Personal interest courses
Spring Registration is open
Courses run from May - June 2026.
Register online by April 20
Explore your creative side with a studio-based art course on our campus in Calgary, Alberta. Open to all skill levels, Personal Interest courses offer hands-on learning in a variety of 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 offer the perfect space to grow.
Advanced registration and payment are required - secure your spot by clicking the course links below to register and pay online.
Don't see what you're looking for? Our Course Calendar helps you plan ahead by providing a year-long view of what is available by term.
Already registered? View your course Supply List and prepare for your first class! Don't forget to checkout the Student Handbook for important information about taking a course through Continuing Education.
Earn a Certificate of Completion 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 10am - 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 or (403)284-7640. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramics: Soda Fire | May 7 - June 4 Kiln Firing Day: May 29 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $565 + GST | |
| Participate in a unique ceramics experience and make work to be fired in an atmospheric soda kiln. Discover the dynamic, unpredictable surfaces that are distinctive to soda firing as you develop a focused body of work—throwing, sculpting, or hand building and learn how to prepare final works for the soda kiln. You will take part in the full firing process, including glazing, wadding, loading the kiln, and mixing and introducing soda during the firing. There will be a single kiln firing, and the last class meeting will be a kiln opening, group celebration, and studio cleanup. | ||||
| Ceramics: Wheel Throwing | May 5 - June 23 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $565 + GST | |
| Learn foundational skills of wheel throwing through hands-on instruction and guided practice. Whether you are a beginner and returning student, you will build confidence and increase your comfort level at the wheel as you create one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces through a series of simple, structured assignments. You will also learn the full process of finishing your work—glazing and firing your pieces to bring them to life in their final form. | ||||
Design
Transform ideas into visual concepts using colour, text, and images.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEW: Autobiographical Comics | May 7 - June 25 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | Rachelle Ymay Skilling |
| Use your voice and tell your story through comic arts and turn your experiences into meaningful visual narratives. Your instructor will provide guided prompts, individual and group discussions and constructive feedback to help you shape personal memories, moments, and reflections into short comics. Emphasis will be on authenticity, clarity, and emotional resonance. Build confidence in combining image and text to tell honest, engaging, everyday stories. | ||||
| May 5 - June 23 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | ||
| Create unique comic characters through a series of thumbnail sketches that you develop into final drawings for a comic book or graphic novel. Develop a personal style that becomes identifiable with you as you hone your drawing and communication skills. Use a variety of media including pen and ink, marker, pencil, and water-based colour to complete your comics. | ||||
| May 6 - June 24 | Wednesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | Zach Schuster | |
| 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. | ||||
| NEW: Design Patterns - Digitally | May 4 - June 29 No class: May 18 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | Nicole Gruszecki |
| Prerequisite: Previous art experience and students must bring their own laptop, tablet, ipad, etc. Explore the creative and technical foundations of digital pattern design using Procreate on iPad. Learn how to build seamless repeats, work with layers and brushes effectively, and apply essential colour theory principles to create dynamic, versatile patterns. You will be guided through a series of exercises, where you will experiment with surface design applications for different uses, including textiles, stationery, and digital products while developing your own distinctive style. | ||||
| May 5 - June 23 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | Nicole Gruszecki | |
| Step into the creative world of zines—small, self-published magazines that give voice to personal stories, local issues, and bold ideas. Explore the history and impact of zine-making, from its roots in underground movements to its role in self-expression and social change. Learn new techniques in writing, design, and assembly, while discovering how zines can connect people, spark dialogue, and celebrate diverse perspectives and produce your own zine to share—and have the tools to keep creating. | ||||
Digital Media Arts
Create visual art & media through a variety of digital technologies.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6 - June 24 | Wednesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | Yeisen Chang | |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6 - June 24 | Wednesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | ||
| Drawing plants and fruit from life requires close observation and strong hand-eye coordination. Learn how to refine your perceptual skills through a series of focused, studio-based assignments. You will also be introduced to colour theory and learn how to use pencil crayons effectively to achieve rich, vibrant results. Class discussions and critiques will support your development and help you grow as a confident, detail-oriented observer and artist. | ||||
| May 6 - June 24 | Wednesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | ||
| Build confidence and core drawing skills through a series of projects designed to sharpen your observation and strengthen your hand-eye coordination. You will focus on the essential elements of drawing—line, shape, value, and composition—and be introduced to a range of media and techniques. Through in class projects you will develop your perceptual abilities, gain a deeper understanding of how to see, interpret, and express the world around you through drawing. | ||||
| May 5 - June 23 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | ||
| Prerequisite: Drawing Fundamentals or previous drawing experience. Expand on the foundational skills you already have through a series of projects designed to enhance your hand-eye coordination, deepen your understanding of perspective, and refine your mark-making techniques. You will explore a variety of drawing media as you begin to shape a personal artistic voice. Look at historical and contemporary works to inspire and inform your process. Group discussions and class critiques will support your growth, helping to build confidence, critical thinking, and creative awareness. | ||||
May 4 - June 29 No class: May 18 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | ||
| Bring your drawings to life by drawing in colour. Refine your skills and learn how to blend to get smooth transitions between hues, how to layer colours to build depth and richness in your drawings, and to shade effectively to create realistic light and shadows. Develop your skills and your ability to produce vibrant drawings that showcase your personal style. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your technique, this course offers a supportive and inspiring environment to explore colour in drawing. | ||||
| May 7 - June 25 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $425 + GST | Maedeh Mosaverzadeh | |
| Prerequisite: Previous drawing experience. The human figure offers endless inspiration for artists at every level. Work from live models using a range of media to build hands-on studio experience. Develop your skills in gesture drawing, analytical study of form, and creating depth through light and shadow. Focus on mastering perspective, proportion, and diverse drawing techniques to bring the figure to life with accuracy and expression. | ||||
| May 4 - June 29 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | Marcia Harris | |
| Gain confidence in drawing landscapes through direct observation and on-location sketches. Landscapes can be complex, learn how to simplify your compositions, focus on key elements, and create depth using atmospheric perspective. Explore a variety of drawing media as you capture the textures and forms of grass, trees, rocks, foliage, and skies, developing a versatile approach to representing the natural world. | ||||
Fibre Arts
Make wearable art using natural or synthetic fibre, materials and dyes.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 25 - June 6 | Saturdays: 9:30am - 1:30pm | $440 + GST | ||
| Explore the process of screen printing your own designs on fabric. You will design and print your own images on yardage, clothing, or accessories using hand-cut stencils and pigment-based inks. Learn how to cut custom stencils, mix your own colors, and layer multiple prints to create vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces. Printing will be done using water-based inks on natural fibers, giving you a solid foundation in sustainable and creative textile design. | ||||
| Sewing Basics | May 4 - June 29 No class: May 18 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $390 + 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. | ||||
| May 7 - June 25 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $390 + GST | Jocelyn McHugh | |
| Re-consider 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 one-of-a-kind pieces, unique and meaningful to you. Bring in your shirts, jackets, pants, and skirts and add new life to them by deconstructing, re-constructing, and embellishing. You will learn some simple design tips and tricks from your instructor to make your clothes unique and stylish…and fit better. | ||||
Glassblowing
Blow hot glass into beautiful objects and forms.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 14 - June 2 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $625 + GST |
| |
| Glassblowing & Coldworking Basics | April 25 - June 6 | Saturdays: 9:30am - 1:30pm | $625 + 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. | ||||
| April 16 - June 4 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $625 + 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 - June 23 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $565 + GST | ||
| It’s amazing how flat sheets of metal can be transformed into unique, handcrafted jewellery. Learn essential metalworking techniques - including sawing, piercing, filing, shaping, stamping, surface texturing, and finishing - using simple hand tools in a fully equipped jewellery studio. With plenty of supported studio time and hands-on instruction, you will gain confidence in the fundamentals of metal fabrication and begin developing your own creative approach to jewellery design. | ||||
| May 7 - June 25 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $565 + GST | ||
| Prerequisite Jewellery Fundamentals: Cold Connections must be completed before registering into Soldering Skills. Soldering is a foundational skill that expands your creative possibilities in metalwork. Focus is on learning the technical aspects of essential methods for joining metal components, including butt joints, sweat joints, and the use of resists and heat sinks. You will also learn how to choose and apply different types of solder effectively. You will receive guided instruction and hands-on practice, as you build confidence and precision in your soldering skills - an essential step in advancing your jewellery-making abilities. | ||||
| Ring Basics | May 4 - June 29 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $565 + GST | Adam Lagace |
| Prerequisite: Jewellery Fundamentals: Soldering Skills must be completed before registering for Ring Basics. Take your jewellery-making skills further with this hands-on introduction to ring making. You will learn essential techniques of ring making which include measuring, piercing, texturing, filing, soldering, shaping, and finishing. Begin by creating a wrap-over or open-backed ring, then progress to designing and fabricating a fully soldered ring. With guidance from your instructor, you'll develop original designs and leave the course with two or more completed rings—and a solid foundation in small-scale metalwork. | ||||
Painting
Learn a variety of painting techniques across acrylic, watercolour and oils.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
May 4 - June 29 No class: May 18 | Mondays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | ||
| Prerequisite: Acrylic Painting Basics or previous experience. Build on your foundation in acrylic painting, with the opportunity to deepen your skills and explore subject matter of your own choosing. You will receive individualized guidance as you refine your technique, strengthen your compositions, and expand your understanding of core painting principles. With an emphasis on personal expression, your instructor will support you in developing a unique visual style and more confident artistic voice. This course is ideal for those ready to move beyond the basics and focus on more independent, self-directed work. | ||||
| May 6 - June 24 | Wednesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | Gillian Coulton | |
| Prerequisite: Previous painting experience recommended . Landscape painting can have artistic and technical challenges for painters, but through an analytical understanding of perspective and composition and an exploration of colour and tonal relationships, you can master how to shape the mood and depth of your work. Through hands-on exercises, demonstrations, and guided projects, you will also learn effective techniques for controlling your chosen media—whether acrylic, oil, or watercolor—to capture texture, light, and the dynamic qualities of the natural world to create compelling landscapes that reflect both observation and personal expression. | ||||
| May 7 - June 25 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | Clinton St. John | |
| Prerequisite: Oil Painting Basics or previous experience. You have a foundation in oil painting in place, so now you can deepen your understanding of technique and visual language while focusing on subject matter that truly inspires you. Explore more advanced approaches to composition, color, and brushwork, while continuing to build your knowledge of art principles and design. Individualized instructor support will help guide you as you begin to develop a personal style and artistic voice. Weekly group and one-on-one critiques will encourage constructive feedback, critical thinking, and ongoing growth in a supportive studio environment. | ||||
| May 7 - June 25 | Thursdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | ||
| Prerequisite: Watercolour Painting Basics or previous experience. Build on your foundational watercolour skills and be introduced to advanced techniques and creative approaches to help refine your personal style and create more complex, expressive artworks. Explore a variety of methods including glazing, layering, texture creation, and wet-on-wet techniques. Spend some time experimenting with floral subjects and incorporating gouache to add versatility and depth to your paintings. Through guided practice and exploration, you’ll develop greater control and confidence with this dynamic medium. | ||||
Photography
Capture and create lasting images using your camera.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 - June 23 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $385 + GST | Tracy Elliot | |
| Note: DSLR Cameras only. Take control of your digital camera and elevate your photography skills by moving beyond auto mode. Get introduced to essential camera functions, including exposure, aperture, and shutter speed, to help you understand how these settings impact your images. Explore composition, lighting, and the use of different lenses as you experiment with creative techniques, under the guidance of your instructor. Work through shooting sessions, file conversion, and digital image management, and receive constructive feedback to refine your skills throughout the course. | ||||
| May 5 - June 23 | Tuesdays: 6:30 - 9:30pm | $410 + GST | Raeann Cheung | |
| Experience the magic of shooting black and white film and the anticipation of developing your images in the darkroom. Begin with mastering basic film camera functions before you are introduced to the complete analog process. Learn how to load film onto reels and canisters in total darkness, hand-process your negatives, and use an enlarger to create prints on light-sensitive paper in a traditional darkroom. | ||||
Print Media
Produce and transfer your ideas onto a variety of surfaces.
Course Name | Start & End Dates | Day & Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are no Print Media courses offering this Spring. | ||||
Please note: The courses listed above are available for the Spring 2026 term. For a breakdown of what courses are available each term, please download our 2025/2026 Course Calendar.
For more information please contact the Continuing Education office.
NEW! Handcrafted Holiday Workshops
Give an extra special gift this year; one that you made!
Join us for our limited series of hand-made workshops. Unlike regular Personal Interest courses, workshops are designed to be completed in a single session while giving you access to the same studio spaces and talented instructors. With guided support you will create a one-of-a-kind gift to give to someone special or keep for yourself.
Workshop Name | Date | Time | Price | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are no workshops being offered at this time. | ||||
Weeklong Summer Courses
Registration will close 2-weeks before the course start date. Contact Continuing Education if you would like to enroll past the registration deadline.
Get into the studio for five full days of productivity.
Weeklong Personal Interest courses provide committed 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 | TBD | 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 | TBD | 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 | TBD | 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 | TBD | 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 | TBD | 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 | TBD | 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.
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