Learn to Live!

Need a break from the everyday routine? Have some extra time and you aren’t sure how to spend it? Interested in picking up a new hobby? The answer to these questions lies in Helena, Montana. The capital city kicks off a learning extravaganza in 2010 as it hosts six Showcase Weekends in conjunction with the Helena Institute.  Come try a range of courses designed to inspire new talents or delve deeper into established crafts. These aren’t just traditional classroom-based sessions though; participants will experience the courses in a hands-on way for personal enrichment or just the sheer fun of it.

“Helena has always been simmering with learning opportunities,” said Jena Sabatini, owner, Hampton Inn Helena.  “The Helena Institute has rounded up a broad sample of area activities and we’re encouraging everyone to take advantage of what our region has to offer. This is the perfect time to broaden your horizons and discover a new passion.”

The Helena Institute consists of courses that are one to five days in length with the majority scheduled to happen during Showcase Weekends which are: April 30 – May 2, May 21 – 23, June 11-13, September 10-12, October 8-10 and November 12-14. These weekends offer courses for Aspiring Artists, Culture Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts and are complemented by community events that showcase Helena.  More courses are also scheduled throughout the April – November timeframe.  There are more than 20 activities to choose from in a range of disciplines. Topics include fly fishing, fibers and fabrics, mountain biking, photography, horseback riding, outdoor and Montana history, woodworking, backpacking, food and wine, mosaics, paper arts and more will continue to be added to the lineup. For example:

• Helena Photography Workshop:  Learn what it takes to be a successful photographer by spending two days improving your photography skills and exploring Helena’s famous landmarks with outdoor & travel photographer, Jason Savage. You will learn how to better operate your equipment, study lighting & composition, and train your eye for better images.  Do a photo-shoot at one of Helena’s famous landmarks and spend time  exploring Helena’s western architecture and gold rush past, capturing a piece of one of Montana’s historic cities.
• Get Hooked in Montana: Dive into the theory of fly fishing while learning about flies and ties, trout behavior, river safety and just about every other aspect of the popular sport. Instructors Brian Neilsen and Luke Andrews provide classroom and individual casting work. Then spend a whole day on one of Montana’s blue ribbon rivers for more instruction. Put your new skills to work, and hopefully you’ll catch a fish!
  
• A Weekend Table Making Experience: Creating an heirloom from the wonders of Mother Nature is a truly unique and desired experience. You are invited to spend a weekend in the studio of master furniture maker A.L. Swanson and learn to craft a shaker inspired side table. At the end of the workshop you will take home an elegant 16” x 17” x 25” table made from cherry, wenge and tiger maple.   You will be provided with all the materials for your table and of course, you’ll learn plenty of “tricks of the trade.”  All you need to bring is enthusiasm and willingness to explore the fine art of furniture making.
  

Each of the courses emphasizes a participatory learning experience – meaning field trips, studio sessions and hands-on training. These do-it-to-learn-it activities will take you step by step through all the skills needed to continue in the future. The classes vary in price and are open to the public. Please visit www.helenainstitute.com for a complete listing of classes, including descriptions. Advanced registration is required.

Helena is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is one of the “best small art towns in America.” The Queen City of the Rockies is a town built by gold and full of nineteenth century architecture, history plus a rich arts and culture scene.  Being surrounded by mountains, lakes and rivers the outdoor recreational opportunities are extraordinary.  For more information and a complete schedule of the classes, please visit  www.helenainstitute.com, call toll free 866. 9HELENA (866.943.5362) or e-mail info@helenainstitute.com.