Have you always wanted to learn to draw? Here are two opportunities for you to try!

SPECIAL NOTE: Member's Fee is $50 for this class and will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

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 of coil, slab, molds, and pinching to create pieces from one’s own inspiration. Clay is a fun, flexible material to create just about anything you can imagine. Purchase of clay, glaze and firing is $25 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.

Come learn basic woodcarving techniques as we carve comfort birds. Comfort birds are smooth, handheld wooden birds that can be gently rubbed with a thumb, which can be soothing for folks of all ages. They require only a knife to carve and are great for beginners. Class size limited to 4.

SPECIAL NOTE: Membership Rate of $20. 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: Membership Rate of $60 will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

Join me in exploring the wonderful world of color. Using very accessible paint, we will mix pairs to beautiful result. We will match colors to our moods, experiment with complimentary and adjacent colors and generally see what satisfies our color sense. Experience not needed. Beginners welcome.

SPECIAL NOTE: Membership Rate of $90 will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

Pam is a McGown 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: Membership Rate 0f $60. will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

Learn how to draw beautiful Celtic knot forms in these one-hour lessons. Each class will include a demonstration followed by open practice time with support (if needed). Forms will begin with simple knots and work up to evermore challenging ones over the six lessons. While calling on one to be both awake and artistic at once, drawing knot forms can be a meditative experience. Lessons welcome absolute novices. Estimated cost of supplies which student will purchase on their own is $20. Supplies needed are: 5mm graph paper - loose leaf; blank paper 8.5 X 11 or larger; 0.5 automatic pencil; ruler; eraser; sharpener; colored pencils (or watercolor pencils); 2 felt-tip black drawing pens - fine and thicker (05 - 10); compass (optional).

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

This two-hour class will teach the basics of watercolor painting and more. Students with prior experience in watercolor painting or who already took watercolor with Jacqueline before are welcome to join as entirely new content will be brought and every painting can be both challenging and rewarding. Please indicate on the registration for if you would like to purchase a pre-made kit ($50). Supply list includes: rags; two plastic placemats; brushes (three flat: small/medium/large and three round: small/medium/large); paper same number of sheets as classes + two or three more (some Canon, Fabriano + Arches, 9 X 12 and 11 X 15); plastic paint pallet; watercolor paint (carmine red, vermilion, Prussian, ultra, ochre, gamboge, opera, sap green, dark green, dioxide purple, bright orange); pencil and eraser.

SPECIAL NOTE: Membership Rate of $80 will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

The comedies produced by London’s Ealing Studios have long been audience favorites. They are delightfully humorous, but also speak to the sense of solidarity and pride that was built during the war. We’ll see the classic comedies starring Alec Guinness (“The Lavender Hill Mob,” “The Man in the White Suit,” “Kind Hearts and Coronets”), but also some lesser-known titles, such “Hue and Cry” and “A Run for Your Money.”

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

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: Membership Rate of $50 will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

This course explores the elusive quality of voice by examining the distinctive styles of major writers. Texts include the poems of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, and fiction by William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, Henry James, Sherwood Anderson, and others to be determined. Attendees will be encouraged to examine elements that contribute to voice, including sentence structure, diction, understatement, image, and subject; and to share (if they choose) examples of their own original writing and imitations of parodies of writers whose voices speak to them.

SPECIAL NOTE: Membership Rate of $45 will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

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.

This class is for MSAC members only.

SPECIAL NOTE: Membership Rate of $50 will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

Learning another language can be beneficial for people for many reasons - social engagement, learning about another culture, sharpening your memory and others. We offer three levels of Spanish classes from beginner to intermediate. Check them out!

SPECIAL NOTE: Membership Rate of $40. will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

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 aspirations of the participants. Support and encouragement are abundant! New participants are always welcome. This class is for MSAC members only.

SPECIAL NOTE: Membership Rate of $50. will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

“Storytelling is an ancient art that can awaken and nourish the timeless and archetypal experiences, symbols and forces of our inner lives.” ~ Nancy Mellon
This class will explore this rich and meaningful art form through a variety of activities. We will work with quiet reflection, writing/journaling, spontaneous telling, working with partners, mini-groups and the whole class. We will explore different themes - character, the seasons, the elements, and setting - to name a few. Participants will have opportunities to develop imaginations through sharing, listening and reflection. Open to all levels of experience and interest. The class will culminate with a mini storytelling event in which guests will be invited to come and hear our tales.

SPECIAL NOTE: Membership Rate of $80 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: Membership Rate of $50. will be applied at the checkout once class is added to the cart

Open to MSAC members only | $30 for members
Have you ever described yourself as tech illiterate? Do you want to feel more comfortable and safer when using and speaking to others about devices, applications, and other technology? Building Digital Literacy is a beginner level course that is designed to expand your vocabulary and grasp the basic concepts of various areas of technology. Over this course, we will explore topics such as: PC/Mac operating systems, social media, Android/iPhone, email, Internet safety, Office / Google suite, AI, basic coding and more!

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

What is yoga? Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, concentration, and deep breathing. A regular yoga practice can promote endurance, strength, calmness, flexibility, and well-being.

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

As we age, we all gradually lose muscle mass, bone density, flexibility, strength, and balance. The focus of Bone Builders to diminish or avoid these negative consequences of aging.
Instructors lead students through a series of warm-ups; leg, core and arm 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. All materials are provided. Choose a class that suits your schedule and find out why the Bone Builders program is so popular at MSAC!

SPECIAL NOTE: Membership Fee will be applied at the checkout.

Pilates is a type of mind-body exercise developed in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, after whom it was named. If practiced consistently, Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength, and develops control and endurance in the entire body.

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

Tai chi is a Chinese practice that combines slow, gentle movements with meditation and breathing to improve health and wellness.

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

White Tiger Qigong comes to us from the Nam Hoa Temple Tradition of southern China. This form includes an Energy Workout - simple Qigong movements practiced with repetition - as well as a sequence of movements looking very much like Tai Chi - flowing from one to the other, stepping, turning, etc. The form has 36 named movements (some of which are repetitions), ranging from simple to complex; a few of them may pose challenges to balance, strength and flexibility, although these can be modified. As the movements are learned, we can deepen our experience of their energetic qualities and spiritual intent.

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

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

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

Sleep evades many people for many different reasons. Create a weekly practice that encourages a restful state and a better night’s sleep. Learn how deep rest practices, sleep hygiene tips and mindful, slow, small movement create subtle change in your brain activity and invite your body to shift from the pace of your day into a calmer and quieter place.

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

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. Bands are available for purchase ($7), or participants may borrow from the teacher. Indoor shoes or grippy-socks are recommended.

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

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: Membership Fee is $50. This will be applied at the checkout.

Soups and stocks to build immunity

Sleep evades many people for many different reasons. Learn some deep rest practices and sleep hygiene tips as well as ways to help your brain and body shift from the pace of your day into a more calm and quiet place to encourage a restful state and a better night’s sleep.

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

MSAC Downtown presents
12 Days of Winter Teas and Beyond at the North Branch Café.
Owner Lauren Parker will introduce us to some tasty teas perfect for winter sipping. All the teas will be available for purchase in a 12 Days of Winter gift box, which would be great for gifting or for personal enjoyment during the coming winter months.

Cost of $15 will be applied at the checkout once event is added to the cart

MSAC Downtown is a new program series this fall that is designed to connect Montpelier businesses with local seniors. Workshops will be held once or twice a month in downtown shops and restaurants on topics that will be of interest to seniors. Some workshops will have a fee, others will require a small purchase. As always, scholarships are available for those who request them, no questions asked.