaving a Wine Basket
Participants will receive an overview of basket weaving and will weave their own wine bottle basket. The end result will be a perfect decoration in your own home, a wine carrier to gatherings, or a perfect gift to your favorite wine-loving friend. The basket will hold two bottles of wine.
CON689
Home Energy Upgrades
High heating bills and electrical costs are becoming the norm. This workshop will introduce participants to a systems approach for achieving comfort and energy efficiency in their homes. Learn to understand about heat loss and heat gain and become aware of various options to improve energy efficiency for space conditioning and electrical use.
CON692
Learning Photographic Composition
Have you ever wanted to learn how to take really outstanding eye-catching pictures? Have you ever wondered what rules make the difference between ordinary pictures and great prize-winning pictures? Are you stuck taking the same old pictures and want new ideas, techniques, and inspiration? Discover the answers with slide examples and explanations; plus learn how to critique your photographs.
CON693
Sketchbook Drawing for Children
Join this new professional studio experience for young artists. Learn the basics of drawing through exercises that focus on still life, portrait, and wildlife subjects. A variety of materials will be used such as pencil, ink, charcoal, and pastels to produce several finished projects.
CON694
Sketchbook Drawing
Sketching what you see is a vital tool for becoming a better artist. Sketch people, animals, objects, and places while experimenting with various techniques for pencil, charcoal, markers, and pastels. Class will be held outdoors weather permitting. For teens and adults. Sketchpad is included.
CON696
Acrylic Painting for Children
Join this new professional studio experience for young artists. Learn the basics of acrylic painting through exercises that focus on still life, portrait, and/or wildlife subjects. Use a variety of techniques including color mixing, brush strokes, shape, and surface to produce several finished paintings. Appropriate for children ages 8 - 11.
CON698
Polymer Clay - Beads & Things
Fashion your own polymer clay beads to use in your craft projects and jewelry design. Stretch your imagination to create an exciting selection of components that you can proudly say that you made yourself! Participants will take home their creations and leftover clay to continue making beads at home. Materials are supplied.
CON699
Numerology
Learn the meaning of each number, the power of master numbers, and how to compute and find the meaning of your life path and life challenge numbers. Find the vibration of your address, phone number, and the many other influences of numbers in your life and how to make those vibrations work for you.
CON768
Memory Books
This class is designed for families to create a book together based on a shared memory. The book is comprised of both art and text. The parent(s) would create one half of the book while the child would create the other half. The family then completes the book by uniting the halves and watching stories unfold.
CON770
Introduction to Sculpture
Designed for anyone wanting to learn about sculpture while getting their hands dirty. Learn basic sculpting techniques and processes using materials such as plaster, clay, and wire. Participants also have the opportunity to engage in group discussion.
CON772
Introduction to Folk Harp
This class is designed for anyone interested in learning to play the folk harp. Learn the basics of placement, hand position, and technique. Each week will include exercises to improve tone quality and agility. Explore and learn simple, familiar tunes each week with the emphasis on playing.
CON774
Writing From Memory: Creating Your Memoir
Think of the legacy you can leave behind for your children and grandchildren and the great fun you can have doing it - telling your story. Bring family pictures and lots of memories, and learn how to select the special times that you want to preserve. This course will get your started, and you won't want to stop. Bring a journal or notebook.
CON776
Memories, Meanings & Memoirs: Narrative Life Writing
Life stories present the connections between past, present, and future. This course provides the opportunities to explore, write, and share your own stories.
CON777
Training Your Mind
Challenge your mind with various memory games including matching, trivi a, concept maps, story telling, and more. Enjoy training your mind while learning to become more observant in everyday life and become a better witness, land a better job, or impress your friends with your wit.
CON778
Art in the Attic: Pennsylvania's Regional Art
The Artists of Pennsylvania have always been an important part of the artistic voice of America.We will examine Regional, Real(ism), and Primitive American art genres and will cap our experience with a trip to the Thomas T. Taber Museum in Williamsport.
CON782
Modern Art Painting Styles
Amateur to intermediate painters will learn and improve different techniques and styles from the Modern Art movement. Create a splash/drip color painting using Abstract Expressionism. Abstract Cubism is explored to create a painting of geometric shapes, forms, and colors. Pop Art and layered objects end the class to stir up your creativity.
CON783
Artist Books
Artist books are an exceptional form of art where your piece is created in the structure of a book. The class explores the art-making process while participants create an artist book of their own. Books are constructed with a variety of materials and often take the form of a small sculpture when finished.
CON787
Making Jewelry with Swarovski Crystals
Create wearable works of art using Swarovski crystals and bent wire. Participants learn the tools of the jewelry trade and make their own clasps and hooks. Take home your own handmade matching necklace, bracelet, and earrings to wear or share with someone special.
CON789
Green Art for Kids
Art goes green as we explore, design, and create with the environment in mind. Participants use a variety of techniques and mediums including recycled art, paper making, and organic sculpture. Learn about environmental artists and engage in fun group discussion. Ages 8-12.
CON790
Performance Art for Kids
Bring art to life in this new interactive studio experience for young artists! Explore a variety of performance art techniques and artists. Engage in art and acting exercises leading up to a participant-designed performance art piece. Sometimes silly, sometimes serious, this course is anything but dull! Ages 9-13.
CON791
Organic Sculpture
Come explore art in nature! Discuss, design, and create nature-based sculptures. Focus on the work of artists such as Andy Goldworthy and Trudi Entwistle.
CON793
Performance Art
Come explore and experience art with all of your senses! This course introduces the history of performance art and its place in the art world. Participants engage in different performance art exercises and techniques. Participants have the opportunity to design and perform a brief performance art piece at the end of the course. No art or acting experience is required.
CON794
Introduction to Jewelry Beading
Learn how to string beads and finish with crimp beads to make beautiful, wearable pieces of art. Participants learn to make a necklace and earring set.
CON795
Intermediate Jewelry Beading
Use the skills learned in Introduction to Jewelry Beading and memory wire to make even more beautiful, wearable pieces of art! Participants learn to make a bracelet with memory wire and an earring set.
CON796
Catch the Coupon Craze
Using coupons is no longer for the thrifty; it's a way of life! The coupon craze is sweeping the nation. Come join us to learn what the pros know. Learn how you can use the coupons to save thousands of dollars on everything from food to fashion, tools to take out, and more!
CON797
Beginning Astronomy
This course is designed to introduce the participant to the wonders of the night sky in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. No knowledge of astronomy is assumed, and no telescope is needed. Topics include solar system and deep sky observing, equipment, imaging, and research opportunities available to the amateur astronomer.
CON798
Basic Digital Photography for Seniors
Don't wait to take another photo - not even an hour! Shoot and print beautiful photos in minutes with your own digital camera, computer, and printer. Learn about purchasing a camera, transferring images to a computer, scanning photos and adjusting pictures. Also, begin to send and receive photos via e-mail.
CON799
Ceramic Studio Workshop
This course is for anyone interested in ceramic art. Projects include hand-building and beginners and advanced potter's wheel techniques. Participants may work with stonewear, porcelain, and Raku clay bodies, various colorant glazes, and firing processes. Decorating techniques may include Majolica, redware, and mosaics. Exploring surface treatment and design is encouraged in order to develop creative, functional, and sculptural forms.
CON916
Astrology for Beginners
Natal Astrology is a language of self-understanding. Learn about the four building blocks of astrology (planets, signs, houses, and aspects) and birth charts. Delve into individual birth charts as a road map to self-awareness and understanding of others.
CON919
Advanced Methods for Drawing Techniques
Beginner to intermediate amateur artists study different pen and ink drawing techniques and explore how to use pastel techniques. Leaern the correct way to blend colors using crayons and the art of pointillism using markers.
CON921
Traditional Japanese Stab-Bound Bookmaking Workshop
Learn to make traditional stab-bound books! The text pages are made of thin rice paper; each sheet is printed on one side, and it's folded in half at the fore edge to give strength to the page and to keep the ink from soaking through. Front and back covers are attached to the text by decorative stitching at the spine.
CON923
Advanced Techniques for Acrylic Painting
Amateur to intermediate painters explore non-traditional painting techniques using diverse tools for applying paint including several new brush techniques such as knife painting, glaze, sponge, texture paint, negative painting, and color theory.
CON924
Sketchbook for Children Part 2
This course takes the popular Sketchbook for Children course to the next level! Draw what you see, including people and objects with an introduction to working from stories, memory, and abstraction. Experiment with more techniques in ink, watercolor, and mixed mediums. Class may be held outdoors, weather permitting.
Prerequisite(s): A sketchbook and the Sketchbook for Children course.
CON926
Introduction to Installation Art
Come explore, design, and create art without boundaries! In this course we will take a look at the history of installation art and its artists as we work on concept, design, and the art-making process. The second half of the course will focus on creating a self-designed installation.
CON928
Astrology II
Astrology enables us to look closely at who we are and how our birth chart helps us to come to a deeper awareness of ourselves and others. Why do we get along with some people and not others? Discover how the planets interact with each other, study the astrology of intimacy, and learn about synastry, which explains the aspects of relationships and comparing charts.
CON929
Jewelry Making - Buttons and Beads Bracelet
Buttons aren't just for shirts! Come learn how to design and create your own beautiful bracelet using a leather cord, beads, and a button clasp.
CON930
Jewelry Making - Rings & Things
Dazzle your friends by making your own rings and pins. Learn to design and produce your own wearable piece of art using silver wire and beads.
CON931
Discovering the Bible
The Bible can be quite cumbersome and, at times, confusing. A framework for the Bible will be taught to help you understand the details as you further your personal study of the Bible. Eight major topics of the Bible will be chronologically covered.
CON932
Introduction to Homebrewing
Learn how to homebrew ale. During the process of brewing, the history and types of beer will be discussed. Participants will also be taught how to taste and evaluate beer in a professional manner and, while doing so, be allowed to sample hallmark examples of the major styles of ale.
CON933
Unveiling the God Within: Consciousness Through Ethics, Morality, and Action
This is part two of the Higher Consciousness series and follows in the footsteps of the enlightened ones across cultures- taking action towards evolution of the awareness of the soul. Laws of ethics and morality are the foundation for higher consciousness everywhere, but how do we evolve beyond what is written?
CON934
A Brief Study of Story: Reading & Writing
We'll focus on the aspects of a story, plot, and characterization and help you develop them by reading your work. At each session, we'll do a free write and discuss the reading and writing. We'll read between one and three stories from people in the class and one story by a pro each week. There will be little points on grammar and style, adapted to the habits of the class.
CON935
Peronal Narrative & Memoir: Going Deep
Personal narrative is difficult. The process of going deep and producing compelling writing about our experiences can be extremely rewarding. At each session, we'll do a free write, ask ourselves hard questions, and think deeply about our experiences and lives. We'll read between one and three stories from people in the class and one story by a pro each week. There will be little points on grammar and style, adapted to the habits of the class.
