Personal Enrichment

Spring classes are now available, click here for more information.

 

Web Registration Now Available - Click Here for Details

Bradenton 941-752-5203, Lakewood Ranch 941-363-7203, Venice 941-408-1412

Personal enrichment courses enable people from all segments of the community to clarify values, increase operatonal skills and enhance personal growth. Programs are available to learners of all ages through multiple instructional deliveries. Courses may be viewed quickly by clicking on the main subject areas of Art, Cooking, Dance, Finance and Investment, Foreign languages, Health & Wellness, Home Improvement and Writing and Reading.

 

ART

Advanced Ceramics/Pottery - Explore your choice of hand-building or wheel-throwing. Learn gas-kiln techniques associated with high-fire reduction and the popular low-fire raku process. Open studio course with demonstrations provided as needed or requested. Previous ceramics experience a must.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15268	10/14 - 12/2	W	2 - 4p	BC	TBA	$380

Drawing - The Zen Method - NEW! - Learn to see and draw, if you are a beginner, or further develop your skills as an experienced artist with instructor Jean Morey. This will be an enjoyable class for those ready to devote time to expand their expertise.  We will learn this natural technique plus an understanding of one, two and three point perspective. Bring your pencil and eraser, pen and ink, and charcoal. Please bring news print, drawing paper and/or pastel paper plus some kind of drawing board for support.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15269	10/1 - 11/5	R	2 - 4p	BC	TBA	$75

Paint with Water Media - NEW! - This water media class using the Zen Approach will expand your horizons with nontoxic painting materials.  We will develop simplified ideas for the use of color, paint, paper and canvas with instructor Jean Morey. There will be demonstrations of techniques after which there will be plenty of time to develop your own work with individual attention.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15270	9/29 - 11/3	T	2 - 4p	BC	TBA	$75

Painting the Clothed Figure - NEW! - We will enjoy the freedom of combining figure and still life in exuberant color. Settings may include landscapes. A review of this familiar fine art and examples of this combination will be part of the introduction. Also, there will be demonstrations of the technique of mixing paint directly on the canvas or paper with instructor Jean Morey. Use any favorite media provided nothing has toxic fumes.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15271	11/10 - 12/15	T	2 - 4p	BC	TBA	$75

ArtCenter Manatee

Putting Punch in Your Painting - NEW!  - Learn exciting ways to make your acrylic paintings rich with the use of glazing and textures using acrylics, oils and watercolor.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15301	9/30 - 10/28	W	9:30a - noon	LWR	TBA	*$80, **$105
15346	11/4 - 12/16	W	9:30a - noon	LWR	TBA	*$80, **$105

* member, ** nonmember
For complete schedule and registration information, visit artcentermanatee.org, or call
ArtCenter Manatee 941-746-2862

COOKING 

 Beginner Cake Decorating - NEW! - Chef Steve Fernandes will teach techniques with tips on frosting, masking (frosting), boarders, flowers, and writing on the cake. 
 

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15353	10/6 - 10/7	T,W	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$65
15354	10/13 - 10/14	T,W	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$65
15355	10/20 - 10/21	T,W	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$65

Advanced Cake Decorating - NEW! - Chef Steve Fernandes continues decorating cakes using various fondants, gum paste and fine decorations.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15357	11/3 - 11/4	T,W	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$65
15358	11/10 - 11/11	T,W	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$65
15360	11/17 - 11/18	T,W	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$65

Japanese Cooking - Native Japanese teacher Noriko Takayama will teach students how to prepare Japanese cuisine. Students also will learn about cultural traditions such as the tea ceremony.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15275	10/13 - 10/20	T	6 - 10p	BC	TBA	$65

 Seasonal Cakes - NEW! - Chef Steve Fernandes will teach the various holiday cakes, using ganache (heavy crème chocolate frosting) and gum paste to create holiday cakes such as Yule Log, cheese cake, Christmas tree and others.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15361	12/1 - 12/2	T,W	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$65
15362	12/8 - 12/9	T,W	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$65
15363	12/15 - 12/16	T,W	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$65

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DANCE

 Ballroom Partner Dancing - Have fun while learning to fox trot, waltz, swing, hustle, rumba and cha-cha with your favorite partner. Classes are taught slowly and with humor. Each week the previous week's class is reviewed since repetition is
important to learning. Couples only.

 

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15332	10/5 - 12/7	M	6:30 - 7:30p	BC	TBA	$75

Improve Ballroom Dance Techniques - Michael Kanozsay will help students improve their ballroom dance techniques with a mixture of ballroom dances for couples or singles. Expand your knowledge of ballroom dance steps and make dancing more fun and exciting.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15299	11/7 - 12/2	S	10a - noon	LWR	TBA	$65

Line Dancing - Learn variations of line dancing from western, international and disco by following easy step combinations that will give you confidence on the dance floor.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15300	9/29 - 11/3	T	7 - 8:30p	LWR	TBA	$65

Social Ballroom Dancing - A beginning dance class for singles or couples who want to learn the basic dance steps with instructor Michael Kanozsay. A variety of dances such as ballroom, swing, Latin, cha-cha and social dances will be introduced. Upon completion of the course, students will feel confident to dance at any club.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15297	10/3 - 10/31	S	10a - noon	LWR	TBA	$65

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FINANCE and INVESTMENT
 

Get a Grip on Your Finances - A comprehensive personal financial management workshop taught by Arlene Moore demystifies the world of finance and helps individuals set financial goals for a more secure future. The course includes a workbook packed with exercises, checklists and self-analysis. Although the class is geared more for women, men also are invited to attend.
 

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15273	10/6 - 10/13	T	6 - 8p	LWR	TBA	$35
15274	11/3 - 11/10	T	6 - 8p	BC	TBA	$35

 2 Young 2 Retire-Work/Life - NEW! - Are you within the "red zone" (five years before or after full-time work) and struggling with ideas to help you continue working with passion, flexibility and financial reward? Do you want to stay engaged and contribute to the world but you're not quite sure how to accomplish that? This difficult economy requires envisioning a new balanced lifestyle. Start charting a new path to creating your meaningful and purposeful life.

 

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15272	10/24 - 10/31	S	9 - 11:30a	LWR	TBA	$45

 
Financial Education Series - This educational workshop will provide a basic understanding of investing and an in-depth look at many different types of investments.You'll learn a variety of investing strategies and how to determine which ones might be right for you. Whether you're planning to send your children to a university or college, save to retire or get the most out of your savings during retirement, this course is for you.

 

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15326	10/1 - 10/22	R	6:30 - 8p	LWR	TBA	$55

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FOREIGN LANGUAGES

 

NOTE: We have cooking classes which complement the foreign language classes.
 

Conversational Japanese - This 10-week progressive course will familiarize students with many aspects of the Land of the Rising Sun. Topics include language, culture, customs, daily life, art and special holiday celebrations. Native Japanese teacher Noriko Takayama will teach the interactive classes, which are educational and full of fun!

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15276	10/1 - 12/10	R	6 - 8p	BC	TBA	$99

Conversational French I - Learn basic phrases needed for a trip to a French-speaking country and get ideas about what to see and do. This class is a great refresher for those familiar with the language and as an introduction to French. Textbook is available at the SCF bookstore.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15277	9/30 - 12/16	W	6 - 8p	LWR	TBA	$99
15278	10/1 - 12/10	R	6 - 8p	VC	TBA	$99

Conversational French II  - This course is for those who have attended French classes or who have had a minimal exposure to the language. The same text book that is used in Conversational French I is used.

French Conversation - Expand your knowledge of French history, culture and society. Review grammar points in context and broaden your vocabulary on various current events topics. Distinguish between nuances of meaning and express your opinions and defend your point of views.
  

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15280	9/29 - 12/1	T	6 - 8p	LWR	TBA	$99

Conversational Italian I - Whether you're planning a trip to Italy or just want to communicate better with your Italian relatives, this course will provide you with the basics; no previous knowledge of Italian required. Textbook is available at the SCF Bookstore.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15281	9/29 - 12/1	T	6:30 - 8:30p	LWR	TBA	$99

Italian for Beginners - Whether you're planning a trip to Italy or just want to communicate better with your Italian relatives, this course will provide you with the basics; no previous knowledge of Italian required. Textbook is available at the SCF bookstore.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15283	9/29 - 12/1	T	7 - 9p	BC	TBA	$99

Conversational Russian I - This course emphasizes verbal communication for persons with little or no experience in the Russian language. The textbook, Beginner's Russian (with cassette, if desired), is available at the SCF Bookstore.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15284	10/1 - 12/10	R	7 - 9p	BC	TBA	$99

Conversational Spanish I - The object? To speak - hablar. The textbook (with cassettes, if desired), which is used for three courses, is available at the SCF Bookstore. A workbook will be given out in class and a dictionary is necessary. ¡Bienvenidos! 

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15286	9/28 - 11/30	M	7 - 9p	BC	TBA	$99
15286	9/28 - 11/30	M	5 - 7p	VC	TBA	$99
15288	9/29 - 10/29	T,R	6 - 8p	VC	TBA	$99
15287	9/29 - 12/1	T	5 - 7p	BC	TBA	$99

Conversational Spanish II - This course is a continuation of Conversational Spanish I. The course builds vocabulary and confidence in speaking. The textbook (with cassettes, if desired) is available at the SCF Bookstore and the workbook will be given out in class. Bring your dictionary. ¡Hasta pronto!

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15289	9/28 - 11/30	M	5 - 7p	BC	TBA	$99
15290	9/30 - 12/16	W	5 - 7p	VC	TBA	$99
15292	9/30 - 12/16	W	7 - 9p	BC	TBA	$99

 Conversational Spanish - Level III  - Those who have taken Spanish II or have experience in the language will profit from practice in simple and compound tenses, indicative and imperative moods in a conversational "ambiente." The textbook is available at the SCF Bookstore. A workbook will be given out in class. A dictionary is a must for this course. ¡Nos vemos aqui!
 

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15293	9/29 - 12/1	T	7 - 9p	BC	TBA	$99

Conversational Spanish - Level IV - Le gusta leer? This course continues the study of tenses, moods and idiomatic expressions using advertisements and short stories. Pronunciation, listening, dictionary and reading skills are stressed. A dictionary is needed and your workbook will be provided in class.
 

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15294	9/30 - 12/16	W	5 - 7p	BC	TBA	$99

 Conversational Sign Language - This course will introduce beginners to basic American sign language, body language, facial expression and finger spelling. The textbook and workbook are available at the SCF Bookstore.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15295	9/29 - 12/1	T	6:30 - 8:30p	BC	TBA	$99
15296	10/1 - 12/10	R	6:30 - 8:30p	LWR	TBA	$99

 

HEALTH & WELLNESS
 

Beginning Tai Chi - Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise developed in China centuries ago. It consists of a series of easily learned, nonstrenuous movements promoting flexibility, coordination and stress reduction. Tai Chi is well-suited for everyone regardless of age.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15308	9/30 - 11/18	W	6:30 - 7:30p	LWR	TBA	$55

Introduction to Wellness for Seniors - This eight-week program will explore wellness for seniors. Each week a different aspect of wellness will be presented. Topics include: nutrition, stress reduction, personal fitness and exercise programs, weight management, balance training, exercise equipment, joint mobility, healthy backs, and occupational and physical therapy. Tai-chi and yoga also will be explored.

Neck, Shoulder & Back Massage - Just 10 minutes with skilled hands can make a difference in reducing stress and relaxing muscles. Learn techniques to reduce stress, alleviate headache pain or just give a great gift of relaxation. Classmates will practice on each other. Please bring a pillow and wear comfortable clothes.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15329	10/6 - 10/13	T	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$45
15330	11/3 - 11/10	T	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$45
15331	12/1 - 12/8	T	6 - 9p	BC	TBA	$45

 Reiki Level One - NEW! - Reiki has been growing in popularity among nurses and healthcare providers. Now, you can use this natural system of healing on yourself and those you care about. The Reiki system of healing is easy to learn and safe to use. Reiki even can be used to help calm overactive children. This class will cover information on the aura and chakra system. This class promises plenty of hands-on activity, meditations and attunements. You also will earn a Usui Reiki Level One certification.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15325	10/17 - 10/24	S	1 - 5p	VC	TBA	$55

Weight Management - This is an eight week course where participants are taught steps to eat healthier and control their food portions and also learn to create an exercise training regimen and eating style that works for them.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15323	9/21 - 11/16	M	6:30 - 8p	BC	TBA	$65

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HOME IMPROVEMENT 

Creating Beautiful Rooms - If decorating is your passion, this course will guide you through the basic steps involved in decorating any room in your home. Topics covered include finding the focal point of a room, choosing an inspiration, properly arranging furniture, and how to choose and place lighting accessories. Also included will be hands-on activities showing how to select  and use color effectively in the decorating process.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15306	10/27 - 11/3	T	6:30 - 9p	LWR	TBA	$65
15307	12/1 - 12/8	T	6:30 - 9p	BC	TBA	$65

 

WRITING & READING 

Advanced Creative Writing - This workshop affords an opportunity for your work-in-progress to be critiqued by  published author, editor and journalist, Esther Gordon.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15317	10/6 - 10/26	T	8 - 9p	BC	TBA	$35
15318	10/8 - 10/29	R	8 - 9p	LWR	TBA	$35
15319	11/3 - 11/24	T	8 - 9p	BC	TBA	$35
15320	11/5 - 12/3	R	8 - 9p	LWR	TBA	$35

Creative Writing I - Longtime editor, publisher and author Esther Gordon will help you find that elusive first sentence, learn to deal with writer's block, dramatize your best anecdotes and then market your work. All genres will be covered-short stories, novels, autobiographies, newspaper think pieces, essays, poetry, magazine features, travel, etc. 

 

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15315	10/6 - 10/27	T	6 - 8p	BC	TBA	$65
15316	10/8 - 10/29	R	6 - 8p	LWR	TBA	$65
15321	11/3 - 11/24	T	6 - 8p	BC	TBA	$65
15322	11/5 - 12/3	R	6 - 8p	LWR	TBA	$65

 

Organizing your Novel - This workshop is for anyone who has ever dreamed of writing a book. We will discuss point of view, premise and back story, characterization, and the working outline, synopsis and submitting your finished manuscript.  Bring your questions, your novel or novel-in-progress and a notebook and a pen. We'll do a writing exercise if time permits.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15313	12/3	R	5:30 - 8:30p	BC	TBA	$30

 

The Short Story - Learn how conflict drives your story, how to create memorable characters, write realistic dialogue and build a scene. Bring a notebook, pen, your story ideas or story-in-progress. We'll do a writing exercise.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15312	11/19	R	5:30 - 8:30p	BC	TBA	$30

 

Travel Writing Workshop - NEW! - Learn techniques to write your personal travel story for publication with Ronni Miller, author of the book "Where to go with Your Lover." Record your experiences whether you are planning or have taken a trip, travel for pleasure or business, or travel between two home locations.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15310	11/10 - 12/15	T	10a - noon	LWR	TBA	$65

 

Write-Illustrate Books for Children - NEW! - Learn to create children's books with instructor Jean Morey. From the rough manuscript stage to presentation, you'll learn to polish your work to professional standards and present the work to publishers. Whether your idea is to simply pull together a collection of memories for your family or join the profession of published author/illustrators, this class has something for you.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15309	10/7 - 11/4	W	6 - 8p	BC	TBA	$65

Write To Sell Magazine Article - Diane Robertson will teach you where to find potential story topics, map one idea into several stories/articles and how to find the right magazine for a particular story. We'll walk through writer's guidelines for magazine
articles and the elements of a query letter. Bring a notebook, pen and your story ideas. If time permits, we'll do a writing exercise.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15311	11/5	R	5:30 - 8;30p	BC	TBA	$30

 

Writing Your Life Story - Whether your life story is just for you and your family, or for publication, we will have fun uncovering its pearls. Bring a notebook and pen; we will do some writing exercises.

CRN	Dates	Day	Time	Site	Room	Fee
15314	12/10	R	5:30 - 8:30p	BC	TBA	$30

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for more information, or to register call:

941-752-5203, 941-363-7203 or 941-408-1412

Web Registration Now Available - Click Here for Details