Creative Arts
Haywood Community College offers continuing education courses in fiber, clay, metals/jewelry, hand wrought metals, woodcarving, wood furniture construction, stained glass, basketry, seasonal floral design, painting, music, computer design, photography and so much more. Check back often for updated schedules and class offerings. Please click on categories for more information.
Art
Advanced Drawing & Painting
This course offers a dynamic exploration of painting and art making. Continue your practice with weekly dedicated studio time and expand your skills. Learn More
Art Journals: Create & Collage
Art journaling is a creative and flexible practice for artists, hobbyists, and anyone looking to explore self-expression. An art journal serves as a visual record; capturing thoughts, memories, and emotions through imagery, color, and texture. Learn More
Gelli Plate: Patterns and Prints
Get your creativity flowing in this fun, fast-paced introduction to gelli plate printing! In just one evening, you’ll learn how to use gel printing plates, acrylic paints, and everyday texture tools like bubble wrap, leaves, string, and stencils to create stunning abstract monoprints. Learn More
Intro to Drawing
Let’s unleash and nurture your creative side together. Learn to visually interpret what you see and capture this on paper. We will cover basic drawing fundamentals: line, contour, shapes, shading, controlling tones, proportion, perspective and composition. Learn More
Intro to Painting
Painting is lots of fun and using acrylic paint is one of the best ways to be introduced to creating colorful art. We are going to demystify color theory by exploring the elements of color and how colors relate to each other. Learn More
Junk Journal Scraps
Build your own stash of beautifully embellished papers in this playful, process-driven workshop! In Junk Journal Scraps, you’ll explore a mix of printmaking and painting techniques to create unique papers perfect for mixed media collage, art journals, junk journals, and layered artwork. Learn More
The Art of the Hand-Pulled Print
Discover the art of printmaking through simple, hands-on techniques; no experience required! Printmaking is the process of creating original artwork by transferring ink from a carved, textured, or drawn surface onto paper. Learn More
Watercolor: Beginner
This watercolor course is designed to help the beginning and intermediate student understand the principles of mixing colors, as well as learn watercolor techniques. Learn More
Watercolor: Intermediate
This class is an extension of the very popular beginning watercolor classes. In this class we will cover watercolor techniques such as glazing, negative painting, and painting textures. Learn More
Basketry
Beginner Basketry
Designed for the beginning basket maker, this class will give you the tools and techniques you need to create your own basket collection. Students will learn how to read patterns, prepare materials, weave a basket and finish it properly. Learn More
Intermediate Basketry
Designed for the beginning basket maker, this class will give you the tools and techniques you need to create your own basket collection. Students will learn how to read patterns, prepare materials, weave a basket and finish it properly. Learn More
Blacksmithing
Making a Knife
Throughout this course, students will learn the skills necessary to forge a knife of their own design. This project will introduce students to use of a forge and proper hammering techniques. Learn More
Making a Hatchet
Throughout this course, students will learn the skills necessary to forge a Hatchet of their own design. This course will place an emphasis on making the craft of Blacksmithing an enjoyable and attainable hobby for anyone. Learn More
Open Studio Time
This will be an open studio time for people who have taken a blacksmith class and just want some time to work on projects of their own, while also offering help and expertise along the way. Learn More
Fiber & Sewing
Knitting: Colorwork Cowl
Have you learned the basics of knitting but been afraid to tackle a larger project? Fear no more! If you know how to knit and purl, you can make anything! Learn More
Quilting
Come stitch, learn, and make progress on the projects you love! In this relaxed, workshop-style class, students will explore the basics of rotary cutting with rulers and blades, then sew on our Baby Lock machines. Learn More
Sewing a Capsule Wardrobe
In this intermediate-level course, students will sew 3–5 versatile garments that form the foundation of a personalized capsule wardrobe. Emphasis will be placed on selecting a cohesive color and style palette that reflects individual aesthetics and lifestyle needs. Learn More
Slow Stitch Quilt Collage
Guided by fiber artist Elizabeth Garlington, this beginner-friendly class introduces slow-stitch fabric collage as a meditative art practice. Students will intuitively select, layer, and hand-stitch fabrics using simple straight-stitch embroidery, with optional bead embellishments. Learn More
Soul Stitch: Autobiographical Embroidery
Open to all skill levels, this reflective class explores stitched fabric collage as personal storytelling. Students will learn basic embroidery stitches and lettering, then incorporate meaningful words, journal excerpts, and favorite fabrics into an expressive textile artwork. Learn More
Upcycling Your Clothing
The purpose of this class is to learn how to create unique garments using preworn clothing and vintage scraps and materials. This can include old tablecloths, sheets and trims, as well as preloved clothing. Learn More
Upholstery
Students are encouraged to bring a simple desk or dining chair with a removable seat, or a small footstool, as their first project. You’ll dive right in on day one in this relaxed, workshop-style class—no formal lectures here! Learn More
Weaving: Beginning Floor Loom
Have you ever dreamed of owning a floor loom and making beautiful handwoven pieces? Do you own a loom, but you’re not quite sure how to use it? Or maybe you’ve woven in the past and need a refresher? Learn More
Weaving: Floor Loom Level 2: Color & Weave Scarf
Use color theory to take your handwoven projects to the next level on the floor loom. If you’re interested in learning more about color harmony, designing your own patterns using color, or you’re just plain afraid of choosing your own colors, this course is for you! Learn More
Weaving: Beginning Rigid Heddle
The rigid heddle loom is a small but mighty piece of weaving equipment. It is easy to use yet you could spend a lifetime exploring everything it will do! Learn More
Weaving: Rigid Heddle Level 2: Color & Weave Scarf
Use color theory to take your handwoven projects to the next level on the rigid heddle loom. If you’re interested in learning more about color harmony, designing your own patterns using color, or you’re just plain afraid of choosing your own colors, this course is for you! Learn More
Homesteading
Honey Bee Diseases, Pests, & Treatments
This course is an advanced 5-week study for beekeepers who have previously completed the HCC Backyard Beekeeping course or, beekeepers who have their certification(s) from the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA). Learn More
Winterizing & Feeding Bees
This course is a fun and instructive 4-week course designed for individuals interested in knowing the requirements for building and maintaining various feeders for over-wintering bee colonies. Prior knowledge about honeybees and beehives IS required. Learn More
Jewelry
Jewelry: Cold Connections
Experience the fun of making metal jewelry using your own creativity and skills. “Cold Connection” is a fun way to make jewelry without having to introduce a torch into our home or studio environment. Learn More
Jewelry: Discover Color
Bright, jewel-like colors created by firing powdered glass onto metal have made enamel a favored choice for designers of jewelry. In this class you will learn the steps to prepare copper for enameling. Learn More
Jewelry: Garden in Glass Enamel
Discover the art of enameling as you create a wearable garden in glass. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to prepare copper for enameling and experiment with decorative techniques including sgraffito, stenciling, and the use of glass string. Learn More
Jewelry: Intro to Metalsmithing
This 6-week level 1 beginning course introduces you to the world of metalsmithing. Students will begin learning and using skills for basic tool usage; light torchwork (annealing), hammering (texturing), piercing (sawing), shaping, coloring with patinas, Roller Mill texturing, and more. Learn More
Jewelry: Stacking Rings
This workshop is a wonderful starting point for anyone interested in learning ring design and construction. You’ll be guided step by step through the process, learning fundamental techniques such as sizing, shaping, and finishing metal. Learn More
Jewelry: Stone Setting Cabochons and Cut Stones
In this class, students will learn the step-by-step process involved in creating tube settings for faceted stones. The class also introduces key tools and their proper use, such as the miter jig for accurate cutting and the setting burr for preparing and seating stones. Learn More
Movement/Theatre
Broadway Jazz Dance Workshop
Join us for a high-energy Broadway jazz workshop inspired by Broadway’s Hairspray. In this two-hour session, adults will learn foundational jazz steps and a fun, theatrical dance combination in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Learn More
Broadway Jazz Dance
Broadway Jazz introduces adults to foundational jazz dance technique in a welcoming and supportive environment. Through warm-ups, skill development, and short combinations inspired by theatrical dance styles, participants will build confidence, coordination, and musicality. Learn More
Storytelling on Stage
Have you ever wanted to be in a play? This adult theatre workshop/class gives you the opportunity to rehearse and perform in a fully staged production. Learn More
Pottery
Get a Handle on It!
Are you tired of making nice pots only to put mediocre handles on them? Want to learn more creative ways to shape and apply handles? Come take this fun and fast paced crash course for creating better handles on your pots! Learn More
Pottery Around the World: Americas
Students will learn about pottery traditions of indigenous people of North and South America. This class will allow students to make pots and animal figures with coil building techniques, explore the use of natural tools and learn to process native clay from our region to use as natural pigment. Learn More
Pottery Around the World: Asia
Students will learn about various pottery traditions of Japan, Korea, and China. This class will allow students to create a slab built teapot in the Yixing style, carve a kurinuki tea bowl and learn about principles of wabi and sabi. Learn More
Pottery: Beginning Wheel
If you have ever watched someone throw pottery on the wheel, you know that it is a mesmerizing process! In this course you too can experience the magic by learning to throw pottery on the wheel. Learn More
Pottery: Handbuilt Holiday
Let’s celebrate the holidays by making beautiful handmade decorative ceramics! We’ll kick off October with dishes inspired by the changing leaves, and pumpkins to decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Learn More
Pottery: Handbuilding Level 1
During this course you will learn the fundamentals of handbuilding with clay, no prior experience required! Each week you will complete a different project based on a new technique. Learn More
Pottery: Handbuilding Level 2
Take your hand building to the next level! This intermediate level class will build on basics from Beginning Handbuilding. Learn More
Pottery: Open Studio
This class is perfect for those who have already taken Beginning or Intermediate Wheel Throwing, the Hand Building Basics class, or equivalent elsewhere, and are looking to continue to hone their skills. Learn More
Pottery: Surface Design
Throughout all of history, people haven’t just been making pots, they’ve been making pots with sophisticated designs, patterns, and textures! Learn More
Setting Up a Home Studio
In this informative lecture style class, students will learn the steps to take when setting up a home studio. Learn More
Woodworking
Woodworking: Box Making
This beginner-level course introduces adults to basic woodworking skills through the creation of a wooden box of their own design. Learn More
Woodworking: Making a Cigar Box Guitar
In this beginner-friendly class, adult learners will build a simple cigar box guitar inspired by early blues instruments. Using basic woodworking techniques, students will create a three or four string instruments that is both playable and expressive. Learn More
Woodworking: Making Custom Picture Frames
Designed for beginners, this course teaches how to craft custom picture frames using basic woodworking tools. Students will explore measurement, cutting, and assembly while creating frames suitable for photographs, artwork, or gifts. Learn more
About Creative Arts
Western North Carolina is fertile ground for craft arts and artists. Over the last 50 years, the area has blossomed into an internationally recognized destination for working artists, craftspeople, shops, galleries and craft education.
Haywood Community College’s Creative Arts programming offers an innovative, affordable, groundbreaking craft education.
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The HCC Craft programs draw students from across the United States and beyond.
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The college’s state-of-the-art, LEED certified, green building is a model for art and craft education.
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The Creative Arts Facility is over 40,000 square feet in size containing both studio and gallery space.
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Class sizes are small, with teacher-student ratios designed for an optimal studio education.
We welcome students from next door to across the country. We have individuals that make our campus their vacation destination to participate in workshops and classes, or are lucky enough to have this amazing resource in their backyard. Continuing education classes vary in price depending on class length and cost of materials, but remain the same for each participant regardless of residency.
If you have an idea for a Continuing Education Creative Arts class, please contact our Coordinator at ajhornsby@haywood.edu.
For More Information
828-565-4152 or hcc-creativearts@haywood.edu