Winter 2027 Courses
Explore Winter Session courses below:
Stay tuned for our Winter workshops!
Arts/Ceramics Classes
Mondays, January 25th – February 22nd (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Early Registration fee: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration fee: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Ingrid Albrecht
ENERGY, IMPROVISATION, IMPULSE, GESTURE, and CHANCE are ALL characteristics of this printing process, as stated by William Jung. During this 6-week course, participants will learn the Monotype printing process in ink and watercolor using the Additive, Subtractive, and freestyle processes. Students will also learn how to use the two mediums together for exciting results. This is a popular class that promises a lot of creative FUN and some outstanding results.
Supplies are included.
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Early Registration fee: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration fee: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt
In this class, we will spend six weeks creating functional ceramic pieces! You will build by hand using the three main types of hand-built clay construction, pinching, coiling, and slab. We will also explore Kurinuki. We will work with the glazes available in the studio and learn proper glaze procedures. We will also look at various surface decoration techniques, such as so that your pieces will be truly one of a kind!
Section A: Mondays, January 11th – February 22nd (6 Sessions - no class on January 18th/MLK Day)
3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt
Section B: Tuesdays, January 19th – February 23rd (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Instructor: Patty Marfise-Patt
Section C: Wednesdays, January 20th – February 24th (6 Sessions)
3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano
Section D: Thursdays, January 21st – February 25th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Instructor: Lillian Frances
Early Registration fee: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration fee: NU $162, Public $172
Students will be introduced to the basic principles of making functional ceramic art. In this course, students will begin with the process of wheel throwing with detailed instruction on how to throw a cylinder, bowl, and much more. The kinesthetic process of pottery will be explored through developing technical skills on the wheel as well as understanding the function of various forms developed throughout the history of ceramics. Learn how to make functional work that you can use at home as foodware for yourself, friends, or family. This course is for students who have never worked with clay before and is the perfect introduction to wheel throwing.
Section A: Tuesdays, January 12th – February 23rd (7 Sessions)
3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano
Section B: Wednesdays, January 13th – February 24th (7 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Instructor: Lillian Frances
Section C: Thursdays, January 14th – February 25th (7 Sessions)
3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Instructor: Tomoyasu Nakano
Early Registration fee: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration fee: NU $162, Public $172
Wheel Throwing II is for students who have completed at least one wheel throwing course in the past. In this course, Students will learn how to throw a large range of functional work and explore complex ways of decorating and glazing. From mugs and bowls, to large vases, plates, and coffee pour-overs, this course is perfect for those who are looking to improve their throwing techniques and aesthetics. This course aims to improve the student's confidence in their abilities and to connect the larger community within the studio.
*Prerequisites: have taken a beginner’s wheel throwing class
Drinks Classes
Thursdays, January 21st - February 18th (5 Sessions)
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Mark Gruber
Welcome to the world of wine appreciation! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, there's always something new to explore in the realm of wine. In this lecture-based series, students will learn the art of tasting and describing wines with professional finesse. Each session delves into a different region: California, France, and the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting both renowned and emerging wines, emphasizing value for money. The program culminates in a special evening dedicated to sparkling and dessert wines, providing a delightful conclusion to the five-week journey.
*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course.
**Bring two (2) wine glasses to each class. We do not provide or store your wine glasses.
Thursdays, January 21st - February 18th (5 Sessions)
7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Mark Gruber
Welcome to the world of wine appreciation! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, there's always something new to explore in the realm of wine. In this lecture-based series, students will learn the art of tasting and describing wines with professional finesse. Each session delves into a different region: California, France, and the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting both renowned and emerging wines, emphasizing value for money. The program culminates in a special evening dedicated to sparkling and dessert wines, providing a delightful conclusion to the five-week journey.
*You must be 21 and over to enroll in this course.
**Bring two (2) wine glasses to each class. We do not provide or store your wine glasses.
Language Classes
Mondays, January 11th – March 18th (8 Sessions — no class on January 18th/MLK Day)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $152, Public $162
Regular registration: NU $162, Public $172
Instructor: Peter Wujcik
This course introduces the basics of American Sign Language. American Sign Language (ASL) is quickly becoming one of the most widely used languages in the United States. This class will explore basic sign vocabulary and basic grammatical structures such as English to ASL and ASL to English. This class will cover basic Sign Language and a basic introduction to the world of Deaf Cultures.
Tuesdays, January 19th – February 23rd (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 7.30 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $72, Public $82
Regular registration: NU $82, Public $92
Instructor: Steven Fischer
In Creative Writing, participants create their own original and personal stories. This course is ideal for anyone interested in the basics of narrative writing, improving communication skills, storytelling, and taking their writing to the next level. Along the way, we’ll explore the philosophy, metaphysics, and psychology of inspiration and creativity. We will look at how creative writing benefits mental health by using exercises that access hidden feelings and memories in ways that help us process trauma.
Wednesdays, January 20th - February 24th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $62, Public $72
Regular registration: NU $72, Public $82
Instructor: Christine Wolf
In this six-week memoir course, you’ll learn how to shape your life experiences into a coherent, meaningful narrative while establishing a steady writing rhythm that supports real progress. We’ll explore structure, scene writing, reflection, emotional pacing, how to identify the moments that define your story, and so much more. You’ll also receive an overview of book proposals and publishing paths. This is a warm, encouraging space to begin—or return to—your memoir with intention.
This class welcomes memoirists at any stage—those exploring an idea, those already drafting, and those with prior publications seeking a space to refine their craft and reconnect with the heart of their story. We revisit foundational techniques with respect for your experience while offering new insights, emotional grounding practices, and a steady writing rhythm. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or simply in need of community and momentum, this course meets you exactly where you are.
Movement Classes
Wednesdays, January 20th – February 24th (6 Sessions)
5:00 - 5:50 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $54, Public $64
Regular registration: NU $64, Public $74
Instructor: Cate Curtis
Known for its energetic and sensual movements, salsa is one of the most popular dances in the world. This class will introduce you to the history and basic movements of salsa dance. We will focus on both solo and partner dancing, with an emphasis on the social aspects of the dance. By the end of the course, you will be able to recognize the rhythms of salsa music, execute salsa’s basic steps, and dance with a partner. All levels are welcome, and no dance experience is required.
Wednesdays, January 20th – February 24th (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $54, Public $64
Regular registration: NU $64, Public $74
Instructor: Cate Curtis
Since its earliest beginnings in 1920s Harlem, swing has been a popular social dance known for its energetic movement and upbeat tempos. This class will introduce you to the history and basic movements of swing dance. We will focus on both solo and partner dancing, with an emphasis on the social aspects of the dance. By the end of the course, you will be able to identify swing music, execute swing’s rhythmic steps, and dance with a partner. All levels are welcome, and no dance experience is required.
Wednesdays, January 20th – February 24th (6 Sessions)
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $62, Public $72
Regular registration: NU $72, Public $82
Instructor: Inna Melnikov
Come learn Tai Chi, a non-combat martial art, that helps cultivate mental focus and builds protective energy. This course will introduce the skills and philosophy of ancient Chinese martial arts. This traditional spiritual and physical practice cultivates spirit, energy, physical and mental strength, focus, and memory. Great ideas have an opportunity to emerge during the calm meditative state it provides. Join the Tai Qi class conducted by the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Inna Melnikov, who has taught Tai Qi at Norris for over 15 years.
Special Interest Classes
Tuesdays, January 19th – February 23rd (6 Sessions)
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $72, Public $82
Regular registration: NU $82, Public $92
Instructor: Larry Schwartz
These lessons are tailored to players who range from beginner level to advanced. You will learn topics ranging from mastering fundamentals to difficult shots and game strategies.
Thursdays, January 21st – February 25th (6 Sessions)
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Early Registration: NU $72, Public $82
Regular registration: NU $82, Public $92
Instructor: Tom Rosenak
In this class, we will learn how to develop the skills and the confidence needed to make clear, professional, and persuasive presentations to audiences of any size. In addition to the emphasis on physical delivery skills, other important topics include analyzing the audience, organizing the content, using visuals to support the message, and handling questions and objections. Some topics covered include organizing your thoughts for persuasion, audience analysis, physical delivery skills congruent to your style and message, detractors and enhancers, delivering effective presentations, physical delivery skills, and overcoming resistance and Q&A.
Next Steps
Early registration for Fall Mini Courses begins August 17th; regular registration begins September 7th.