Personal Enrichment (Non-Credit)

AVO 8748 Basic Acrylic Painting Techniques 

Your creativity will grow as you enter the colorful world of acrylics! These versatile water-based, quick-drying paints are a wonderful medium with which to learn the basics of image composition, color mixing on a palette and paint application. Work at your own pace alongside fellow artists, improving your painting skills with guidance from our skilled instructor. All skill levels are welcome.

You will need to purchase supplies; a list will be provided in the first class.

Hours: 23

AVO 8730 Basic Watercolor Techniques

Surprise yourself by recreating the joy you felt painting when you were young. Awaken your creative spirit under the guidance of our exciting new instructor as you learn to use watercolors. You will find out how expressive just four materials — paint, water, brush, and paper — can be. Learn about pigments, paints, brushes, palettes, washes, and more while experimenting with the design concepts of space, color, and composition. All skill levels are welcome.

You will need to purchase supplies; a list will be provided in the first class.

Hours: 30

AVO 8558 Drawing Techniques I and II

Do the visual arts call to you but intimidate you as well? Basic drawing is the foundation you need for anything you want to achieve in the visual arts; painting, drawing, designing a room. It's a skill anyone can learn, and a gateway to success in every medium. In this class, your skilled instructor will demonstrate and guide you through the learning process to ensure you build skills, confidence, and creativity in a supportive learning environment.

Bring basic pencils and several sheets of computer paper to the first class. Additional supplies to be purchased; a list will be provided in the first class.

Hours: 30

AVO 8746 Intermediate Painting Techniques

Do you know the basics of painting, but need help starting or completing a project? Under the guidance of our experienced studio artist, gain insight into painting techniques such as paint mixing, color, texture, tone, space and picture composition. Feedback and suggestions for your individual growth will be given as you work on these techniques at your own pace. Watercolor, acrylic or oil may be used.

Bring your canvas and supplies to the first class.

Hours: 21

AVO 8568 Urban Sketching with Ink and Watercolor    

Learn to really see what's right in front of you as you learn the art of quick sketching in your journal using ink and watercolors. This is one of the best ways to remember a trip or outing, whether you're in your home town or traveling to exciting world-wide destinations. With our gifted instructor, you'll work on campus and at other nearby locations. Beginners welcome! Meets in classroom and at local sites.

Bring 9x12-inch watercolor paper, pencils, black pen, and basic pan watercolors to first class; additional materials list will be provided by email prior to the first class. Update your email address when registering.

Hours: 9

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AVO 8721 Mosaics for your Home and Garden

Be prepared to expand your artistic horizons as you explore the glorious beauty of glass mosaics created in the early 1200s for use in European churches and mosques and that still shine beautifully around the world today. Learn those same techniques as you create mosaics to decorate your homes and gardens in this colorful and exciting class. You may rent tools in class or purchase from either the instructor or suggested online sites. Materials are supplied to create a mosaic ornament, trivet, bluebird house, and 8x10-inch stained glass sun-catcher.

Supplies for the class will be provided by the instructor for an additional fee. You may use items of your own in your creations to add to the supplies provided. 

Hours: 18

AVO 8720 Stained Glass Workshop

Have you visited majestic cathedrals and been in awe of the stained glass windows? Through the ages, artists have enriched the world with the creation of stained glass, an art form known for its stunning beauty and unique symbolic importance. Carry on this artistic tradition in a class designed for all skill levels. Beginners learn to cut, foil and solder, while exploring patina, pattern selection and transfer as well as framing. Experienced students receive advice and guidance on projects of their choice. Our skilled instructor teaches the American Style of stained glass techniques.

Rent tools in class for a fee. Purchase supplies. A list will be provided in the first class.

Hours: 24

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JOU 8158 Introduction to Screenwriting

Whether you want to write micro-budget indie films or Hollywood blockbusters, this course will teach you how to create a script that can sell. Start with the fundamentals and how to develop that tiny spark into a story, and finally how to structure it into a screenplay. You'll also get an inside look into the business of selling your script and building your career as a writer.

Hours: 24

ENG 7115 Write Your Life Story

If you've ever thought about writing your life story, now is the time. You will have the satisfaction of telling history your way. This course walk you step-by-step through the process of writing your life's story. It's fun. It's exciting. It's a story only you can tell.

Hours: 24

CKG 8311 Bread Baking

Find the artisan baker within while learning to prepare your own bread starter, create several varieties of specialty hearth breads and rolls, and practice techniques for shaping and forming classic bread recipes. Best of all, you will eat what you bake.

Hours: 8

CKG 8360 Cake Decorating Package

The cake decorating package is the combination of three classes: Decorating Basics, Flowers and Cake Design and Fondant and Gum Paste. Learn more for less!

A supply list will be emailed prior to start of class.

Hours: 24

CKG 8325 Pizza, Pizza, and More!

The key to preparing savory pizza pies starts with the pizza dough. The steps for mixing, rising, and shaping the pizza dough will be demonstrated. Learn about the variety of sauces and toppings and how to oven bake or grill your pizzas.

Hours: 3

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Take your backing and culinary skills to the next level and have a lot of fun in 40-hour hands-on boot camps. Sign up early.

CKG 7400 Advanced Culinary Boot Camp

You wanted more, so we created it! Join us in the kitchen to build upon the techniques and skills from Culinary Boot Camp. Now that you know the basics, this camp will focus on fish and shellfish, meat fabrication, more complex sauces, and artful plate presentation.

Hours: 20

CKG 8300 Baking and Pastry Boot Camp

Whether you're an amateur who has never felt comfortable baking or a seasoned baker, our dynamic 40-hour course is for you. Through hands-on baking and pastry demonstrations, you will learn the science behind baking, terminology and equipment that will make baking fun and creative. Optional: professional baking tool kit available for sale. Review the Purchase Professional Tools section on this page for details.

Hours: 40

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CKG 7135 Fast Weeknight Dinners

In a rush to get dinner on the table? Learn to make fast, easy and delicious dinners made with five fresh ingredients. Create popular favorites from scratch in less time than it takes to reheat frozen dinners! Class includes: recipes, sample tastings, and demonstration of techniques.

Hours: 2

HOS 7300 Fundamentals of Food 

Through hands-on culinary chef demonstrations, you will learn the basic methods and practices of an entry-level kitchen position. Topics to include: identification, proper use and cleaning of kitchen equipment; proper knife skills; safety and sanitation; cooking methods; techniques and formulas, and soft skills for working in a professional kitchen.

Hours: 12

CKG 7102 Knife Skills

Learn the safe and correct usage of a variety of kitchen knives. Become skilled holding a chef knife properly, making basic knife cuts following guidelines and instruction. Put yourself in our capable hands and effortlessly start using your knives. Hands-on class. Optional Knife Kit available for purchase. Review the Purchase Professional Tools section on this page for details.

Hours: 3

CKG 7700 Our Steakhouse

Create and enjoy a seasonal three-course meal the Charlotte Cooks way. Class includes recipes and hands-on instruction.

Hours: 2.5

CKG 7540 Pasta Extravaganza

Get your hands in flour and make fabulous pasta from scratch. Use local, seasonal vegetables and other ingredients to prepare meals exploding with fresh flavor. An assortment of store-bought pasta will also be enjoyed.

Hours: 5

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Central Piedmont offers a culinary knife kit and baking took kit for purchase. When you purchase either kit, send your receipt to beth.thompsonpeace@cpcc.edu to arrange for pick up in the Philip L. VanEvery Culinary Arts Center on Central Campus.

Central Piedmont makes every effort to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions for individuals with food allergies and dietary restrictions. Effort is made to avoid using those ingredients. However, there is always a risk of contamination. Participants concerned with food allergies and food intolerances should be aware of this risk.

Central Piedmont cannot assume any liability for adverse reactions to food consumed, or items you may come in contact with while eating. Participants with life-threatening food allergies who may need to use an epi-pen should carry their own.

Floral Design Certificate Program

If you're looking for floral design programs in North Carolina, look no further than Central Piedmont. Our Floral Design program offers step-by-step, progressive training to prepare you for enhancing your home or pursuing a career or small business in floral design. Choose stand-alone courses or complete all floral design classes in the series to fulfill a comprehensive certificate.

You will need to purchase flowers and floral supplies for each class; a list will be provided in the first class. You must provide your current email address for pre-class communication from instructor. Videotaping in class is not allowed. 

AVO 8573 Part I: Basic Floral Designs 

Express your creativity in the popular art of floral design with this hands-on class! While creating your own arrangements, learn principles of basic floral arranging/design while creating beautiful arrangements. Under the guidance of our expert instructor, learn to properly condition fresh flowers, use floral foam, tape and wire. This hands-on course is designed for beginners, but is open to all skill levels. This class is the first in our 5-part series leading to the Floral Design Certificate. It is a prerequisite for all other floral design classes in the certificate series.

Hours: 12.5

AVO 8602 Part 2: Intermediate Floral Designs

In this exciting and information-packed class, you will expand on skills learned in Basic Floral Designs. You'll learn vital skills as you delve more deeply into the use of color, texture, mechanics and containers that are used in the art of floral design. This class is the second in our 5-part series leading to the Floral Design Certificate. Intermediate Floral and Master Floral classes can be attended in either order. Basic Floral Designs (AVO 8573) is a prerequisite for this class.

Hours: 12.5

AVO 8574 Part 3: Master Floral Designs  

As your floral arranging skills grow, you'll blossom in this class that focuses on form, color and space usage in more intricate floral designs. Using fresh flowers, move to the next level as you build designs that go beyond the basics. Basic flower arranging skills are helpful, but not required. This class is the third in our 5-part series leading to the Floral Design Certificate. Basic Floral Designs (AVO 8573) is a prerequisite for this class. 

Hours: 12.5

AVO 8575 Part 4: Wedding Flowers     

Enter the beautiful world of wedding flowers as you focus on bridal bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, and altar arrangements. This class is one in our 5-part series leading to the Floral Design Certificate. Students purchase flowers and floral supplies for each class; list provided in first class. Students must update email address for vital pre-class information. Basic Floral Designs (AVO 8573) is a prerequisite for this class. Basic Floral Designs (AVO 8573) is a prerequisite for this class. 

Hours: 12.5

AVO 8710 Part 5: Sympathy Flowers

As you focus on the art of floral tributes, you will learn to create expressions of sympathy ranging from fruit/plant baskets, wreathes, crosses or hearts on easels to various types and sizes of casket sprays. Basic Floral Design (AVO 8573) is a per-requisite. This class is one in our 5-part series leading to the Floral Design Certificate. Basic Floral Designs (AVO 8573) is a prerequisite for this class. 

Hours: 12.5

Additional Floral Design Classes 

AVO 8674 Advanced Master Floral Design

This class will build upon skills learned in AVO 8574, Master Floral Designs. We will delve into advanced European style design of tabletop and freestanding arrangements, structural bouquets, floral techniques, and expanded color theory training.

Hours: 12.5

AVO 8675 Advanced Wedding Flowers

In-depth study and hands-on practice of advanced wedding floral techniques.

Hours: 12.5

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Interior Design Certificate 

DES 8101 Colors, Finishes and Windows for Your Home  

Color adds vibrancy and joy to our lives. Learn to create beautiful interiors for your home or office by exploring color theory and its psychology. Our practicing interior design instructor will lead you through hands-on opportunities to apply these concepts as you create your own color board displaying interior finishes in paint, fabrics, flooring, wall-covering, and window treatments. This course is required for the Interior Design for Your Home Certificate. Class includes two field trips.

Purchase supplies; a list will be provided in the first class. Purchase required book at Central Piedmont bookstore prior to first class.

Hours: 16

DES 8102 Space Planning/Furniture Arrangement/ Lighting for Your Home

Enhance your space by discovering how to make two core decisions in interior design — furniture placement and the wise use of lighting. Under the guidance of our outstanding instructor, plan furniture layouts and lighting that will create balance, function, and drama. Discover the ways a room can be configured to function well for your needs and reflect your own personal taste!. This course is required for the Interior Design for Your Home Certificate.

Hours: 8.5

DES 8103 Furniture: Mix and Match for Your Signature Style

Learn to develop a signature style for your home. Explore both contemporary and traditional styles of décor, combining what best fits your lifestyle, aspirations, and expresses your personal taste. Develop an understanding of quality in home furnishings, and learn to shop like a pro. We will include a field trip to a furniture store as part of the learning experience. This course is required for the Interior Design for Your Home Certificate. Class includes a field trip.

Hours: 8

DES 8104 Art, Accessories, and Outdoor Spaces for Your Home   

Accessories and artwork are the finishing touches that add personality and pizzazz to your home. Our expert interior design instructor will guide you as you learn to select, frame and display artwork/accessories and use nature to enhance your home, inside and out. Enjoy a field trip to expand your learning experience. This course is required for the Interior Design for Your Home Certificate.

Hours: 10

Additional Courses                

DES 8106 Introduction to Home Staging

In today's sophisticated market, it has become almost standard practice to stage a home before it's listed for sale. If you're a homeowner trying to sell your own house or a real estate professional looking to increase sales, this three-part class focuses on simple changes that make a home stand out. In this class, learn how to declutter and edit your belongings to highlight the architecture, arrange your furniture to show off the square footage of your rooms, update strategically to make your dollars count and stage a vacant house without breaking the bank. Students will each stage a room and share images with the class. Even if you're not selling, the techniques learned in this class will help to create a fresh, inviting environment for your daily living.

Hours: 6

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Professional Alterations Certificate     

SEW 8300 Professional Alterations I        

With the growing need for skilled tailors/alterations professionals, this class will prepare you to meet industry standards in the area of alterations. Working on our industrial quality machines, you will learn step-by-step instructions based on the instructor's years of experience in high-end boutiques and department stores as well as in the management and ownership of tailoring shops. This course, along with Professional Alterations II, will prepare you for entry-level employment in alterations shops, your own profitable home business, or a tailored wardrobe of your own. You will earn a Central Piedmont certificate upon completion of both Professional Alterations I and II.

Completion of HMK 8757 and HMK 8751 or the program developer's permission is required for entry into this program. You will need to purchase supplies; a list will be provided in the first class. Purchase required textbooks (Altering Men's Ready to Wear by Mary Roehr and Altering Women's Ready to Wear by Mary Roehr) at Central Piedmont bookstore prior to first class.

Hours: 39

SEW 8301 Professional Alterations II 

Upon completion of this second level course, you will be prepared to meet industry standards in the area of alterations. Working on our industrial quality machines, expand and increase your skills with step-by-step instructions based on the instructor's years of experience in high-end boutiques and department stores as well as in the management and ownership of tailoring shops. This course, along with Professional Alterations I, will prepare you for entry-level employment in alterations shops, your own profitable home business, or a tailored wardrobe of your own. You will earn a Central Piedmont certificate upon completion of both Professional Alterations I and II.

Hours: 39

Additional Courses

HMK 8397 The Art of Quilting

With the popularity of farmhouse décor, fashionable quilts are often used as decorative art, traditionally on beds or as murals in designer homes. Increase your understanding of quilting terms and processes as you build skills, exploring traditional and contemporary approaches to quilting. Beginning students complete a quilt block to be turned into a pillow, small wall hanging or part of a larger quilt; experienced quilters receive expert help with a current project. Work will be done by hand and on our sewing machines. All skill levels welcome.

You will need to purchase your own supplies; a list will be provided in the first class.

Hours: 20

HMK 8757 Sewing I

With the growing popularity of the Maker's Movement, the field of sewing is experiencing a surge of interest. Whether you desire to learn to make or repair your own clothes, create custom home décor items, or enter the field of custom alterations, our sewing classes will equip you with the needed skills.

You will need to purchase your own supplies; a list will be provided in the first class. Purchase the required book at Central Piedmont bookstore or online prior to class: Singer New Sewing Essentials: Updated and Revised Edition-2008.

Hours: 15

HMK 8751 Sewing II   

In this intermediate-level sewing class, skills learned in Sewing I (HMK8757) will be further practiced and built upon. In this class, you will learn more advanced skills and use them to create a garment. Satisfactory completion of this class will equip you to enter Professional Alterations I and is mandatory for admission into the Alterations program.

Enrollment requires co-registration or completion of HMK 8757 or permission from the program developer. You will need to purchase supplies; a list will be provided in the first class. Purchase the required book at Central Piedmont bookstore or online prior to class: Singer New Sewing Essentials: Updated and Revised Edition-2008.

Hours: 15

SEW 8103 Sewing III   

Learn to produce professional results in your garment construction by understanding your pattern and making adjustments to it prior to cutting out the fabric. Our popular Professional Alterations instructor will teach you proper fitting techniques and tricks of the trade in this new class.

You will need to purchase supplies. If you have not completed HMK 8751, you must have the program developer's permission to enter this class.

Hours: 12.5

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ECO 8205 Retirement Planning Today

You have many options for financing your retirement, but have you taken the time to plan how you will live during your retirement years? Without a clear plan, it is difficult to prepare financially for the next chapter of your life. Understand not only the traditional retirement plans, but explore the new view of retirement with additional opportunities and responsibilities. This course is appropriate for individuals just starting out in their careers, as well as those considering retirement.

Hours: 6

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WIT 7000 Personal Trainer Certification

Prepare to become a Nationally Certified Personal Trainer. Lectures cover topics including biomechanics, exercise physiology, fitness testing, equipment usage, and health assessment. Hands-on labs give you role playing drills on exercises, presentation skills, and more. This non-degree course is 36 hours. Course includes written and practical exams, with CPR/AED certification required.

Hours: 36

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REC 8401 Golf for Beginners 

Golf is one of the most popular recreational pastimes, played for business and pleasure. This course emphasizes the fundamentals needed to practice and play the game of golf. Topics include the proper grips, alignment, stance, and swings for the long and short game. Weather conditions may cause schedule adjustments.

Bring your own clubs. Be advised this class is weather-dependent which may cause class schedule to flex.

Hours: 12

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