Personal Enrichment

A collage portraying the wide variety of classes offered, including art, health, finance, music, history, languages, photography, technology and travel.

At a Glance

Join 69�� Community Education for non-credit classes, workshops, events and travel!

These opportunities cover a wide variety of topics (see below). Community Education also has , and programs.

Community Education classes are open for enrollment. Students are strongly encouraged to register early (at least one week in advance of class start date) to secure their seat as many classes fill quickly. Classes may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment so your early registration can make the difference. To report a class absence, please call 217-786-2432 or Community.Education@llcc.edu.

Call 217-786-2292 to register for Community Education classes.

More Registration Info

Active/health

Arts & textiles

Summer 2025

Stained Glass Suncatcher

In this class session each student will learn the steps required to complete a stained glass suncatcher. The cutting process will be discussed. Hands-on grinding, foiling and soldering will complete your suncatcher. Perfect opportunity for all levels of experience from beginner to advanced. A $30 supply fee is payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

Instructor: Kim Votsmier
Date: Thu., June 19, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Kreher Agriculture Center, Room K1115
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $49
Course code: CEW 103-001

Peacock Ceramic Painting

This class not only teaches you the technique to make these beautiful colorful bowls, but also offers the opportunity to choose from several different glaze combinations so that each participant will have a piece that coordinates with their style or that of the recipient (if intended as a gift)! The stoneware bowl is 9 inches in diameter, and bowls in other sizes (prized according to size) may be selected as additional pieces if desired. Pieces completed in this class will need to be fired and picked up approximately 1-2 weeks following the class. This project is suitable for any experience level. A $36 supply fee is payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

Instructor: Kim Votsmier
Date: Thu., June 26, 2025
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $39
Course code: CEW 103-002

Fall 2025

Ceramic Painting – Stoneware Rooster Serving Piece

Discover a unique approach to ceramic painting on this serving piece. A colorful rooster will be the subject. One serving piece will be created in class with step-by-step instruction along the way. The project will be left with the instructor after the painting is completed to be fired and picked up at a later time. A $30 supply fee is payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

Instructor: Kim Votsmier
Date: Sat., Aug. 23
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $49
Course code: CEW 103-001

Beginning Italic Calligraphy

Made simple and easy in this basic hands-on workshop, learn to use the tools of calligraphy and practice a basic italic style. Supply fee of $25 is payable to instructor on the first day of class.

Instructor: Steve Ingerson
Date: Wed., Sept. 10-Oct. 22
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $145
Course code: CEW 103-002

Watercolor Meditation

Watercolor meditation offers a peaceful space for creative relaxation. Participants will focus on the painting as a soulful activity. A brief secular meditation and light stretches will help clear our minds and connect with our inner artist, encouraging relaxation and personal expression. Using simple watercolor techniques, we will let go of judgment and focus on nature and putting marks on paper. This can help reduce stress, encourage self-reflection, and cultivate a sense of inner peace.

Please wear comfortable clothing, bring watercolor paints and brushes including a round and flat taklon, quality watercolor paper (Arches is a preferred brand). Also, a sack lunch. If you don’t have paints or paper, some will be provided.

Instructor: Carolyn Owen Sommer
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1116
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $59
Course code: CEW 103-012

Basket Weaving: Autumn Candy

Just in time for autumn! This is an updated version of the “Candy Basket,” which I first designed in 2014. The basket starts with a woven, filled base. Techniques include filling a base, start/stop weaving, triple twine and weaving overlays. Accent colors are moss green, paprika, smoke and black. A pretty lantern berry embellishment completes this useful basket. It’s sure to become a favorite!

Finished Basket Dimensions 4 1/2” H x 8 1/4” L x 6 3/4” W

Instructor: Bonnie Rideout
Date: Sat., Oct. 11
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $49
Course code: CEW 103-001

Floral Watercolor Workshop

This class explores the art of painting florals with watercolor. Please bring watercolor paints and brushes including a round and flat taklon, quality watercolor paper (Arches is a preferred brand). If you don’t have paints or paper, some will be provided.

Instructor: Carolyn Owen Sommer
Date: Wed., Oct. 22
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center., Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $39
Course code: CEW 103-013

Fused Glass Christmas Ornaments

Create four beautiful glass ornaments. Learn how to cut glass and how to properly use glass tools through step-by-step instruction. Ornaments completed during class will be left with the instructor to be fired and will be ready for pickup the following week. A $40 supply fee is payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

Instructor: Kim Votsmier
Date: Thu., Nov. 6
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $39
Course code: CEW 103-004

Basket Weaving: Sweet Nothings

“Sweet Nothings” starts on a 3″-round, slotted wood base. This is a fun and fast basket to weave! The accent colors are golden brown and celery green. An autumn floral sprig adorns the front. This basket is perfect for a little catch all or a ring basket, or fill it with candy for a cute gift!

Dimensions: 2 1/2” H x 14” Circumference

Instructor: Bonnie Rideout
Date: Sat., Nov. 15
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $49
Course code: CEW 103-005

Watercolor Meditation

Instructor: Carolyn Owen Sommer
Date: Saturday, Nov. 15
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Kreher Agriculture Center, Room K1117
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $59
Course code: CEW 103-014

Holiday Serving Plate: Hand Painted Stoneware

Learn multiple painting techniques on one stoneware piece. Visual layers add depth and realism to this serving piece. The finished piece is food, dishwasher, microwave and oven safe. After completing the painting, the piece will be left with the instructor for firing and will be ready for pickup at a later date. A $36 supply fee is payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

Instructor: Kim Votsmier
Date: Sat., Nov. 15
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1116
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $39
Course code: CEW 103-006

Fused Glass Zebra Plate

This fused glass project is perfect for beginners or experienced glass artists. Step-by-step instructions will assistance (as needed) will be offered to cut the glass to create this zebra design plate. The finished size is approximately 6” x 12”. Choose to do traditional black or a colorful zebra design for your plate. The finished work will be left with the instructor to be fired and will be ready for pickup at a later date. A $30 supply fee is payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

Instructor: Kim Votsmier
Date: Thu., Dec. 4
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $39
Course code: CEW 103-007

Basket Weaving: Oh Christmas Tree!

“Oh Christmas Tree” starts by weaving a woven, filled base. Techniques include twining, filling a base using the “chicken feet” method, start/stop weaving and the use of an overlay on the rim. This is a great basket kit for a new weaver! The handle is secured with D rings. The embellishment is a wooden plaid green tree with a star on top. This is sure to become a holiday favorite!

Dimensions of the finished basket: 6 1/2” H x 5 3/4” W x 7” L, not including handle.

Instructor: Bonnie Rideout
Date: Sat., Dec 13
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $69
Course code: CEW 103-008

CPR training

Culinary

Family matters

Finance

Home & garden

Fall 2025

Introduction to Floral Design

Learn floral design techniques in a fun, creative, hands-on course. Make DIY home decorations and explore basic design principles and various design methods. Students will create a minimum of eight different pieces guided by an experienced floral designer. Students should bring one pair of scissors and one pair of clippers/pruners for the purpose of cutting stems, tape, wires. A supply fee of $150 is payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers the costs of floral foam, floral frogs, wire, clay, wreath forms, containers/vases and fresh flowers for the eight designs.

Instructor: Tabitha Becker
Date: Wed., Aug. 13 – Oct. 1
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Sangamon Hall, Room 2209
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 103-008

Flower Crown

Make a flower crown from fresh and or dried flowers. Bring floral clippers or garden snips. There is a $45 supply fee payable to the instructor at the start of class.

Instructor: Tabitha Becker
Date: Fri., Oct. 17
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Sangamon Hall, Room 2209
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $29
Course code: CEW 103-009

Floral Centerpiece

Create a beautiful holiday table centerpiece perfect for displaying in your home when hosting for the holidays, or give it as a wonderful holiday gift. Bring floral clippers or garden snips. $55 supply fee payable to the instructor at the start of class.

Instructor: Tabitha Becker
Date: Fri., Nov. 17
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Sangamon Hall, Room 2209
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $29
Course code: CEW 103-010

Floral Wreath

Instructor: Tabitha Becker
Date: Fri., Dec. 5
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Sangamon Hall, Room 2209
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $29
Course code: CEW 103-011

Languages

Fall 2025

Conversational Spanish 1

For people with no experience with Spanish, this course is designed to encourage you to start learning the second most spoken language in the U.S. (about 45 million speak it). Starting with the alphabet and numbers, you’ll be exploring what it is like speaking and understanding Spanish from the very beginning of the class. A textbook is required and may be purchased from the 69�� Bookstore: "Get Started in Spanish: Absolute Beginner Course" ISBN: 978-1444174922.

Instructor: Nelson Lara
Date: Mon., Sept. 22 – Nov. 10
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Menard Hall, Room 1177
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 401-001

Conversational Spanish 2

Designed for those with some experience with the Spanish language, class begins with a review of the basics. Using games, role-playing, reading and drills, participants are encouraged to express themselves in Spanish, utilizing structures and vocabulary needed in everyday situations. A textbook is required and may be purchased from the 69�� Bookstore: “Complete Latin American Spanish…” ISBN: 978-1444192643.

Instructor: Nelson Lara
Date: Mon., Sept. 23 – Nov. 18 (no class 11/4)
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Menard Hall, Room 1177
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 401-002

Conversational Spanish 3

This course was created for those Spanish learners who already attended Spanish Level 2, or for those who already have an advanced-beginner level of Spanish: knowing to conjugate the present tense of some Spanish regular and irregular verbs; being familiar with the difference between the use of “ser” & “estar.” We will continue using the same book used in Spanish Level 2 (Complete Latin American Spanish), starting with chapter 3. We will do a review of ser & estar on the first day of the course which are the two verbs chapters 1 & 2 cover. In addition to using the book in the class, we’ll be doing web exercises on reading passages and on the grammar issues covered in the book. Although we’ll pay attention to Spanish grammar, the main focus of the course is conversation, as its title suggests. If in doubt as to whether this is the course for you, please contact us to speak with the instructor. A textbook is required and may be purchased from the 69�� Bookstore: “Complete Latin American Spanish…” ISBN: 978-1444192643.

Instructor: Nelson Lara
Date: Mon., Sept. 24 – Nov. 12
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Menard Hall, Room 1177
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 401-003

Music & history

Personal interests

Spring 2025

Introduction to Voice Overs

“Wow, you have a great voice!” How many times have you heard that? Or maybe you listen to your favorite audiobooks, commercials or cartoon characters and think, “I could do that!” Want to earn income using your talents from the comfort of your home? Explore the growing remote voiceover industry with your instructor, a professional, working voice actor from Voices For All. Discover the current trends in the industry and how easy and affordable it can be to learn, set up and work from home. You’ll learn about different types of voiceovers and the tools you’ll need to find success. Your instructor will take notes as you read a real script in this one-on-one video chat setting and offer some coaching to improve your delivery. You’ll receive a professional voiceover evaluation later in a follow-up call. This is a one-time, 90- minute, introductory class for ages 18 and over. Learn more at . You owe it to yourself to finally explore the possibilities of this fun and rewarding field! Upon registration you will be contacted by VFA to schedule your class for a day and time of your convenience.

Instructor: 69�� Staff
Date and Time: Call 217-786-2432 to schedule your one-on-one session.
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $49
Location: Online

Introduction to Ghost & the Paranormal - Level 1

An introduction to ghosts, ghost hunting and the paranormal investigation. Whether you are a true believer or a skeptic with an open mind, gain a deeper insight into the world of the paranormal. Learn best practices for ghost hunting, investigating and reviewing evidence as respected investigators guide you through the essential characteristics and scientific methodology of paranormal investigation.

Instructor: Carl Jones
Date: Wed., April 2-23, 2025
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $49
Course code: CEW 112-003

Summer 2025

Refuse to be a victim

Learn crime prevention tips on physical and home security, automobile and vacation security as well as cybersecurity.

Instructor: Loren Hamilton
Date: Tue., June 10-17, 2025
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Trutter Center, Room 1114
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $59
Course code: CEW 112-001

Fall 2025

Introduction to Ghosts and the Paranormal (Level 1)

This class provides an introduction to ghosts, ghost hunting and other paranormal topics. Whether you are a true believer or a skeptic with an open mind, gain a deeper insight into the world of the paranormal, hear fascinating tales of ghost hunting and many paranormal topics as respected investigators share true stories and experiences and cover best practices for paranormal investigation.

Instructor: Carl Jones
Date: Thu., Oct. 2 & 23
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $49
Course code: CEW 112-001

Photography

Spring 2025

Photography for Beginners

Learn the history of where photography came from to where it is now, as well as the basic functions of your camera and what each symbol means. Learn the difference between JPEG, RAW and TIFF files in addition to the best ways to capture the images you are wanting. Upon completion of this course, you will leave with the knowledge and understanding of how your own personal camera functions to capture those moments. Please bring your camera with your specific manual.

Instructor: Tabith Bock-Matlock
Date: Tue., April 1-29, 2025
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 104-002

Becoming a Professional Photographer

Start making money on your passion! Join Tabitha Bock-Matlock as she takes you through the ins and outs of conducting a business and getting taken seriously. As a professional wedding and studio photographer herself, she will give you the tips, tricks and secrets to marketing yourself as a professional. Please bring a camera or phone.

Instructor: Tabith Bock-Matlock
Date: Tue., May 6, 2025
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2237
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $45
Course code: CEW 104-003

General Portraiture

Go beyond “Hey get together for a photo!” and get those photos you always wanted. Say goodbye to awkward family photos and hello to framers! In this course, Tabitha will offer tips and tricks to taking photos you will actually want to print. Couple, family and senior portraiture will be covered. Within these units, lighting and technique will also be demonstrated. Please bring your camera.

Instructor: Tabith Bock-Matlock
Date: Wed., May 7-28, 2025
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $65
Course code: CEW 104-004

Fall 2025

Becoming a Professional Photographer

Instructor: Tabitha Bock
Date: Tue., Aug. 26
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $45
Course code: CEW 104-001

Photography for Beginners

Learn the history of where photography came from to where it is now, as well as the basic functions of your camera and what each symbol means. Learn the difference between JPEG, RAW and TIFF files in addition to the best ways to capture the images. Upon completion of this course, you will leave with the knowledge and understanding of how your own personal camera functions to capture those moments. Please bring your camera with your specific manual.

Instructor: Tabitha Bock
Date: Tue., Sept. 16 – Oct. 14
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Millennium Center, Room 2203
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $149
Course code: CEW 104-002

Photoshop

Review Photoshop’s powerful tools and learn techniques such as basic editing, cropping, adjusting colors, converting images to black and white, layering, adding text, specialty tool usage and more! Bring your own laptop with Photoshop installed or use a computer in our Mac lab.

Instructor: Tabitha Bock
Date: Wed., Oct. 1 – Oct. 22
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Menard Hall, Room 2229
Ages: 19 and over
Cost: $139
Course code: CEW 104-003

Technology

More options

Outreach Centers

Community Education classes are also available in Beardstown, Hillsboro, Jacksonville, Litchfield and Taylorville!