Janice Walrafen is offering several different drawing classes, both with pencil and pastel. Check them out!

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

Lisa Mase and Noel Simonik are offering 5 individual cooking classes this fall. Give one or all of them a try!

This is an introductory class in the art of hand building in clay. Whether making functional pottery or sculptural pieces, we will use basic techniques such as using coils, slabs, molds, and pinch pot methods to create pieces in accordance with individual interest. Clay is a fun, flexible material to create just about anything you can imagine. Purchase of clay and firing is $20 per ½ bag of clay and will be paid to the instructor on the first day of class. Janice has been working in clay her entire life. Her mother was a potter and Janice is a clay artist making tiles, sculptures, and vessels from slabs.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

Enjoy and explore the wonderful world of painting in watercolors, oils, acrylic, pastels, and mixed media. This class offers both traditional and alternative techniques and approaches through conversations, handouts and occasional demonstrations to help you create your own masterpieces. Whether you are a beginner with a desire to learn or have been painting for many years this class will welcome you. Bring your preferred materials to the first class.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate of $60 will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

This two-hour class will teach the basics of watercolor painting. The teacher will offer a demonstration of a composition followed by ample time for the students to paint in a relaxed manner. Each week new skills will be introduced covering wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, brush techniques, mixing the color palette, best practices for setting up paper, and more. Although this class is introductory, students with prior experience in watercolor painting are welcome to join as every painting can be both challenging and rewarding. Registered students will have the opportunity to purchase a pre-made kit or be sent a supply list needed for the class, which could add up to an additional $40.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Fee of $80 will be applied at the checkout.

This class is all about making books of all sizes and shapes and boxes from origami to structured. We will be awash in decorative papers, mat board and thread, and generous with glue. We will use scissors, bone folds and awls to cut, paste, and stitch. From the basics of the simple accordion book to elegant sewn structures, you will build skills in making beautiful books and boxes.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Fee is $120. This will be applied at the checkout.

Felting is a process that causes fibers to interlock; unable to separate, they shrink, creating a compact object. This is done with special barbed needles. It’s a medium that this extremely tactile and can be meditative. This class will focus on 3D needle felting, creating objects by building on layers of felted wool. The class will start with participants following the instructor, building simple shapes, and then move on to creating 2-3 holiday ornaments. Basic supplies will be available. Participants can choose to purchase a larger kit from the instructor.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Fee is $70. This will be applied at the checkout.

A chorus for rockers of all ages who want to sing the great songs of the fifties and sixties. Instructor John Harrison, director of the Rock City chorus in Barre and former Director of the Montpelier Community Gospel Choir, is a composer, choral director, singer, and saxophonist who has been performing professionally since he was a lad. He performs and teaches in a variety of styles that reflect his eclectic background in music. In this class, you’ll have a great time learning to sing classic rock songs.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Fee is $50. This will be applied at the checkout.

Pam is a certified rug hooking instructor who teaches both traditional and non-traditional techniques. Participants will need a rug hooking frame or 12 to 14-inch quilter’s hoop, foundation cloth, rug hook, small pair of sharp scissors, a permanent marker and wool cloth or wool strips. A machine to cut wool is available for students to use during class. Supplies will need to be purchased by the student. All skill levels welcome. New students will be contacted by the teacher prior to the start of class.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Fee is $60. This will be applied at the checkout.

Over the years, there have been many excellent films set in the world of the courtroom, both dramatic (Twelve Angry Men, Witness for the Prosecution) and comic (Adam’s Rib, Defending Your Life). We’ll see these and four others, including the French film, An Officer and a Spy which never opened in the U.S.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Fee is $60. This will be applied at the checkout.

This workshop will offer participants an opportunity to create and share poems with a supportive group. The class will use writing prompts for the creation of new poems, but students are free to bring in any poem they want feedback on.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Fee is $30. This will be applied at the checkout.

“Spanish from SCRATCH” is a comprehensive beginner’s course designed to introduce seniors to the Spanish language in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment. Aimed primarily at seniors but open to the public, this program focuses on teaching basic language skills while highlighting the numerous benefits of learning a new language.

Please note that the time of the class is 10 - 11 am

Program Highlights: Interactive learning; conversational focus; Emphasis on everyday conversations to build confidence and fluency from day one.
Engaging Activities: Includes songs, story reading, and interactive games to make learning enjoyable and effective.
Social Connections: Community building- classes provide a social outlet, helping seniors make new friends and strengthen existing relationships.
Cultural Experiences: Learn about Spanish-speaking cultures through food, music, and traditions.
Cognitive Benefits/Mental Stimulation: Learning a new language keeps the brain active and improves cognitive functions.
Memory Improvement: Regular practice helps enhance memory and recall abilities.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Fee is $30. This will be applied at the checkout.

We all have stories. Whether we journal, write letters, memoir, fiction, creative nonfiction or poetry, writing illuminates the lives we have lived. In addition, writing with others at MSAC is fun, infused with insights and spice! Using writing prompts in class and optional homework, we will find "side door" ways to enter life experiences. Introduction of craft elements such as character development, setting, plot, imagery, and dialogue will help shape our stories and grow our skills as writers. Sessions include sharing our work aloud (optional), providing thoughtful listening and feedback to others, and engaging in lively discussion about the craft of writing. Classes are tailored to the aspiration of the participants. Support and encouragement are abundant! New participants are always welcome.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Fee is $50. This will be applied at the checkout.

Montpelier Attorney Claudia I. Pringles will address some of the key questions and concerns seniors need to keep in mind as they plan for their own futures and for their transfer of responsibility to their loved ones or professional fiduciaries. Among the areas on which Attorney Pringles will focus are the importance of matching skills and temperament to task when choosing who will play key roles involved in Estate Planning, such as Executor, Trustee, Power of Attorney Agent, Advance Directive Agent, and Guardian; how transparency in your Estate Planning process can help keep peace in your family; safeguarding the assets of family members who have difficulty managing such on their own; protecting oneself and one’s loved ones in the event of disability or incapacitation; and making sure that your wishes are carried out in such a way that what you want to happen actually will happen, and happen with the least amount of distress to your loved ones. This class will be presented in readily understandable, conversational English - not in legal jargonese. Each session will include opportunities for Q&A. Attorney Claudia I. Pringles was awarded the Juris Doctor by the University of Wisconsin Law School.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate of $25 will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

This class is for people who have some experience with guitar. You should be able to tune your guitar and know some chords. We will learn songs and sometimes sing along. I will teach new chords, a few new tips, and minimal guitar theory. We will not be learning to read music.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

In this eight week Performing Poetry workshop, participants will memorize and recite poems in a fun and supportive group setting. We’ll talk about choosing material, memorization techniques, and vocal and physical presentation skills. The final class will be a group performance by those wishing to take part. Leader Morgan Irons is an experienced actor and theater director, a life-long poetry performer, and a VAC Visiting Artist for the national Poetry Out Loud Program.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

William Faulkner said that “the human heart in conflict with itself” is the only thing worth writing about. In this course, we’ll look at some stories and poems better appreciated by identifying that foundational conflict. Stories include “The Christian Roommates” by John Updike; “The Sisters” by James Joyce; “The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams; “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid; ““Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway; and poems by Marianne Moore, William Stafford, and others."

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

This is an hour-long facilitator-led discussion group. Each week a topic or two will be presented along with related questions leading participants to reflect on their lives, both past and present, and share as they are comfortable as well as hear the stories of others. Themes will include, but are not limited to: lessons learned, reminiscing about our youth, travel, significant people from our lives, our spirituality/connections, twists of fate, struggles and successes, etc.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

Gentle Flow Yoga is the linking of breath with gentle movement, a moving meditation that helps connect us with the present moment. Conscious breathing has a profound effect on the nervous system and our emotions. Join us as we practice mindfulness and active relaxation. This class will include getting up and down from the floor.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

In this class, we dance fascia alive with movement, music and playfulness. We restore some vitality and dispel some worries.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate of $30 will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

Bone Builders (Each class meets twice weekly)

Bone Builders/Arthritis Foundation with Laura Morse
Zoom | 12 wks | Mondays, Fridays | starts 10/2 | 3:15-4:30 pm| Open to the public | Ages 18+ | $50 member/$100 public
This combination class incorporates exercises from Bone Builders and the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. The class will help reduce fatigue, pain, and stiffness long associated with aging and arthritis by doing simple exercises which are designed to improve muscle strength, coordination, flexibility, and balance. The weight bearing exercises done in this class are crucial to preserving bone density. The instructor will lead class members through a series of warm-ups; leg, arm/hand, and core exercises; gentle stretches; movements to enhance balance and flexibility; followed by a cool down. We use hand and ankle weights which begin at one pound and increase incrementally according to student readiness. The entire class is done seated or standing with no floor work; each student works at the level that's appropriate for them. Anyone with or without arthritis or osteoporosis/osteopenia will benefit from this class.

Bone Builders
As we age, we all gradually lose muscle mass, bone density, flexibility, strength, and balance. The focus of Bone Builders is to diminish or avoid these negative consequences of aging. Instructors lead students through a series of warm-ups; leg, core and a rm exercises; gentle stretches; movements to enhance balance; and a series of cool downs. We use hand and ankle weights which begin at one pound and increase incrementally according to student readiness. The entire class is done seated or standing; each student works at the level that's appropriate for them. Weights are provided to those who don't have their own. Choose a class that suits your schedule and find out why the Bone Builders program is so popular at MSAC!

Section C with Tina Muncy
Zoom | 12 wks | Tuesdays and Fridays | starts 10\3 | 5:00-6:00 pm| Only for MSAC members and city employees | Ages 50+ | $50 member/$100 public | Class size is limited
Must have prior experience of a Bone Builders Class with Tina or one of the other MSAC instructors.

Section D & H with Nancy Schulz
Hybrid: Options to register for in person at MSAC OR Zoom | 11 wks | Tuesdays and Fridays | starts 10 /10 |10:15am-11:30am| Open to public | Ages 50+ |$50 member/$100 public

Section E with Joan Barrett
Zoom | 11 wks | Tuesdays and Thursdays | starts 10/10 | 8:30-9:30am | Ages 50+ | $50 member/$100 public | Open to the Public
New Students on Zoom will need an in-person instruction for the first time.

This class is for people who have previously taken a Beginner Pilates class and would like to repeat the class working at a gentle pace with reminders of the Basic Principles. Not limited to previous students of Shannon.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

The most fundamental principles of Tai Chi are also a perfect recipe for those seeking an improved sense of balance, calm awareness and a wellspring of energy that is both rooted and free flowing. Using a simple sequence of movements derived from Sun Style Tai Chi, we will explore these underlying principles together. This class is open to new and continuing students.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

This class focuses on gently strengthening postural muscles for improved walking, and daily activities. You’ll use the band for stretching hard to access areas, which will improve joint range of motion, and energy flow. A wonderful practice for gardeners, artists, and hobbyists. Participants will need a long resistance band.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

A somatic movement class incorporating gentle, therapeutic, & brain-based explorations to help you feel vibrant, experience ease in motion, and encourage a positive body growth mindset as you move through life.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

Line dancing originated from European Folk dances and gained some momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, especially after the creation of the Tush Push and Electric Slide line dances. In the 1980s, dozens of line dances were choreographed for specific songs and line dancing became very popular during the 1990s and continues to be in many parts of the world. Line dancing is a great form of exercise for both the mind and body and a ton of fun! No partner is needed. Learn basic line dancing steps including grapevine, shuffles, coaster step, lock step, kick-ball change, pivot turns, etc. Learn beginner-level line dances with as few as 16 steps to as many as 32 steps. The music used is a mix that includes country, pop, rock, Latin, Irish, Top 40.

SPECIAL NOTE: Member Rate will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart