Fall Courses
Arts
Mixed Media Medley
- Saturday, October 17th
- 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Iliana Cardona
- Registration fee: NU $49, Public $59
Come experiment during this hands-on workshop where materials collide into one composition. You will be using a variety of paper fodder to create fun collaged backgrounds, layering those to enhance areas that interest you, and then using a plethora of fun art materials to pull forward your creative vision.
Beginning Cross-Stitching
- Saturday, October 17th
- 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Rebekah Sigman
- Registration fee: NU $32, Public $42
Students will be introduced to the principles of cross-stitching (supplies, technique, and pattern reading) as well as the endless ways this craft can be customized. This workshop will focus on students reading a cross-stitch pattern and completing a cross-stitch project from beginning to end. We will begin the workshop with an overview of cross-stitching and viewing completed projects and end the workshop by introducing students to the process of creating their own patterns.
Supplies are included.
Introduction to Knitting
- Saturdays, October 17th and November 7th (2 Sessions)
- 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Anne Howard
- Registration fee: NU $55, Public $65
Knitting is a calming, creative, and portable art that lets you design things in just the right color and size. If you'd like to make useful handmade items while you watch tv, ride the bus, or listen to a lecture; if you need a creative outlet; or if you're looking for a meditative daily activity, then knitting is for you. In this two-session class, students will learn the four basic elements of knitting (plus a few extras) and will learn how to choose a pattern and yarn for their first project.
Supplies are included.
Handmade Pocket Journal
- Saturday, November 7th
- 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Ilana Cordona
- Registration fee: NU $49, Public $59
Come create a handmade journal. We'll add pockets, foldouts, and use a variety of papers, scraps, and stickers to make it uniquely yours. Best thing is there are no rules, no wrong moves, no trying to make anything perfect, just a carefree space to create and play. You have a green light to use what you have on hand, cut, tear, fold, stick, write, scribble, and on and on. It is a brilliant form of self expression, self care, and relaxation and who doesn’t need a bit of that?
Supplies are included.
Handcrafted for Fall
- Saturday, October 17
- 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
- Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt
- Registration fee: NU $49, Public $59
Join Mini Courses for a cozy ceramics hand-building workshop where you’ll craft a special keepsake to celebrate the season. Choose between a charming mini pumpkin or a warm, votive-style decoration—perfect for adding a festive touch to your home. Open to families and kids aged 12+. No experience is necessary.
Supplies are included.
Wheel Throwing One Day Workshop
Section A: Saturday, October 17th - Date Night Special
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Registration fee (2 tickets): NU $109, Public $119
Section B: Saturday, October 24th
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $59, Public $69
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Registration fee: NU $59, Public $69
Instructor: Sylvia Tan
Want to dip your hands in a little clay? Come join us for a two-hour workshop where you'll learn the fundamental steps of throwing. Participants will get to throw as much as they can, but will only be choosing one piece to keep. Participants will get to choose from 4 different glaze colors to match their perfect creation. Projects will be available for pick up two weeks from the workshop's completion. No experience is required!
Supplies are included.
Movement
Women Self Defense
- Tuesdays, October 13th and October 20th (2 Sessions)
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Margaret Lo
- Registration fee: NU $39, Public $49
Students will learn basic self-defense techniques in an encouraging environment. Instructor Margaret Lo is a Shotokan karate instructor with many years of experience who is also certified to teach self-defense by RAD Systems, http://rad-systems.com/. The classes will address the psychological underpinnings of self-defense as well as basic escapes and strikes.
Drinks
Coffee How You Like It
- Saturday, October 17th
- 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Bradley Davey
- Registration fee: NU $49, Public $59
Join us as we explore the world of coffee in this hands-on tasting and brewing workshop. Over two hours, you’ll sample a lineup of special and experimental coffees, learn how flavor changes with grind, water, and brew method, and practice making your own perfect cups. No experience needed, just curiosity and a love of coffee.
Rare American Whiskey Seminar
- Tuesday, October 27
- 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
- Instructor: Mark Gruber
- Registration fee: NU $59, Public $69
The Whiskey Seminar, a limited one-time workshop, will cover several of the world's great whiskies: Bourbon, Rye, and Single Malt Scotch. The history, personalities, lore, distillation, and aging will be discussed. Cocktail recipes will be shared. Tasting samples of each whiskey will be available for attendees.
*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course.
Special Interest
Dining Etiquette
- Saturday, October 17th
- 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Krystal Williams
- Registration fee: NU $75, Public $85
Elevate your dining skills and make a lasting impression at any business meal, social gathering, or formal event! This engaging and hands-on workshop is designed to take the mystery out of dining etiquette while keeping the experience fun, interactive, and practical.
Through live demonstrations, group activities, and real-world scenarios, you'll gain the confidence to navigate multi-course meals, handle tricky dining situations, and engage in polished table conversations. Whether you're attending a corporate dinner, networking over lunch, or simply want to refine your table manners, this workshop will ensure you dine with grace and confidence.
Expressive Writing for Emotional Healing
- Saturday, October 17th
- 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Christine Wolf
- Registration fee: NU $39, Public $49
Whether you’ve known periods of overwhelm, trauma, or significant difficulty, it’s important to process these experiences in healthy ways. In this course, you’ll learn the evidence-based technique of expressive writing to help process difficult emotions to help you get “unstuck”. The practice of Expressive Writing, pioneered by Dr. James Pennebaker in 1986, is a remarkably straightforward and FREE way to acknowledge your most troubling memories and create a framework of language that can help to move unresolved thoughts out of your head and onto the page (or even into the air).
Seasonal Floral Arrangement
- Saturday, November 7th
- 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
- Instructors: Amy and Dominic Esquibel (Owners of Botanik Culture, Inc.)
- Registration fee: NU $59, Public $69
Discover the joy of flower design! Join us to create stunning seasonal bouquets with the guidance of local florists. In this workshop, you’ll begin to master the basics of floral design, working with a variety of fresh, seasonal flowers and learning unique techniques to craft your beautiful bouquet.
Set Up Your Substack Bootcamp
- Saturday, November 7th
- 10:00 am - 3:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Christine Wolf
- Registration fee: NU $79, Public $89
Ready to stop thinking about your Substack and actually build it? In this hands-on full-day bootcamp, you'll go from curious to launched, with a clear plan, a working knowledge of the platform's most powerful (and overlooked) tools, and the confidence to grow an audience that's truly yours. We'll cover everything from the basics to the backend: Notes vs. Posts, Substack Live, the Recording Studio, and the strategy behind sustainable growth. No tech background needed — just bring your laptop, your lunch, and your questions.
Introduction to Mahjong: Beginning Hong Kong Mahjong
- Saturday, November 7th
- 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Formal Lessons and guided play
- 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Open Play
- Instructors: Dennis Nguyen and Dalton Huey
- Registration fee: NU $15, Public $19
Come learn and play Hong Kong style Mahjong! This introductory course will focus on the basics of play to get you started. This will be followed by open play with coaching to immediately practice your new skills. Open to all, no prior experience is required. All materials are provided.
A Creative Approach to Watercolor
- Mondays, October 5th – November 9th (6 Sessions)
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Ingrid Albrecht
- Early Registration fee: NU $142, Public $152
- Regular registration fee: NU $152, Public $162
Have you ever wanted to create a dramatic painting in watercolor? Then this is the course for you! For 6 weeks, Ingrid will guide participants through basic learning steps of brush control, various washes, color theory, the importance of value (those light and dark shapes), and creating exciting shapes not boring ones. Added to this list are some special tips that Ingrid will share to bring excitement to watercolor painting. There will be no fear of the blank paper and students will wish that the course was longer. At the end of each session the participants learn from each other during a class critique.
Supplies are included.
More classes are available in the workshop tab!
All supplies included
Introduction to Ceramic Jewelry
- Mondays, September 28th – November 9th (6 Sessions - no class on October 5th)
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt
- Early Registration fee: NU $142, Public $152
- Regular registration fee: NU $152, Public $162
Interested in creating your own one of a kind jewelry? Come spend six weeks learning the basics of working with porcelain to create earrings and pendants! Create your individualized plan and see your plan come to life!
Wheel Throwing I (Beginner)
Section A: Mondays, September 28th – November 9th (6 Sessions - no class on October 5th)
- 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt
Section B: Tuesdays, September 29th – November 10th (6 Sessions - no class on October 6th)
- 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt
Section C: Wednesdays, October 7 – November 11th (6 Sessions)
- 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Elizabeth Fowler
Section D: Thursdays, October 8th – November 12th (6 Sessions)
- 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano
Early Registration fee: NU $140, Public $150
Regular registration fee: NU $150, Public $160
Students will be introduced to the basic principles of making functional ceramic art. In this course, students will begin with the process of wheel throwing with detailed instruction on how to throw a cylinder, bowl, and much more. The kinesthetic process of pottery will be explored through developing technical skills on the wheel as well as understanding the function of various forms developed throughout the history of ceramics. Learn how to make functional work that you can use at home as foodware for yourself, friends, or family. This course is for students who have never worked with clay before and is the perfect introduction to wheel throwing.
Wheel Throwing II (Intermediate)
Section A: Tuesdays, September 29th – November 10th (7 Sessions)
- 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano
Section B: Wednesdays, September 30th – November 11th (7 Sessions)
- 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Instructor: Elizabeth Fowler
Section C: Thursdays, October 1st – November 12th (7 Sessions)
- 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano
Early Registration fee: NU $165, Public $175
Regular registration fee: NU $175, Public $185
Wheel Throwing II is for students who have completed at least one wheel throwing course in the past. In this course, Students will learn how to throw a large range of functional work and explore complex ways of decorating and glazing. From mugs and bowls, to large vases, plates, and coffee pour-overs, this course is perfect for those who are looking to improve their throwing techniques and aesthetics. This course aims to improve the student's confidence in their abilities and to connect the larger community within the studio.
*Prerequisites: have taken a beginner’s wheel throwing class
More classes are available in the workshop tab!
Wine Appreciation*: Section A
- Thursdays, October 8 - November 12 (5 Sessions - no class on November 5th)
- 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
- Instructor: Mark Gruber
- Early Registration: NU $142, Public $152
- Regular registration: NU $152, Public $162
Welcome to the world of wine appreciation! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, there's always something new to explore in the realm of wine. In this lecture-based series, students will learn the art of tasting and describing wines with professional finesse. Each session delves into a different region: California, France, and the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting both renowned and emerging wines, emphasizing value for money. The program culminates in a special evening dedicated to sparkling and dessert wines, providing a delightful conclusion to the five-week journey.
*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course.
**Bring two (2) wine glasses to each class. We do not provide or store your wine glasses.
Wine Appreciation*: Section B - Northwestern Seniors Only
- Thursdays, October 8 - November 12 (5 Sessions - no class on November 5th)
- 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
- Instructor: Mark Gruber
- Early Registration: NU $142, Public $152
- Regular registration: NU $152, Public $162
Welcome to the world of wine appreciation! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, there's always something new to explore in the realm of wine. In this lecture-based series, students will learn the art of tasting and describing wines with professional finesse. Each session delves into a different region: California, France, and the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting both renowned and emerging wines, emphasizing value for money. The program culminates in a special evening dedicated to sparkling and dessert wines, providing a delightful conclusion to the five-week journey.
*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course.
**Bring two (2) wine glasses to each class. We do not provide or store your wine glasses.
More classes are available in the workshop tab!
American Sign Language I (Beginner) - online course
- Mondays, September 28th – November 16th (8 sessions)
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Peter Wujcik
- Early Registration: NU $142, Public $152
- Regular registration: NU $152, Public $162
This course introduces the basics of American Sign Language Part II, for more intermediate learners. This class will explore basic sign vocabulary and basic grammatical structures such as English to ASL and ASL to English while expanding on higher-level skills.
More classes are available in the workshop tab!
The Art of Observation
- Tuesdays, October 6th – November 10th (6 Sessions)
- 6:00 - 7.30 p.m.
- Instructor: Steven Fischer
- Early Registration: NU $62, Public $72
- Regular registration: NU $72, Public $82
Participants in The Art of Observation experience intense lessons on being present, actively working exercises that sharpen observation skills (observing the world around us as well as the images, memories, and feelings that surface inside). We will practice using these observations and insights in ways that help us create, develop, and inform meaningful characters, engaging dialogue, and captivating scenes in a new, original story.
Memoir Writing: Training Grounds for the Long Run
- Thursdays, October 8th - November 12th (6 Sessions)
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Christine Wolf
- Early Registration: NU $62, Public $72
- Regular registration: NU $72, Public $82
In this six-week memoir course, you’ll learn how to shape your life experiences into a coherent, meaningful narrative while establishing a steady writing rhythm that supports real progress. We’ll explore structure, scene writing, reflection, emotional pacing, how to identify the moments that define your story, and so much more. You’ll also receive an overview of book proposals and publishing paths. This is a warm, encouraging space to begin—or return to—your memoir with intention.
This class welcomes memoirists at any stage—those exploring an idea, those already drafting, and those with prior publications seeking a space to refine their craft and reconnect with the heart of their story. We revisit foundational techniques with respect for your experience while offering new insights, emotional grounding practices, and a steady writing rhythm. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or simply in need of community and momentum, this course meets you exactly where you are.
More classes are available in the workshop tab!
Introduction to Salsa
- Wednesdays, October 7th – November 11th (6 Sessions)
- 5:00 - 5:50 p.m.
- Instructor: Cate Curtis
- Early Registration: NU $44, Public $54
- Regular registration: NU $54, Public $64
Known for its energetic and sensual movements, salsa is one of the most popular dances in the world. This class will introduce you to the history and basic movements of salsa dance. We will focus on both solo and partner dancing, with an emphasis on the social aspects of the dance. By the end of the course, you will be able to recognize the rhythms of salsa music, execute salsa’s basic steps, and dance with a partner. All levels are welcome, and no dance experience is required.
Introduction to Bachata
- Wednesdays, October 7th – November 11th (6 Sessions)
- 6:00 - 6:50 p.m.
- Instructor: Cate Curtis
- Early Registration: NU $44, Public $54
- Regular registration: NU $54, Public $64
Learn the fundamentals of Bachata, a captivating and sensual dance style that originated in the Dominican Republic. In this class, you will be introduced to the history and basic movements of Bachata. We will focus on both solo and partner dancing, with an emphasis on the social aspects of the dance. By the end of the course, you will be able to recognize the rhythms and patterns of Bachata music, perform the essential steps and add flair, and dance with a partner. All levels are welcome and no dance experience is required.
Introduction to Swing Dancing
- Wednesdays, October 7th – November 11th (6 Sessions)
- 7:00 - 7:50 p.m.
- Instructor: Cate Curtis
- Early Registration: NU $44, Public $54
- Regular registration: NU $54, Public $64
Since its earliest beginnings in 1920s Harlem, swing has been a popular social dance known for its energetic movement and upbeat tempos. This class will introduce you to the history and basic movements of swing dance. We will focus on both solo and partner dancing, with an emphasis on the social aspects of the dance. By the end of the course, you will be able to identify swing music, execute swing’s rhythmic steps, and dance with a partner. All levels are welcome, and no dance experience is required.
Tai Chi
- Wednesdays, October 7th – November 11th (6 Sessions)
- 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
- Instructor: Inna Melnikov
- Early Registration: NU $62, Public $72
- Regular registration: NU $72, Public $82
Come learn Tai Chi, a non-combat martial art, that helps cultivate mental focus and builds protective energy. This course will introduce the skills and philosophy of ancient Chinese martial arts. This traditional spiritual and physical practice cultivates spirit, energy, physical and mental strength, focus, and memory. Great ideas have an opportunity to emerge during the calm meditative state it provides. Join the Tai Qi class conducted by the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Inna Melnikov, who has taught Tai Qi at Norris for over 15 years.
More classes are available in the workshop tab!
Pocket Billiards for Beginners
- Tuesdays, October 6th – November 10th (6 Sessions)
- 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
- Instructor: Larry Schwartz
- Early Registration: NU $62, Public $72
- Regular registration: NU $72, Public $82
These lessons are tailored to players who range from beginner level to advanced. You will learn topics ranging from mastering fundamentals to difficult shots and game strategies.
Public Speaking: How to Speak with Confidence and Impact
- Thursdays, October 8th – November 12th (6 Sessions)
- 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Instructor: Tom Rosenak
- Early Registration: NU $62, Public $72
- Regular registration: NU $72, Public $82
In this class, we will learn how to develop the skills and the confidence needed to make clear, professional, and persuasive presentations to audiences of any size. In addition to the emphasis on physical delivery skills, other important topics include analyzing the audience, organizing the content, using visuals to support the message, and handling questions and objections. Some topics covered include organizing your thoughts for persuasion, audience analysis, physical delivery skills congruent to your style and message, detractors and enhancers, delivering effective presentations, physical delivery skills, and overcoming resistance and Q&A.