Access At CVUHS

Have you ever been curious about how to use CAD software to design and model an idea? Or, how to set up and use a 3D printer and/or laser cutter/engraver to bring those ideas to reality? Join Andrew Scott, one of CVU’s Design and Engineering Technology teachers, in exploration of the CVU Design Lab and learn a new hobby and even start a business! During this 4-session course we will explore how to approach basic modeling skills to design and fabricate at least one project using the 3D printer and one using the laser cutter/engraver. Possible projects may include a holiday-themed decoration, cookie cutter, and ornament or set of wooden coasters. All materials and access to CAD software are included in the fee. Requirements/Restrictions: Fluency with basic computer interface and usage tools. If you're wondering whether this class is right for you, please send us your questions and we will connect you with the instructor. Min Age: 18+ "It was great. The instructor went above and beyond to help us."

This course is a continuation of Italian for Beginners I and is designed for students who want to deepen their foundation in the Italian language while continuing to explore Italian culture and everyday life. In this class, we will build on what you’ve already learned by going further into verb tenses and conjugations, expanding vocabulary, and strengthening your speaking, listening, reading, writing, and grammar skills. Using a communicative and supportive approach, students will gain more confidence expressing themselves in Italian and understanding the language in real-world contexts. Italian for Beginners I covered Chapters 1–3 of the course text; this class will continue from there and progress according to the groups comfort level and efforts, completing the remaining portion of CEFR Level A1. While this course offers meaningful progression, it is still considered a beginning-level class, not intermediate. This course is ideal for students who have completed Italian for Beginners I or who already have a basic foundation in Italian. If you are unsure whether this level is right for you, please contact us and we’ll be happy to connect you with the instructor for guidance. Come continue your Italian journey—build your skills, grow your confidence, and enjoy learning the language of food, culture, travel, and conversation! Required Text: Please purchase Language Hacking Italian for Beginners by Benny Lewis before the first class. This book will be used for both Italian I (chapters 1-3) and Italian II (chapters 4-7 or as we progress). Supplemental emailed handouts, videos, and some homework will be provided for weekly review and to help you and the class progress with ease. Please review chapters 1-3 prior to the start of the first class. This is an online class that will meet via Zoom or Google Meet. An invitation will be emailed prior to the start date. "After taking both Fall and Spring beginner Italian courses, I mastered some basic grammatical rules, developed a working vocabulary, and was able to "speak Italian" on a trip to Italy. Thanks Liz!"

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Cuff bracelets have a long history across many cultures and have been worn for centuries as adornment, symbol, and everyday object. In this class, students will design and make a cuff bracelet of their own choosing in silver, copper, or brass. Students will begin by designing their piece, considering width, proportion, and how it sits on the wrist. Cuffs may be wide or narrow, minimal or more expressive — the scale and character are left open to personal preference. Throughout the process, students will learn and practice sawing, forming, and surface texturing techniques. In the final stages of the class, students may choose to patina their cuffs, adding color and contrast to the metal’s surface through controlled oxidation. By the end of the workshop, students will complete a cuff bracelet and gain a stronger understanding of working with metal. Choose your metal of choice at registration- Silver, Copper, or Brass (Prices reflect raw metal costs). All materials, metals, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome! Age: 18+ Students Cuff Bracelets

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear of gift. Over the course of 4 sessions (3 hours each), you will learn the basics of jewelry making and maybe leave with not only a beautiful unique ring, but also new hobby! Students will begin class by forming and soldering a simple silver ring band. From there, they will build on this process by creating a second ring that incorporates a textured element. Using a prepared silver sheet, students will add surface texture and solder the element onto a ring band. Participants who already have experience soldering rings may choose to begin with this project and, as a result, may complete two rings with textured elements over the course of the series. Those new to ring making will be guided step by step, while those who have made rings before—either with me or in other jewelry-making classes—may work at their own pace. This class is designed to support a range of experience levels. All materials, silver, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome. Only 6 spots available! Age: 18+

Join fine local jewelry maker, Jolynn Santiago, and learn how to make a beautiful jewelry using specific tools and techniques. This multi-week class focuses on building confidence with basic metalsmithing skills through the repeated making of silver stud earrings. Students will learn and practice sawing, surface texturing, and soldering while creating several pairs of earrings over the course of the class. Working through the same process multiple times allows techniques to settle in and become more familiar. Repetition helps students improve accuracy, control, and comfort at the bench, while small variations in design keep the work engaging and personal. The class is designed to meet students where they are. Beginners will be guided step by step, and students with prior experience may move at their own pace or explore additional surface treatments as time allows. By the end of this 4-week series, most students can expect to leave with multiple pairs of silver stud earrings they can wear and enjoy or gift. All materials, and tools for use during class are included in the fee. All levels are welcome! Age: 18+

In this demo-style class, instructor Louis will introduce the fundamentals of sharpening both everyday household tools. Students will learn how to assess a tool’s condition and purpose, select proper angles, and progress through abrasives using files, stones, strops, and sharpening jigs. Covered items may include kitchen knives, shop and garden tools, lawn mower blades, chisels, razors, and specialty scissors. Items covered in this class may include: Ordinary kitchen knives, chef’s knives, and carving knives Shop tools and chisels Garden tools and lawn mower blades Straight razors Dressmaker’s shears and hair stylist scissors Participants may bring one or two items, with instructor sharpening (up to two items) included in the fee. "This class is an excellent introduction to how to sharpen knives and other home tools. I highly recommend it." JRB

Winter is coming and knitted mittens will keep your hands warm when walking or driving in your car. Handmade knitted mittens also make a wonderful and special gift for the recipient. Krista will have patterns for youth and adult sizes. Techniques practiced in class: Casting on, knitting, purling, ribbing, increasing for the thumb gusset, decreasing for the top of the mitten, and casting off. If you’ve done a bit of knitting before, this class is just the thing to take you through the next steps in your journey! Required Materials: You can choose between a DK or a Worsted weight yarn, and this will determine the needle size needed. You will need two sizes of double-pointed needles (DPN's); the smaller needles are for the cuff, and the larger needles are for the thumb and body of the mitten. If you do not want to knit with DPN's, buy circular needles at least 32" long for magic-loop. DK Option- DK is a thinner yarn. Berroco Vintage DK or Berroco Ultra Wool DK are examples of DK yarns. Yarn: Adult Size Large needs at least 220 yards. Knitting Needles: US 3 and US 5 needles Worsted Weight Option- Worsted weight is a thicker yarn. Berroco Vintage, Berroco Ultra Wool, and Malabrigo Rios are examples of Worsted Weight Yarn. Yarn: Adult Size Large needs at least 200 yards. Knitting Needles: US 5 and US 7 needles Other Tools: Darning Needle, Stitch Marker (or scrap yarn), scissors If you choose to visit Must Love Yarn to purchase any of the supplies needed for class, you can enjoy a 15% discount. Mention at checkout that you are taking a CVU Access class with Krista Atkeson.

Explore the vibrant world of Korean street food in this hands-on evening cooking class led by Evelyn Sun. We’ll start with tteokbokki, Korea’s beloved spicy rice cake dish, learning how to build its signature sweet, savory, and spicy sauce. Next, we’ll prepare odeng, also known as eomukguk, a comforting fish cake soup that perfectly balances the heat of the tteokbokki and is a staple pairing at street stalls across Korea. To end the evening on a sweet note, we’ll make dalgona coffee using decaf coffee, with both regular dairy and plant-based milk options available. Working in small groups, students will explore ingredients, techniques, and the culture behind these iconic Korean street foods—then sit down to enjoy them together. This is a participatory cooking class. A small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipe on the night's menu. "Evelyn is such an enthusiastic instructor, and draws on her life experiences to share her joy of Asian cooking. I love her classes."

Continue the fun in Korean Street Food: Part Two with an evening devoted to crispy, savory, and refreshing favorites found at bustling street stalls. In this hands-on class, we’ll start with twigim, Korea’s beloved assortment of deep-fried treats, learning proper battering and frying techniques for light, crunchy results. Next, we’ll make so-tteok skewers—chewy rice cakes and savory sausage glazed and grilled to create the perfect sweet-savory bite. To balance the richness of the menu, we’ll end the evening with a refreshing strawberry cheong, a traditional fruit syrup drink. Depending on what’s in season in May, we’ll explore other fruits as well, creating a cooling beverage to refresh and reset after the indulgence. Students will work in small groups, explore ingredients and techniques, and enjoy the meal together in true Korean street-food style. This is a participatory cooking class. A small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipe on the night's menu. "Evelyn is such an enthusiastic instructor, and draws on her life experiences to share her joy of Asian cooking. I love her classes."

Learn one of music’s deepest mysteries: how to play songs without relying on music. A very practical presentation of music theory that includes predicting chord progressions, learning from recordings, and transposing-all expressed in everyday language. This is an ideal follow-up to the “Instant Piano” class and is open to anyone who has a basic understanding of chords on any instrument. Expand your musical horizons, and free yourself from sheet-music dependence, and be the life of the party! Prior experience with chords recommended. Fee includes the online book, online recorded follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional live periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture demonstration. Ages 13+ Students will need a piano or keyboard at home and access to an internet connected device. The class is partly lecture/demonstration and partly hands on instruction.

Do you share your life with a dog and wish you had a stronger bond built on clearer communication? This engaging two-part course is designed to help dog owners better understand how dogs communicate—and how we, as humans, can respond more effectively. Join veterinarian Dr. Viola Chu for an informative and practical presentation that explores the differences between canine and human communication. If you’ve ever felt frustrated or confused when your dog doesn’t seem to “get” what you’re asking, this class will help you see behavior and signals from a new perspective. In the first session, Dr. Chu will explain how dogs communicate through body language, behavior, and instinct, and why misunderstandings between dogs and humans are so common. Participants will learn strategies to bridge this communication gap and build mutual trust. In the second session, these concepts will be applied to real-world situations such as common behavior challenges, training frustrations, and everyday interactions at home and on walks. Ample time will be provided for questions and discussion. While the sessions complement one another, each class can be taken independently. Please bring your curiosity and questions—but kindly leave your pets at home. “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” - Aldo Leopold

Join the barn quilt movement! Immerse yourself in this hands-on class and learn to make your own Painted Mini Barn Quilt for inside your home or office! Ever wonder how it’s done? Well, now’s your chance to find out! Kelley Robie, of Horsetail Herbs, will provide the tools, materials, and techniques for making this creative project. Choose your pattern and paint colors, then get to work creating your unique piece of barn quilt therapy on a primed wooden 10-inch by 10-inch board. Kelley will also provide a selection of dried herbs to adorn your quilt. Barn quilts add coziness and character to any space, whether in your home, on the porch, on a shed, or on the barn! Get ready to have some fun and get creative! "Kelley Robie's class fostered community and creativity. The class was so engaging. All participants completed lovely and unique mini indoor barn quilts!" "The mini barn quilt class was so much fun! It was easy enough to do and yet challenging enough to be engaging. The instructor was clear and super helpful throughout the process. It was such a fun way to see what making a barn quilt was like, without a huge time commitment. The botanical flair added a cute flair too! It was just overall such a great class."

If you are just beginning your journey in pottery, or if you have some experience and want to learn more while you work independently, then join artist, Lisa Bresler on Wednesdays and get ready to create! During these 12-weeks you will learn new pottery skills, refine your techniques, and create beautiful ceramics with as much instruction as you need. Focus will be mostly on wheel throwing, but for those that prefer hand-building you will have all the support you need! At the CVU ceramics studio, we offer and welcome a fun and judgement-free collaborative environment for potters of all levels. Only 10 spots available! Students will have access to stoneware, mid-fire clay, Cone 6. All clay, glazes (brushed and dipped), use of the studio, tools, as well as firing costs are included in the fee. NOTE: Only the provided glazes and clay are allowed in the studio. BONUS: Free access to "Open Studio" on Monday evenings 5pm-8pm starting Feb 16-May 4. No open studio on Feb 23 and April 20. Recommended minimum age: High School.