There is nothing that takes away worries like burying your nose in a bouquet of flowers. As we breathe in the aroma, it awakens our deep and primal connection with the earth.  It comforts us, and brings us into the present moment. The mere act of digging in the dirt and making a physical connection with the earth also makes gardening one of the most basic and primitive of all activities. Gardens are also living masterpieces, changing over time, and continually engaging our interest. And the fact that gardens depend on our attention and care in order to thrive, gives us a feeling of importance, and gives us wonderful surprises to look forward to.

All programs are available in-person or by video

All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover

•  Container Gardening – An interactive slideshow with a hands-on planting activity. Learn how to create beautiful, versatile container gardens either indoors or out. Students will learn about preparation and placement of containers, so
  il, watering, sunlight, fertilizing, and starting from seed. We will also teach the principles of aesthetically-pleasing container garden design. A planting activity completes the fun! (1 hour class plus materials fee. Planting activities vary, please contact us for options) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Garden Structures –  An interactive slideshow with a hands-on building activity. Learn about the design of garden gazebos, pergolas, trellises, arbors, fences, and benches. We will also study how garden pergolas are built, and we’ll build a miniature model of a pergola for you to keep. (1 hour class plus $4 per person for materials) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Birdhouse Design – An interactive slideshow with a hands-on project. Learn about the different birds in our area, and what they look for when choosing a home to nest. Students will learn how bird houses are designed and built, and we will also see examples of beautiful, creative, and whimsical birdhouse designs. Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow. We have a choice of two projects for this class:
  • Full-Size Birdhouse – We’ll build a birdhouse for you to place outdoors and enjoy watching the birds nest in it (1 hour class plus $20 for materials)
  • Mini Birdhouses – Each participant will receive a pre-made birdhouse to paint as they desire. (1 hour class plus $4 per person for materials)
• Birdhouse Decorating – We will learn about birdhouse design from a professional birdhouse builder, and see some examples. Then each participant will receive a pre-made birdhouse to paint as they desire. (1 hour class plus $4 per person for materials)
• Wild Flower Planting – Each individual will receive a pot and soil to plant their seeds. First we’ll decorate the pots using paint/paintbrush or markers. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)

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Click on the categories below for a full program list

“Food, clothing, and shelter” form the essential triad of our basic needs, allowing all other aspects of our lives to flourish.  And it is not insignificant that food is the first on the list!  When we get together with family or friends, it’s often for lunch or dinner. Our holiday celebrations always have special food dishes associated with them.  And the act of cooking allows each of us to connect with our sustenance, impart a piece of ourselves in what we create, and share it with those around us.

All programs are available in-person or by video

Click on the categories below, or scroll down, for a full program list

• Healthy Eating
• Cooking for Brain Health
• Gourmet Cooking
• International Cooking
• Desserts and Treats
• Wine and Cheese
• Holiday Treats
• Recipe Books

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HEALTHY EATING

• Have Your Cake and Eat it Too – Finally…desserts you can feel good about! Lighter and healthier options sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. We will discuss sweetener options and healthy ingredient substitutions. And we will make a recipe to eat in class. We can also provide a pamphlet of recipes for those who like to cook. (1 hour class plus ingredients)
• Happy and Healthy – New healthier twists on your old favorite recipes that will leave your taste buds happy…and your waistline too! And we will make a recipe to eat in class. We can also provide a pamphlet of recipes for those who like to cook. (1 hour class plus ingredients)
• Healthy Cooking For One or Two – For independent singles and couples. We teach how to cook healthy meals without a lot of fuss. Students learn how to prepare easy recipes, how to use ingredients to create more than one dish, and how to store ingredients and leftovers safely. They will also learn the importance of healthy eating, and tips for making healthy food choices. We can also provide a pamphlet of recipes for those who like to cook. (1 hour class)
• Vegetarian Cooking 101 – Take the confusion out of becoming vegetarian! Learn the benefits of a vegetarian diet, how to get started, and how to get all the nutritional intake you need while following a delicious and nutritious meat-free diet. We will also talk about the environmental and moral reasons why people choose vegetarianism. And we will make a recipe to eat in class. We can also provide a pamphlet of recipes for those who like to cook. (1 hour class plus ingredients)
• Healthy Pizza – Can pizza really be healthy? Yes! Home made pizza allows you to reduce the fat and calories, while still creating a delicious treat! Learn about healthy crust and topping options, and taste some delicious and healthy pizza. (1 hour class plus ingredients) Please provide a toaster oven, clean-up sink, plates and utensils.

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COOKING FOR BRAIN HEALTH

• Cooking for Brain Health – Learn about foods that help boost focus and memory, and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. And we will make a recipe to eat in class. We can also provide a pamphlet of recipes for those who like to cook. (1 hour class plus ingredients)

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GOURMET COOKING

• Winter Soups – We will make delicious and hearty winter soups to help warm you up from the inside out (1 hour class to make 1 soup, or 90 minute class to make 2 soups, plus ingredients) Please provide a stove, clean-up sink, bowls and utensils.
• Spring Salads – We will welcome spring by making fresh, healthy and delicious salads (1 hour class to make 1 salad, or 90 minute class to make 2 salads, plus ingredients) Please provide a clean-up sink, plates and utensils.
• Vegetarian Gourmet – We will make and taste easy vegetarian recipes that are so delicious, you won’t miss the meat! Choose from BBQ Chickpea Patties, Peruvian Corn Cakes, Teriyaki Squash, Tofu Chorizo Pasta, Veggie Fried Rice Bowls, or White Bean Patties (1 hour class to make 1 recipe, or 90 minute class to make 2 recipes, plus cost of ingredients) Please provide cooking appliances (varies depending on recipe selected), clean-up sink, plates and utensils.
• Easy Appetizers -We will make some tasty and simple appetizers using everyday ingredients, that taste like gourmet treats. (1 hour class plus cost of ingredients) Please provide an oven, clean-up sink, plates and utensils.
• Hearty Casseroles – Perfect for Fall and Winter, these easy and delicious casseroles are sure to warm you from the inside out. (1 hour class to make 1 casserole, or 90 minute class to make 2 casseroles, plus ingredients). Please provide a stove, oven, clean-up sink, plates and utensils (alternatively, one of the casseroles can be made in a microwave)

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INTERNATIONAL COOKING

• Viva Mexico! – An interactive slideshow celebrating the people, culture and food of Mexico. Learn about the art, music, dance, customs, holidays, and festivities of Mexico while tasting some yummy Mexican food and listening to mariachi music. We will even learn how do the Mexican Hat Dance! (Can be either a 1 hour or 90 minute class, plus cost of ingredients) Please provide food prep area (no cooking required), clean-up sink, plates and utensils. Please also provide a computer, TV or projector for the slideshow.
• April in Paris – Celebrate spring with this interactive slideshow about all things French. We’ll learn about French food, music, architecture, art, fashion and even perfume. We’ll taste some yummy French foods while listening to traditional French Cabaret music. Vive la France! (Can be either a 1 hour or 90 minute class, plus cost of ingredients) Please provide food prep area (no cooking required), clean-up sink, plates and utensils. Please also provide a computer, TV or projector for the slideshow.

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DESSERTS AND TREATS

• Create Your Own Good Fortune – We’ll snack on fortune cookies and tea while discussing goals and dreams that we have for our lives. We’ll talk about ways that we can make our fortunes come true, and how we can overcome obstacles that we might face. We’ll write down our fortunes as a way to remember and help manifest our dreams. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for tea and cookies)
• Candy Making – We will make tasty flavored suckers using candy molds. Sugar-free options are also available (1 hour class plus ingredients) Please provide a microwave, freezer and clean-up sink.
• Gourmet Ice Cream – Create delicious ice cream treats using interesting and unusual toppings, ranging from sweet to savory to spicy. Sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in new ways! (1 hour class to make 3 toppings, or 90 minute class to make 5 toppings, plus cost of ingredients) Please provide cooking appliances (varies depending on recipes selected), clean-up sink, plates and utensils.
• The Fruits of Summer– Make 2-3 juicy and delicious recipes using summer stone fruits and berries, with some chocolate and ice cream to make it perfect! Learn some unusual flavor combinations in these easy-to-make recipes. (1 hour class plus ingredients) Please provide a microwave and freezer for 2 recipes, a stove for the 3rd recipe, clean-up sink, plates and utensils

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WINE AND CHEESE

• Wine and Cheese: The Perfect Pair – An interactive slideshow. Learn the interesting history and process of wine and cheese making, and the correct way to choose and taste different wines and cheeses. We’ll also learn which wines and cheeses go well together. We will also taste several different cheeses and non-alcoholic wines. (1 hour class plus ingredients) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow. Alcoholic wines may be served, if purchased and served by the client.

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HOLIDAY TREATS

Visit our Holiday Activities page for fun seasonal programs such as

• A Healthier Thanksgiving
• Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making
• Gourmet Ice Cream
• Viva Mexico!
• April in Paris

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RECIPE BOOKS

• Recipe Books – This program begins with a wonderful discussion group where people bring the recipes that are meaningful to them, and share the stories and memories that make the recipes so special to them. We then compile the recipes and stories, and publish it as a beautiful professional-looking cookbook.  The cookbooks make wonderful heirlooms for family and friends. (Time and cost varies, please contact us for options)

To view our other holiday programs click here

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Click on the categories below for a full program list

The creative arts are a wonderful opportunity to express individuality and be the sole creator of something beautiful that never before existed.  The act of creating something new, using materials with your own form of personal expression, can be very therapeutic and empowering.  Our projects have very flexible goals so that even those with limited experience, or limited abilities, can succeed in creating.  We demonstrate the techniques and guide the group through the learning process.  Our individual assistance helps take the fear out of getting started, even if this is their first art project.  And if anyone is having trouble seeing or using their hands, we can help them make it.  We can also hold an art party at the end of the class, with all of the students’ work on display.  The parties are a wonderful way for them and their families to learn new things about each other.

All programs are available in-person or by video

All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover, except Soap Making

Click on the categories below, or scroll down, for a full program list

• Art History And Culture
• Card Making
• Drawing
• Painting
• Printing
• Soap Making
• Holiday Art Programs

ART HISTORY AND CULTURE

•  Fun with Art History  This class explores the life and work of one particular artist (various artists are available). Participants will learn about the artist’s art and life, and will then explore his/her work through a hands-on art project. The class helps participants to reestablish ties with the past while becoming familiar with the special techniques of the artist. (1 hour class plus $5 per person for materials)
  • GEORGIA O’KEEFFE – American painter became famous for her larger than life flower paintings and of desert scenes and objects. Participants will draw a flower as if looking at it through a magnifying glass and color it in with craypas, paint or colored pencils. ( 1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • VINCENT van GOGH – Dutch painter famous for his bold brush strokes and vivid colors. Participants will recreate Starry, Starry Night (their own interpretation) using craypas on paper. ( 1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • GEORGES SEURAT – French painter known for his “dot” paintings. Participants will create a simple picture using q-tips as their paint brush. Using just primary colors, new colors will be formed by placing the dots very close together which will give the illusion of a different color. ( 1 hour class plus $ 3 per person for materials)
  • JOHN JAMES AUDUBON American painter who concentrated on painting all the birds of America true to size in their natural habitat. Participants will paint a bird of their choice using watercolor paints or colored pencil. – ( 1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
  • PABLO PICASSO – Spanish Cubist painter who simplified objects and people to geometric shapes. Participants will study the painting The Three Musicians and create a collage of cut colored paper of a musician and their instrument. ( 1 hour class plus $2.50 per person for materials)
• American Folk Art
  Discover the beginnings of American Folk Art and why it is still so popular today. Students will learn interesting facts of American history while creating their own Folk Art piece using different techniques and supplies.
  
  • Heart & Hand Paper Valentine – Tokens of love, friendship or an expression of esteem were very popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. Students will trace and cut their own hand or use a hand stencil using red or white paper. A paper heart will be cut to decorate the hand. A simple weaving technique will be used on the wrist part of the glove to finish it off. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • Sailor’s Treasure Box – While on whaling or cargo ships for months or years at a time, sailors needed a hobby to occupy their off-duty time.  Small wooden boxes were carved and decorated with shells and flowers, and brought home to their loved ones. Students will decorate a cardboard box using paint, shells and ribbon. (1 hour class plus $5 per person for materials)

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CARD MAKING

• Greeting Cards  – Make your own unique greeting cards for any special occasion or “just because”. We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)

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DRAWING

• Line – Discover the many wonderful things a line can be: straight, wavy, zig zag, and spiral. Using paper and an assortment of drawing tools we will explore the rich variety of the simple line. You may also choose to create a mandala or spiral design. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
• Stenciling – Using either the positive or negative portion of a stencil shape, stencil designs are a fun and easy way to use paint, markers, crayons and colored pencils. Stenciling can be done on fabric as well as paper. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)

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PAINTING

• Flower Pot Painting – Acrylic paint is applied to a clay flower pot, then decorated with stencils or free-hand painting to create a one of a kind container for your favorite plant. (1 hour class plus $4 per person for materials)
  
• Mini Birdhouse Decorating – Pre-made mini birdhouses are painted and decorated with various embellishments. The birdhouses look lovely on a shelf, or nestled among your houseplants. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)

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PRINTING

• Stamp Printing – Personalized stamp images are designed and cut out of foam sheets, then glued onto blocks of wood.  The stamps are then inked onto paper to create unique patterns and designs. We will also work with novel stamping materials such as fruit and found objects to create interesting patterns and textures. This process can also be used to create beautiful personalized stationery. (1 hour class plus $5 per person for materials)

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SOAP MAKING
Learn how to make quick and easy scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. While the soap is cooling we’ll learn about the history of soap making, decorate bags to keep our soaps in, and even have a fun sing along if there’s time. (1 hour class plus ingredients – $2 per soap for basic packaging, $3 per soap for holiday packaging)  If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.

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HOLIDAY ART PROGRAMS

Visit our Holiday Activities page for fun seasonal programs such as

• Folk Art Snowman Art Project
• “Create a Snowy Day” Art Project
• Holiday Greeting Cards
• Holiday Soap Making

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Click on the categories below for a full program list

We can turn off the radio, we can walk past a museum, and we can choose not to write poetry.  But we cannot avoid architecture.  Buildings form the backdrop for almost all of our activities: we live in them, work in them, shop in them, and learn in them.  Architecture is part of the essential “food, clothing, and shelter” triad.  Our experience of the built environment begins when we are young, with memories of our childhood home.  It continues through all phases of our lives and becomes an important part of our life experience.

This symbol indicates programs that are available in-person or by video

• The Architectural History of Cleveland (1835-1931) -Step back through time from an architectural perspective and learn about the buildings that have helped to shape Cleveland’s skyline as well as its rich history. Students will learn the interesting stories behind each building, as well as why they are an important part of Cleveland history. (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow. This class can also make a fun and interesting guided bus tour for groups. Please contact us to discuss this option.
• Residential Building Styles of Cleveland Class  -An interactive slideshow. Learn how to recognize the characteristics of the prominent residential design styles in Cleveland.  Students will learn about the materials and features that make each style unique, the function of various parts of the structure and details, and how to identify each style. It’s a great way to understand the history of the neighborhoods we call home. (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Home Adaptability (for individuals living at home) 
  An interactive slideshow. This program teaches people how their homes can be adapted to accommodate physical and mental health challenges. We will discuss specialty products and construction projects that help people live safely and comfortably in their homes – things like making the bathtub easier to get into, installing door hardware that is easier to grasp, and accommodations for wheelchairs. We will study simple, inexpensive product options for earlier stages of adaptability; all the way up to more complex projects for later stages. This class is helpful for those who wish to Age-In-Place, as well as families who have someone with physical challenges living with them. (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
• Life History Museum (for group communities) – If your building has an extra room or an extra corner in the lobby, we can create a museum display where people contribute artifacts or heirlooms from their lives, or artwork they have created.  The stories behind the display items are written out, to explain their significance.  This can be either a permanent or temporary installation; and it can be a changing display, where the items on display are varied throughout the year. (Time and cost varies, please contact us for options)

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Click on the categories below for a full program list