Personal interest courses
Winter 2025 registration now open!
Explore your creative side this winter with a studio-based art course on our campus in Calgary, Alberta. Designed for all skill levels, our 8-week courses offer hands-on learning in a variety of creative disciplines. Whether you're looking to develop new skills, refine your craft, or simply enjoy a creative outlet, our expert instructors and state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect space to grow.
Winter 2025 registration deadline is Thursday, January 23, 2025. Register online and on-time to avoid additional fees.
Ready to get started?
Join hundreds of like-minded people and register now!
Don't see a specific course listed below? Our Course Calendar helps you plan ahead by providing a year-long view of what is available by term.
Earn a Certificate of Achievement by taking multiple courses in your desired discipline.
About Personal Interest Courses
Personal Interest courses are taught by professional artists in the same well-equipped facilities that support our degree students. Located on our campus in Calgary, AB.
Weeknight courses run once a week for eight-weeks, from 6:30 - 9:30pm. Saturday course times vary.
Weeklong summer courses run from Monday - Friday (except holidays) from 10pm - 4pm.
Welcoming artists ages 17 and up!
Our team can provide assisted enrollment (subject to capacity) up to 1-week after the first class meeting, by reaching out to coned@auarts.ca. Please note, assisted enrollment requests will be subject to an additional fee of $25. We encourage students to register online and on-time to avoid additional fees and secure their spot.
Ceramics
Learn hand building and wheel throwing techniques to create functional and sculptural pottery.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan 27 - Mar 24 No Class: Feb 17 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $560 + GST | ||
| Learn foundational skills of ceramics through hands on instruction, and practice. Create one-of-a-kind pieces as you work on simple assignments and get comfortable working with clay and various tools. Finish your projects by glazing and firing them as the final step in the process. | ||||
Design
Transform ideas into visual concepts using colour, text, and images.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children's Book Illustration | Jan 27 - Mar 24 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $425 + GST | |
| Note: Art experience is recommended, this is not a beginner course. Find out how the professionals illustrate children’s books, from character development, beginning thumbnail storyboards, to final illustrations. This course will not teach you how to draw but will show you how to take the drawing skills you have and apply them to children’s book illustration. In addition to learning the process and creating your own illustrations, you will also learn about marketing your work and portfolio preparation. | ||||
| NEW: Design a Board Game | Feb 4 - Mar 25 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | |
| Explore the history and evolution of board games as you gain an understanding of the importance of the visual design of your game which includes, artwork, layout, and game pieces. You will also figure out your game mechanics (how it’s played), player interactions, and how to balance the complexity with the fun. Discuss how to create prototypes and game play tests to refine your game before you are ready to take it to market. | ||||
Jan 27 - Mar 24 No class: Feb 17 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370+ GST | ||
| Note: Previous art experience recommended. Students must bring their own laptop, tablet or iPad. Take your illustration skills to the next level and learn how to work in a digital environment. Using your own laptop or tablet with a stylus, you will be led through projects that will help you develop a personal style and increase your creativity as you learn useful techniques along the way, whether you are interested in illustrations geared for editorial or book illustrations. | ||||
Feb 5 - Mar 26 | Wednesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | Kate Bushey | |
| Learn the elements of branding, whether for a person, a product, or a company, and how to create something so it’s easily recognizable by consumers. You will discuss what a brand can accomplish and identify the best questions to ask to help define a brand identity and determine brand objectives. Look at good and bad examples as you begin a brand strategy for yourself. | ||||
Feb 6 - Mar 27 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370+ GST | ||
| Note: Art experience recommended. This is not a beginner course. Increase your ability to communicate ideas visually as you learn about the different markets where illustration is commonly used. Discuss how to take an idea and explore it visually, in order to expand on it, and create a finished piece. Look at examples to help your understanding as you work on weekly illustrations. | ||||
Feb 6 - Mar 27 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | Chelsey Dyer | |
| Typography is the art of arranging letter forms into words and sentences and is an important element of design communication. Learn the principles of typography and typeface design and gain an understanding of how to improve your viewer’s experience. Work with known typefaces and create your own. | ||||
Digital Media Arts
Create visual art & media through a variety of digital technologies.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan 27 - Mar 24 No class: Feb 17 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370+ GST | ||
| Note: A clear understanding of design fundamentals is recommended, this is not a beginner course. Learn the basics of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, and go beyond simply studying the software, to integrating good design. Work through a series of projects where you focus on how to properly capture, transfer, manipulate, and output images in a clear, concise manner while you apply your knowledge of design fundamentals for clean visual communication. As you work through the projects, you will figure out a digital workflow that makes sense for you and become more comfortable working in multiple programs at once. | ||||
Drawing
Create artwork with traditional drawing materials such as graphite, charcoal, and conte.
If you are new to art or drawing, we recommend that you start with Drawing Fundamentals.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Feb 4 - Mar 25 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | ||
| Drawing botanical and fruit forms from life takes careful perception and good hand eye coordination. You will develop keen observational drawing skills through a number of studio-based assignments, and be introduced to colour theory and how to successfully use colour pencils to get rich, vibrant colours. | ||||
| Classical Drawing Techniques | Jan 27 - Mar 24 No class: Feb 17 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | |
| Using the same methods Renaissance artists used, improve your representational drawing skills, and learn how to capture on paper what your eye sees, not what your mind thinks it sees. You will focus on how to visually analyze your subject matter, create steps for greater accuracy, better proportions, mass and values in your drawings. | ||||
Feb 5 - Mar 26 | Wednesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | ||
Feb 6 - Mar 27 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | ||
| Gain confidence and fundamental skills in drawing as you work through projects aimed at increasing your perceptive abilities and eye-hand coordination. Focus on the elements of drawing, observation, and composition as you explore a variety of drawing media and techniques. | ||||
Feb 6 - Mar 27 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $415 + GST | ||
| Note: Previous drawing experience recommended. The human figure is a fascinating subject for both beginners and experienced artists. Working with a live model, use a variety of media, and gain studio experience in gesture and analytical figure drawing, modeling of form and space through light and shadow, perspective, proportion, and different drawing techniques and methods. | ||||
Feb 4 - Mar 25 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | ||
| Draw landscapes with confidence from observation and location sketches. Landscapes can be complex subjects and understanding where to start, what to include, and what leave out can be overwhelming. You will learn how to simplify your composition, isolate subject matter, and create atmospheric perspective in your drawings. Experiment with different drawing media to illustrate different parts of the landscape: grass, trees, rocks, foliage, and a variety of different skies. | ||||
Jan 27 - Mar 24 No class: Feb 17 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | ||
| Work from life and draw what is in front of you as you increase your observational drawing skills. Learn to look thoughtfully and carefully understand spatial positions, angles, light and shadow, textures, and tones. Understand what is important to include and what to simplify to capture the spirit of your subject. | ||||
Feb 5 - Mar 26 | Wednesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | ||
| Learn the foundations of linear perspective as you draw environments using one, two, and multi-point perspectives. Draw interior spaces and three-dimensional objects with ease and great success. Drawing will be from observation as well as the imagination. | ||||
Fibre Arts
Make wearable art using natural or synthetic fibre, materials and dyes.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Feb 4 - Mar 25 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | Jocelyn McHugh | |
| Does your sewing machine intimidate you? Do you have sewing projects where you just don’t know where start? Learn all the sewing basics you need to get started…no experience required! Get (re)introduced to basic hand sewing techniques, learn how to properly operate a sewing machine, choose fabrics, read a basic pattern, and master basic construction methods. You will also review how to layout a pattern, pin, cut, and mark. | ||||
Feb 8 - Mar 22 No class: Feb 15 | Saturdays: 9:30am - 1:30pm | $430 + GST | ||
| Imagine your own images on fabric! Print your own designs on yardage, clothing, or accessories using pigments and hand-cut stencils to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Learn how to cut stencils for your screens, mix your own colours, and print multiple layers using water-based printing medium on natural fibres. | ||||
Feb 6 - Mar 27 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $375 + GST | Jocelyn McHugh | |
| Reconsider your clothing's role in your life and redefine its value through care and attention. Through different upcycling techniques, explore the boundaries of your garments and create custom pieces that become meaningful to you. Bring your old shirts, jackets, pants, skirts, and more; and give them new life by deconstructing, reconstructing, and embellishing. Come away with simple design tips and tricks from your instructor that will allow you to make your clothes unique, stylish and fit better. | ||||
Glassblowing
Blow hot glass into beautiful objects and forms.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Feb 5 - Mar 26 | Wednesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $595 + GST | ||
| WAITLIST: Glassblowing & Coldworking Basics | Feb 9 - Mar 23 No class: Feb 16 | Sundays: 9:30am - 1:30pm | $595 + GST | |
| Learn the basic processes of hot glasswork, in a fully equipped, professional hot shop studio. Focus on solid and simple blown forms in a small class setting giving you plenty of work time and access to your instructor for assistance and coaching. The last class meeting will be for students to learn how to finish off their pieces properly in the coldworking studio and to critique their work. | ||||
Feb 8 - Mar 22 | Saturdays: 9:30am - 1:30am | $595 + GST | ||
| Prerequisite: Glassblowing Basics, or glassblowing experience. Expand your knowledge of hot glasswork as you develop your skills further in a small class setting with lots of individualized instruction. Challenge yourself and try creating different forms and working with colour. Spend the last class meeting will be for students to coldwork only to finish their blown pieces and critique their work. | ||||
Jewellery & Metals
Design and fabricate jewellery.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan 27 - Mar 24 No class: Feb 17 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $550 + GST | ||
| You will be amazed at the jewellery you can make from flat pieces of metal. Learn basic metalworking skills (sawing, piercing, filing, shaping, stamping, surface texturing, and finishing) and how to use simple hand tools in a fully outfitted jewellery making studio. Get ample studio working time and support from your instructor throughout as you learn fabrication processes. | ||||
Feb 6 - Mar 27 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $550 + GST | ||
| Note: Jewellery Fundamentals: Cold Connections must be completed before registering into Soldering Skills. Soldering opens up a world of creative possibilities in jewellery making. In this technical class, you'll learn essential techniques for joining metal components together through soldering, including butt-joint soldering, sweat-joint soldering, using resists/heat sinks, when and how to use different types of solder, and much more! | ||||
Painting
Learn a variety of painting techniques across acrylic, watercolour and oils.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Feb 6 - Mar 27 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | ||
| Acrylic paints are so versatile and perfect for those who are new to painting. Learn the basics of colour theory, paint mixing, application techniques, and composition while developing your skills AND confidence in your creative potential. | ||||
Jan 27 - Mar 24 No class: Feb 17 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | ||
| Note: Previous painting experience is recommended. Whether you are interested in painting skyscrapers, charming country houses or abandoned buildings, learn how to capture the character and essence of a structure through light, shadow, and texture while you focus on painting architectural details through the use of proper perspective, proportion, and composition. | ||||
Feb 4 - Mar 25 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | ||
| Discover the materials and techniques of oil painting through still life, landscape, and portrait assignments structured to introduce you to its language and practice. Explore the formal principles that enable effective design with the aim of developing your personal vision. | ||||
Jan 27 - Mar 24 No class: Feb 17 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $370 + GST | ||
| Note: Watercolour Basics or previous experience recommended. Take your skills to the next level with advanced techniques and creative approaches, which will allow you to refine your style and produce more complex and expressive works. Investigate advanced methods from glazing and layering to creating textures and interesting compositions. | ||||
Photography
Capture and create lasting images using your camera.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan 27 - Mar 24 no class: Feb 17 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $395 + GST | ||
| Note: You're required to provide your own film camera. There is something really special about taking black and white photos with a film camera and having to wait to see your images. Learn basic camera functions before entering the darkroom. You will learn how to create high quality images in black and white, how to load your film onto a reel and canister in complete darkness, hand process your film, and then use an enlarger to create photographs on light sensitive paper. | ||||
Feb 4 - Mar 25 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | ||
| Note: DSLR or Mirrorless only. Discover how to work your digital camera so you can get out of auto mode and take your picture taking skills to the next level. Learn basic camera operations and how to use your camera's settings, including exposure, aperture, and shutter speed, while you experiment with composition, lighting, and different lens to see how they affect your images. Work through shooting images, file conversion, and digital image management under the guidance of your instructor and get good feedback throughout the course. | ||||
Print Media
Produce and transfer your ideas onto a variety of surfaces.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Linocut I |
|
|
|
|
| Not available at this time. | ||||
Please note: The courses listed above are available for the Winter 2025 term. For a detailed breakdown of what courses are available each term, please download our 2025 Course Calendar.
For more information please contact the Continuing Education office.
Weeklong Summer Courses
Registration will open in Spring 2025.
Get into the studio for five full days of creative productivity.
Weeklong Personal Interest courses provide artists with dedicated time and space in a studio environment. In addition to course content and open studio time, you will participate in group discussions and critiques that will deepen your understanding of your work and how others interpret it.
All skill levels are welcome.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
100 Drawings in a Week | Not available | Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm | $505 + GST | |
| Get really creative and push yourself to complete 100 drawing in a week. You’ll improve your drawing skills through your sustained drawing practice as your instructor helps you move from concentrating on mostly formal issues to more conceptual ones. Be introduced to past and current artists who have strong drawing practices and participate in individual and group critiques which will aide in your artist growth. | ||||
Abstract Painting Week | Not available | Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm | $505 + GST | |
| Take your abstract painting practice to the next level and spend an uninterrupted week in the studio! Work alongside other abstract painters and build community under the guidance of your instructor as you produce new work or explore a new technique or approach to what you’ve been doing. You will participate in individual and group critiques throughout the week. Acrylic paint will be the medium used as it is flexible and dries quickly. | ||||
Figure for the Week | Not available | Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm | $555 + GST | |
| Learn a classical approach to drawing and painting the figure as you spend a full week in the studio working from a live model. All artists are supported by the instructor to work on honing their figure drawing and/or painting skills. You will participate in discussions about both the historical and contemporary figures in drawing and painting as well as addressing formal and technical issues. Both individual and group critiques play an important role in the workshop and serve as a valuable learning tool for all artists involved. All levels welcome. | ||||
Mixed Media & Collage Week | Not available | Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm | $505 + GST | |
| Working with mixed media can be daunting but it can also be very exciting and freeing. Grow your understanding of working with different materials and techniques as you collage and layer, building up and scratching away your surface to create pieces that are totally unique. Learn about historical and contemporary artists who have used mixed media and the impact of their work within an art context, as well as participate in group discussions and critiques to stimulate your own practice. All levels welcome. | ||||
Open Jewellery Studio Week | July 22 - 26 | Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm | $675 + GST | |
| Here’s your chance to complete past projects in a jewellery studio, while having access to a professional jeweler for advanced instruction and guidance. Be prepared to generate your own projects. Your instructor will provide technical advice, critical feedback, and new skills demonstrations on request. Please Note: Previous metal fabrication, soldering, and jewellery skills and the ability to work independently is required. | ||||
Urban Sketching Week | July 8 - 12 | Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm | $505 + GST | |
| Capture the bustling energy of a busy street corner or the quietness of a single person on a bench, as you explore the downtown Calgary. Meet in a different location each day and draw from observation in your sketchbook. Please see your course supply list online. All levels welcome. | ||||
Watch and learn!
Note
Please note: Courses are subject to cancellation based on minimum enrolment levels.
Back to Courses by Discipline
What next?
Stay connected
Subscribe to the Continuing Education newsletter for monthly updates on course information, registration details and upcoming events. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sign me up