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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 class titles for more information.

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.

  • The HCC Craft programs draw students from across the United States and beyond.

  • The college’s state-of-the-art, LEED certified, green building is a model for art and craft education.

  • The Creative Arts Facility is over 40,000 square feet in size containing both studio and gallery space.

  • 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.

Click on a class to learn more and register

A close up of a small vase being wheel thrown with two hands on a potters wheel.

Clay. Throwing and Sculpting Pottery

Have you ever wanted to throw pottery on the wheel? In this course Cory Plott will gladly reveal techniques to help you understand the process of pottery. The first few weeks will cover a combination of throwing and sculpting techniques, followed...

A photography of a turning clay into a bowl using a spinning wheel.

Beginning Wheel Throwing

If you have ever watched someone throw pottery on the wheel, you know that it is a mesmerizing process! In this 5 week course you too can experience the magic by learning to throw pottery on the wheel. Through demonstrations and one on one coaching,...

Hand Building Basics

During this 5 week course we will cover the fundamentals of handbuilding with clay, no prior experience required! Each week we will complete a different project based on a new technique. Week one will cover pinch pots, including my unique technique...

Intermediate Wheel Throwing

Want to take your wheel throwing to the next level? Perfect for students who have already taken my beginning pottery class, this 5 week course will cover forms and techniques such as making plates, lidded jars, throwing with larger amounts of clay,...

Click on a class to learn more and register

A detail photograph of honey bees on honeycomb.

Backyard Bee Keeping Workshop

The one day workshop will introduce Backyard Beekeeping basics to individuals considering the possibility of maintaining a honeybee apiary. Prior knowledge about honeybees is not required! Subjects covered include: the importance of honeybees...

A detail photograph of honey bees making honey in a honeycomb.

Backyard Bee Keeping

Backyard Beekeeping is a fun, but intensive 12-week course designed for those individuals who are seriously interested in maintaining a honeybee apiary. Prior knowledge about honeybees is not required! Subjects covered will include the science of...

A colored photograph of jars filled with preserved fruit and vegetables.

Simple Pickles and Jams

Canning is a fun and easy way to preserve some of your garden favorites. Jars of handmade goodies also make wonderful gifts (to give and receive). We will learn the basics of water bath canning, what equipment is needed, how to stay safe. Each class...

A closeup of a homemade bar of cream coloredsoap.

Soap Making for Beginners

This fun 1 ½ day workshop is for the beginner or the experienced soap-maker. We will cover the basic chemistry behind the soap making process, tools/materials needed, important safety rules, and all the steps to make handmade, cold-process soap....

A Detail shot of plant based dyes on fabric. All colors are earthy tones: greens, nudes, browns, blacks.

Beginner Natural Dyes

In this 2 day course, we'll take a hands-on approach to dyeing vibrant colors with natural dyes. We’ll learn the natural dye process and how to achieve reliable results when naturally dyeing solid fabrics. Each student will also leave with a sample...

A close up of the printing process with black ink on white paper.

Create Holiday Printed Cards and Wrapping Paper

In this one-day class students will create holiday-themed wrapping paper and greeting cards for gift-giving during the holiday season! Students will have knowledge in basic stamp and printmaking upon completion of this class as well as completed...

A close up of hand painted fabric using plant based dyes.

Beginner Natural Dyes

In this 2 day course, we'll take a hands-on approach to dyeing vibrant colors with natural dyes. We’ll learn the natural dye process and how to achieve reliable results when naturally dyeing solid fabrics. Each student will also leave with a sample...

A woman is measuring a cheeta print to fit the back of her jean jacket, to create a rock look for the wild soul.

ReMake, ReUse, ReConstruct

Have clothes that are no longer wearable but love the pattern or fabric? Want to explore garment deconstruction and reconstruction? We will experiment with remaking unused garments into useful accessories, combining clothes to make new garments...

Upholstery Instructor: Lanie Hendrix Location: Oak Building, Downstairs Tuition: $173.00 This Hands on course begins the first class-Students should bring a simple desk or dining chair with a seat bottom or a footstool for their first project.   Instructor: Lani Hendrix  Course Code      Date                 Time Upholstery: Day Class CSP 4000 24825   1/9/23 – 3/27/23           Mondays, 10am-2pm Registration Deadline: 12/19/22  Course Code      Date                 Time Upholstery: Night Class CSP 4000 24826   1/9/23 – 3/27/23           Mondays, 5pm – 9pm Registration Deadline: 12/19/22

Upholstery

This hands on course begins the first class-Students should bring a simple desk or dining chair with a seat bottom or a footstool for their first project. Instructor: Lani Hendrix

A man fishing for salmon, casting his fly rod into a lake in a natural setting.

Fly Rod Making

Build or restore your own fly rod. The course reviews the methodology of rod building will consist of techniques that are well over 100 years old. All materials will be provided but students are welcome to bring a rod for evaluation and restoration.

Click on a class to learn more and register

A vintage sign of the word

The Art & Language of Film

This class will examine the development of cinematic language over the decades by focusing on one film a week, each from a different time period & spotlighting a different approach to the challenges of telling a unique story through the medium of...

Click on a class to learn more and register

Hand drawing of the human eye.

Introduction to Drawing with James Stilwell

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...

A mixed media sketchbook with pencils, paint, scissors, and thread.

Art Journaling

Art Journaling is beneficial to artists, hobbyists, or anyone, who wants to be creative. An art journal is a form of visual record keeping. Record keeping of thoughts, memories, and emotions. It can also be used to develop and play with various techniques...

A macro shot of orange, blue, and white paint currenlty in a blending process with a feathered brush.

Oil Painting for Beginners

Have you always wanted to try oil painting but just were not sure where to begin? This class is for you! Each class we will cover skills that will help you learn the magic of oil painting. We will discuss the tools used and how to care for and clean...

Pet and Animal Portraits

Capture your lovable pet or your favorite animal in graphite pencil drawings. The student will work from photographs and explore composition, texture, blending, value as well as other intermediate drawing skills. There will be emphasis on how to...

Recycle & Repurpose Paper Arts

Do you have a stack of old books, magazines, or even junk mail lying around? In this class, we will use these materials as the basis to create new art projects! Upon completion, students utilize old books, magazines, and even junk mail to create...

A close up of the printing process with black ink on white paper.

Create Holiday Printed Cards and Wrapping Paper

In this one-day class students will create holiday-themed wrapping paper and greeting cards for gift-giving during the holiday season! Students will have knowledge in basic stamp and printmaking upon completion of this class as well as completed...

A form of printmaking is being done by using a lenoleum cut pad and black ink on white paper..

The Gift of Giving: Handmade Greeting Card & Tag Making

In this course, we will create greeting cards and gift tags to pair with gifts for your loved ones. We will create a new collection of cards and tags each week! This course introduces the endless possibilities of designing and producing handmade...

hand painted canvas of birds and sunflowers

Introduction to Painting

Painting is lots of fun and using acrylic paint is one of the best ways to introduce you to creating colorful art. We are going to demystify color theory by exploring the elements of color and how colors relate to each other. You will discover how...

A mountain landscape scene with blue mountains and a green field. An owl is perched on a tree with a full moon lighting the scene.

Appalachian Ghost Story Trading Cards

Prepare yourself to make some hauntingly delightful prints of local ghost stories! In the class we will learn the basics of relief printmaking by using ghost stories as our subject matter. Each student will select an Appalachian ghost story to depict...

Click on a class to learn more and register

Detail image of hands using a jewelry tool to bend metal.

Jewelers Open Studio-Level 2 Metalsmithing

Have you taken some classes and just need a place to work with access to tools? Enjoy access to our well equipped studio with the guidance of Instructor Amy Pike. Amy is a graduate of HCCs Professional Crafts Metals program and an instructor...

A metal necklace by artist Amy Pike.

Introduction to Metal Smithing

Carry on the tradition of metal smithing practiced throughout history. You will learn in a well-equipped metals studio on our beautiful campus. Through a series of projects, students will become familiar with the basic tools and techniques used to...

The knife is an example of what will be made in the course, a polished handle with a well formed and sharp blade.

Camp/Hunting Knife

This 3-day class. Students will be instructed on how to construct a Camp or Hunting Knife, including handle material selection, and forging techniques. Materials and supplies will be provided to make a finished Camp Knife. Instructor: Ken Hall

A hatchet and knives plunged into a tree stump.

Make a Hatchet

Throughout this course, students will further hone their forging skills into creating their own hatchet. This project will include punching and drifting the eye of the hatchet, forging the cutting edge to shape, grinding the blade and making the...

An example of what is made in the course; a leather hand sewn knife covering against a green background. Knife is included in image.

Knife Sheath class

This 2-day class. Students will be instructed on how to construct a knife sheath, material selection, and techniques. Materials and supplies will be provided to make a finished knife sheath. Students need to bring a knife to make the sheath for...

A product image from Chichester Canada Inc of a knife made from a railroad spike against a white background.

Railroad Spike Forging: Knife or Hatchet

Throughout this course, students will learn the basics of skills of forging railroad spikes into either a knife or a hatchet. This course will place an emphasis on making the craft of blacksmithing an enjoyable and attainable hobby for anyone. Students...

A hatchet and knives plunged into a tree stump.

Open Project

Throughout this course, students will have open lab time to design and craft the project of their choice, under the guidance of our instructor. This course will place an emphasis on making the craft of blacksmithing an enjoyable and attainable hobby...

The ABS Logo: a decorative handled knife is set infront of an anvil with orange and red flames illuminating the objects.

ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing

This class is for beginning knifemakers, students will be introduced to the concepts and techniques needed to make a knife. Students are taught metal selection, blade function and different blade design will be discussed. Hand forging to shape, normalizing,...

The ABS official logo: having a decorative knife infront of an anvil with an orange and red fire behind it.

ABS Handles and Guards

This class is designed to continue the course of study set forth in the ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing course. This class includes detailed information on creating handles, both full tang and hidden tang, guards, butt caps, decorative file work,...

Make a Blacksmith’s Knife

Throughout this course, students will learn the basics of skills of forging and hone those skills into creating their own simple blacksmith’s knife. These simple and elegant knives have been hand crafted since the Iron Age and are a great starting...

A birds eye view of a jewelry workers table featuring enameled pendants such as an enameled dragon fly pendant, ivy shape enameled earrigns, and the tools used to make the art work itself.

Laying the Foundation: Intro to Vitreous Enamel

During this course students will explore various ways to create designs with transparent and opaque enamel on copper. You will learn techniques such as under painting, sgraffito, blending, and cloisonné. Whether you are an experienced metalsmith...

A four pack imagery of enameled pieces by Ilene Kay.

Enameling

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. A wide variety of techniques are covered, including...

A photography of a jewelry studio

Advanced Metalsmithing

Continue your jewelry making journey as you take your metal smithing skills to the next level. The basic skills you’ve acquired are just the starting place. In this class you will refine your sawing, soldering and other skills as you see your design...

Click on a class to learn more and register

A mixed media sketchbook with pencils, paint, scissors, and thread.

Art Journaling

Art Journaling is beneficial to artists, hobbyists, or anyone, who wants to be creative. An art journal is a form of visual record keeping. Record keeping of thoughts, memories, and emotions. It can also be used to develop and play with various techniques...

Recycle & Repurpose Paper Arts

Do you have a stack of old books, magazines, or even junk mail lying around? In this class, we will use these materials as the basis to create new art projects! Upon completion, students utilize old books, magazines, and even junk mail to create...

A close up of the printing process with black ink on white paper.

Create Holiday Printed Cards and Wrapping Paper

In this one-day class students will create holiday-themed wrapping paper and greeting cards for gift-giving during the holiday season! Students will have knowledge in basic stamp and printmaking upon completion of this class as well as completed...

A form of printmaking is being done by using a lenoleum cut pad and black ink on white paper..

The Gift of Giving: Handmade Greeting Card & Tag Making

In this course, we will create greeting cards and gift tags to pair with gifts for your loved ones. We will create a new collection of cards and tags each week! This course introduces the endless possibilities of designing and producing handmade...

A mountain landscape scene with blue mountains and a green field. An owl is perched on a tree with a full moon lighting the scene.

Appalachian Ghost Story Trading Cards

Prepare yourself to make some hauntingly delightful prints of local ghost stories! In the class we will learn the basics of relief printmaking by using ghost stories as our subject matter. Each student will select an Appalachian ghost story to depict...

Click on a class to learn more and register

A Detail shot of plant based dyes on fabric. All colors are earthy tones: greens, nudes, browns, blacks.

Beginner Natural Dyes

In this 2 day course, we'll take a hands-on approach to dyeing vibrant colors with natural dyes. We’ll learn the natural dye process and how to achieve reliable results when naturally dyeing solid fabrics. Each student will also leave with a sample...

Woman weaving a blue and black scarf using a floor loom.

Beginning Weaving 101: Floor Loom

In this six week course we will learn every step of beginning weaving on a floor loom including designing a warp with multiple colors, dressing the loom back to front, and exploring weaving in both plain weave and twill structures. You will learn...

A detailed image of a quilt having wool sewn in shapes of animals into the fabric. The animals include a bear, sheep, bird, and other local Appalachain creatures.

Wool Applique and Embroidery

Slow-Sew. Wool applique and embroidery are soothing, portable and affordable. Blocks work up quickly. Students will explore working with and felting wool and discovering threads and multiple hand embroidery stitches. Three block patterns will...

A detail photography of a red, black, and yellow ball that has been made by coiling cotton in a have sphere, using fabric for color.

A Neater Coiled Basket

Coiled basketry can be produced by hand or machine. They can be left raw or covered with fabric. Students will learn methods to produce coiled baskets, coasters and even purses and vases. Students will learn to coil cord and stitch by hand and...

Detail photograph of loom weaving equipment and supplies.

Exploring Ideas in Weaving

We will start with a versatile set up and cover weaving fundamentals. In this 5 week course, there will be opportunities for students to experiment with design techniques at the loom to generate new ideas for future weaving projects. Prior experience...

The front of wool appliqued books using wool fibers. There are buttons  and animals shapesmade of wool. The booklets hold sewing materials, paper, and other small items.

Wool Applique Needle Book

Wonderful small carrying case for handwork supplies or it can be enlarged as a book cover. Pattern provided but students are encouraged to personalize their design. Wool applique is quick, portable and easy to learn, but, beware, embroidery over...

A close up of hand painted fabric using plant based dyes.

Beginner Natural Dyes

In this 2 day course, we'll take a hands-on approach to dyeing vibrant colors with natural dyes. We’ll learn the natural dye process and how to achieve reliable results when naturally dyeing solid fabrics. Each student will also leave with a sample...

A woman is measuring a cheeta print to fit the back of her jean jacket, to create a rock look for the wild soul.

ReMake, ReUse, ReConstruct

Have clothes that are no longer wearable but love the pattern or fabric? Want to explore garment deconstruction and reconstruction? We will experiment with remaking unused garments into useful accessories, combining clothes to make new garments...

Click on a class to learn more and register

A violin and cello set of intruments that are stacked against a white background.

Violin & Cello for Beginners

Through music we learn to become storytellers! This introductory course welcomes students with little to no strings experience for both violin and cello. We begin the class with a tour of the instrument and bow. Together we will learn basic sight-reading...

A stack of instruments such as violins and cellos against a stark white background.

Intermediate Violin & Cello

Through music we learn to become storytellers! This course is for violin or cello students that have either completed the beginner class, have previous experience, or for those wanting more of a musical challenge. Students will learn various bow...

Click on a class to learn more and register

A detailed image of a quilt having wool sewn in shapes of animals into the fabric. The animals include a bear, sheep, bird, and other local Appalachain creatures.

Wool Applique and Embroidery

Slow-Sew. Wool applique and embroidery are soothing, portable and affordable. Blocks work up quickly. Students will explore working with and felting wool and discovering threads and multiple hand embroidery stitches. Three block patterns will...

A detail photography of a red, black, and yellow ball that has been made by coiling cotton in a have sphere, using fabric for color.

A Neater Coiled Basket

Coiled basketry can be produced by hand or machine. They can be left raw or covered with fabric. Students will learn methods to produce coiled baskets, coasters and even purses and vases. Students will learn to coil cord and stitch by hand and...

A woman is measuring a cheeta print to fit the back of her jean jacket, to create a rock look for the wild soul.

ReMake, ReUse, ReConstruct

Have clothes that are no longer wearable but love the pattern or fabric? Want to explore garment deconstruction and reconstruction? We will experiment with remaking unused garments into useful accessories, combining clothes to make new garments...

Hands taking a quilt and running it through a sewing machine.

Quilting

This 10 week session begins the first class learning the basics of choosing and project-cutting with a ruler and rotary blade. Sewing on one of our babyloc machines these classes are for beginners to accomplished quilters. Come bring the projects...

Quilting: Courthouse Square Impressionism

The Courthouse Square block is an old favorite variation of the Log Cabin block. By manipulating color and fabric pattern, we'll produce a quilt with an impressionistic, watercolor look. Riot of color reproduces a happy, free quilt. Limiting to...

A photography of a quilt with blue geometric shapes and a dark floral pattern outlining the shapes.

Beginning Piecing and Quilting

Always wanted to try quilting; need a schedule to finish those UFO's (Un-Finished Objects); just want to hang out with quilters? This class can be whatever you want. We'll have fun learning the basics of piecing, applique and quilting skills by hand...

Click on a class to learn more and register

Click on a class to learn more and register

A vintage sign of the word

The Art & Language of Film

This class will examine the development of cinematic language over the decades by focusing on one film a week, each from a different time period & spotlighting a different approach to the challenges of telling a unique story through the medium of...

Upholstery Instructor: Lanie Hendrix Location: Oak Building, Downstairs Tuition: $173.00 This Hands on course begins the first class-Students should bring a simple desk or dining chair with a seat bottom or a footstool for their first project.   Instructor: Lani Hendrix  Course Code      Date                 Time Upholstery: Day Class CSP 4000 24825   1/9/23 – 3/27/23           Mondays, 10am-2pm Registration Deadline: 12/19/22  Course Code      Date                 Time Upholstery: Night Class CSP 4000 24826   1/9/23 – 3/27/23           Mondays, 5pm – 9pm Registration Deadline: 12/19/22

Upholstery

This hands on course begins the first class-Students should bring a simple desk or dining chair with a seat bottom or a footstool for their first project. Instructor: Lani Hendrix

A wood sculpture made from branches and twigs to make the 3-d shape of an eagle.

Creative Sculpture from Nature

Create 3D and relief sculpture from ordinary items foraged from nature. Free your creative side by reawaking and deepening your innate connection to the natural world. Your crafted art could be anything from abstract to realistic as you are only...

Click on a class to learn more and register

Upholstery Instructor: Lanie Hendrix Location: Oak Building, Downstairs Tuition: $173.00 This Hands on course begins the first class-Students should bring a simple desk or dining chair with a seat bottom or a footstool for their first project.   Instructor: Lani Hendrix  Course Code      Date                 Time Upholstery: Day Class CSP 4000 24825   1/9/23 – 3/27/23           Mondays, 10am-2pm Registration Deadline: 12/19/22  Course Code      Date                 Time Upholstery: Night Class CSP 4000 24826   1/9/23 – 3/27/23           Mondays, 5pm – 9pm Registration Deadline: 12/19/22

Upholstery

This hands on course begins the first class-Students should bring a simple desk or dining chair with a seat bottom or a footstool for their first project. Instructor: Lani Hendrix

Click on a class to learn more and register

Click on a class to learn more and register

A mixed media sketchbook with pencils, paint, scissors, and thread.

Art Journaling

Art Journaling is beneficial to artists, hobbyists, or anyone, who wants to be creative. An art journal is a form of visual record keeping. Record keeping of thoughts, memories, and emotions. It can also be used to develop and play with various techniques...

An open book with blank pages, awaiting to be written in.

Advanced Fiction

Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop provides the space for a writer to write. Students will take their writing to the next level, submitting their work for close-reading and review by their peers and the instructor. Instructor: Andrew Peterson

Click on a class to learn more and register

A wood sculpture made from branches and twigs to make the 3-d shape of an eagle.

Creative Sculpture from Nature

Create 3D and relief sculpture from ordinary items foraged from nature. Free your creative side by reawaking and deepening your innate connection to the natural world. Your crafted art could be anything from abstract to realistic as you are only...

A man fishing for salmon, casting his fly rod into a lake in a natural setting.

Fly Rod Making

Build or restore your own fly rod. The course reviews the methodology of rod building will consist of techniques that are well over 100 years old. All materials will be provided but students are welcome to bring a rod for evaluation and restoration.

HCC Instructor Bill Weinert's box creation using two colors of wood.

Woodworking for beginners: Keepsake box

This course will guide students through the construction of a Keepsake box of their own design, using basic woodworking tools that are easily accessible. No prior woodworking experience is necessary. Student will be responsible for purchasing their...

A man working with carpentry tools to build a bench in a woodworking studio.

Woodworking on a Budget – Open Project

Throughout this course, students will garner a strong understanding of basic power tools, as well as expand their abilities with hand tools, while they work to craft a project of their choice (within reason). This course will place an emphasis on...

A man is working in a woodshop on a table.

Woodworking for beginners – Small Table

This course will build on skills students have learned in the previous class and guide them through the construction of a small table of their own design, using basic woodworking tools that are easily accessible. No prior woodworking experience is...

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For More Information

Aubree Ross: 828-565-4152 or alross@haywood.edu