Making and Growing

Making and Growing offers a vibrant array of hands-on classes that celebrate creativity, culture, and community. Participants can explore global cuisines with Chef Michael Gasaway, or enjoy the surprise of a Guest Mystery Chef sharing a favorite culinary discovery . For those interested in practical skills, classes like "Make Your Own Mixes" teach how to craft personalized seasoning blends, while "Laundry Soap Making" combines sustainability with community support by producing homemade soap for both personal use and donation to the college pantry .

Artistic endeavors are equally embraced, with offerings such as watercolor painting guided by Iowa Watercolor Society Signature member Randi Mackey, and floral design classes led by Laurie Taylor. Craft enthusiasts can further their skills in macramé, crochet, and knitting, with sessions ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Gardening aficionados can prepare for a blooming spring by learning fall planting techniques under the guidance of Iowa Master Gardener Laurie Taylor.

Each class is designed to foster personal growth, skill development, and a sense of community among lifelong learners.

Breakfast Meal Prep: Start your mornings off right with easy, make-ahead breakfasts!

Building a Truth Toolkit: Critical Thinking Strategies for Active Citizens: In an era where misinformation can shape public opinion long before the facts surface, being an informed citizen requires more than just consuming the news - it demands critical thinking and active investigation.

Colored Pencil: Randi Mackey will teach an advanced beginner/intermediate portrait class in colored pencil. If you are adventuresome and have always wondered about portrait drawing, this class is for you.

Crochet a Stuffed Critter: Get ready to stitch up something adorable! Join Crystal Huls for a fun, beginner-friendly class where you’ll crochet your very own stuffed critter.

Delicious Dips: Learn to create fresh, flavorful dips from scratch using simple ingredients and easy techniques with Brenda Wright.

Foods of Brazil: Participants will delve deeper into the vibrant and diverse cuisines of Brazil. Students will explore the unique flavors and ingredients that define these two South American countries.

Freezer Meals: Save time and simplify mealtime by learning how to prepare and freeze delicious casseroles and soups with Brenda Wright.

Freezer Meals for One or Two: Learn how to prepare flavorful casseroles and soups in smaller portions, perfect for one or two people in your own kitchen.

Guest Mystery Chef: Enjoy a night of mystery in the Western Iowa Tech Community College Cooking Demonstration Lab with a Guest Chef sharing one of their favorite culinary discoveries.

Holiday Goodies: Learn to make holiday goodies for your family and friends with Brenda Wright, from Brenda’s Baking Company.

Knit a Stuffed Critter: Get ready to knit something irresistibly cute! Join Crystal Huls for a beginner-friendly class where you’ll create your own stuffed critter.

Laundry Soap Making: Join Brenda Wright to make your own laundry soap and give back to the community. In this hands-on class, you’ll make soap from scratch, package it for the college pantry, and take one home to try.

Lifelong Learning 30th Anniversary Celebration Fair: Join us as we celebrate 30 years of learning, friendship, and community at the Lifelong Learning 30th Anniversary Celebration Fair! This special event brings together instructors, volunteers, members, and friends for an afternoon of fun, conversation, and discovery.

Make Your Own Mixes: In her class, Brenda Wright teaches participants how to craft their own seasoning mixes, providing an economical alternative to store-bought options.

Watercolor Painting: Using watercolor layering and blending techniques, we'll build from the lightest washes to the medium and darkest values, creating vibrant highlights and soft natural shadows. This delightful project is designed for all levels of experience.

Write Away!: Write Away! Dip into and discover your very own writerly strengths and interests and - even perhaps taboos.