How to take advantage of continuing education classes offered in Charlotte

When continuing education courses were free to me while I worked at a local university, I took advantage of everything offered. I made a Christmas wreath, learned how to live debt-free (it worked) and the northerner in me struggled through shagging.

No matter the topic, I always walked away with a new skill or at least an appreciation for something outside my comfort level.

If you are thinking about starting a new hobby or developing a talent, here are some suggestions to explore:

Cooking, Baking & Pastry

International cuisine, culinary technique and even learning how to wield a knife are just some of the class options available to the Charlotte community.

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen 2000 South Blvd., $55-$65. Class topics include vegan cooking and tapas.

Johnson & Wales Chef’s Choice 801 W Trade Street, $100-625. Schedule for fall classes posts in August.

Michael’s various locations, $15-$20. Learn how to decorate a cake.

Sur La Table 4400 Sharon Road, $45-$79. Class topics include grilling seafood and veggies to how to perfect fried chicken.

Creative Arts

Sketching, painting and multimedia classes are offered for both beginner and intermediate levels.

Braitman Studio 9313 Monroe Road, $200-$400. Classes include beginner to intermediate, modern art, creative figure and landscape.

Michael’s Various locations, $15-$20. Take a painting or drawing class.

Knitting & Sewing

“Not your grandma’s quilt,” said Bill Troxell, owner of Charlotte’s Sewing Center. Creativity has made sewing, knitting and quilting popular.

Charlotte’s Sewing Center 5113 South Blvd., $15-$150. Class topics include sewing and traditional and embroidery hoop quilting.

Charlotte Yarn 1235 East Blvd., $15-$45. Learn about knitting, crocheting and weaving.

Performing Arts

If you’ve heard from friends that you should be on stage, improv or acting workshops may be the place for you.

The Acting Project 7000 Endhaven Lane, $155. Classes teach the elements of filmmaking and film acting.

Charlotte Comedy Theater 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., $230. Beginner to intermediate improv classes offered.

Personal Finances

We all need a little help with budgeting, debt management and goal setting.

CPCC Levine Campus and Online, $25-$45. Class topics include personal finances, investing and retirement.

UNC Charlotte Online, $95. Look for classes about real estate investing, stocks, or money management.

Photography

Field trips and guest instructors make these hands-on classes an easy way to learn about how to capture the no editing required photo.

Light Factory 1817 Central Ave., $220-$275. Class topics include black and white photography and digital photography.

The Photo Classroom Various locations, $60-$149. Take a class on digital, sports or flash photography.

Safety & Self Defense

Personal safety, concealed weapon training or an in-depth class about the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are options in Charlotte.

CMPD – Citizen’s Academy 1770 Shopton Road, Free. Learn about the history of CMPD and its policies.

Hatcher Systema 717 Atando Ave., Free. Learn how to get out of unsafe situations.

Kinchen Martial Arts 18535 Old Statesville Road, Ste B, Cornelius, $40. Practice awareness, prevention and defense techniques.

Point Blank Range 10726 Monroe Road, Matthews, $99-$150. Beginner to advanced gun use, safety and self-defense classes offered.

Special Interest Classes

Always wanted to learn a language, become a film critic or study astronomy? Find a class at one of these sites.

CPCC Various campuses, $30-$130. Automotive, language, motorcycle and health classes offered.

Classes vary in length, intensity and skill level. Check out websites for specific information.

Photos: Johnson & Wales University, Patrick Schneider Photography, Hatcher Systema

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This story was originally published June 28, 2017 at 10:00 PM.