Capturing the Magic

July 2, 2026

Workshops with Community Education at COCC bestow skills, spark inspiration and offer connection with others

Those brooding, melancholic eyes. Those silky, mud-flap-like ears. Furrowed fur that drapes in bunches. Trying to paint an adored pet — in this case, a basset hound — is no easy mission.

But in “Animal Portraits,” an oil painting class held through the Community Education program at Central Oregon Community College, animal lovers receive guidance from an accomplished artist-instructor on capturing their pet’s likeness, deep furrows and all. 

Using the alla prima style of oil painting — an expressive technique in which wet paint is applied to freshly brushed layers, all in one sitting — students learn, over four sessions, to quickly capture a feeling from a pet’s photo. They learn to begin with light and shadow. 

“I came in with no expectations,” shared a student, “but left feeling like I not only learned a lot, but information I already knew was reviewed in the class. It was great to get that fresh look and info after a long time of not picking up a paintbrush. I thoroughly enjoyed every class.” 

Community Education classes at COCC provide plenty of fresh looks, together with new talents and shared connection with others. With new coursework constantly being added throughout the year, topics are presented in an interactive, affordable and easy-to-try format. Most classes are in person; some are offered remotely for convenience. 

This summer, the catalog includes options like “Advanced Watercolor: Beyond Traditional Landscapes” (July 25 and Aug. 1), “Fresh Fruit Tart, From Crust to Cream” (July 18) and the therapeutic postures of “Restorative Yoga” (July 9-30). Students can also learn important life skills such as “Brain-Based Time Management” (July 21) and CPR (July 23, 25 and 29), among others. 

Using tannins from plants to color creative images, “Exploring Cyanotype Toning with Botanicals,” on Aug. 12, will introduce participants to the world of alternative photo processes. Cyanotypes use the sun to make images on paper, toned with plants to create a broad palette of colors. Such creative workshops stoke new abilities, but also instill a feeling of achievement. 

“I felt supported and inspired, and confident that I could accomplish something impressive,” said a past learner of “Metal Arts: Build a Bezel.” “Keeping a beautiful piece of jewelry at the end of the class, one that I made with the help and guidance of the instructor, is absolutely a cherry on top.” 

Most classes are held at COCC campuses, though some go farther afield, from golf lessons to bushcraft basics to watershed studies. Journeying to Prineville Reservoir State Park on Oct. 10, students of “Night Star Photography” will learn how to compose the best star shots with their digital camera. Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, the setting is an ideal environment to set up a digital camera and capture the magic. 

“I was able to learn everything I needed to know about my camera and some information about taking pictures at different times of the day,” said a past student of “Photography Jumpstart,” a four-hour primer. “It was a very valuable course and now that I have basic knowledge, I can continue to research about the things that we learned.” 

Outdoor enthusiasts and aspiring conservationists will find plenty of engaging content in the “Central Oregon Wildlife Speaker Series,” Oct. 6 to Dec. 15, a six-part series (for only $69) that takes an in-depth look at animals and ecosystems, complete with ideas for volunteer opportunities and conservation advocacy. Presented in partnership with Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife hospital and conservation center, the series will survey a range of species that inhabit regional forests, rivers, deserts and communities — from bats and beavers to birds of prey and large carnivores. 

At COCC, classes and workshops through Community Education all stem from the skills and passions of keen instructors. Just as chef Candy Argondizza — a recipient of the International Association of Culinary Professions’ Educator of the Year award — brings a sage eye to chicken preparation, other local experts, such as artist and muralist David Kinker, provide unique backgrounds and guidance. It takes the learning to a higher level. 

Start your own community learning journey today, and see how far you can go. Call 541-383-7270 or visit cocc.edu/ce to view the complete listings.