Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning

05/28/2026

“Eat food, not too much, mostly plants,” is the famous mantra from author Michael Pollan for a healthy, sustainable diet. In this cooking camp for middle and high school participants, you'll learn what that can mean through exciting plant-based meals each day that go beyond a mixed greens salad, all made in the professional kitchens of Ivy Tech's Culinary Arts & Hospitality Administration Program. We will explore the versatility of the mighty king oyster mushroom, so this is not a camp for the food-squeamish!

For more details and to register, visit ivytech.edu/cll.

05/26/2026

Learn to make your own soap this spring in our upcoming Fundamentals of Soap Making class! In this course with instructor Megan Goodall, owner of local artisan home, bath, and body company Soak Soapworks, we will cover the fundamentals of making bar soap safely. In addition, you will learn about the materials, equipment, and potential suppliers needed for making soap in your own home.

While a very general description of the chemistry will be covered, this class will not go into the specifics, and no prior knowledge of chemistry is required. A formulation (recipe) for making soap will be provided in class. At the end of the class, you will have the knowledge to make bar soaps at home independently.

For more details, and to register, visit ivytech.edu/cll.

05/22/2026

In this 1-week introduction to synthesizers for rising 6th-8th graders, we’ll explore the basics of wave shapes, how to use components to modify the sounds they produce, and the various types of audio synthesis available through different software options. Participants will also learn about classic synthesizer music and how it has evolved into what we use today, then explore their own interests through creative exercises to help generate ideas for their own music and other forms of audio synthesis.

From creating the sounds of a flute and a violin to a screaming electric guitar, alien spaceships, laser beams, and other worldly soundscapes, electronic music and sounds created by audio synthesizers have been a staple of music and film soundtracks since their inception. Nearly all the soundtrack and sound effects to your favorite video game or movie were composed and created by these fascinating instruments!

For more details and to register, visit ivytech.edu/cll.

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

Explore the world of textile and surface design techniques while developing fundamental skills, patience, and confidence working with thread and fabric through our 1-week Fiber Arts Camp. Designed specifically for grades 6-8 who are new to fiber arts or want to hone their fundamental skills, students will learn to get creative with fiber arts through hands-on projects in embroidery, hand sewing, fabric printmaking, needle felting, and other mixed-media fiber processes. Each day introduces new materials and techniques, allowing students to experiment, practice, and build toward several finished projects by the end of the camp.

Our camp goals include: developing fine motor skills and attention to detail; practicing creative problem-solving and design thinking; examining color, texture, and pattern in textile art; gaining confidence in using fiber tools safely and responsibly; and expressing individual style through fabric and decorative art!

For more details and to register, visit ivytech.edu/cll.

05/18/2026

Amaze yourself and fool your friends, family, and future audiences! In this 1-week introduction to magic for participants Grades 6-8, you'll learn this theatrical craft and art from Tom Hastings, a retired high school teacher, performer, and current demonstrator for Denny’s Magic Showroom in Nashville, IN. With over 60 years of experience, Tom introduces and teaches basic psychological, mechanical, and manipulative skills to enhance your knowledge, appreciation, practice, and performance. You will learn a stunning new vocabulary and how to navigate the many resources available to novice wizards. All supplies provided.

For more details and to register, visit ivytech.edu/cll.

05/15/2026

Escape into the world of 2D art for a week of drawing and painting! This camp is perfect for rising 6th-8th grade students who have participated in our Ivy Arts for Kids program and want to strengthen their drawing and painting skills further and learn new techniques to express their own ideas. Students will observe demonstrations and create from life as well as the imagination using the design elements they will learn, including techniques, colors, patterns, and shapes. This camp will provide plenty of individual attention beyond demonstrations and activities, and can accommodate beginners and students who want to advance their practice.

For more details and to register, visit ivytech.edu/cll.

05/13/2026

Unlock your artistic side this summer by learning basic hand stitches to create one-of-a-kind artwork with local artist and CLL instructor David Joseff! David has a Bachelor’s in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Interior Design from Ball State University, and continued his education through graduate coursework at Indiana University’s Fiber Arts Department. He has worked across many fields but keeps design at his core, using fiber art techniques like feltwork, needlecraft, weaving, and quilting to inspire your creativity.

In his two upcoming courses, Beginning Slow Stitch and Slow Stitch Scroll Workshop, an emphasis will be placed on encouraging you to trust your inner expression, as David always says: “get out of your head and into your hands.” Developing your slow stitch practice is a portable and satisfying way to do just that!

For more details and to register, visit ivytech.edu/cll.

05/11/2026

Discover the art of mosaics in our introductory courses this summer with artist Sara Colvard! A graduate from DePauw University, Sara currently works as an independent artist and has taught with Ivy Tech's Center for Lifelong Learning for the past 4 years.

In Introduction to Mosaics - Flowerpots, Sara will teach a brief overview of Greek and Roman mosaics, how to choose a geometric pattern and transfer it to a plain terra cotta pot, how to utilize nippers to shape tile pieces, and how to use mortar and grout to create and finish your mosaic.

For Introduction to Mosaics - Glass & Mirror Plaques, Sara will teach you a brief overview of Byzantine mosaics, how to design a circular pattern and choose effective color combinations, how to safely cut and shape glass pieces with nippers, and how to use adhesive and grout to create and finish your mosaic.

These courses are perfect for anyone new to mosaics, as well as those who may think they have no artistic ability, and will leave you with a core foundation from which to explore additional mosaic styles and techniques.

For more details and to register, visit ivytech.edu/cll.

05/08/2026

Museums have a history spanning over 250 years and come in a variety of subjects, found all around the world. But how did they originate, and what purpose do they serve? Introduction to Local Museology, facilitated by local artist Frank Lewis, explores museums as cultural institutions and discusses their significance for both culture and individuals.

Students will have the opportunity to visit four local museums: the IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Monroe County History Center, the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health, and Technology, and the Indiana University’s Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art. Participants will (1) explore what each has to offer and (2) engage in conversations with leading local museum professionals to gain a deeper understanding of how museums operate.

For more details, and to register, visit ivytech.edu/cll.

05/06/2026

Broaden your drawing or painting practice this summer in one of our several courses with instructor Ben Pines! Ben received his MFA in Painting from Indiana University Bloomington, and also holds a Certificate in Painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art in Philadelphia, and degrees from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. His work includes portrait, landscape, and figure paintings in oil and acrylic, as well as drawings in charcoal, pastel, and graphite.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, Ben’s courses take a process-oriented approach to long-term skill development and support artists at all skill levels and creative goals.

For more information on Ben’s summer courses, visit ivytech.edu/CLL.