FREEPORT — Highland Community College Lifelong Learning registration for Spring classes opens Jan. 6, 2025. February and March classes include Maple Syrup 101, Welding for Garden Art — Iris, Soft Pastel for Beginners, Paint Party with Friends — Koi, and Lattes, Breves, Espresso, Oh My! To register online and view the complete Lifelong Learning schedule, visit highland.edu/lifelong. Registration deadline is one week before class start date.
Maple Syrup 101
Location: Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Cougar Café, Building H, Room 101 Freeport, Ill.
Registration Deadline: Feb. 8
Class: Feb. 15; 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $15
Instructor: Bob Sutter
This class is for the beginner backyard hobby producer who wants to start out in maple syruping and put out a few taps. In class you will learn how to tap a tree, collect the sap, process the sap, and bottling techniques.
Welding for Garden Art — Iris
Location: Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Building T, Room 127 Freeport, Ill.
Registration Deadline: Feb. 10
Class: Feb. 17 & 24; 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Fee: $99
Instructor: Roger Hicks
Learn basic mig welding techniques to create a beautiful metal iris for your garden. This is a hands-on class; please dress appropriately to work in a shop, including long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and no loose clothing. No prior welding experience necessary. All materials provided.
Soft Pastel for Beginners
Location: Elizabeth Business Hub, 131 N. Main Street., Elizabeth, Ill.
Registration Deadline: Feb. 12
Class: Feb. 19; 6-8 p.m.
Fee: $29
Instructor: Brian Engle
This introductory course is perfect for those new to pastel art, offering a fun and relaxed environment to explore the world of soft pastels. Throughout this class, you’ll learn the basics of pastel techniques, color blending, and composition, as well as how to create beautiful, vibrant pastel paintings. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply looking to try something new, this class will provide you with the fundamental skills to kickstart your pastel journey. A set of pastels and paper will be provided for each student and can be taken home at the end of class.
Paint Party with Friends — Koi
Location: Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Avenue, Freeport, Ill.
Registration Deadline: Feb. 13
Class: Feb. 20; 6-8 p.m.
Fee: $45
Instructor: Barry Treu
Join us for a paint party with friends. Enjoy refreshments while putting paint to canvas to create a captivating painting of Koi Fish. All supplies, refreshments, and step-by-step artistic guidance are included. No experience is needed.
Lattes, Breves, Espresso, Oh My!
Location: Higher Grounds Coffee, 1709 S. West Avenue, Freeport, Ill.
Registration Deadline: Feb. 15
Class: Feb. 22; 10-10:45 a.m.
Fee: $12
Instructor: Erica Williams
Have you ever wondered how to order one of those specialty drinks at a coffee shop? There are so many options, but what does it all mean? Join us at Higher Grounds Coffee to gain knowledge and confidence in ordering a specialty drink made just for you! Whether it’s a Latte, Macchiato, Cappuccino or Cold Foam, you’ll leave not only empowered but with a gift certificate for one espresso drink of your choice!
Other courses include:
● Italian Stromboli, Generations Brewing Company, Freeport
● Civil War Medicine Hollywood Style — The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, Galena Public Library, Galena
● Succulent Planter, Clara Joyce Flowers, Stockton
● Mini Macraweave Wall Hanging, Higher Grounds Coffee, Freeport
● Rug Hooking Basics: Create Colorful Coasters, Old Sandstone Gallery, Mt. Morris
● Watercolor for Beginners, Elizabeth Business Hub, Elizabeth
● Card Making A, HCC, Freeport
● The Great War Unfolded: Causes, Battles, and Consequences, Mount Carroll Public Library, Mount Carroll
● Thinking Outside the Watercolor Box, Mt. Morris Senior & Community Center, Mt. Morris
● Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People, online
For more information about Lifelong Learning and to find out the latest course offerings, call 815 599-3403 or email lifelonglearning@highland.edu. Register for spring courses at highland.edu/lifelong.
