Arlington Community Education

It’s an awkward topic, but have you ever thought to yourself, “I feel so lonely sometimes. How can I deepen my relationships? How do I make new friends?” Meaningful relationships can help boost self-esteem, improve family dynamics, and increase work success, but in adulthood, there are fewer and fewer built-in opportunities to socialize. Through discussion and roleplay, learn strategies that can be used in multiple contexts to initiate and maintain conversations, how small talk can lead to deeper connection, the hidden expectations and rules around conversation and friendship, and how to identify and see value in different types of friendships. Designed for adults ages 18–30.

Join fellow French language lovers, conversing in a warm and inviting class led by an enthusiastic near-native speaker. This program is designed for students who have an advanced comprehension and expression. We will refine our French via word nuances, sophisticated locutions, figurative French, and advanced grammatical topics

Do you have an upholstered chair that needs new life? Whether dog-damaged, cat-scratched, or just in need of a facelift, reupholster the piece yourself and be amazed at the transformation—and at how much fun the process can be. Led by a master upholsterer, we’ll cover old-school and modern methods and materials for antique, 20th century, and contemporary furniture. Learn to disassemble your piece then pad, cut, and apply fabric in a step-by-step approach. Small chairs, ottomans, or other small pieces only. Tuition includes all basic upholstery materials, with the exception of Fabric & Cushions. Don’t have your own fabric? Fabrics are sold here at the shop through our fabric expert Mikayla Dows. Tools: Limited number of tools are available at the shop, but please bring your own if you have them. Bring to first class: magnetic: tack hammer, wooden mallet, scissors, tape measure, flat screwdriver, and pliers. Please note: Smaller chairs or ottomans are recommended for this class, particularly for beginners; large armchairs often take at least two full sessions of this course. Furniture must be brought to and from class due to space limitations. Visit upholsteryonbroadway.com.

Get an introduction to ecological design principles for a native plant garden. We will look at the beauty and versatility of native plants and discuss why planting native species is so important for supporting ecological health and reversing the current decline in insect and bird species. We will guide you in selecting the right plants for your site conditions and designing a plan for a selected portion of your garden (up to 10 x15 feet) on graph paper—whether or not you can draw. Go home with a garden plan, a plant list, information on where to source the plants, and resources for maintenance.

It’s true—anyone can draw! Learning to draw is about learning to see the world with accuracy, mindfulness, and clarity. Build a toolbox of skills, mindsets, and techniques for drawing the observable word around you. Each week will introduce a new topic such as types of line, shape development, proportion, perspectives, value, texture, object relationships, and composition. We’ll draw together as we integrate these concepts through a sequence of short and longer exercises. All levels are welcome, especially beginners. BYO materials, details online. The class materials list can be found here.

Explore techniques of line drawing, hatching, cross-hatching and more using different kinds of pens. Experiment with diverse tools to create depth and detail, from technical pens and markers to traditional dip pens. We’ll create shades and washes with liquid India ink and also learn how to render various textures, such as wood, foliage, and animal fur. Through guided practice, you will sketch trees, still life compositions, architecture, and wildlife. Create a range of work from realism to abstraction. Previous drawing experience is preferred. The class materials list can be found here.

Please note: Free for Arlington residents with registration. Select one session only. If you live outside of Arlington, please add yourself to our “waitlist” class and we will contact you if we have space. Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend regularly. If you have to miss a class, you must notify the instructor in advance. Students who miss more than three classes in a term will not be allowed to register for the following term. Learn English and build your speaking and writing confidence. ACE is pleased to fully fund these classes for Arlington residents. Level 1: For beginner level students with little knowledge of the English language. Learn the alphabet, numbers, pronouns, verbs, simple present tense, basic adjectives, prepositions, and everyday vocabulary. Level 2: For students who have taken the Level 1 course or for students who are familiar with the basic grammar topics taught in the Level 1 course. Learn simple present, past, future tenses, yes/no questions, adverbs of frequency, and daily vocabulary. Level 3: For students who have taken the Level 2 course and/or for students who have acquired survival conversation skills and basic grammar concepts. Learn advanced tenses and vocabulary, practice using complex sentences, and improve speaking confidence.

Essentrics lengthens and strengthens every muscle in the body through a dynamic combination of movements. This completely original full-body workout draws on the flowing movements of tai chi and ballet to create a balanced, flexible, and pain-free body. Essentrics rebalances the body, prevents and treats injuries, unlocks tight joints, and develops lean, strong, and flexible muscles with immediate changes to your posture. Gentle Stretching: For all ages and fitness levels and for those who are looking for a gentle, slow-tempo class that will help produce greater joint mobility. Full-Body: A faster tempo with additional emphasis on toning For all classes please bring a yoga mat, water, and a small towel. This class is done barefoot.

With both humor and knowledge, a local attorney and estate planning specialist will address fundamentals of estate planning. Essentials: Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—or the old. Nearly everyone has an “estate,” consisting of everything you own: your car, home, other real estate, checking and savings accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture, and personal possessions. Regardless of the size of your “estate,” good planning lets you control how your assets are given to the people or organizations you care most about; sets up your heirs for success by passing on their inheritance in a way that helps them; helps you and your heirs pay substantially less in taxes, fees, and court costs; minimizes family strife; and makes it easier for your loved ones to handle your affairs during a time of loss. Advanced Concepts: Dive deeper into end-of-life planning as we cover how to structure trusts for children and heirs to support them on their life journeys, while still encouraging their personal growth and achievement. We’ll discuss additional tax planning techniques to minimize estate and capital gains taxes, potential new tax law changes, provide a brief overview of long-term care planning strategies, and discuss charitable giving tools that can build family unity and shared purpose

Discover your singing voice in a fun group setting by learning the basics of healthy vocal technique. Get the tools you need to understand how your instrument works and how to use it properly. Learn how to warm up your voice, match pitch, use proper breath management, and maintain a consistent vocal tone. We’ll practice a variety of songs and styles and leave time for personal attention. Our instructor believes that everyone can sing—even you.

Shake, shimmy, slide, and sweat your way through great music that gets your heart pumping and your body moving. Join this energizing workout session moving to salsa, merengue, swing, and more. Get a total body workout through cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility. You won’t even realize what a great workout you’re getting because you’ll be having so much fun! Dances are easy to learn, fun to follow, and gentle on your joints. Open to all fitness levels, no experience necessary.

If you love flowers and want to learn how to create gorgeous arrangements for your home, this is a fabulous introduction to floral design. With an abundant selection of flowers to choose from, get expert guidance in basic floral design techniques and design principles. Leave with the confidence to create stunning flower arrangements on your own. Please note: A vase, flowers and tools will be provided, but you can always bring your own garden scissors or shears.