Bloomington Campus

slow stitch scroll workshop

Unlock your artistic side in this Slow Stitch Scroll Workshop with David Joseff, as we take basic hand stitches and integrate them with natural fabrics to create a one of a kind art piece!

In this workshop, David will teach his five favorite stitches, how to create a color palette, and how to join fabrics together to help you get started on your scroll. By the end of the workshop, you'll be more intuitive with a needle and be able to develop your own vocabulary of stitches to take this practice in the direction of your choosing.

An emphasis will be placed on encouraging you to trust your inner expression, as David always says, “get out of your head and into your hands”. This Slow Stitch Scroll is a portable and satisfying way to do just that!

No prior knowledge or skill required; you only need to be able to thread a needle. All supplies provided.

7/12/2025 | Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm
David Joseff | Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus | $95

REGISTER HERE

beginning slow stitch

Explore the beauty of slow stitch with David Joseff in this 8-week introductory course as we take basic hand stitches and integrate them with natural fabrics to create one-of-a-kind artwork!

In this course, which is open to beginners and a great follow-up for students who have taken his Slow Stitch Scroll Workshop, you'll learn David's five favorite stitches, how to create a color palette, and how to join fabrics together to help you with course activities and projects. By the end of the 8-weeks, you'll be more intuitive with a needle and be able to develop your own vocabulary of stitches to take this practice in the direction of your choosing.

An emphasis will be placed on encouraging you to trust your inner expression, as David always says, “get out of your head and into your hands”. Developing your slow stitch practice is a portable and satisfying way to do just that!

No prior knowledge or skill required; you only need to be able to thread a needle. All supplies provided, though students will be encouraged to use their own material if they have a meaningful piece of clothing or fabric appropriate for the projects.

9/8/2025 - 10/27/2025 | Mondays, 6:00pm-8:30pm
David Joseff | Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus | $210

REGISTER HERE

beginning drawing

Drawing is fundamental to fine art processes such as painting, printmaking, and sculpture, as well as a variety of craft and design disciplines. This introductory class focuses on learning how to draw accurately from direct observation through patient repetition of a few basic steps. This classically based approach helps build and strengthen eye-hand coordination and the mind-body connection central to drawing, art making, and other creative processes.

In class we ‘start from the ground up’, introducing and discussing basic practices and concepts of drawing, such as ways of holding the pencil and making marks on paper. The class also discusses ways to prevent ‘getting stuck’, and ‘getting un-stuck’ if you do get stuck, helping provide a framework for ongoing improvement and enjoyment of your drawing practice.

We'll start by learning about the range of graphite art pencils, erasers, and drawing paper we will be using, then we explore the process of simply making marks. Building on this, we move to contour line drawing, then we spend some time focusing on important skills associated with accurately representing the shapes and proportions that structure observed reality. Optional skill building exercises to do outside of class to further your practice will also be discussed.

This process-oriented class helps build eye-hand coordination and suggests a calm, patient approach. Simple procedures are introduced and repeated that build on each other to help develop the mind-body connection and your drawing ability. Building this connection takes time and steady application, but can lead to experience of flow state in which time and distractions disappear.  

If you are eager to try out an art process for the first time, drawing can be a good starting point, as well as a fun way to explore the world and to communicate ideas and feelings. The materials are uncomplicated to use and relatively inexpensive, making drawing accessible for beginners. For those who already have some art-making experience refreshing or adding to your drawing skill set can help you take your artwork further. As such, this class may be useful for students with either modest or ambitious aspirations for their work, and who possess any degree of past art making experience. 

7/8/2025 - 8/19/2025 | Tuesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Ben Pines | Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus | $135

register here

Drawing: head structure

As human beings we are naturally drawn to the depiction of our fellow humans in artwork. We are also naturally finely attuned to specificity and accuracy in figurative art, and especially portraiture. This need for accuracy can make portraiture challenging, but the rewards, both personal and professional, of achieving success in this field can be significant.

To build a strong basis for portraiture this 7-week class will explore head structure, using graphite pencils to study the forms and proportions of the human skull. Referring to a few helpful anatomical concepts and landmarks, we will work from direct observation of model skulls and a 3D portrait bust sculpture. We will also work from reproductions of paintings from art history that effectively portray a living person and that emphasize the structural concepts we will be working with. As we draw we will become more familiar with accurate relationships of the features of the face to the head, and touch on the relationship of the head to the neck and shoulders.

Throughout the class a few basic mark making exercises introduced in the Center for Lifelong Learning’s Beginning Drawing class will help with “warming up” and connecting eye to hand and mind to body. In order to build this fundamental understanding of head structure patience and a willingness to revise a work in progress will be important.

This class may be useful for students who are exploring making art for fun or recreation, or for those with potential professional aspirations.

PREREQUISITE: In order to get the most out of the class students should have experience taking a beginning drawing class and some familiarity with the practices of proportional measuring and construction line drawing.

7/9/2025 - 8/20/2025 | Wednesdays, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Ben Pines | Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus | $135

register here

growing your irish family tree [in-person or Zoom]

Estimates are that 31.5 Million US Americans have family ties to the Emerald Isle. As we conduct our family history research, we often find that our Irish ancestors left their lives and their stores behind, never to be shared again. This class will take a look at how to begin the research process to document some of that lost teaghlach history.

Before jumping the pond, we will pack the best travel bag possible by preparing a foundation using genealogical best practices to identify available records and materials which document the life and connections our ancestors and their families. We will learn how to build our own data file from vital records, passenger lists, naturalization records, and other data, in order to create a full illustration of our ancestor. Sailing back in time, we will learn how to identify the place of origin, including civil parishes and townlands, and learn about online resources including Famine Registers, Emigrant Saving Bank, records related to faith and religion, Land and Estate Records, the Poor Laws and even the Dog License Register.

No experience or prior family search experience required.

NOTE: This class will be held at the Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus in a Learn Anywhere classroom space that also accommodates Zoom participants. All students will have the opportunity to attend either in-person or virtually via Zoom. Information for participating via Zoom will be sent no later than 2 days before the class start.

7/22/2025 | Tuesday, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Susan Snider Salmon | Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus | $10

register HERE

Chair yoga & meditation [Zoom]

Come experience the many benefits of yoga: improve your flexibility, strengthen your muscles, refine your breathing technique, cultivate ease in your joints, reduce stress, and improve your sleep! And you can do all of this while seated! Each class will work toward these benefits and include a meditation exercise. This class is perfect for students looking for a gentle yoga option, those new to yoga, and anyone who might have limited mobility. No previous experience is necessary. If you are interested in this class but have concerns about beginning a yoga practice, please consult a doctor.

7/15/2025 - 8/26/2025 | Tuesdays, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Patricia Pauly | Zoom | $75

register HERE

introduction to zen buddhism

"Zen" has become a shorthand term for zoning out in some blissful state, but in fact this rich, centuries-old practice is not at all aimed at getting us to escape from our lives. Instead, it offers the opportunity to release ourselves from suffering by seeing reality more clearly and becoming intimate with our own moment-by-moment experience. We'll explore what Zen Buddhism is really all about, beginning with the central ideas of Buddhism itself and moving on to the teachings and practices particular to its Zen form. Class will include instruction in sitting practice (zazen) as well as plenty of time for questions and discussion. Enthusiastic participants in this class from previous years went on to form a zazen/book discussion group that is still meeting today. All faith traditions welcome.

7/17/2025 - 8/21/2025 | Thursdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Hoko Karnegis | Sanshin Zen Community, Bloomington | $65

register HERE

The Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning is proud to partner with Constellation Stage & Screen, who offer an exciting lineup of film, theater, and musical theater programs for youth and adults! Students will work with professional instructors to explore their creative talents in a range of programs hosted throughout the year.

the broadway ensemble [ages 18+]

Come explore the ensemble numbers of Broadway in this 10-week performance class for adults! In Constellation's The Broadway Ensemble, students will learn and workshop ensemble songs from classic and contemporary Broadway musicals under the direction of a seasoned, professional coach/teaching artist and musical director. In addition to community-building and making new friends along the way, students will develop skills in stage etiquette, stage presence, musicianship, musicality, and vocal technique as they collaborate to bring musical numbers to life with exciting harmonies and light staging/choreography*. The class will culminate in a final performance that showcases the ensemble with ample opportunities for soloists to shine. The Broadway Ensemble is a prerequisite to join Constellation Singers, Constellations Stage & Screen’s in-house musical theater performance group.

*Light choreography will be tailored to comfort level and/or ability.

Prerequisite: Some singing experience preferred (voice lessons; classes; school/church/community choirs; talent shows; school/community stage productions/concerts/showcases, etc.)

NOTE: Constellation Stage & Screen programs are not eligible for Ivy Tech Employee Fee Remission.

September 11 - November 13 | Thursdays, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Debby Jenkins + Constellation Staff | Constellation Studios | $225

register HERE

The Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning is proud to partner with Constellation Stage & Screen, who offer an exciting lineup of film, theater, and musical theater programs for youth and adults! Students will work with professional instructors to explore their creative talents in a range of programs hosted throughout the year.

Improv for adults: beyond beginner [ages 18+]

Constellation’s Improv for Adults: Beyond Beginner is a fast-paced, highly interactive workshop-style class that reinforces and builds upon improvisational skills and performance techniques. This class will focus on short-form improv, will offer an exploration of long-form improv, and is open to adults with previous improv experience (class, workshop, troupe, etc) who have mastered the fundamentals. Improv is a magical and collaborative art form that is not only fantastically fun, it boosts creativity, develops storytelling ability, enhances listening and communication skills, and builds confidence and resilience. Students will practice their skills in a safe, supportive, "Yes, and" learning environment.

Prerequisite: Previous improv experience/solid improv foundation (classes, troupe, etc.)

NOTE: Constellation Stage & Screen programs are not eligible for Ivy Tech Employee Fee Remission.

Session 1 | September 2 - October 14 | Tuesdays, 7:15pm-8:45pm
Regan Starr + Constellation Staff | Constellation Studios | $165

register HERE

Session 2 | October 28 - December 16 (No class on November 25) | Tuesdays, 7:15pm-8:45pm
Regan Starr + Constellation Staff | Constellation Studios | $165

register HERE

Improv for adults: beginner [ages 18+]

Constellation’s Improv for Adults: Beginner introduces basic improv skills and performance techniques. This fast-paced, highly interactive class will focus on short-form improv and is open to adults with no previous improv experience as well as those continuing to work on mastering the fundamentals. Improv is a magical and collaborative art form that is not only fantastically fun, it boosts creativity, develops storytelling ability, enhances listening and communication skills, and builds confidence and resilience. Students will stretch their imaginations and put their spontaneity to the test in a safe, supportive learning environment.

NOTE: Constellation Stage & Screen programs are not eligible for Ivy Tech Employee Fee Remission.

September 3 - October 15 | Wednesdays, 7:15pm-8:45pm
Regan Starr + Constellation Staff | Constellation Studios | $165

register HERE

playwriting for adults: the 10-minute play [ages 18+]

Constellation’s Playwriting for Adults: The 10-Minute Play is an 8-week course where budding playwrights will learn or build upon the fundamentals of playwriting: character development, dramatic tension, and narrative structure. Students will explore these fundamentals by writing their own 10-minute plays.

Additionally, students will have the opportunity to:
- generate ideas through a variety of in-class writing exercises
- develop strategies for transforming their writing exercises into short plays
- hear their work read aloud by their peers
-receive feedback on their pieces in a safe and supportive environment
-experience and discuss short plays written by renowned playwrights, and
- learn how to submit their short plays to festivals.

This class is appropriate for both beginners and students with previous writing experience. Beginners can learn the fundamentals of dramatic writing while more experienced writers will have the opportunity to practice and master these techniques.

NOTE: Constellation Stage & Screen programs are not eligible for Ivy Tech Employee Fee Remission.

September 8 - October 27 | Mondays, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Nicole DeSalle + Constellation Staff | Constellation Studios | $190

register HERE

intro to stage combat for adults [ages 18+]

In Constellation's Intro to Stage Combat for Adults, students will gain a fundamental understanding of stage combat principles, prioritizing safety and illusion as they are introduced to the foundational techniques for unarmed combat with a focus on developing the ability to perform basic choreographed fight sequences. Unarmed combat techniques will include punches, kicks, slaps, blocks, falls, rolls and grappling. Additionally, students will explore how acting plays a part in "selling" the illusion of impact through realistic reactions, breathing, sounds, and facial expressions. The class will highlight the crucial balance between artistic expression and rigorous safety protocols.

NOTE: Constellation Stage & Screen programs are not eligible for Ivy Tech Employee Fee Remission.

November 3 - December 15 (No class November 24) | Mondays, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Constellation Staff | Constellation Studios | $145

register HERE