Hickory – Adobe Illustrator-Introduction. This class will teach the students to create illustrations, charts, graphs, logos, diagrams, and more! Students will learn how simple it is to create complex vector shapes using the powerful tools available within Illustrator. Students will try their hand at creating logos, characters, graphics and their own unique artwork. This is a required class in order to take the Adobe Certification exam. This class meets on Thursdays, Feb. 15 through March 8, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., on CVCC’s Main Campus in the Robert E. Paap Educational Building in Room REP 137. The cost of the class is $50. Students must be 18 or older to enroll. The instructor for the class is Aaron Tallman.

Basic Pistol Defense for Women. This hands-on class is designed for women who are not comfortable going directly into a concealed-carry handgun class. This basic class will boost your confidence as well as teach the basics of pistol shooting. This is not a NRA or concealed-carry handgun class. Students with little or no handgun experience are encouraged to take this class. There are no prerequisites for this class. This class meets on Thursday, Feb. 15 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., on CVCC’s East Campus, in Room EC 1001. The cost of the class is $35. Students must be 21 or older to enroll. The instructor for the class is Tom McNeely.

Conversational Spanish. Students will receive an introduction to expressions and vocabulary for basic conversation with special focus on travel to a Spanish-speaking country or working with the public. Students should purchase the textbook: Spanish in 10 Minutes a Day-6th Edition, available at the CVCC Campus Store. This class meets on Thursdays, Feb. 1 through March 22, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., on CVCC’s East Campus, in Room EC 1124. The cost of the class is $70. Students must be 18 or older to enroll. The instructor for the class is Erin Ward.

Creative Writing. In this class, participants will be introduced to the conventions of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction narrative writing as a means of expression. Our instructor will incorporate discussions highlighting different approaches to both reading and writing short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction while encouraging students to develop their own style and artistic sensibility. Participants will complete writing exercises designed to inspire ideas and refine writing skills. The class-both participants and instructor-will work to encourage each other to complete meaningful writing projects. This class meets on Tuesdays, Feb. 13 through March 20, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., on CVCC’s East Campus in Room EC 1001. The cost of the class is $75. Students must be 18 or older to enroll. The instructor for the class is Mark Vanek.

Genealogy-Learn Your Past; Write Your History. This class introduces students to the history of Catawba County and their family’s contribution to it. History Professor Richard Eller provides an extended overview of the county’s past, then delves into family history. Writing Professor Robert Canipe helps students research and write a narrative highlighting his or her unique journey with Catawba County. Completing this class creates a document for future Catawba County citizens to experience the complex story of the individual composite history of Catawba County. This is also a teacher renewal credit class. This class meets on Tuesdays, Feb. 27 through March 27, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Catawba County Museum of History, located at 30 N College Ave, Newton, NC 28658. The cost of the class is $50. Students must be 18 or older to enroll. The instructors for the class are Richard Eller and Robert Canipe.

Guitar: Country Music for Beginners. This is a FUN, non-technical guitar class fashioned for the beginning guitarist in mind. After learning a couple of basic chords, you should be able to play along to a lot of your favorite country music CD’s without the boredom and frustration of memorizing tons of musical notes. A practice CD with various favorite country music songs is supplied, but please bring a guitar, a guitar strap, and picks. This class meets on Wednesdays, Feb. 21 through March 28, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at CVCC’s Robert E. Paap Education Building on the Main Campus. The cost of the class is $70. Students must be 18 or older to enroll. The instructor for the class is Tom McNeely.

Line Dancing. Have you ever watched people line dance and wished you could do it too? Come learn some popular line dances and Zumba 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 needed. This class meets on Thursdays, Feb. 15 through Mar. 22, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., at the Newton Recreation Center, located at 23 South Brady Avenue, Newton, NC. The cost of the class is $55. Students must be 18 or older to enroll. The instructor for the class is Kristi Marlow.

Pistol Defense for Women-Level II. In this class, women will learn the safety rules, the procedure of buying pistols, shooting stances/ready positions, sight picture, clearing gun malfunctions, cleaning pistols, home storage and the five fundamentals of shooting. This is not a NRA or concealed-carry handgun class; however, students with a concealed-carry permit may attend. The prerequisite for this class is the Basic Pistol Defense for Women class. This class meets on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., on CVCC’s East Campus, in Room EC 1001. The cost of the class is $35. Students must be 21 or older to enroll. The instructor for the class is Tom McNeely.

Pottery I. This class is designed for the beginner through intermediate level potters. Students will become familiar with turning methods and materials used in creating basic forms with the potters’ wheel. Topics include clay preparation, turning techniques, and basic glaze application. Upon completion, students should be able to center, turn basic forms such as bowls and mugs, apply basic glazes, and be familiar with loading and firing an electric kiln. This class meets on Tuesdays, Feb. 20 through April 24, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., on CVCC’s Main Campus in the Robert E. Paap Education Building in Room REP 143. The cost of the class is $166.25. Students must be 18 or older to enroll. The instructor for the class is Preston Tolbert.

For more information, contact Cheri Toney at 828-327-7000, ext. 4740 or [email protected].