Adult Enrichment Courses

Colored Pencil: Beginner and Beyond
Discover the endless possibilities of the colored pencil medium! To create vibrant drawings, each week we will explore a variety of different colored pencil techniques and tools such as stippling, hatching, crosshatching, impressed line, graffito, blending, burnishing, colorless blending, etc.! A supply list will be mailed before class. Instructor: Jennifer Scavone.

Tuesday, Jan. 21 to Feb. 18
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
ART-0001-004, $135, Lifelong Learner $119
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1429

Introduction to Handlettering
Come learn the basics of hand lettering that will help you build a foundation for future lettering success. In this course, we will use Speedball B-nibs to create smooth monoline strokes. Monoline lettering is a great way to learn new styles of lettering and to explore letter proportions, layout, and design, without the added challenges of working with complicated tools. This course is appropriate for all levels of experience and is ideal for those new to hand lettering. Instructor: Matt Wright

Thursday, Feb. 6 to March 5
7 to 9 p.m.
ART-0005-003, $119
McAninch Arts Center (MAC), Room 250 

Jewelry Making Basics
Discover how to make your own jewelry creations! Learn jewelry making techniques and how to use the necessary tools to complete different pieces of jewelry such as wire necklaces, stacking bracelets, and leather earrings. Each student will bring home their own creations. No prior experience necessary. A supply list will be mailed before class. Instructor: Kim Andrews

Wednesday, Jan. 29 to Feb. 12
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
ART-0004-011, $79
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1118

Watercolor for Beginners
Learn how to choose supplies, mix color and paint backgrounds. Discover simple painting techniques to create skies, water, trees, grass and flowers. Learn finishing techniques to make your painting come alive. A supply list will be mailed before class. Instructor Jennifer Scavone

Friday, Jan. 24 to March 13
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
ART-0002-006, $185; Lifelong Learner $169
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1119

Kiln-Formed Glass
Kiln forming glass is an age old art that predates blown glass. Create your own fascinating art pieces in this beginning workshop. Students will learn glass preparation, design principles, sources, effects of different techniques, color theories, and various finishing methods. Individual attention will be emphasized. Students can expect to complete up to 4 pieces. The first week of class will be project creation. The pieces will be finished off-site and students can pick up the following week and have their pieces assessed by the instructor. A supply list will be mailed before class. Instructor: Jason Boebinger

Saturday, April 18 to 25
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
ART-0004-100, $139
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1119

Sequential Art 
Through a combination of visual challenges and creating stories, students and learn effective and dynamic methods of telling a story visually. Students will utilize preferred methods of drawing to create projects including storyboards, comics, and graphic novels. Students should bring supplies for their preferred method of drawing, either sketch pad and pencils or an iPad for digital drawing.
Instructor: Rick Lundeen

Saturday, March 21 to May 2
1:30 to 4p.m. (no class 4/11)
ART-0004-003, $129; Lifelong Learner $129
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1118

Complete Guide to Investing
Learn about stocks, bonds, open and closed end mutual funds, ETFs, ETNs, MLPs, U.S. Royalty Trusts, options, commodities, annuities, real estate, REITs and asset allocation. Explore how to find, evaluate and determine whether each category is right for you. This hands-on, practical and comprehensive course gives you all the tools necessary to help guide your financial future. Instructor: Peter Krouwer

Wednesday, Jan. 15 to Feb. 19
7 to 9:30 p.m.
PROED-0024-002, $149
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1A01

Know Before You Go: Become a Confident Buyer
Thinking about making a major purchase, like a car or a house? Learn from an industry professional how the buying process works and gain behind-the-scenes knowledge before you go so you can make informed choices. The class will cover how and what to expect in the mortgage application and car buying process and how credit scores are used. Instructor: Jim Droske

Wednesday, Jan. 29
7 to 9 p.m.
PROED-0021-011, $39
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1A05

Income and Estate Taxes: The More You Know, The Less You'll Pay
This is not a tax preparation course, but a course designed to help you understand how the different assets you own are taxed and how those taxes can be minimized or eliminated. All dollars are not created equal when it comes to how they will be taxed. Examine ways to reduce the devastating effect taxes can have on your long term wealth and financial success. Remember it's not what you make, but what you get to keep that counts! Instructor: John Gajkowski

Thursday, Feb. 6
7 to 9 p.m.
PROED-0021-004, $49, Lifelong Learner $29
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1A03

Baking Basics
Get down to the basics on learning about how to properly measure ingredients all while making your favorite baked goods. Hands on learning and discussion on cookies, cakes, and pies. Knife skills will be used as well. Samples are eaten in class and taken home. Instructor: Kara Tegmeyer

Tuesday, Feb. 18 to March 10
6 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0004-003, $99
Culinary and Hospitality Center (CHC), Room 1013

Essential Knife Skills
Dice and slice like a pro! Knife skills are an essential part of everyday cooking. We will be going over different cutting techniques, how to take care of your knife, and have delicious seasonal appetizers prepared at the end of class. Instructor: Kara Tegmeyer

Wednesday, Jan. 29
6 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0004-004, $75
Culinary and Hospitality Center (CHC), Room 1013

Fresh and Fit Cooking
Establishing skills and a routine is essential for a healthy lifestyle in 2020! Brush up on your culinary skills while learning about how to incorporate nutritious ingredients in your meals. Instructor: Kara Tegmeyer

Sunday, Jan. 26 to Feb. 9
1 to 4 p.m.
LEISR-0004-002, $129
Culinary and Hospitality Center (CHC), Room 1013

Food and Beer Pairing
One day journey through the art of pairing beer and food. Learn about beer ingredients, styles and flavors. You will be led through a tasting session. Gain an understanding of how flavors in food and beer complement each other and the knowledge to the right beer to accompany your meal.

Friday, Feb. 7
6 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0004-012, $59
Culinary and Hospitality Center (CHC), Room 1021

History of Beer
The rich history of beer spans thousands of years. This one-day workshop will take you from the middle ages to prohibition through modern-day to learn about brewing and beer history, origins and traditions.

Wednesday, April 15
6 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0004-016, $45
Culinary and Hospitality Center (CHC), Room 1021

Understanding Beer Styles
Beer styles continue to evolve and with craft brews increasing in popularity, the varieties of beers available is endless. You will be led through a tasting session to expand your knowledge of the many styles of beer including ingredients, brewing methods, serving temperature and more.

Friday, March 6
6 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0004-014, $59
Culinary and Hospitality Center (CHC), Room 1021

Auto Body Repair
Learn techniques of auto body repair to fix damaged or rusted vehicles. Students furnish hand tools and supplies for their own use while working on vehicles. Please bring pliers, screwdrivers and a set of ratchets to class. Instructor: Robert Henry

Thursday, Jan. 23 to March 26
5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
AUTO-0001-001, $379
Addison Center, Door 12

Crocheting Basics
Learn the basics of crocheting: chain, single crochet, double crochet, simple shaping and how to read basic patterns. Bring one skein of solid, light-colored #4 medium-weight yarn and size U.S. H-8 (5mm) crochet hook to first class. Instructor: Kelly McFadden

Thursday, Feb. 20 to March 19
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
LEISR-0045-012, $119
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2445

Exploring Numismatics 
Coins and currency hold a rich history, making collecting a rewarding hobby. This class will introduce the basics of collecting coins, currency, tokens and medallions. Hold history in your hands as you learn about numismatics in earlier times, geography, and culture. Learn which coins and currency are collectible, storage tips, proper handling, grading, value and pricing. Students can bring coins to class for discussion. Instructor: John Kent

Thursday, Feb. 6 to Feb. 27
7 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0067-100, $99, Lifelong Learner $79
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1A05

Saturday, March 7 (one-day workshop)
7 to 9 p.m.
LEISR-0067-107, $39
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1128 

Thursday, April 9 to 30
2 to 4 p.m.
LEISR-0067-104, $99, Lifelong Learner $79
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1A01

Sewing Basics I
Eliminate the belief you can't sew or use a sewing machine. Learn the basics of using a pattern, reading a guide sheet, sewing seams and finishing seams. Sewing machines are available for in-class use, but you can bring your own machine along with the machine's manual. A supply list will be mailed prior to class and materials will be discussed on the first day of program. Instructor: Donna Anzalone

Tuesday Jan. 21 to March 3
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
LEISR-0045-004, $199
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1123

Declutter and Organize Your Home
Whether you are downsizing or just want to simplify, learn the tools and resources you need to declutter like a pro! This class covers the best ways to organize your stuff to make a profit, as well as where and what to donate your items. Instructor: Cathy Feltz

Saturday, Jan. 25
9:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0032-105, $39
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1118

Selling Your Home Now or in the Future
Be one step ahead of the competition and learn how to stage your home today! When you're ready to put your house on the market will you know where to start? Does the thought of getting your home ready for the buyer's critical eye scare you? Get it ready now before even calling the Realtor! Course tips include: What can be done to get your house ready for little or no money. How to shorten the time on the market and get the best offers from the curb to the back door as well as what buyers in this market are looking for in their new home. Instructor: Grace Ann Simoni

Saturday, Feb. 1 (rescheduled date)
9:30 to 11:30 am
LEISR-0032-112, $39
Student Rescource Center (SRC), Room 1128

Is Professional Organizing the Career for You?
Could you spend hours color coding and labeling just for fun? Does the sight of neatly folded clothes, bedding, and towels make your heart sing? Do friends and family come to you for organizing help? If so, Professional Organizing may be the career for you. Learn about the types of organizing services, where and how to get training, the first steps to setting up your own business and more.

Instructor: Cathy Feltz
Saturday, Feb. 15
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0032-106, $49
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1A01

Spring Vegetable Gardening
Get your garden ready for the Spring planting season! Learn which types of vegetables will thrive in warmer weather and proper cultivating and harvesting techniques.

Saturday, February 8
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0032-300, $49
Health and Science Center (HSC), Room 1135

Success with Succulents
Enjoy the unique beauty of these wildly popular, low-maintenance plants by learning proper planting techniques and maintenance. Students will each receive two succulents and planting materials. Each student will need to bring their own pot or glass container.

Wednesday, Feb. 26
6 pm to 8:30 pm
LEISR-0032-302, $69
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1119

Mindfulness Meditation
Train your mind the way you train your body for the perfect way to stay centered. Learn centuries-old meditation techniques to relax and increase your overall sense of well-being. Explore the benefits of developing a regular meditation practice to improve health, strengthen the immune system and release stress and anxiety. A textbook is recommended, but not required. Instructor: Stephanie Frantz

Tuesday, Jan. 14 to Feb. 4
Noon to 1 p.m.
LEISR-0061-001, $55
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2455

Thursday, Jan. 16 to Feb. 6
1 to 2 p.m.
LEISR-0061-005, $55
Naperville Center (NC), Room 21

Mind Mapping
Learn how to utilize this creative, visual tool for "mapping out" ideas. This fun tool uses diagrams to organize ideas and better solve problems. Mapping can be applied to job searches, personal planning and many other topics. Instructor: Dr. Nancy Kratz

Tuesday, March 3 to 10
6 to 8:30 p.m.
LEISR-0061-100, $79
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1A03 

The Wired Family Workshop
Feel like technology and media have overtaken your family? Wonder how technology is affecting your kids and how to intervene? Learn what experts say about the impact of technology on child development and what they advise, and create a workable family technology plan to regain your peace of mind. Instructor: Dr. Nancy Kratz

Saturday, Feb. 1 to Feb. 8
9:30 a.m. to noon
LEISR-0061-102, $79
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1A01

The Wired Grandparent
Grandparents are often bewildered by their grandchildren's use of technology. This class will update you on popular media, ways to engage with kids and their devices, and how to talk about media use. Instructor: Dr. Nancy Kratz

Thursday, Feb. 20 to 27
10 to 11:30 a.m.
LEISR-0061-104, $45
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1A03