This has been an up-and-down year for adult continuing education in Indianapolis. I had lots of great class experiences (see below), but I also had a lot of duds, such as no-show instructors, over-priced classes and closed venues.
This coming year, I resolve to take even more classes -- such as that blacksmithing class I've been putting off -- and to keep learning new things.
And now, the winners of the 2010 That'll Teach Me "Best of Indy" awards:
Best class -- Hands down, this award goes to the new Wine and Canvas. The nomadic painting class, which meets at restaurants and its new studio, is a fun, low-commitment outing. Instructors walk through the painting process step by step, making the classes perfect for all skill levels (even my kindergarten-level art skills).
Best continuing education venue -- For the second year in a row, this award goes to IU's Mini University, a week-long "summer camp" of classes for adults. I had another phenomenal experience this past June, learning about such topics as stem-cell research, Bob Dylan and the exploration of Mars. With the thriving Bloomington restaurant scene and the beautiful campus, I can't think of a better way to spend a week.
Best instructor -- As it turns out, playing the blues harmonica isn't really my thing. But instructor Allen Stratyner, who teaches the class through the IUPUI Community Learning Network and the JCC, was a methodical and patient instructor. He set clear goals for each class, gave us useful homework assignments and -- most important -- communicated his passion for the blues.
As always, let's take a moment to mourn our losses this year: chiefly, the cooking classes at Frasier's Gourmet Foods. We wish the owners a wonderful retirement!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
A Farewell to Frasier's
When Joy and Byron Frasier lock the doors at Frasier's Gourmet Foods today, it will be for the last time. After decades of serving the Fishers foodie community, the Frasiers are retiring, with plans to travel and spend more time with their grandchildren.
I'm happy for the Frasiers, but I'm also mourning the loss of a great class venue. Over the years, I've taken perhaps a dozen classes at Frasier's, with great chefs like Erin Kem and the late Joseph Allford. I've explored the canning process, learned cake decorating, discovered the wonders of ingredients like quinoa and vanilla, and tasted lots of delicious food along the way.
For foodies in the Fishers area, a new shop called Tasteful Times will fill the need for gourmet groceries. That shop doesn't offer classes, though, so the educational void remains.
Best wishes to the Frasiers, and thanks for the outstanding learning opportunities! And, to everyone, happy holidays!
I'm happy for the Frasiers, but I'm also mourning the loss of a great class venue. Over the years, I've taken perhaps a dozen classes at Frasier's, with great chefs like Erin Kem and the late Joseph Allford. I've explored the canning process, learned cake decorating, discovered the wonders of ingredients like quinoa and vanilla, and tasted lots of delicious food along the way.
For foodies in the Fishers area, a new shop called Tasteful Times will fill the need for gourmet groceries. That shop doesn't offer classes, though, so the educational void remains.
Best wishes to the Frasiers, and thanks for the outstanding learning opportunities! And, to everyone, happy holidays!
Monday, December 20, 2010
IUPUI Releases New Catalog
For the first time in several semesters, I'm excited about the new schedule at the IUPUI Community Learning Network. There's a whole new section of cooking classes, and all of my favorites are there: flower arranging with Sara Thompson, blues harmonica with Allen Stratyner and more.
One class that sounds especially intriguing is "A History of Jazz," which includes field trips to the Chatterbox on Mass Ave. Students watch the performance and then chat with the musicians afterward, so they get real-world experience to boost classroom discussions. What a fun model for a class!
The same is true of "How to Hike the Appalachian Trail," which includes day hikes and one overnight trip. I've just finished Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, so of course now I have this feverish notion of hiking the trail, too. This class could get me started -- or, more likely, it would demonstrate that hiking 2,000 miles isn't really something I want to do. Lesson learned.
As usual, you'll also find a broad mix of dance and fitness classes, musical training, photography, languages, and professional-development opportunities, including lots of new business-oriented classes. It's such a cliche, but there really is something for everyone.
One class that sounds especially intriguing is "A History of Jazz," which includes field trips to the Chatterbox on Mass Ave. Students watch the performance and then chat with the musicians afterward, so they get real-world experience to boost classroom discussions. What a fun model for a class!
The same is true of "How to Hike the Appalachian Trail," which includes day hikes and one overnight trip. I've just finished Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, so of course now I have this feverish notion of hiking the trail, too. This class could get me started -- or, more likely, it would demonstrate that hiking 2,000 miles isn't really something I want to do. Lesson learned.
As usual, you'll also find a broad mix of dance and fitness classes, musical training, photography, languages, and professional-development opportunities, including lots of new business-oriented classes. It's such a cliche, but there really is something for everyone.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Art Center Announces Spring Schedule
Usually, the Indianapolis Art Center posts its schedule online a few days (or weeks) before the printed catalog is sent. So, I was surprised when the catalog arrived in the mail yesterday. There's still no mention of the spring schedule on the center's home page, which seems odd, since registration opens Dec. 1.
In the catalog, you'll find the usual mix of classes in ceramics, glass, sculpture, drawing and painting, jewelry, photography and more. If you're looking for serious artistic study, the Art Center is still the best option in town.
And yet, I confess that I'm disappointed in the schedule (and have been for the previous few semesters, too). Perhaps my impression is incorrect, but the Art Center seems to offer fewer weekend workshops and "light" class options these days -- the very things that might attract a new student. I used to circle a class on every page and have to make hard choices about which classes to take. The number of classes I want to take next spring = zero.
Perhaps the Art Center is choosing to focus on more serious, long-term students. Obviously, the center is doing a great job with that population. But, when it comes to classes, I'm usually neither serious nor long-term. I need to find a new place for random learning experiences that don't require investing in a studio full of equipment.
Another complaint: I detest the way the catalog is organized. Classes are listed based on the day they are offered (Mondays, Tuesdays, etc.). So, if you want to find a 15-week intermediate drawing class, for example, you have to read the entire section. Why not organize classes by length (seven weeks vs. 15 weeks) or by skill level within each category? I do not say, "I want to take a class on Tuesdays." I say, "I want to take an intermediate class on PMC." Oh, look, there it is on Wednesdays. If there were a 15-week class on the same topic, it might be listed on an entirely different page. That makes absolutely no sense.
As it stands, I'll be handing off the catalog to a friend of mine, who is very much enjoying her seven-week painting class this semester. She is serious about improving her painting skills, so I'm sure she'll find something in the spring catalog to interest her. Meanwhile, I'll be searching for other options.
In the catalog, you'll find the usual mix of classes in ceramics, glass, sculpture, drawing and painting, jewelry, photography and more. If you're looking for serious artistic study, the Art Center is still the best option in town.
And yet, I confess that I'm disappointed in the schedule (and have been for the previous few semesters, too). Perhaps my impression is incorrect, but the Art Center seems to offer fewer weekend workshops and "light" class options these days -- the very things that might attract a new student. I used to circle a class on every page and have to make hard choices about which classes to take. The number of classes I want to take next spring = zero.
Perhaps the Art Center is choosing to focus on more serious, long-term students. Obviously, the center is doing a great job with that population. But, when it comes to classes, I'm usually neither serious nor long-term. I need to find a new place for random learning experiences that don't require investing in a studio full of equipment.
Another complaint: I detest the way the catalog is organized. Classes are listed based on the day they are offered (Mondays, Tuesdays, etc.). So, if you want to find a 15-week intermediate drawing class, for example, you have to read the entire section. Why not organize classes by length (seven weeks vs. 15 weeks) or by skill level within each category? I do not say, "I want to take a class on Tuesdays." I say, "I want to take an intermediate class on PMC." Oh, look, there it is on Wednesdays. If there were a 15-week class on the same topic, it might be listed on an entirely different page. That makes absolutely no sense.
As it stands, I'll be handing off the catalog to a friend of mine, who is very much enjoying her seven-week painting class this semester. She is serious about improving her painting skills, so I'm sure she'll find something in the spring catalog to interest her. Meanwhile, I'll be searching for other options.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Wine and Canvas Opens Studio
A few weeks ago, I wrote a story for the Indianapolis Star about Wine and Canvas, the nomadic painting class that sets up shop in restaurants and bars all over the city.Now, W&C has some more exciting news: a studio of its own, where it can offer programs on weekends (when restaurant space is hard to find) and art classes for children (called Cookies and Canvas).
The grand opening of the Wine and Canvas Studio, 3600 E. 86th St., is Nov. 12, and sessions that weekend are discounted to just $25 from the regular $35-40. Stop by to check out the new space, sign up for a class and get ready for a fun girls' night out!
Spirit and Place Kicks Off Today
The 15th annual Spirit and Place Festival begins today, with 40 events in 10 days related to the theme of "Food for Thought." As a bonus, most of the events are free. For festival highlights, check out my story in this week's Metromix or visit the festival website.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Upcoming Jewelry Classes
The Fountain Square saga continues. Jari Sheese, the former owner of Boca Loca Beads, has re-named her year-old glass studio, formerly known as Fuego Loco. The new incarnation, Indy Flame Art, celebrates its grand opening during the upcoming First Friday Art Walk, 6-9 p.m., Nov. 5, at the Circle City Industrial Complex, 1125 Brookside, Suite C15. Stop by to see glass artists in action, and sign up for one of the many upcoming classes in bead-making, marble-making and more.Meanwhile, the former home of Boca Loca -- now called Heirloom Classics -- is offering classes in wire-working, beading and silver-smithing. I look an introductory beading class at the former Boca Loca, so I'm interested in seeing how his class compares. Has anyone taken a class here? If so, let us know how it went!
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