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Holyoke Community College

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Arts, Music, Photography & Expression

in Personal Enrichment

Beginner Sewing with Andrea Zax HOME 026.51, CRN 36818

$99
Calendar Sep 22, 2026 at 6 pm
Would you like to make throw pillows for the couch, a skirt for yourself or something for a baby? In this class Andrea will help you to make your own project. She will show you fabrics that are easier to work with and how to measure and cut fabric. If you want to bring fabric and a pattern to the first class you are welcome to. Woven cotton or cotton blends for a first project are best. Pre‑wash any fabric you bring so it won’t shrink later on. For throw pillows Andrea suggests using pillow forms, (available at fabric stores). There will be some materials on hand to make pot holders if you aren’t sure what you want to make first! What to bring to class: straight pins, sewing scissors, all purpose thread, bobbins, sewing machine, notebook seam ripper, measuring tape, a pencil and a notebook in case you want to take some notes.

Sewing with a Pattern with Andrea Zax HOME 033.51, CRN 36820

$99
Calendar Oct 15, 2026 at 6 pm
In the first class I will show you a few patterns. I will show you how to take good measurements and how to read the views and fabric amounts you will need to make your desired garment. First find a simple pattern- they have patterns marked easy or beginner. I want you to have a good experience and not be frustrated with a complicated garment on your early attempts at making clothing. Then measurements can be frustrating and you might think. "that's not my size!" Get the pattern that includes your largest measurements. DON'T be scared off by large sounding sizes. You want to make something that fits you! I recommend woven cotton or cotton blend fabric and wash the fabric before you come to class, you don't want to make a garment and then wash it to find it shrinks. Knit fabrics are nice but not good for a beginner sewer. Satin and rayon are lovely but have some challenges to work with. Raw silk is very nice but tends to be expensive and may make the beginner sewer nervous. Polar fleece is relatively easy to work with although quite thick.

Introduction to Screenwriting for Television or Movies EXPR 063.51, CRN 36842

$45
Calendar Oct 19, 2026 at 5 pm
In this comprehensive session, you will learn about special screenwriting terms and formats for television and the big screen. You will also learn how to plot a story, develop characters, and execute your work in the proper screenwriting format. You will discover the difference between a Treatment, a Spec Script and a Shooting Script and when to do each. And, you’ll get an inside look into the business of selling your script to agents and producers. Informative handouts for future use are included in the class fee. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day before the class.

Write Your First Novel (in 90 Days!) EXPR 070.51, CRN 36843

$55
Calendar Oct 19, 2026 at 7 pm
This intensive course provides a schedule of crafting a novel from start to finish, which you can finish in as little as 90 days! This class will also help you stay motivated throughout the journey. You will learn how to select your novel genre and develop a compelling premise, create multidimensional characters and immersive settings, craft a detailed plot outline, manage your time to keep your writing flow consistent, combat common roadblocks including writer’s block, By the end of this class, you will know how to complete your novel and have the knowledge and confidence to move forward with the publishing process. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in the class fee. Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day before the class.

Creative Writing 101: A Beginner’s Guide EXPR 069.51, CRN 36846

$45
Calendar Oct 20, 2026 at 5 pm
You don’t need a degree in creative writing to be an exceptional writer and get paid for it! Anyone with a passion for writing can learn and develop their fiction and non fiction writing skills. Whether you’re writing from your own life experience, creating new worlds, or informing readers about important information, this class will teach you about the different forms of creative writing, the top 10 creative writing tips for beginners, as well as how to brainstorm for new creative writing ideas, bring your words to life with engaging descriptions, develop your own writing style, and how to get paid for your creative writing. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day before the class.

Explore the World as a Travel Writer EXPR 072.51, CRN 36850

$45
Calendar Oct 22, 2026 at 5 pm
If you love to travel and love to write, this is for you! We will discuss how to use all your senses in a new destination to create more detailed and in depth descriptions that capture and maintain readers’ interest, and whether or not you need to include photos with your work. You will also learn how to find and submit your finished product to print and online markets, the business side of travel writing (how to take travel tax deductions), and how to avoid worn out travel writing cliches. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day before the class.

Nonfiction Writing Essentials: Tell True Stories with Purpose EXPR 065.51, CRN 36851

$45
Calendar Oct 23, 2026 at 5 pm
Ready to turn your real-life stories into unforgettable nonfiction? Whether you’re crafting a memoir, how-to guide, personal essay, or narrative article, this class is your launchpad to powerful, authentic writing. Discover how to pick compelling topics, unleash your unique voice, and organize your ideas with clarity and punch. Explore every nonfiction format—from blogs to books—and master techniques for crafting openings that hook, weaving in research seamlessly, and polishing your work for maximum impact. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day before the class.

Explore 50 Different Self-Publishing Options (prerequisite EXPR 066) EXPR 067.51, CRN 36853

$35
Calendar Oct 23, 2026 at 9 pm
Self-Publishing is all the rage, but is it the best option for YOU? (Participants must also attend “Beginner’s Guide to Getting Published”) And, can you do both? You will discover the pros and cons of all the self-publishing options, including print on demand and e book publishing, as well as Amazon options, and see how they compare to traditional publishing. Informative handouts, including a rated description of 50 self-publishing companies for future use are included in class fee. Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day before the class.




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