Community Classes for Adults

bookIf you have any questions about classes or have ideas for a class you'd like to see us do, please call Michelle Bartlett at 907-474-7021, or email summer@alaska.edu.

UAF Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning offers a variety of non-credit bearing classes accessible to members of the community without the requirements of typical college courses. Many of these courses are practical, hands-on workshop style classes taught by local experts.

To register and pay for a class, follow the link below:

 

Fall courses:

JR Ancheta
From Camera Roll to Keepsake: A Photo Curating Workshop

Instructor: JR Ancheta
Meets: October 3 and October 4, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm
Location: TBA
Description: Do you have hundreds, or even thousands of photos from a favorite trip or special event hiding on your phone or computer? In this two-day workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies for curating and culling your images to find the true highlights. With guided support, you’ll edit down to a meaningful collection of 25 “best hits” and design a beautiful collection using a simple, user-friendly process that you can continue to use at home. Please bring your laptop or tablet. Students will be required to have photos printed locally over the weekend. The instructor will provide detailed instructions. Printing should cost less than $8. This course is designed for new and returning students.
Cost: $120

Hat knitted by Coleen Turner
Knitting for Beginners: Knit a Hat!

Instructor: Ginny Kinne
Meets: October 5, 8, and 12, Monday, Thursday, Monday, 6 pm - 9 pm
Location: Murie 107, UAF Campus
Description: This course is designed for brand-new knitters and those who have recently learned to knit and want to build confidence with the basics. During this class, students will learn fundamental knitting techniques, the language used, and the materials involved. We will explore the differences between Continental and English-style knitting, learn the knit and purl stitches, and practice identifying and fixing common mistakes. You’ll also learn about essential tools, yarn types, and what’s truly needed to start and finish a project. By the end of the course, participants will have completed a cozy hat and gained the skills to keep on knitting! Yarn and needles will be provided.
Cost: $150

Fresh Start Fitness

Instructor: Gavin Meggert
Meets: October 13 - November 19, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: TBA
Description: This class is designed for beginners and anyone returning to exercise after a break. We will utilize simple bodyweight and band exercises to reduce the risk of injury, improve balance, and maximize mobility and body function. Each session will focus on safe and effective exercises that prepare you for everyday life, while providing you with the tools to keep moving forward. You will be able to continue doing all the exercises at home — no gym needed! No experience is required. Bands will be provided; please bring a yoga mat. Join us and start your fitness journey this fall!
Cost: $120

Sew it Up! Creative Sewing and Upcycling

Instructor: Marla Statscewich
Meets: October 13 - 22, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Gruening 209
Description: Dust off your sewing machine and get ready to create! In this hands-on class, you'll learn sewing basics while giving new life to old materials. Projects include a cozy pillowcase, a purse made from repurposed jeans, and a one-of-a-kind "frankenhoodie" crafted from hoodie parts. Whether you're new to sewing or just getting back into it, you'll build skills and confidence while having fun. Please make sure your machine is in good working condition before class. You will need a working sewing machine, 1 1/2 yards of cotton fabric, and 1/2 yard of contrasting fabric for the pillow cases, and two hoodies from your closet or from Value Village, approximately the same size. Need a machine? Contact Summer Sessions — limited machines are available to borrow during class sessions.
Cost: $150

Emily Smola in front of a rock face
An Intro to Rock Climbing

Instructor: Josef Maier
Meets: October 18 - November 22, Sundays, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Location: SRC Climbing wall
Description: Join us for a fun-filled six-week intro to rock climbing course at the SRC climbing wall! This course will teach you the basics of rock climbing, so that you can enjoy this amazing activity. Topics that we will cover include belay technique, basic climbing movement, anchor building, indoor/ outdoor climbing comparisons, how to best use each climbing hold type, and how to manage the risks involved with climbing. We want to set you up for success, enabling you to enjoy rock climbing and achieve your goals.
Cost: $125

Emily Smola in front of a rock face
Flashy Textured Earrings: Cut, Emboss, and Assemble

Instructor: Patricia Carlson
Meets: October 16 & 17, Friday, 6-8 pm, Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm
Location: Art 403, UAF Campus
Description: Create a pair of one-of-a-kind copper earrings in this hands-on metalsmithing workshop. Learn the basics of working with copper as you cut and emboss your own designs. You’ll experiment with texture and color to create at least one unique pair of earrings to take home. No previous metalsmithing experience is necessary.
Cost: $150

Jessie Hedden portrait
Introduction to Kinetic Sculpture: Make a Mobile!

Instructor: Jessie Hedden
Meets: October 21 & 25, Wednesday 6-8 pm, Sunday 1-3 pm
Location: Well Street Art Company
Description: Explore the art of kinetic sculpture through examples of various mobile formats, then create your own simple Alexander Calder-inspired design using wire and pre-cut wooden shapes. Participants will have plenty of opportunities for individual expression as they experiment with color, pattern, and composition. Your wooden shapes can be hand-painted or decorated with a variety of colorful and patterned papers to create a unique, dynamic sculpture.
Cost: $105

Emily Smola in front of a rock face
Crochet Your First Scarf

Instructor: Trinnity Olson
Meets: October 23, 26, and 29, Friday, Monday, Thursday, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: TBA
Description: Ready to learn how to crochet? In this beginner-friendly three-class course, you’ll learn the basics, including chaining, single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet, while creating your very own scarf. By the end of the course, you’ll have a completed or nearly completed first project and the confidence to keep crocheting! Instructor Trinnity Olson has over 15 years of experience in knitting and crochet and teaches both left- and right-handed students. As a natural left-handed crocheter herself, Trinnity knows how to make learning comfortable and accessible for everyone. No previous experience necessary.
Cost: $150

Emily Smola in front of a rock face
Sweater to Mittens: An Upcycled Mitten-Making Workshop

Instructor: Marla Statscewich
Meets: October 24, Saturday, 9 am - 12 pm
Location: Gruening 209
Description: Turn an old sweater into a cozy new pair of mittens! In this one-day, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to transform felted or knit sweaters into warm, one-of-a-kind mittens, complete with soft fleece liners for extra warmth. Participants will hand sew their mittens from start to finish, making this a great workshop for both beginners and experienced sewers. Bring a favorite old sweater from home, or choose one from the instructor’s collection of sweaters and reclaimed materials. All materials are provided, including fleece for the mitten liners. Come spend the day stitching, creating, and giving a beloved sweater a warm new life! No previous sewing experience required.
Cost: $95

Emily Smola in front of a rock face
Knit Your First Pair of Socks

Instructor: Ginny Kinne
Meets: November 5, 9, 12, Thursday, Monday,Thursday, 6 pm - 9 pm
Location: TBA
Description: Ready to move beyond the basics? This class is designed for knitters with some experience who are ready to take on the rewarding challenge of knitting their first pair of socks. You’ll learn the techniques needed to knit socks, including working in the round, shaping the heel and toe, and following a sock pattern. With guidance from instructor Ginny Kinne, you’ll build your skills, learn how to troubleshoot common challenges, and gain confidence tackling more advanced knitting projects. By the end of the class, you’ll have a completed or nearly completed pair of cozy handmade socks! Yarn and needles will be provided. Previous knitting experience is required.
Cost: $150

photo credit: lidped at revelry.com

Emily Smola in front of a rock face
Introduction to Pickleball

Instructor: Kayla Clark
Meets: November 5 - 24, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 pm - 1 pm
Location: UAF SRC
Description: Are you curious to try out the fastest growing sport in the USA?  Pickleball is a net sport that takes elements of tennis and ping pong, combining them into a game that is accessible for kids as well as senior citizens. This course will cover the basics of serving, dinking, volleys, lobs, rules of game play and more! Six sessions will have you feeling confident to join in on Open and Relish Play with the Farthest North Pickleball Club. Beware, this game is quite addicting and very social too!
Cost: $95

Oil painting of trees by Allison Juneau
Introduction to Oil Painting

Instructor: Allison Juneau
Meets: November 7, Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm
Location: TBA
Description: Join local artist Allison Juneau for this one-day workshop and learn the basics of oil painting! This class is geared toward absolute beginners. Your instructor will emphasize experimentation and play as we learn the foundations of color mixing, use of oil painting mediums, simple painting techniques, and material safety. Student grade oil paints will be provided, but if students wish to use a higher quality material they are welcome to bring their own paint. Painting tools and wood panels will be provided. Everyone should bring an apron.
Cost: $105

beaded earrings in front of a plant pot
Beaded Earring Workshop

Instructor: Carol Wilbur
Meets: November 21, Saturday, 12 pm - 4 pm
Location: TBA
Description: Students will explore several simple earring-making techniques in this fun, hands-on workshop. We will work primarily with beads and wire. The instructor will provide tools, metal findings, and various glass, metal, and semi-precious beads. Although materials will be provided, students are encouraged to bring their bead collections if they have one. Spend the day learning a new skill and making holiday gifts for friends, family, and yourself!
Cost: $85

two woven scarves on snow
Weaving: Weekend Wool Scarf

Instructor: ĐßĐßĘÓƵ Weavers' and Spinners' Guild
Meets: December 5 and 6, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Davis Hall on the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds (Yellow Building), ĐßĐßĘÓƵ
Description: This course introduces students to weaving on a multi-shaft loom. No prerequisites or prior experience are required. Looms are pre-warped and ready to weave. Over the course of one weekend, students will weave a plain-weave scarf, learn hem stitching and wet finishing techniques, and leave the course with a finished scarf – just in time for the holidays.
Cost: $200