Lake Oswego

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)

Upcoming Fall 2026 Sessions

Session 1: Mindful Nature Drawing

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

Session 2: Collage & Connect

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

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/

Past Classes Archive

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.

Seasonal Watercolor Journaling & Nature Drawing (Spring 2026)

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.

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.

• 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.

Upcoming Fall 2026 AI Toolkit Lineup

Demystifying AI: Intro to AI (Part 1)

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

Demystifying AI: Chatbot Practice (Part 2)

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

AI as an Accessibility & Information Tool

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

AI Safety, Fact Checking & Avoiding Misinformation

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

Past Digital Dive Presentations & Resources

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

Is It AI or Is It Real? How to Spot Computer-Generated Content Like a Librarian (Digital Dive #1)

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

Why Does Fake Information Exist? Understanding the Motives Behind Misinformation

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].

Interested in learning ukulele? Sign up for one of twelve spots in our 7-week long adult ukulele program! Join us at the Adult Community Center Saturdays from 3:00 – 4:00 pm from October 31 – December 19 (please note, there will not be class on November 28). Attendees will learn 8 chords, strumming patterns, classic and popular songs, as well as tablature, fingerpicking, tuning, and resources for continued musical education. This program is intended for participants to attend each session and progressively develop their skills and abilities, starting with the basics. This program is intended for beginners, but intermediate players are welcome too. The library will provide ukuleles for checkout for the duration of the program, or, feel free to bring your own. A LINCC Library Card is required to check out a Library ukulele. For Adults18+ Only.

This series is free for ages 18+, but registration is required, as space is limited. Registration begins October 15 on the Library

This class will take place at the Adult Community Center, located at 505 G Avenue, Lake Oswego.

Join Clackamas County Medicare expert volunteers (SHIBA) for a monthly, four-part series designed to empower you with clear, unbiased information. Break down the essentials, explore your coverage options, and learn to secure your benefits confidently.
Cost for each class: Resident & Non-Resident FREE

New Series for Navigating Medicare

Medicare 101: Navigating the Essentials

Get a comprehensive, easy-to-understand overview of the foundational pieces of Medicare. This introductory session breaks down the core components of the system, helping you understand what each part covers and how they fit together. We will demystify the enrollment timeline, clarify the crucial differences between initial and general enrollment periods, and provide clear guidance on how to avoid lifelong late-enrollment penalties. Perfect for those turning 65 or anyone wanting a clear refresher.

Topics Covered:

• Deconstructing Parts A, B, C, and D: Who qualifies, what is covered, and out-of-pocket expectations
• Understanding initial enrollment windows, special enrollment periods, and critical deadlines
• Navigating the choice between Original Medicare (with a Medigap policy) and Medicare Advantage

Date / Time: Wed 9/16 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Event Code: 34888
Learn More: Clackamas County SHIBA Services

Medicare Plan Finder Demonstration: Hands-On Tools for Smart Choices

Don't guess when it comes to your healthcare coverage. This practical session features a live, step-by-step demonstration of the official Medicare Plan Finder online tool. Learn how to securely build a profile, accurately input your current prescription drugs, and compare available medical and pharmacy plans in your zip code side-by-side. You will leave with the confidence to independently evaluate plans and find the specific coverage that best fits your medical needs and budget.

Topics Covered:

• Navigating the official Medicare.gov portal and setting up a personalized account safely
• How to input specific prescription drug names and dosages to get highly accurate annual cost estimates
• Comparing plan premiums, deductibles, and star quality ratings for local coverage choices

Date / Time: Wed 10/21 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Event Code: 34889

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: Maximizing Value, Lowering Costs

Prescription medication can be one of the highest out-of-pocket expenses for seniors. This class dives deep into Medicare Part D and the prescription drug components of Medicare Advantage plans. Learn how insurance networks handle medication costs, discover how to navigate complex drug formularies and tier structures, and explore the lifecycle of coverage phases, including the coverage gap. Most importantly, SHIBA experts will share practical, legal strategies to reduce your monthly pharmacy out-of-pocket expenses.

Topics Covered:

• How formularies work and how tier systems directly impact your medication copays
• Navigating coverage phases and understanding how out-of-pocket threshold limits affect you
• Practical cost-saving tips, including mail-order options, generic substitutions, and extra help programs

Date / Time: Wed 11/18 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Event Code: 34890

Medicare Fraud Prevention: Protecting Your Identity and Benefits

Protect your health, your identity, and your hard-earned benefits from exploitation. Presented in partnership with the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), this crucial session teaches you how to spot, prevent, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. Learn how to audit your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) for discrepancies, identify common scams targeting seniors during open enrollment periods, and discover simple steps to protect your personal Medicare number from identity thieves.

Topics Covered:

• The primary signs of Medicare fraud, deceptive marketing practices, and current regional scams
• How to read and verify your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
• Action steps to safely report suspected errors and secure your personal information

Date / Time: Wed 12/16 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Event Code: 34891

Interested in learning ukulele? Sign up for one of twelve spots in our 7-week long adult ukulele program! Join us at the Adult Community Center Saturdays from 3:00 – 4:00 pm from October 31 – December 19 (please note, there will not be class on November 28). Attendees will learn 8 chords, strumming patterns, classic and popular songs, as well as tablature, fingerpicking, tuning, and resources for continued musical education. This program is intended for participants to attend each session and progressively develop their skills and abilities, starting with the basics. This program is intended for beginners, but intermediate players are welcome too. The library will provide ukuleles for checkout for the duration of the program, or, feel free to bring your own. A LINCC Library Card is required to check out a Library ukulele. For Adults18+ Only.

This series is free for ages 18+, but registration is required, as space is limited. Registration begins October 15 on the Library

This class will take place at the Adult Community Center, located at 505 G Avenue, Lake Oswego.

Discover peace through the fluid rhythm of watercolor. Learn calming, foundational techniques, soft color blending, and intentional brushwork with professional artist Ronna Fujisawa. Each multi-week session offers a deeply relaxing, contemplative studio experience perfect for all skill levels, from absolute beginners to practicing painters. All premium painting materials are included in the tuition fee.

Class Times: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays
Tuition per Session: Resident $88 / Non-Resident $132 (Materials included)

Session 1: Skies & Reflections

Immerse yourself in the calming behavior of water and pigment. This three-week session focuses on the classic wet-on-wet watercolor technique, teaching you how to control moisture levels on your paper to paint soft, bleeding gradients. Watch vibrant colors blend seamlessly on the page as you capture the atmospheric light, morning mists, and dramatic Pacific Northwest sunsets mirrored perfectly across still coastal and river waters.

Topics Covered:

• Mastering fluid wet-on-wet washes for seamless, luminous sky gradients
• Understanding color relationships to paint realistic, glowing PNW twilight palettes
• Techniques for rendering soft, undulating reflections and water ripples

Dates: Tuesdays, 9/15, 9/22, & 9/29
Event Code: 34838

Session 2: Rustic Barns

Explore the quiet charm of regional history and changing seasons. In this block, you will gently merge technical drafting with expressive, meditative painting. Learn accessible approaches to linear perspective to structure historic rural architecture, alongside specialized dry-brush and lifting techniques to depict the tactile textures of weathered wood, stone, and historic autumn landscapes fading into gold.

Topics Covered:

• Simplified structural perspective and linear drafting layouts for buildings
• Creating realistic textures like rough-hewn wood grain, rust, and seasonal foliage
• Using tonal contrast, light, and shadow to ground structures naturally within a landscape

Dates: Tuesdays, 10/13, 10/20, & 10/27
Event Code: 34839

Session 3: Trees & Mountains

Find your focus by capturing the majestic scale of the Cascades. This final fall session guides you through strategic brushwork to construct depth and atmosphere. You will practice loading and angling your brush to easily paint dense, misty evergreen forests, layered alpine ridgelines, and towering mountain peaks. Discover how leaving intentional white space can beautifully represent high-altitude snowfields and low-hanging mountain fog.

Topics Covered:

• Strategic brushwork patterns for painting realistic pine, fir, and hemlock silhouettes
• Creating atmospheric perspective (the illusion of distance) through soft, layered color values
• Using paper preservation and precise edge control to render alpine snow and shadows

Event Code: 34840

About the Instructor:
Ronna Fujisawa is a watercolor and mixed-media artist, art educator, and outdoor enthusiast based in Portland, Oregon. She earned her MFA in Applied Craft and Design from Oregon College of Art and Craft / Pacific Northwest College of Art, and a BFA in Painting from Miami University. Her work often reflects a quiet, contemplative energy, with sensitive explorations of landscape, birds, and natural forms.

Visit her website: Salty Water Art — https://saltywaterart.com/
Instagram: @saltywaterart

Past Classes Archive

The following previous topics from this season are now complete. Please contact the program desk to be placed on an interest list for future repeats of these themes.

Painting Pacific Northwest Birds

An intimate, three-week foundational watercolor session held in April 2026. Students explored the delicate anatomy, fine feather details, and distinct characters of local avian species. Instructor Ronna Fujisawa guided participants through balancing realistic proportions, choosing rich color palettes, and using intentional, single-stroke brushwork to bring local wildlife to life on paper without overworking the medium.