Fall Courses

Mondays, October 5th – November 9th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Early Registration fee: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration fee: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Ingrid Albrecht

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.

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! 

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 $152, Public $162
Regular registration fee: NU $162, Public $172

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.

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 $152, Public $162
Regular registration fee: NU $162, Public $172

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

Thursdays, October 8 - November 12 (5 Sessions - no class on November 5th)
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Mark Gruber

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.

Thursdays, October 8 - November 12 (5 Sessions - no class on November 5th)
7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Mark Gruber

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.

Mondays, September 28th – November 16th (8 sessions)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Peter Wujcik

This course introduces the basics of American Sign Language. American Sign Language (ASL) is quickly becoming one of the most widely used languages in the United States. This class will explore basic sign vocabulary and basic grammatical structures such as English to ASL and ASL to English. This class will cover basic Sign Language and a basic introduction to the world of Deaf Cultures.

Tuesdays, October 6th – November 10th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 7.30 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $72, Public $82
Regular registration: NU $82, Public $92
Instructor: Steven Fischer

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.

Wednesdays, October 7th - November 11th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
Early Registration: NU $62, Public $72
Regular registration: NU $72, Public $82
Instructor: Christine Wolf 

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.

Wednesdays, October 7th – November 11th (6 Sessions)
5:00 - 5:50 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $54, Public $64
Regular registration: NU $64, Public $74
Instructor: Cate Curtis

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.

Wednesdays, October 7th – November 11th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $54, Public $64
Regular registration: NU $64, Public $74
Instructor: Cate Curtis

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.

Wednesdays, October 7th – November 11th (6 Sessions)
7:00 - 7:50 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $54, Public $64
Regular registration: NU $64, Public $74
Instructor: Cate Curtis

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.

Wednesdays, October 7th – November 11th (6 Sessions)
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $62, Public $72
Regular registration: NU $72, Public $82
Instructor: Inna Melnikov

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.

Tuesdays, October 6th – November 10th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $72, Public $82
Regular registration: NU $82, Public $92
Instructor: Larry Schwartz

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.

Thursdays, October 8th – November 12th (6 Sessions)
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $72, Public $82
Regular registration: NU $82, Public $92
Instructor: Tom Rosenak

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. 

Tuesdays, October 13 - October 27 (3 sessions)
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 
Registration is free. Sign up here!

Build your financial knowledge and personal development skills in this three-part series presented by U.S. Bank. Attend the first session in person, then continue your learning through two convenient online sessions.

Tuesday, October 13th at 6:00 p.m: In-person in Norris 
Smart strategies for stretching dollars: Join this session to empower yourself to maximize your dollars with strategies around budgeting, saving, managing debt, accessing resources, and building positive financial habits. We’ll share practical tips and help you discover where you can find additional support.

Tuesday, October 20th at 6:00 p.m: Virtual
Credit Wellness: How do you define credit wellness? Do you feel confident about your financial path? Build your knowledge about how credit works, what can impact your credit score, the different ways your score can impact lending decisions, and some tips on improving or building your credit responsibly.

Tuesday, October 27th at 6:00 p.m: Virtual
Take ownership series: Time management: We focus on the relationship we have with our most valuable commodity: our time. If you want to feel more empowered and take ownership of your own time to achieve the goals you've set for yourself, you will leave this webinar better positioned to move confidently into the future you envision for yourself.