Life Enrichment Coordinator: Johnette (Jay) Dorsey.
Note: You must be a current member of the center to register for any class. All classes have limited seating and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is encouraged to secure your spot.
Below is a listing of the Art and Craft Classes that are being given in the 2nd Quarter 2026.
2nd Quarter 2026 Class Schedule
Students should be able to work on their own Genealogy Research.
Come connect & socialize with others.
Must have your own computer for this class.
Class Size: 10
Instructor: Bonnie Diamond
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and have some creative fun!
This ceramics class invites students – both beginners and those with experience -to explore clay in a relaxed, social, and joyful setting.
We’ll try out a variety of techniques-pinching, rolling, sculpting, decorating, glazing-so everyone can discover what they enjoy most or build on what they already know.
Whether you’re new to clay or looking to refine your skills, you’ll have a unique, handmade ceramic piece to proudly take home and show.
Class Size: 10
In this class you will explore painting to express yourself while discovering how art and music can inspire creativity.
We will practice fundamental painting techniques, learn how to use color and form, and connect the skills to stories from art history.
Step by step, you will build confidence in your own artistic style while enjoying a supportive and relaxing environment.
Class Size: 14
A continuation of techniques learned in Clay Hand Building.
You will create more utilitarian and or decorative objects.
Students are required to purchase a bag of clay.
Class Size: 10
This is a formal class for Advanced Students only; to sign-up, you must have the following skills: wedging clay, centering clay, opening and lifting on the potter’s wheel independently.
If you are unable to perform these tasks without assistance, please do not sign up for this class.
Instructions will be given in advanced skills only, such as making unusual shapes, bottles, tall vases, plates, V bowls, lidded jars, and glazing methods, carving, and decoration.
If you have pain in hands, elbow, shoulder, or a weakness in arms or back this may not be an ideal class for you.
Class Size: 7
Want to know how to elevate your forms?
Tired of the same old bowl, tray or cup?
Join us for this Altered Class in Ceramics!
Where you will take standard forms and create unique pieces of artwork.
Each week, we will create small/medium sized forms and using altering techniques change them into something fabulous!
Class Size: 12
We will create sculptures using alternative material like cardboard and other recycled components.
You must be comfortable using a craft knife and box cutter.
Class Size:10
Come and learn some basics of sewing.
Learn to thread a machine and basic sewing methods.
Some of the projects and techniques we will learn are French seams, basic mending - hemming, buttons/Velcro, mending, fabric pairing for each project, market bag/tote, travel roll up.
Limited space.
Participants are welcomed to bring their machines.
Class Size: 7
Beginners will learn this tile-based strategy game, played by 2-4 players, where the goal is to form winning hands.
Players take turns drawing and discarding tiles, attempting to build combinations of three and four tiles called melds, and a pair of matching tiles.
Note: Before signing up you will need to have a new 2026 Mahjong Card.
Class Size: 8
Students will learn the basics of wheel throwing, centering, pulling, shaping, trimming, and glazing.
No previous knowledge is necessary.
Class Size: 6
In this class, you will learn how to use quilting tools, choose appropriate fabrics & threads, and other skills to get started with quilting.
A list of required materials will be given on the first day. Participants must have knowledge of basic sewing techniques and be able to do hand sewing.
Limited Space.
Participants are to bring their machines.
Class Size: 6
Want to learn how to play the game of Dominoes?
Students will learn the rules of dominoes and use multiples of 5 to score points.
Students will enhance their skills by playing dominoes with others.
We welcome all to come and play.
Class Size 12
Come learn the basic rules and processes for Modern American Canasta.
Participants will learn while playing the basics of the Canasta card game, which challenges your memory, focus and strategic thinking.
Class Size: 6
Want to learn how to play the game of chess?
Students will learn the rules of chess and build strategies while playing the game.
They will build strategies by playing the game.
We welcome all to come and play.
Class Size: 4
Have a song you want to sing?
Feeling dramatic and having a monologue to share?
Sign up for a weekly opportunity to perform your preferred medium and get individual coaching.
Class Size:10
Bid whist is a partnership trick-taking variant of the classic card game whist.
As indicated by the name, bid whist adds a bidding element to the game that is not present in classic whist.
Note: No registration required. Must be a Benson member to attend.
No Instructor
Class Size: 10
No Instructor
Note: No registration required. Must be a Benson member to attend.
Students: Students will explore clay as a versatile material using a variety of techniques.
Class Size: 11
Get out of a creative rut and try a new craft every week.
Some projects involved small items needing strong hand dexterity and a good pair of glasses.
Note: Materials provided.
Class Size: 10
A forum for experienced writers to share various forms of writing with peers to give and receive feedback.
This class includes writing tips and an offsite workshop visiting writing professionals.
Class Size: 12
New participants will learn specific stitches and how to begin crocheting a simple project.
Intermediate participants will learn to read a pattern and help newer students if there is a need.
Note: Please bring your own materials (needles, yarn, etc.).
Class Size: 10
Participants will practice their improved skills with games and scenes intended to help you think on your feet and engage with others.
Start your week off laughing and encourage healthy cognitive function.
Class Size: 10
This class is for participants who have taken Improvisational Comedy I, or a class in the past, and are looking to continue their education, and dig deeper into the art form. In Improv II we will build upon Improv I, by strengthening what we've learned and introducing new skills by playing games, exploring character development, and performing scene work.
The intention of this class is to encourage healthy cognitive function by helping you think on your feet, engage with others, laugh, and play!
Class Size: 10
This is an INFORMAL OPEN CLAY STUDIO for anyone who wants to work independently on clay skills, finish pieces started in clay classes, practice, or work on the potters' wheel, clay sculpture, hand building, and glazing.
This Studio is open to former clay students or students presently taking clay classes.
It is designed to help you improve your skills.
During this studio time, the instructor will be in the studio; however, this is not a formal class.
Class Size: 8
No Instructor
Mahjong is an Ancient Chinese tile game, but here we play the American version.
Note: Open to experienced players only (No beginners).
Class Size: 16
Students will create various types of jewelry.
Primarily using wire, students will make earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Strong hand dexterity is required to use jewelry tools.
Note: Materials provided. Bringing your own tools is encouraged.
Class Size: 10
Alan has been practicing transcendental meditation for seven years and hopes to help anyone who needs “a little peace”.
Meditation has been linked to a variety of health benefits including reduction in stress, anxiety, depression, headaches, pain, and blood pressure.
Meditation can positively affect emotional and physical health, improves concentration and memory, resulting in better academic and work performance.
Meditation helps you become a happy person.
Class Capacity: 16
Discover the joy of mosaic art in a fun, relaxed class designed especially for seniors.
In this hands-on class, with beginners we will work with pre-made tesserae-small, colorful tile pieces- to create two beautiful mosaic projects.
For the intermediate participants we will have a choice of techniques.
No prior experience is needed, just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
All materials are provided, and guidance will be offered every step of the way.
Join us and enjoy the calming, rewarding process of creating mosaics in a friendly, supportive environment.
Class Size: 8
For anyone who does Needlepoint, Cross-stitch, or Embroidery, and enjoys social interactions while stitching their own projects that they bring to class.
Organizer: Shirley Dobson
Note: This is not an instructor-led class.
Class Size: 12
In this class, you will learn fundamentals of working with oils from mixing colors to layering, glazing and creating depth with texture.
Alongside hand-on practice, we will look at how artists throughout history have mastered this medium.
Music will create a calm atmosphere as you explore techniques and gain both skills and confidence.
Class Size: 14
Note: Create at your own pace.
Bring your own supplies!
Must be a Benson member to attend.
No Instructor
Class Size: 10
Each course meeting will review and discuss a class of literature by such authors; our first book is by Mark Twain (Huckleberry Finn).
Please read the book or as much of it as possible by the first class, April 1, 2026.
Other authors include Herman Melville (Moby Dick) and Emily Bronte (Wuthering Heights).
This list is not all-inclusive; there are many other authors and books from which to choose.
The class will meet once a month and will run for two hours and will consist of a review of scholarships on the author and novel and a discussion by the class.
Class Size: 10
Rummy-Reg is an internationally played board game with rules from many parts of the world.
Come join the fun and enjoy something new.
This is for new and advanced players.
Class Size: 8
Each player seeks the best five-card poker hand from any combination of the seven cards: the five community cards and their two-hole cards.
Players have betting options to check, call, raise, or fold.
Rounds of betting take place before the flop is dealt and after each subsequent deal.
No Instructor
Note: No registration required. Must be a Benson member to attend.
Class Size: 16
Beginners will learn this tile-based strategy game, played by 2-4 players, where the goal is to form winning hands.
Players take turns drawing and discarding tiles, attempting to build combinations of three and four tiles called melds, and a pair of matching tiles.
Note: Before signing up you will need to have a new 2026 Mahjong Card.
Location: Building C
Class Size: 8
Also see our Disclaimer.