Learning & Tech❯Workshops

Vanessa Grace of Soul Amplified will lead a workshop about the spiritual aspects of autumn from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Self Balance Massage, 8301 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver. Autumn is the transition between the outward-focused, fast pace of summer and inward-focused, slow pace of winter. Students will learn how to “live the autumn life” in preparation for winter, the art of releasing and the significance of endings. Grace will lead participants in a guided mediation, leaf release ritual and journaling. The cost is $30, including a digital workbook. For details, email [email protected].

Learn essential computer skills in this beginner-friendly class, from logging in to personalizing settings. In the second hour, focus on how to protect yourself from email scams, malicious software, and identity theft. Perfect for first-time users.

Set your business up for success! Learn how financial planning, banking, and funding can help you reach your goals in this workshop presented by InRoads Credit Union.

Journalism isn’t only for journalists. The practice involves skills that are useful to any and all writers across genres and levels of experience. At its core, reporting is the process of asking questions and seeking answers, which is something all writers do in one form or another. In addition to interviews, research is a valuable tool for any writer to deepen and expand their understanding of a chosen subject and fact-checking can heighten the rigor and truth of any work, even the most fantastical fiction.

As part of their training, journalists learn how to distill a story down to its core components, make it legible to a wide audience, and structure information to maximize impact. These are skills and practices that all writers can benefit from. Whether there’s a journalist character in your novel, a historical component to your memoir, a narrative aspect to your academic work, or a poem that provides a glimpse into an unknown world, this class will provide a basic understanding of journalism that any writer can apply to any project.

Course outcomes:
● Writers are introduced to the fundamentals of reporting, research, writing, editing and fact-checking
● Writers explore how to incorporate these skills into their writing practice
● Writers gain confidence applying these skills in their own projects, outside of the classroom

Class schedule:
Week 1: The Journalist Mindset—Week 1 provides an overarching introduction to the key concepts of journalism and how it can be applied to any writing project. Concepts include the “5 Ws + H” and newsworthiness.

Week 2: Reporting and Research—Students will learn interview techniques; discuss other ways to access information, like court documents, public records and archives; and review best practices for research, like relying on primary source documents and vetting journal articles.

Week 3: Writing & Structure—How to write and structure a basic news story, with a discussion of how those core principles (like the inverted pyramid) can apply to any writing project. It will also address how to approach writing a feature story, which requires using information to build scenes and character development.

Week 4: Ethics & Accuracy—How to fact-check and why it matters. Students will learn what goes into fact-checking and how to ensure that the information they have gathered is accurate. They will also learn core ethical principles of journalism, such as objectivity, independence, as well as how to handle attribution (on vs off the record) and how to handle sources requesting anonymity or who are not telling the truth.

Week 5: Organization and Pitching. In this session, students will get tips on how to keep all their reporting notes and material organized to help streamline the writing, editing and fact-checking process. The class will also cover the basics and best practices of pitching so students feel empowered to send their ideas out into the world.

Week 6: Workshop. The final class will be dedicated to discussing each student’s ideas and providing collective guidance and feedback. Whether it’s a question about a story’s angle or a full-fledged pitch, this session will be a forum for everyone to take their journalistic aspirations to the next level, incorporating what they’ve learned over the past five weeks.

Access Program
We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.

Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at [email protected] if you have questions.

Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.

Apply here for the liaison position.

Master Gardener and Master Melittologist Anne Bulger on native mason bees: why they’re such good pollinators, what’s hiding inside their nesting tubes, and how to harvest and clean cocoons so your bees make it through winter healthy. Good for total beginners and people already hosting bees. Part of the Community Workshop Series. Sign up ahead.

Strengthen your household readiness through the "Be 2 Weeks Ready" program, presented by PrepLO. Learn how to prepare for disasters like earthquakes, storms, and wildfires. This essential training includes hands-on CPR/AED instruction provided directly by the Lake Oswego Fire Department (LOFD).

Fee: FREE (Pre-registration is required)

Thursday, September 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33840 • Register Online

Thursday, December 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33841 • Register Online

Saturday, September 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33842 • Register Online

Saturday, December 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33844 • Register Online

Tuesday, October 20 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 35016
Fee: FREE

Join clinical experts from Providence Health & Services to learn how age-related changes in balance, physical strength, and general medical health affect daily mobility. Discover concrete ways to minimize risks by modifying everyday medications, assessing footwear choice, and addressing common home environment hazards. Includes a short, participatory tai chi balance demonstration.

Presented by: Providence Health Leaders
Register Online

Thursdays, October 22 – November 12 • 12–1:30 p.m.
Course ID: 34887
Fee: Resident $36 / Non-Resident $54 (4-week course)

This structural, evidence-based series features weekly presentations by Providence clinical directors focused on optimizing physiological health as you age. Learn actionable, science-backed lifestyle habits designed to promote everyday brain fitness, strengthen emotional resilience, and maximize lifetime physical vitality rooted in the latest senior medical research.

Presented by: Providence Clinical Directors
Register Online

Tuesday, November 3 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 34823
Fee: FREE

Join representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for an invaluable QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training session. Participants will learn how to recognize early situational warning signs, ask supportive, compassionate direct questions, and safely guide neighbors, friends, and family toward life-saving community crisis resources.

Presented by: NAMI NW Advisors
Register Online

Tuesdays • 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Fee: Resident $20 / Non-Resident $25 per multi-week section

Elevate your card game in a supportive, structured environment! Curated for enthusiasts who possess standard background play experience, this community class weaves short, technical lessons with real-time coached table play. Refine card play execution, clarify bidding options on the fly, and share the friendly table camaraderie of fellow players.

Section A (Sept 8 – Oct 27): Course ID: 35364 • Register Online
Section B (Nov 3 – Dec 15): Course ID: 35365 • Register Online

Thursday, October 29 • 2–4 p.m.
Course ID: 35370
Fee: FREE

Learn how to optimize your living space to be safer, energy-efficient, and structurally accessible using public county support systems. Experienced case managers from Clackamas County will detail application criteria for free residential weatherization upgrades, low-cost deferred maintenance home improvement loans, and localized senior accessibility renovation grants.

Presented by: Clackamas County Program Coordinators
Register Online

• Life’s Final Chapter Series (May/June): A thoughtful practical exploration covering end-of-life logistics, medical directives, and grief support, facilitated alongside Death Doulas NW and End of Life Choices Oregon.
• Estrangement & Reunion Workshops (May/June): Multi-session mental health family guidance led by the licensed marriage and family therapists of Family Ties Counseling Center.
• Caregiver Support & Resilience Intensives (May/June): Specialized, four-hour professional workshops covering dementia communication habits and chronic caregiver burnout prevention, led by Dr. Andrea Holzner.
• Healthy Legs as You Age (May 6): A cardiovascular educational forum addressing vein health, modern treatment options, and leg circulation, led by Dr. Toshio Nagamoto of Inovia Vein.
• Estate Planning Basics (May 20): A legal resource class reviewing wills, asset protection vehicles, and common probate filing pitfalls, presented by Michael Rose, Attorney at Rose Elder Law.
• Paying for Long-Term Care (June 10): A community seminar providing legal guidance on qualifying for public Medicaid benefits and managing long-term institutional residential costs, presented by Rose Elder Law.

The Teen Table is a relaxed, hands-on cooking experience for teens who want to feel more comfortable in the kitchen, learn to cook for themselves, and spend time with other teens who enjoy good food.

Whether they’re brand new to cooking or already have some experience, we’ll focus on building practical skills and confidence. Rather than following strict recipes, teens will learn how to think like a home cook—how to make decisions, work with what they have, adjust as they go, and turn simple ingredients into food they’re excited to eat.

We’ll also cover meal planning, kitchen organization, time management, using ingredients thoughtfully, making adjustments, and cleaning up. Most importantly, teens will gain the confidence to cook without needing a recipe to tell them exactly what to do.

Every class ends with everyone sitting down together to enjoy what we’ve made—because cooking is more fun when it’s shared, and learning how to feed yourself well is a pretty great skill to have.

The goal is simple: to help teens feel at home in the kitchen, make food they enjoy, and learn how to take care of themselves through cooking.

November Menu:

• Herb Roasted Chicken

• Seasonal Vegetable Sides

December Menu:

• Veggie Chili

• Cornbread

What to expect:

• Price is per person and includes the class, all ingredients, and dinner.

• Each class is hands-on and centered around preparing a meal together. We’ll cook, talk, experiment, ask questions, make mistakes, and figure things out along the way. There’s no pressure to already know what you’re doing or to be a “chef”— just a welcoming space to learn at your own pace.

• Some food allergies and intolerances can be accommodated, but please note that we may cook with eggs, dairy, nuts, poultry, beef, pork, and fish. If you’re unsure whether the class will be a good fit for your dietary needs, please inquire before registering.

• This series is for kids aged 13-18

About our Instructor:

Chef Leta Merrill is the founder and Pasta Maia, a seasoned culinary instructor, and also a mom of teens. She loves cooking with families and teaching young cooks in a fun, hands-on environment. Inspired by the Cucina Povera philosophy of simple, resourceful cooking made with love, Leta brings old-world Italian warmth and a love of gathering around the table to every class.

Do you know how to remove apps? What to do if your phone memory is full? How to improve battery life? Learn these skills and more for your Apple, Android, or Microsoft devices in a focused, 1:1 session with volunteers from SeniorTechPals, and bring your phone or tablet.

Registration strongly encouraged, but drop-ins can wait to receive help.

<p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Dates</strong>: Wednesdays: 11/4, 11/11, 11/18</p><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Time</strong>: 5:30 - 8:30 PM</p><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Location</strong>: Bittersweet Studios, 1515 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland, OR 97217</p><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">This is an abbreviated version of our six week Intro series that concentrates on giving students the basics of ceramics wheel throwing and hand-building without the time commitment of a 6 week course.</p><ul data-rte-list=\"default\"><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Week 1: Wheel Throwing Basics</strong><br />Learn the fundamentals of working on the pottery wheel, including centering clay, pulling walls, and forming simple vessels. Keep up to two wheel thrown pieces that we will trim for you.</p></li><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Week 2: Hand-building Techniques</strong><br />Explore coil, slab, and pinch methods to build forms by hand—great for sculptural or functional pieces.</p></li><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Week 3: Glazing & Finishing</strong><br />Apply underglaze and glaze to your bisqued pieces, experiment with surface decoration, and prepare your work for final firing. Students can fire up to 4 glazed pieces to keep.</p></li></ul><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">Due to the sequential nature of this series, we cannot offer make-up classes. Please plan on attending every class session. For the duration of the class series, students have access to the studio during Open Studio Hours to work on their pieces.</p><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">Our Open Studio Hours are:</p><ul data-rte-list=\"default\"><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">Thursdays 3-6 PM</p></li><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">Fridays 5-8 PM</p></li><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">Saturdays 2-5PM</p></li></ul><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Ages: </strong>18+ only.</p><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Cancellation/refund policy: </strong>Refunds are available with 10 days’ notice before the first class date. You can choose between store credit for the full amount, or a refund to your card, minus a $30 processing fee per student. No refunds will be given for less than 10 days’ notice.</p>","variants":[{"id":"0042b409-083c-4d6b-bf40-bebe6f2ef4ea","sku":"SQ3181184","price":{"currency":"USD","value":"295.00"},"unlimited":false,"qtyInStock":4,"soldOut":false,"scarce":true,"attributes":{}}],"firstInStockVariant":{"id":"0042b409-083c-4d6b-bf40-bebe6f2ef4ea","sku":"SQ3181184","price":{"currency":"USD","value":"295.00"},"unlimited":false,"qtyInStock":4,"soldOut":false,"scarce":true,"attributes":{}},"userDefinedVariantOptions":[],"productType":3,"customAddToCartButtonText":"Sign Up!","additionalFieldsFormId":"67cfb899ca36fc40aba93da0","additionalFieldsForm":{"id":"67cfb899ca36fc40aba93da0","type":2,"name":"Class attendee(s)","fields":["{\"type\":\"textarea\",\"id\":\"textarea-yui_3_17_2_1_1741666032430_4257\",\"locked\":false,\"title\":\"Attendee name(s) & email(s)\",\"description\":\"What are the name(s) & email address(es) of the attendee(s)? We will send an email with some information before class. If you leave this blank we will use the email you provide at checkout.\",\"placeholder\":\"Luigi M. [email protected], Mario [email protected]\",\"required\":false,\"textarea\":true}"],"parsedFields":[],"submitButtonText":"Submit","submissionMessage":"{\"html\":\"Thank you!\"}","disclaimerMessage":"null","successRedirect":"","captchaEnabled":false,"captchaTheme":1,"captchaAlignment":1},"images":[{"title":"Bitttersweeet-17.jpg (Copy)","originalSize":"2400x2400","assetUrl":"https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6741389d83813417aa451baf/d2ea40b4-3b7a-48ea-8262-9d2dc9473c12/Bitttersweeet-17.jpg","mediaFocalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5,"source":3}},{"title":"Bitttersweeet-25.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)","originalSize":"1667x1667","assetUrl":"https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6741389d83813417aa451baf/9180415a-fc47-4cae-b2b9-d68985a49ce7/Bitttersweeet-25.jpg","mediaFocalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5,"source":3}},{"title":"IMG_2865.jpeg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)","originalSize":"1811x1811","assetUrl":"https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6741389d83813417aa451baf/a3e4e993-ad5a-4af4-8519-a8a8dc039656/IMG_2865.jpeg","mediaFocalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5,"source":3}},{"title":"sabell_roo_-60.jpg","originalSize":"1333x1333","assetUrl":"https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6741389d83813417aa451baf/b789d3f7-9016-45e9-897b-a343315ba5a1/sabell_roo_-60.jpg","mediaFocalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5,"source":3}}],"mainImage":{"title":"Intro to Clay (Mini) Series - 3 weeks, Wednesdays 5:30-8:30pm starting November 4th","originalSize":"2400x2400","assetUrl":"https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6741389d83813417aa451baf/d2ea40b4-3b7a-48ea-8262-9d2dc9473c12/Bitttersweeet-17.jpg","mediaFocalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5,"source":3}},"fullUrl":"/classes-workshops/p/intro-to-clay-3-week-mini-series-starting-11-4

This two-session class explores the foundations of intentional ritual, sacred space, and spell design. Participants will consider how to create rituals and spells that are personally meaningful, clear, aligned, and ethically grounded, while building confidence in their magical practice. Attendees must be at least 13, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

DevonWood will once again host the USDF/FEI Youth Clinic Series in Sherwood, Oregon, with clinician Sabine Schut-Kery. Applications will be available online. The series receives funding support from The Dressage Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation, and The Dressage Foundation provides grant opportunities for these clinics.

Metropolitan Performing Arts will offer K-Pop Dance Workshops on Nov. 8, Dec. 6 and Jan. 17, taught by Caitlin Bui. From 1:30-3 p.m. Nov. 8, kids 12-18 will learn “Iconic by Mistake” by Katseye, Illit and Le Serrafim. From 1:30-3 p.m. Dec. 6, kids 12-18 will learn “The Feels.” The Jan. 17 class from 3:30-5 p.m. is for kids ages 8-12. Each class is $25.

Learn about your tenant and survivor rights as renters with YWCA Clark County and Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program’s Housing Justice Project during a workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at YWCA Clark County, 3609 Main St., Vancouver. Participants will learn about their rights and responsibilities as tenants, common housing issues and available legal resources. The workshop will also provide information specifically for survivors of domestic violence, including housing protections and considerations and resources to support housing stability. Register at eventbrite.com/e/tenant-rights-workshop-tickets-2002166313340.

Vampire Unicorns will host a Tea Blending Workshop from 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 14. Steep yourself in magic and learn the art of crafting bespoke tea blends to nourish body and spirit. Explore which teas pair with fragrant flowers, herbs and spices to create various tea blends. Students will make their own blend to take home. The cost is $35 and includes all ingredients. Register at vampireunicorns.xyz.

Vampire Unicorns, 3510 N.E. Third Ave., Camas, will offer a Rose Salves Workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5. Students will explore folklore surrounding roses and their gentle herbal properties, then create a rose petal salve to soothe the skin and spirit. The cost is $45. Register at vampireunicorns.xyz.

Join local artist Elizabeth Higgins for weekly workshops focused on creative expression, mindfulness, and supportive community connection. Designed as a sanctuary from daily stressors, these sessions emphasize the joyful process of making art rather than the pressure of a finished product. Perfect for all skill levels, from absolute beginners to experienced creators looking to refresh their practice. All premium studio materials are included in the tuition fee.

Class Times: 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. on Mondays
Tuition per Session: Resident $79 / Non-Resident $119 (Materials included)

Slow down and see the world around you with fresh eyes. This four-week session uses the quiet patterns of the natural world to anchor your attention in the present moment. Through gentle, guided, and meditative sketching exercises, you will learn to quiet a busy mind and relieve daily stress. Elizabeth will introduce accessible mark-making techniques that make sketching feel approachable, helping you overcome the fear of the blank page and establish a sustainable, deeply personal daily sketchbook practice.

Topics Covered:

• Using rhythmic, repetitive drawing patterns found in leaves, seed pods, and stones to induce a meditative flow state
• Contemplative "blind contour" and gesture sketching to bypass the inner critic and build confidence
• Practical techniques for starting, organizing, and maintaining a regular, stress-free sketchbook habit at home

Dates: Mondays, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, & 10/26
Event Code: 34836

Experience the liberating and playful art of paper collage. By cutting, tearing, and arranging everyday found papers, hand-painted fragments, and text, you will bypass the technical anxieties of drawing and jump straight into raw visual storytelling. This course balances mindful, intuitive play with fundamental design concepts. While enjoying a relaxed studio environment, you will discover how to arrange bold abstract artwork that expresses your inner landscape.

Topics Covered:

• Intuitive paper tearing and layer arrangement to build textures without overthinking your choices
• Introduction to foundational color theory, contrasting palettes, and visual balance in abstract design
• Mindful sharing and collaborative community exercises designed to inspire deep connection with fellow classmates

Dates: Mondays, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, & 11/23
Event Code: 34837

About the Instructor:
Elizabeth M. Higgins is a Portland‑area teaching artist whose work centers on creativity, nature, and mindfulness. She holds a 100‑hour certification in eco-therapy and brings a gentle, encouraging approach to her watercolor and nature-journaling classes, inspiring students of all ages to explore art joyfully. Her vibrant work is shown at her Hillsboro studio and Grey Raven Gallery in Beaverton.

Website: Elizabeth M. Higgins — https://elizabethmhiggins.com/

The following previous topics from this season are now complete. Please contact the registration program desk if you would like to be notified when these seasonal topics return to the calendar.

Held weekly across April and May 2026, this foundational workshop invited beginners and nature lovers to connect deeply with seasonal shifts. Utilizing the principles of eco-therapy, students ventured into outdoor environments to observe regional flora and fauna firsthand. Under Elizabeth's gentle guidance, participants learned to blend delicate watercolor washes with organic line work to document the textures, shifting light, and quiet rhythms of the Pacific Northwest springtime landscape.

FREE group series designed for anyone interested in strengthening their recovery and learning new ways of relating to their nervous system

Introducing “30 for 30” - A Somatic Series for Recovery

A FREE community workshop series, led by a certified peer specialist and coach, that combines 30-minutes of guided grounding techniques and 30-minutes of collaborative processing.

Using body-oriented tools and cues, we'll build coping skills that help keep us grounded and connected--to our physical bodies and one another--as we navigate short- and long-term recovery.

At A Glance: Our 6-Week Group Agenda

● Week 1 Focus: Calming the Storm (Autonomic Regulation & 4-7-8 Oxygen Regulator)

● Week 2 Focus: Navigating the Void (Dopamine Baseline Reset & Thought Labeling)

● Week 3 Focus: Holding the Boundary (Protecting Internal Peace & Somatic Body Scan)

● Week 4 Focus: The Taper (The Art of Stillness & 4-4-4-4 Box Breathing)

● Week 5 Focus: Processing the Weight (Somatic Grief Work & Heart/Shoulder Grounding)

● Week 6 Focus: The Sovereign Anchor (Stepping Into Your Expert Chapter & Open Awareness)

Workshop agenda is subject to change at the facilitator's discretion.

Everyone is welcome. This offering is 100% cost-free. We hope you'll join us at TRG-Hillsboro.

Attendance at all six workshops is encouraged to get the most from this offering.

For questions about this group, please contact Josh C. at [email protected]

Ballroom Dance Vancouver will host Sunday Ballroom and Latin Group Classes from 4-6 p.m. Sundays at Dance Fusion/Northwest Classical Ballet, 14511 N.E. 10th Ave., Vancouver. Beginning classes are 4-5 p.m. and advanced classes are 5-6 p.m. The cost is $15 for ages 12 and older. Learn more at ballroomdancevancouver.com, by emailing [email protected] or calling 503-789-3023.

For proficient learners interested in advanced grammar and vocabulary in practical exercises.

Live in an apartment? Rent? Own? Everyone is invited to join this informative Recycling 101 class. Get all the details about our regional garbage and recycling system. Learn the basics about what to recycle curbside and why, and where items go after being picked up. If you are unsure if certain items can be recycled, bring those questions to this…

Every Monday night starting in November, I’ll be at Treebeerd’s! For November, see our 6 week crafting cohort page, with options for 6-week cohort, 2-week bundle, and single night drop-ins on certain dates: https://www.kraftpdx.studio/events/p/6-week-crafting-cohort-at-treebeerds-pdx Starting in December, we will be there every Monday night from 6-8 pm with a rotating weekly $20 (or less!) craft! Crafts may include garland making, portable bar games like mini jenga, free painting nights where your painting is donated to children’s hospitals through the Art2Hearts foundation, collage, linocut/stamp carving, and more! Every last Monday of the month will be pay-what-you-can.

While it’s relatively straightforward to create a gratitude list of positive aspects of our lives, how do we cultivate gratitude for the less pleasant ones? Is it truly important, beneficial, or even feasible. Join us for a SoulCollage workshop where we’ll create cards and delve into the theme of the month.

Preparing to take the U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) Test? Attend this ongoing U.S. Citizenship class to help you prepare for the test and interview. The class and study materials are provided free of charge. Presented in partnership with Goodwill Industries. Classes held weekly on Thursdays from 3–5 pm.

Walk-ins welcome.

¿Se está preparando para obtener la ciudadanía (naturalización) de los Estados Unidos? Asista a este curso en continua, que lo ayudará a prepararse para al examen y la entrevista. Las clases y los materiales se proporcionarán de forma gratuita. Este evento es presentado con la colaboración de Goodwill Industries.

Todos los Jueves de 3 a 5 pm.

Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver, offers First Friday Open Sculpting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Bring your own inspiration or choose from a variety of simple, beginner-friendly projects including mugs, vases, gnomes and animal sculptures. A clay instructor will teach you the basics of sculpting up to two pounds of clay into your own unique creation. No prior pottery experience is needed. Kilnfolk staff will fire and glaze your piece with the color of your choice and it will be ready for pick up about a month after the workshop. A separate custom glazing session is available at an additional cost. The workshop is $50 per person; sign up at kilnfolkclay.com.

Clark County Green Neighbors will host “Low Waste Holiday: Save Money, Make Memories,” a kid-friendly workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Waste Connections of Washington 9411 NE 94th Ave, Vancouver. This workshop shares simple ways to cut holiday waste while shifting the focus from buying “stuff” to creating experiences, family traditions, and lasting memories. Get low‑waste decorating ideas, experience‑based gift alternatives and tips for planning holiday meals and managing seasonal leftovers. Then families can make upcycled ornaments, bookmarks and gift tags from repurposed vinyl records and other reclaimed supplies.

Join Adult Services Librarian April Younglove from the Lake Oswego Public Library for a hands-on, four-part series designed to demystify artificial intelligence. Learn how to navigate the digital world, protect your privacy, and use AI tools with confidence and skepticism. Sessions include clear, live demonstrations, interactive discussions, and personalized tech support. Free for all participants.

• Location: Lake Oswego Adult Community Center
• Cost: Free for both residents and non-residents
• Requirements: Please bring a smartphone, laptop, or tablet with internet access for the hands-on practice portions.

Foundations for Everyday Use

Kick off the series by stripping away the tech jargon and discovering how artificial intelligence can simplify your day-to-day life. This foundational session introduces core AI concepts and terminology—including AI summarizers, generative chatbots, and natural prompting—in clear, approachable language. Through live demonstrations of Claude AI, Microsoft Copilot, and ChatGPT, you will learn how to safely use these tools to brainstorm recipes, plan custom travel itineraries, and organize daily tasks. We will introduce the essential "Ask–Tweak–Verify" (ATV) framework alongside critical privacy guidelines to ensure you protect your personal data right from the start.

One-on-one lab assistance is proudly provided by student volunteers from the Lake Youth Leadership Council to help you configure settings on your personal devices.

Date / Time: Tuesday, September 15 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Class Number: 34825

Hands-On Skills and Sandbox Practice

Build directly upon your foundational knowledge with a supportive, highly interactive sandbox session dedicated to mastering digital assistants. In Part 2, participants shift from watching demonstrations to writing and refining their own prompts. Under patient guidance, you will practice conversational techniques, discover how subtle shifts in word choices yield dramatically improved answers, and learn how to implement standard internet safety boundaries. A major focus of this workshop will be learning how to cross-reference and fact-check chatbot output to ensure your digital interactions remain secure, accurate, and productive.

Personalized, one-on-one tech support will be provided throughout the hands-on practice intervals by members of the Lake Youth Leadership Council.

Date / Time: Tuesday, October 20 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Class Number: 34826

Helping Seniors Navigate Daily Life With Confidence

Discover how contemporary AI applications can serve as powerful tools for independent living, lifelong learning, and daily problem-solving. This interactive workshop demonstrates practical accessibility functions hidden inside everyday tech, such as instant text-to-speech audio conversion, natural voice-command interactions, and real-time smartphone image recognition (perfect for reading small labels or identifying objects). Moving into deeper research skills, we will outline advanced prompting methods while unpacking the distinct structural limits of large language models. Learn exactly why AI should never replace professional advisory services, and discover specific strategies for spotting online medical misinformation.

Personalized, one-on-one tech support will be provided throughout the hands-on practice intervals by members of the Lake Youth Leadership Council.

Date / Time: Tuesday, November 17 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Class Number: 34827

Becoming a Confident, Critical AI User

The final installation equips you with an essential digital defense toolkit to evaluate whether online content is authentic, accurate, and trustworthy. We will break down common system errors, reveal how "hallucinations" occur, and introduce quick, library-approved methods for verifying data across independent sources. Crucially, this session helps participants recognize how malicious actors deploy technology for modern fraudulent schemes—including cloning voices for identity scams, fabricating hyper-realistic deepfakes, and pushing complex cryptocurrency traps. Leave with the confidence and critical awareness needed to enjoy modern digital conveniences safely and securely.

Personalized, one-on-one tech support will be provided throughout the hands-on practice intervals by members of the Lake Youth Leadership Council.

Date / Time: Tuesday, December 15 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Class Number: 34828

Missed a previous session? Access archived video recordings, interactive presentation slides, and educational handouts from our past technology literacy classes below:

Explore the sophisticated tools and methodologies professional librarians utilize to identify computer-generated texts, altered documents, and artificial imagery. This session provides actionable, real-world clues to help you differentiate between genuine human creations and artificial content in your daily newsfeeds and correspondence.

This class was originally presented at the Lake Oswego Public Library.

• Watch the Presentation Video on YouTube
• View Interactive Presentation Slides
• Download Class Instructional Handout

Navigate the rapidly-evolving digital landscape with clarity and balance. This session pulls back the curtain on automated "content farms," breaking down how social media algorithms, financial pay-per-click incentives, and strategic influence campaigns purposefully accelerate the distribution of false narratives. Learn to evaluate source motivations and protect your digital footprint from predatory content design.

This class was originally presented at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center.

• Watch the Presentation Video on YouTube
• View Interactive Presentation Slides
• Download Class Instructional Handout

For questions or more information regarding our technology programs, please contact Adult Services Librarian April Younglove at [email protected].

The Mazamas is partnering with Base Medical to offer Wilderness First Aid (WFA) classes. WFA is a nationally recognized certification, and this course follows nationally set standards. This particular WFA is a hybrid course format consisting of:

• 8 hours of online work to be completed at least 2 days prior to the practical
• 3-4 hours of self-directed Patient Assessment (PAS) skills practice at home to prepare for the practical
• an 8 hour in-person practical session
• an online final exam passed with a score of 80% or higher within seven days of completing the practical portion of the course

*Please note the online course work must be completed 48 hours prior to the practical session to attend and pass the class. (No reschedules or exceptions can be accommodated). Following acceptance into the course you will receive a time-sensitive email with a link to the online coursework. Please check your junk folder and reach out to the registrar if you do not receive this link within a week of your acceptance.

The practical portion of the course will be held at the MMC from 8 AM to 5:30 PM. More information about the practical course, including course expectations and guidelines, will be sent via email closer to the course date.

Prerequisite: Laptop or desktop computer (this is for the online section, only. You do not need to bring this material to the in-person course)

Thank you for your interest in this program! Please be aware that your application will not be reviewed or accepted until after registration closes. Please note the registration close date above. Do not hesitate to reach out to our registrar with any questions or concerns. [email protected]

The nonprofit Taoist Tai Chi Society will host Introductory Taoist Tai Chi classes from 9-11 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 17-Jan. 2 (except Dec. 5) at Vancouver United First Methodist, Jason Lee Hall, 403 E. 33rd St., Vancouver. Start at the first session or attend any session. Try a class or two before deciding to continue. For more details, email [email protected].

Always wanted to learn how to sew but didn’t know where to start? Need help with a stalled sewing project? Bring your fabric, pattern, and questions to this drop-in sewing clinic for advice and instruction from pattern layout to a finished product. Haven’t started a project yet? Just bring your ideas and desire to learn!

Harvest Kitchen: Skills for Life is a hands-on fall cooking program for youth ages 11–18. Students build practical kitchen skills, confidence, cultural curiosity, teamwork, and leadership through two guided classes each week. Each session follows the Feed the Mass teaching model: welcome and safety check, instructor demonstration, team cooking, tasting and reflection, and a complete cleanup and sanitation close. If you want to join and need a scholarship, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Class Schedule and Topics

Knife Skills Bootcamp + Harvest Salsa | Tuesday, Sept 29

Rainbow Vegetable Salad Rolls | Thursday, Oct 1

Fresh Pasta from Scratch | Tuesday, Oct 6

Homemade Meatballs and Marinara | Thursday, Oct 8

Bread Baking Basics | Tuesday, Oct 13

Cinnamon Rolls and Sweet Dough | Thursday, Oct 15

Mac and Cheese Remix Challenge | Tuesday, Oct 20

Soup and Grilled Cheese Lab | Thursday, Oct 22

Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry Night | Tuesday, Oct 27

Homemade Dumplings | Thursday, Oct 29

Street Tacos and Fresh Salsas | Tuesday, Nov 3

Homemade Pizza Workshop | Thursday, Nov 5

Cupcakes and Cookie Decorating | Tuesday, Nov 10

Holiday Dessert Lab | Thursday, Nov 12

Thanksgiving Side Dish Challenge | Tuesday, Nov 17

Meal Prep and Freezer Meals | Thursday, Nov 19

Iron Chef Harvest Competition | Tuesday, Nov 24

Graduation Community Feast | Wednesday, Nov 25

NatureScaping Mason Bee Program coordinators Daniel Szumlas and Brigg Franklin will host a Mason Bee Cocoon Cleaning Event from 10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 21 at the CASEE Center located at 11104 N.E. 149th St., Brush Prairie.

Attendees will hear a short talk about mason bees, covering their lifecycle, the flowers and plants they love most and simple stewardship strategies to support the survival of this solitary, gentle pollinator. Guests will then clean their own mason bee houses with guidance from experienced volunteers. Guests can bring mason bee houses from home or simply watch the process.

Cost is free for NatureScaping members and $15 (plus tax) for non-members. Registration is required, to register contact [email protected] or [email protected], or call 360-737-1160.

Settle in for a cozy fall evening of watercolor at Tumwater Vineyard. Hayley Elmore of Halo Art and Design leads this two-hour class using Emily Lex’s watercolor workbook as a guide, sharing tips and techniques to help you build your skills. Every guest takes home a workbook to keep practicing.

Food and wine will be available for purchase, and wine club member benefits apply. Tickets required.

A Hall Artworks and Studio will offer a beginner-friendly Ornament Make-and-Take Workshops from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 22 and Dec 13 at 210 W. Evergreen Blvd., Suite 300, Vancouver. Nathun Finkhouse will guide attendees through the process of painting wooden ornaments to take home. Choose from four designs or make your own. Supplies will be provided. Bring painting clothes or an apron. The cost is $33.85.

Each fall, Columbia Play Project celebrates of creativity, engineering, imagination, and play with Bricktastic!

Bricktastic! brings together children, families, hobbyists, artists, engineers, educators, and LEGO enthusiasts for a day filled with building challenges, collaborative engineering, creative showcases, and hands-on STREAM experiences inspired by the power of play.

In the weeks leading up to Bricktastic!, participants can attend special workshops where they explore robotics, simple machines, architecture, storytelling, animation, and engineering while creating original LEGO projects to display during the festival.

The event culminates in a community showcase where builders proudly exhibit their creations and everyone experiences Columbia Play Project’s Mobile Children’s Museum through hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity long after the event ends.

Bricktastic! demonstrates what children’s museums do best: transform play into meaningful learning.

• Saturday, November 14, 2026
• 10:00 AM 1:00 PM

• Marshall/Luepke Center 1009 East McLoughlin Boulevard Vancouver

Learn the basics of Google Drive and cloud storage. Practice uploading, creating, and sharing files, and explore how Google tools work together. Discover Google Docs how to write, format, add images, and share your documents. Perfect for beginners learning how to use online files and documents.

Odd Bone Crafts will lead a DIY Trollarium Workshop from 5-6 p.m. Nov. 20 at Magpie Dreams Collective, 1001 Main St., Suite B, Vancouver (directly underneath Short & Sweet bubble tea shop). Create your very own troll dome with trinkets and personalized details. All supplies are included in the $15 price. Register at instagram.com/0ddbonecrafts/.

Explore the essential features of an Android mobile device through guided instruction and hands-on practice. This class covers basic navigation, internet connections, common applications, device settings, and tips for using an Android phone or tablet safely.

Discover West Coast Swing, a modern partner dance set to a range of music styles, with smooth movement and room for varied expression. New dancers are welcome to begin on the first Monday of the month, and the beginner series covers foundational steps, connection, and technique through three self-contained modules. Classes are also offered for intermediate and advanced dancers, with sessions focused on technique and more challenging patterns. The evening includes a social dance and practica where participants can dance, socialize, practice, and ask instructors questions.

Boost your digital skills and enhance your professional toolkit with Google Slides & Sheets. Create presentations and build spreadsheet skills, including formatting, functions & graphs.

Vampire Unicorns, 3510 N.E. Third Ave., Camas, will offer a Yule Garland Workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 22. Students will learn the old-world tradition of weaving a festive, aromatic Yule garland to grace the hearth or doorway. Fresh and dried ingredients will be provided. As participants create their garlands, they’ll learn the folklore, spiritual meanings and magical properties of each element in the garland. The cost is $75. Register at vampireunicorns.xyz.

VanCity Ballroom offers Saturday social dancing and beginners’ lessons at 9212 N.E. Highway 99, Suite 110, in Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson starts at 7 p.m. followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 p.m. No partner or dance experience are required. Learn a new dance each week, from ballroom and Latin to swing and country. The cost is $10. Get more details at vancityballroom.com.

Set your business up for success! Learn how financial planning, banking, and funding can help you reach your goals in this workshop presented by InRoads Credit Union.

Oct 12 Update: Registration is closing early due to full WFA courses on both Nov 14 and Nov 21 dates. If early registration closure for this course creates a hardship for a Mazamas activity leader, contact [email protected]

The Mazamas is partnering with Base Medical to offer Wilderness First Aid (WFA) classes. WFA is a nationally recognized certification, and this course follows nationally set standards. This particular WFA is a hybrid course format consisting of:

• 8 hours of online work to be completed at least 2 days prior to the practical
• 3-4 hours of self-directed Patient Assessment (PAS) skills practice at home to prepare for the practical
• an 8 hour in-person practical session
• an online final exam passed with a score of 80% or higher within seven days of completing the practical portion of the course

*Please note the online course work must be completed 48 hours prior to the practical session to attend and pass the class. (No reschedules or exceptions can be accommodated). Following acceptance into the course you will receive a time-sensitive email with a link to the online coursework. Please check your junk folder and reach out to the registrar if you do not receive this link within a week of your acceptance.

The practical portion of the course will be held at the MMC from 8 AM to 5:30 PM. More information about the practical course, including course expectations and guidelines, will be sent via email closer to the course date.

Prerequisite: Laptop or desktop computer (this is for the online section, only. You do not need to bring this material to the in-person course)

Thank you for your interest in this program! Please be aware that your application will not be reviewed or accepted until after registration closes. Please note the registration close date above. Do not hesitate to reach out to our registrar with any questions or concerns. [email protected]

Join the Harvest Celebration, a one-of-a-kind evening where the worlds of art and wine come together in the heart of Portland. Presented by the Portland Art Museum and the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, this immersive tasting experience celebrates the creativity, craftsmanship, and intersection between artists and winemakers. Enjoy wines from 50 Willamette Valley wineries alongside engaging artistic experiences, seasonal culinary offerings, and opportunities for discovery throughout the evening.

Each artist will be paired with a collection of participating wineries, creating unique intersections between visual art and winemaking. Meet the artists, learn about their creative process, and discover how artistic expression and winegrowing share a common foundation.

The evening will also feature a live artist creating work in real time, offering guests a firsthand look at the creative process. Interactive experiences invite attendees to become creators themselves, including opportunities to design a custom wine label and blend a personalized spice mix to take home. Guests can further extend their experience by exploring works available through the Portland Art Museum’s Rental Sales Gallery, offering an opportunity to bring a piece of local art home and continue the experience long after the event concludes.

The Portland Grief House invites you to join The Lost Table, a welcoming space to gather in community, remember those we’ve lost, and share in the traditions that help us keep them close. Bring a dish, pull up a chair, and make a place at the table for the dead. Grief can be hard to understand, and sometimes what we need most is community, ritual, conversation, and food.

Together, we’ll explore how different cultures and traditions call to, honor, and make offerings to those who have died. In the spirit of Día de Muertos, we’ll create a shared space where the living and the dead can gather around the same table.

We’ll begin with a creative activity led by Mario Mesquita, inviting us to reflect on memory, food, and our relationships with those we’ve lost. Participants will be introduced to the ritual elements that will carry us through the evening.

Laura Green will lead a community conversation about intercultural traditions of Día de Muertos and other ways communities call to and remember their dead. Participants will have an opportunity to share stories, traditions, and memories, and to dedicate an offering to someone they have lost.

Bea Yeh will introduce the tradition of Hungry Ghost and lead us in making an offering to the dead. We’ll set places at our table for those who are no longer with us and share food as an act of remembrance and connection.

Our community offerings and tributes will be gathered at Ximena Morales’s altar, creating a shared space of remembrance that connects the different traditions and offerings brought into the room.

Throughout the evening, we’ll create something together through words, offerings, and remembrance. We’ll dedicate a community poem to the dead and close our gathering with a collective ritual of words, sound, and stillness.

Please bring:

• A dish to share, plus any serving utensils it needs. Consider bringing something that reminds you of a loved one or connects you to a family or cultural tradition.
• Please label your food with a card identifying any allergens or dietary considerations.
• Your own dinnerware (plate, bowl, utensils, napkin).
• A beverage for yourself, if you’d like something other than water.
• A photograph, name, or other small tribute to a loved one for the community altar, if you’d like.
• Please do not bring chips, salsa, or guacamole—Milagro will provide these.

The Portland Grief House is honored to continue this tradition, originally started by Side Yard Farm. El Centro Milagro is excited to partner with Portland Grief House to create a space for English- and Spanish-speaking community members to gather, remember, share traditions, and honor the dead together.

Schedule
4:00–4:30 PM — Opening Ritual & Activity
4:30–5:45 PM — Community Conversation & Offerings
5:45 PM — Dedication & Closing

Estimated Running Time: 3 hours
Age Recommendation: Ages 10+

Join an afternoon with Grammy Award-winning soprano Audrey Luna. Audrey will give a masterclass with L&C and PSU students and present a lecture titled "The Business of Singing."

The Low Bar Chorale is thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer Laura Gibson as a special guest. To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of her debut album, If You Come To Greet Me, Laura is re-releasing her first four records on vinyl. Sing together and learn harmony parts for some of her best-loved songs from these albums, as well as some favorite covers and guilty pleasures. Come sing with one of the defining voices of Portland's musical legacy.

Described by Gramophone as "a superb, confident technician and an intelligent stylist, who doesn’t have to prove anything," guest pianist Chad R. Bowles will teach a Master Class to Portland State University piano students, and the public is invited to attend.

Bowles will also perform a free concert with the music of Schubert, Beethoven and Medtner as part of the Music @ Midday Series on Friday, November 6 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:05 p.m.

Learn more about Bowles, his concert program and the Master Class on the PSU Steinway Piano Series website.

Learn more about the School of Music & Theater.

Step into autumn’s splendor as the garden transforms with the colors and textures of chrysanthemums, a flower of nobility and longevity in Chinese culture. Stroll among 81 mum varieties, cascading displays along the waterfall, and sweeping floral sculptures that transform the garden into a living gallery.

From dazzling floral artistry to hands-on learning opportunities, Chrysanthemum Festival is one of the garden's most anticipated annual celebrations—and an unforgettable way to experience Lan Su in fall. Explore this beautiful flower and time of year.

Nov. 5-8 — Nights of the Golden Flower: Immerse yourself in the illuminated works of 18 talented local floral artists and featured designer Toni Tibbits as they interpret this year’s theme, Golden Blooms Upon Autumn Waters. Plus, enjoy gentle music by Lulu Guzheng Studio, dance performances by YZ Dance Academy, floral jewelry-making, and all-ages fun as you wander among glowing lanterns and vote for your favorite designs of the showcase. Sensory Night November 14.

Learn essential computer skills in this beginner-friendly class, from logging in to personalizing settings. In the second hour, focus on how to protect yourself from email scams, malicious software, and identity theft. Perfect for first-time users.