Hickory – Catawba Valley Community College will offer a number of fun, short courses for personal enrichment this fall. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/y97ny4jc, or contact Cheri Toney, 828-327-7037, [email protected].

Adobe InDesign Certificate Prep – This course helps you prepare for the Print & Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign exam. Exam objectives will be covered in detail, from identifying your audience and demonstrating basic design principles, to laying out your initial design and publishing your final document. This course will offer exercises, projects, and practice exams to help you prepare for the certification. This is a required class in order to take the Adobe Certification exam. Registration: $50. Thursdays, August 23 – September 20, 6:30-8:30pm, Instructor: Jenn Cobb, CVCC Main Campus REP 123.

Adobe Illustrator Certificate Prep – Stand out to employers and clients by becoming an Adobe Certified Associate in Graphic Design & Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator. Each exam objective will be covered in detail, from identifying project requirements to exporting your final graphics to graphic design concepts. This course will offer hands-on exercises and experience with Adobe Illustrator, projects to test your skills, and practice exams to help you prepare for the certification exam. This is a required class in order to take the Adobe Certification exam. Registration: $50. Thursdays, September 27 – October 18, 6:30-8:30pm, Instructor: Jenn Cobb, CVCC Main Campus REP 123.

Adobe Photoshop Certificate Prep – Instruction covers the workspace and tools, organizing and importing photos, color and tonal correction, image adjustments and manipulation, composting images, and masking. This course also discusses image formats, selection techniques, filter effects, retouching and restoring photos, working with layers for composition, and using various painting tools. This is a required class in order to take the Adobe Certification exam. Registration: $75. Thursdays, October 25 – December 13, 6:30-8:30pm, Instructor: Jenn Cobb, CVCC Main Campus REP 123.

Art Media of Your Choice – Learn basic drawing and painting techniques as well as a variety of painting techniques including brush strokes, color combinations, preparations, and composition. Individual creativity and expression will be encouraged throughout this class which is designed for both the beginner and experienced artists. Registration: $65. Tuesdays, September 11 – October 30, 6-9pm, Instructor: Randy Bell, CVCC East Campus Rm. 988.

Ballroom Dancing-Beginning – Are you tired of sitting at the table at parties while all your friends are dancing? Join instructor Wynda Howerton, who danced with the late Patrick Swayze on Dirty Dancing, and learn Ballroom Dancing. You will learn smooth and rhythm ballroom dances that will take you from a beginning dancer to a comfortable, graceful dancer with complete confidence on the dance floor. Registration: $50. Mondays, September 10 – October 15, 2-3pm. Instructor: Wynda Howerton, West Hickory Senior Citizens Center, Hickory; Tuesdays, September 11- October 16, 7-8 pm, Newton Recreation Center, Newton.

Buttercream 101 – This course will introduce you to the world of cake decorating using buttercream for projects ranging from cupcakes to cakes for any and every occasion. During the class, students will learn the difference in icing consistency and why it is important; how to fill and use a decorating bag; different tips and how to pipe them; how to decorate a cupcake; how to make buttercream flowers; and how to level, torte, fill and ice a cake and more! Registration: $50. Tuesdays, September 11 – October 9, Instructor: Glenda Peek, 6:30-8:30pm, CVCC East Campus Rm. 1209.

Cake Design and Royal Flowers – This class introduces you to the world of royal icing for cakes. This is different from the medium used for cookies and allows you to make decorations such as pansies, violets, and lilies in advance. Flowers and decorations dry hard and are able to be stored for later use, giving you a whole new world of options when planning your cake design and décor. The class will cover how to create six different types of flowers, how to make appliques, learn classic borders to enhance the design of your cake and learn color palettes and cake design. Registration $50. Tuesdays, October 16 – November 13, 6:30-8:30pm, Instructor: Glenda Peek, CVCC East Campus Rm. 1209.

Creative Writing – Open up the world of creative writing and learn to say what you want in the best, most efficient, and attractive way possible. Designed for the beginner as well as the advanced writer, this general writing workshop will help you to develop your own voice or recognizable style. Participants will learn how to craft strong fiction and poetry, as well as engaging in peer critique of their work. Registration: $75. Tuesdays, September 11- October 30, 6-8pm, Instructor: William “Bill” Vinson, CVCC East Campus Rm. 958.

Digital Photography – Are you making the best pictures possible with your camera? Learn the operations of a digital camera and what makes digital photography different from traditional film photography. This course introduces digital photo imaging, exploring the use of hardware/software, image capture, and input/output devices. Must bring SLR Digital Camera to class. Required Textbook: Digital Photography 1, 2, & 3 – Taking and Printing Great Pictures by Rob Sheppard which can be purchased at Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Registration: $70. Thursdays, September 27 – November 1, 6-8pm, Instructor: Robert Dant, CVCC East Campus (TBD).

Floral Design – Learn the art of using flower accessories and the basic artwork of flower design. You will also learn the eight basic design elements as well as the principles of floral design. A supply list is included at the time of registration. Registration: $70. Tuesdays, September 11 – October 16, 6-9pm, Instructor: Wanda Reep.

GED in Spanish – Taught in Spanish, students can prepare to take the GED exam. Registration: $75. Mondays, September 17-November 5, 4-8pm, Instructor: Sonia Calderon, CVCC East Campus Rm. 1001.

Get Your Brushes Wet – This class offers a solid foundation in paint application and proper use of a variety of materials including oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel. Learn how to organize a composition, mix colors, and develop general painting skills. Designed for beginners as well as more experienced painters. Registration: $65. Wednesdays, September 19 – November 7, Instructor: Pat Flachbart, 9am-12pm, CVCC East Campus Rm. 988. 1-4 pm, West Hickory Senior Citizens Center. 5:30-8:30pm, CVCC East Campus Rm. 988. 1-4 pm, West Hickory Senior Citizens Center.

Guitar: Country Music – This eight-week, step-by-step program will have you playing along with some of your favorite country music in no time. Students will be introduced to eight of the easiest, most used chords in country music, plus a small taste of basic music theory along the way. Registration: $70. Wednesdays, September 12 – October 24, 6-8pm, Instructor: Tom McNeely, CVCC Main Campus REP Rm. 211.

Gunsmithing-Long Gun – Designed for the beginner, this class will be a basic introduction to the art of gunsmithing with long guns. Learn the basic use of tools, purpose of specific equipment, safety, and a general familiarization of gunsmithing. Registration: $115. Thursdays, September 13 – October 18, 6-9pm, Instructor: Steve Cox, CVCC East Campus Rm. 988.

Knitting & Crocheting Fun – This introductory course allows participants to explore crochet as a process for creating unique handmade items. Focus on learning 3 basic stitches – chain stitch, single crochet, and double crochet and how to use these stitches to create a variety of fun and functional objects to use and wear. While learning to read simple crochet patterns and to work with basic shapes in creating designs, participants will progress through a series of beginner projects ranging from very easy to more challenging.Supply list available prior to class. Registration: $40. Tuesdays, September 11 – October 30, 1-3pm, Instructor: Mary Ann Parkhurst, West Hickory Senior Citizens Center.

Line Dancing: A Fun Way to Exercise – Have you ever watched people line dance and wished you could do it, too? Come learn popular line dances while getting a great cardio workout. Line dancing can be done to a wide variety of music from oldies to jazz to country. No partners need. Registration: $60. Thursdays, September 20 – October 25, Instructor: Kristi Marlowe, 6:30-8:30pm, Newton Recreation Center.

Local History and Genealogy – Discover your family and community, plus learn how intertwined you are with both. Explore all aspects of what makes you unique and this community so important. This class examines the many special aspects of local history as well as helping you to develop your many connections to the past. Registration: $75, Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 13 – December 13, 3:30-4:50pm, Instructor: Professor Richard Eller. Catawba County Historical Museum/Other Locations throughout Catawba County.

Needle Fun – This course instructs needle crafters of all skill levels. Variety is the spice of life in this class as participants choose which needle you want to use: knitting, embroidery, or even a crochet hook. Registration: $50. Tuesdays, September 11 – October 30, 9am-12 noon, Instructor: Mary Ann Parkhurst, Newton Recreation Center.

Piano Tuning and Repair-Introduction – Ever wonder how a piano works? Ever wonder how to tune and fix them? This class will answer both questions. If you like music, enjoy meeting people and like working with your hands, a career in piano technology might be right for you. This hands-on class introduces ways a piano technician can make money tuning, repairing and regulating pianos. You will work with jigs, models, tuning hammers, glues and more. This class is not long enough to teach you how to tune a piano, but does introduce you to that path. At the end of the class, you will know whether or not this trade interests you. Registration: $75. Mondays, September 10 – October 15, 6-8pm, Instructor: John Parham, CVCC Main Campus REP Rm. 128.

Quilting: Back to the Basics – You decide what size quilt and what pattern you want to make. Start with the basics and go from there. Designed for the beginner to intermediate student. Registration: $50. Mondays, September 10 – October 29, 9am-12pm, Instructor: Mary Ann Parkhurst, Newton Recreation Center.

Sewing-Beginning – Designed for the beginner, students will learn how to thread and use a sewing machine. Learn simple sewing techniques and how to sew small items using straight and curve seams. Students will learn to choose and buy a simple pattern and make a vest or pajamas. Sewing machines are provided. A general supply list will be provided prior to class. Registration $75. Wednesdays, September 12 – October 31, 6-9pm, Instructor: Brenda Bowman, CVCC East Campus Rm. 975.

Sign Language-Beginning – This introductory class prepares students to communicate with the deaf/hearing impaired at a limited social level. Students will focus on mastering the basics of fingerspelling, basic vocabulary, and facial expressions using the American Sign Language (ASL). Required book “Joy of Signing” can be purchased at first class session for approximately $23. Registration: $75. Mondays, September 10 – October 29, 6 – 8 pm, Instructor: Leslie Corley, CVCC East Campus Rm. 958.

Conversational Spanish-Beginning – Get an introduction to expressions and vocabulary for basic conversation with special focus on traveling to a Spanish speaking country. Students should purchase textbook “Spanish in 10 Minutes a Day” 6th Edition at Barnes & Noble or www.amazon.com prior to first class. Approximate cost of book is $25. Registration: $75. Thursdays, September 13 – November 1, 6-8pm, Instructor: Erin Mendoza, CVCC East Campus.

Stained Glass-Beginning – Learn the fundamentals of stained glass design in this fun and entertaining class with an emphasis on lampshades. You will learn how to choose the correct glass, create patterns, cut and grind glass and complete two projects. Registration: $70. Mondays, September 10 – October 29, 6:30-8:30pm, Instructor: Melanie Zimmermann, CVCC East Campus Rm. 988.

Tai Chi-Beginning – Called the meditation in motion, Tai Chi involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Tai Chi is considered a gentle way to fight stress and helps make sure nothing stops you from living the long and healthy life that you want. This class is taught by a Certified Tai Chi instructor for Arthritis and Fall prevention. Registration: $55. Thursdays, September 13 – November 1, 9-10 am, Instructor: Mary Perkins, CVCC Tarlton Complex, Rm. 048, Tuesdays, September 25 – November 13, 6:30-7:30pm, CVCC Tarlton Complex, Rm. 048.

Watercolors-Intermediate/Advanced – This class is geared for students with watercolor experience and designed to help you take your paintings to the next level. Students will explore advanced painting concepts and learn to incorporate more detail into their paintings. Individual creativity and expression will be encouraged throughout the course. A supply list will be available prior to class. Registration: $65. Mondays, September 10 – October 29, 10am-1pm, Instructor: Judy Rider, CVCC East Campus Rm. 988.