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Art Classes
Whether you're new to crochet or looking to refresh your skills, this course will guide you through the basics of crochet, helping you create beautiful handmade items. Each session builds on the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience that covers essential techniques and projects. Sessions will include beginning techniques, basic stitches and patterns, shaping and working in the round, and finishing techniques and beginner projects.
Each student will create a carrot and bunny keychain, just in time for the Easter holiday!
Ages 15+.
Days: Saturdays
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Dates: March 8 through 29, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #12
Room: Social Science Building, SS-101
Fee: $150
Register 2 or more students: $135 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $15
Instructor Bio: Khadijah El-Ayoubi is an experienced crochet enthusiast who discovered the therapeutic benefits of crocheting as a stress relief during her academic pursuits. With a passion for the craft, Khadijah now seeks to share the joy of this creative endeavor with others. Join her class to not only learn the art of crocheting but also discover the calming and fulfilling experience it can bring to your life.
Through group exercises and games, students will explore the common misconceptions of improv. Focus will be on trust, failing joyfully, active listening, making/accepting offers, spontaneity, and scene work. Experience the joy of being on stage and working with others in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment.
Ages 18+.
NOTE: This class needs a minimum enrollment of 6 students.
Days: Wednesdays
Times: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Dates: April 2 through April 23, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #12
Room: Social Science Building, SS-102
Register 2 or more students: $81 each
Fee: $90
Instructor Bio: Maria Dawson is a theatre arts instructor, improvisational performer, and director with a Master's Degree in Education. With over 35 years of experience, Mrs. Dawson strives to spread her knowledge and passion of theatre across the Monterey Peninsula to those of any and all levels of experience.
A custom designed, handmade card says so much more than one bought at the store! Just in time for the Easter holiday and Mother’s Day create personalized, handmade gifts for your friends and family! In this class, you'll design and print your own greeting cards for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. Start with a sketch or image (4x6" max) and transfer it onto a soft linoleum block. After carving, you'll print your design in the color of your choice onto 5x7" cards.
By the end of the two sessions, you'll have a set of 12 cards (or more) and the skills to continue creating at home. Perfect for anyone wanting to add a personal touch to their gift-giving!
This is an all-levels workshop, no prior experience required. Bring a lunch, you will have a 30 minute break.
Ages 18+.
Day: Saturdays
Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Dates: April 5 and 12, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #33
Room: Art Studio Building, AS-101
Fee: $200
Register 2 or more students: $180 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $30
Instructor Bio: Evelyn Klein heads the Printmaking faculty at Monterey Peninsula College, and has worked there for the past 18 years. An international and local exhibiting artist, she has been practicing printmaking since the late 70's. Evelyn holds a bachelor's degree in fine art from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. Before launching her teaching career, sharing her passion with her students, Evelyn created exclusive limited editions for galleries and corporations, as well as working with designers, creating large works for hotels and other projects.
This introductory workshop delves into the fascinating world of e-etching, a safe and accessible technique that utilizes electricity to create permanent designs on metal surfaces. Suitable for beginners, this class will guide you through the entire process, from concept to creation, including vector-based graphic design and PNP application. Students will design textural patterns and motifs to create unique copper pins, earrings, pendants, and more! Basic finishing and patinas will be covered.
Ages 17+.
Days: Wednesdays
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Dates: April 16 and 23, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #37
Room: Art Dimensional Building, AD-107
Fee: $165
Register 2 or more students: $148.50 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $25
Instructor Bio: Abby Bettencourt is one of Monterey Peninsula College's instructors in the Jewelry and Metals Arts Dept. A local practicing artist and bench jeweler, she has a wide variety of knowledge in traditional silversmithing processes and small sculpture. Abby has a bachelor's degree in fine art from San Jose State University, practical knowledge from working in the industry, and participates in exhibitions and open studios.
Culinary Skills & Cooking Classes
Love veggie burgers but don’t know how to make them at home? Join our hands-on veggie burger class and learn how to create delicious, customizable veggie burgers from scratch! We’ll guide you through the process of making patties using fresh, plant-based ingredients like beans, grains, and veggies.
In this fun and interactive class, you’ll also learn how to create tasty toppings and sauces to take your veggie burger to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll leave with new skills, recipes, and a delicious homemade veggie burger (or two!) to enjoy.
What you’ll take home:
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Homemade veggie burger patties
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The confidence to make your own veggie burgers at home!
Come hungry, and get ready to have fun in the kitchen!
Ages 18+.
Day: Saturday
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Dates: April 5, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $75
Register 2 or more students: $67.50 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $35
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Zoë is a certified health coach dedicated to promoting wellness through the power of nourishing meals and community connection. With a profound belief that food and community are essential to well-being, Zoë has made cooking for health and happiness a cornerstone of her personal and professional journey. Over the past eight years, she has successfully managed and served as a wellness consultant at an integrative health facility. Zoë loves to combine her passion for nutrition with her commitment to holistic health.
Tired of scrambling for dinner ideas or feeling overwhelmed by the time and effort it takes to cook? Join our hands-on cooking class, where you’ll prepare two delicious entrées, a hearty salad, and a grab-and-go snack. By the end of the session, you'll leave with prepped meals ready to enjoy all week!
This class focuses on simple, vegetarian recipes that highlight seasonal produce, ensuring maximum flavor, freshness, and nutrition. We’ll guide you every step of the way, providing all the ingredients and equipment you need. All you need to bring are your food storage containers (for 4 entrée servings, 2 salad servings, and a snack).
Not only will you leave with 4-6 homemade meals, but you’ll also connect with others in the community, share cooking tips, and enjoy the process of preparing nutritious, satisfying meals together.
What you’ll take home:
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4-6 prepared meals
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2 servings of salad with dressing
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A tasty snack ready for the week!
Let’s make meal prep fun, easy, and stress-free!
Ages 18+.
Day: Monday
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Dates: April 28, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $90
Register 2 or more students: $81 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $45
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Zoë is a certified health coach dedicated to promoting wellness through the power of nourishing meals and community connection. With a profound belief that food and community are essential to well-being, Zoë has made cooking for health and happiness a cornerstone of her personal and professional journey. Over the past eight years, she has successfully managed and served as a wellness consultant at an integrative health facility. Zoë loves to combine her passion for nutrition with her commitment to holistic health.
Has your doctor recommended a Mediterranean Diet, but you're not sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve heard about the health benefits of this popular way of eating and want to learn more?
Discover the flavors and health benefits of the Mediterranean diet in this hands-on cooking course! The Mediterranean diet is widely celebrated for supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, regulating blood sugar, and promoting overall well-being.
In this course, you'll learn how to prepare delicious, nutrient-packed meals and explore key components of the Mediterranean diet, including seasonal vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, lean proteins, whole grains, and vibrant herbs and spices.
Whether you're looking to add more variety to your meals, embrace a healthier lifestyle, or simply savor the joy of cooking, this course will give you the skills and knowledge to confidently create dishes that nourish the body and delight the senses.
We will prepare and enjoy a meal during class and you will leave with a recipe book and the skills to continue to implement Mediterranean diet principles into your cooking.
Join us to discover how cooking for the Mediterranean diet can transform your health and your table!
Date: May 1, 2025
Day: Thursday
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Class Fee: $50
Materials Fee: $30
Instructor Bio: Vanessa Lord, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian dedicated to empowering individuals to feel like their best selves through food. Vanessa is a Nutrition Instructor and Chairs the Nutrition Department at MPC.
If you love Latin American desserts, this class is for you! Join Chef Yana and learn how to make three delicious treats: flan, tres leches cake, and arroz con leche. These popular desserts, loved in Mexico and around the world, are easier to make than you might think once you know the right techniques!
Chef Yana will show you how to prepare a light, airy tres leches cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture, and teach you the secret to making the smoothest, creamiest caramel flan. You’ll also get to taste these luscious desserts during class and take home a slice of tres leches cake and a slice of dulce de leche flan to enjoy later. ¡Delicioso!
Ages 15+.
Day: Saturday
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dates: May 17, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $100
Register 2 or more students: $90 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $22
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Chef Yana Todorova received her Diplôme de Pâtisserie, Le Cordon Bleu Dusit, in Bangkok, Thailand. She taught French Pastry classes at the Levan Institute, was a math professor for 11 years at CSUB, and now teaches math at Hartnell College. Her math and baking skills combine for a very methodical teaching style with plenty of explanation and demonstration.
Whether you're going vegetarian all the time or just want to eat less meat (hello, Meatless Mondays!), this workshop is for you! You'll learn how to make healthy, delicious, and easy meals that you can enjoy often. In this class, you'll cook different meals based on themes from various cultures. You’ll also learn how to make your favorite dishes healthier by using plant-based ingredients. You'll still get the same great flavors as traditional meat dishes, but with more foods that help your body stay strong and healthy. Eating this way can also help the planet, improve your digestion, support your heart, boost your immune system, and more!
Ages 16+. No experience is needed, and all materials will be provided in class.
Days: Saturdays
Time: 1 - 4 PM
Dates: June 14 - July 12, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $98 per class; $335 for all 4 classes ($57 savings!)
Materials Fee Per Student: $35
Instructor Bio: Cindy Lepore Hart is a chef and former owner for 13 years of Seychelles Restaurant in Santa Cruz, Ca. She has over 30 years professional cooking experience. In addition, she has taught cooking classes to all ages - most recently at Marina High School. She has a BA from UCSC and most recently received a degree from Cuesta College in Plant-Based Sustainable Nutrition, Agriculture and Culinary Arts. She has extensive experience in culinary arts and nutrition, her passion is to share this vast knowledge with others to help them improve their cooking skills, health and lives.
Fitness
Home & Garden Classes
Join us to start saving water and making your landscape more eco-friendly!
Small changes can lead to big water savings in your garden! In this workshop, we’ll discuss ways to reduce water use while preserving the beauty and function of your landscape. We’ll cover a range of options, including simple steps you can take now as well as long term changes you may want to plan. We’ll use the MPC campus and get our gloves dirty (and wet).
- Assessing and auditing your irrigation system
- Fixing leaks and replacing broken parts
- Upgrading to more water-efficient irrigation devices
- Choosing water-wise plants
- Creating hydrozones (grouping plants with similar water needs)
- Setting up an appropriate irrigation schedule (learn more in our Irrigation Scheduling workshop)
- Correctly programming your irrigation controller (see our Program Your Controller workshop)
- Capturing and using rainwater
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the tools to make small but impactful changes to save water and improve the health of your garden. (Be sure to bring a pen, notebook, water bottle, sun hat, sunscreen, walking shoes, and garden gloves.)
Age: 17+
Day: Saturday
Date/Time: April 5, 2025 (9 AM - 12 PM)
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Room: Social Science Building #12, SS-104
Fee: $75 (Register 2 or more students: $67.50 each)
Instructor Bio: John Kern is a lifelong landscape professional, having worked as a designer, installer and teacher. He has taught landscape design, installation and maintenance since 1985. He has taught the landscape irrigation, landscape construction and firescaping classes in the horticulture program at MPC since 2018. He's obsessed with anything that makes landscape work easier, especially if it's also fun to use.
Join us and learn how to give your plants the best care with drip irrigation!
Drip irrigation is easier than you think! If you’ve been considering switching from sprinklers to drip irrigation but felt it would be too complicated or expensive, this workshop is for you. Whether you’ve been hand-watering or just want a more efficient system, you’ll learn how to convert your sprinkler system to drip quickly, easily, and affordably.
In this hands-on class, we’ll first discuss the advantages of drip irrigation over traditional sprinklers, including how it saves water and delivers it more effectively to your plants. Then, we’ll gather the materials needed and practice installing drip components using a former sprinkler system as the water supply. You’ll work with both point source drip (individual emitters) and dripline (tubing with built-in emitters) and learn how to install both.
This is an all-levels workshop, no prior experience is required.
Age: 17+
Day: Saturday
Date/Time: April 12, 2025 (9 AM - 12 PM)
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Room: TBD
Fee: $85 (Register 2 or more students: $76.50 each)
Materials Fee (per student): $15
Instructor Bio: John Kern is a lifelong landscape professional, having worked as a designer, installer and teacher. He has taught landscape design, installation and maintenance since 1985. He has taught the landscape irrigation, landscape construction and firescaping classes in the horticulture program at MPC since 2018. He's obsessed with anything that makes landscape work easier, especially if it's also fun to use.
Travel & Adventure Classes
Plan your next adventure with ease! This course teaches you how to select destinations, travel time, navigate transportation, and booking based on seasons/weather. You'll also learn essential tips for mobile assistance, insurance, and traveling with medications. This course is perfect for solo or group travelers looking to make the most of their trips!
Days: Friday and Saturday
Friday Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Saturday Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Dates: 4/4/2025 - 4/5/2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #12
Room: Social Science Building, SS-101
Fee: $40
Instructor Bio: Ms. Fissell is an experienced educator and tour director who has lived and toured all over the West and traveled solo with groups to Europe extensively. She has trained at ITMI International Tourism Management Institute in San Francisco and now enjoys helping people plan/book trips in their retirement years.
Senior Classes
Learn to navigate your iPhone with confidence in this beginner-friendly class designed for seniors. This course will provide you with the essentials, including making calls, sending texts, using apps, taking photos, Airdropping, Face ID, Using Siri, Mobile Banking, and safety features. We'll also explore helpful features like notifications, the control center, and display and brightness settings. By the end of this course, you'll feel comfortable using your iPhone for everyday tasks and staying connected with loved ones!
Days: Friday and Saturday
Friday Time: 2 PM - 3 PM
Saturday Time: 10 AM - 11 AM and 1 PM - 2 PM
Dates: 4/4/2025 - 4/5/2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #12
Room: Social Science Building, SS-101
Fee: $40
Instructor Bio: Ms. Fissell is an experienced educator and tour director who has lived and toured all over the West and traveled solo with groups to Europe extensively. She has trained at ITMI International Tourism Management Institute in San Francisco and now enjoys helping people plan/book trips in their retirement years.