Lifelong Learning Programs in Midlothian: A Diverse Range of Opportunities

Lifelong learning is essential for personal growth, intellectual stimulation, and staying engaged with the world. Midlothian offers a variety of programs catering to diverse interests and skill levels, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to continue learning and developing. These programs cover a wide spectrum of subjects, from arts and crafts to music, dance, and academic explorations.

Arts and Crafts

Midlothian provides a rich selection of art-related programs for both beginners and experienced artists.

Artist Open Studio

This weekly studio welcomes both seasoned and beginner artists working in any visual medium, including watercolor, colored pencil, acrylics, oils, pastels, sketching, collage, and mixed media. Students will work on projects of their own choosing and share ideas, techniques, and inspiration with mentors and fellow artists. Informal, individualized instruction will be offered based on each participant’s interests and needs. Students must bring their own supplies and be prepared to work independently. A library of reference photos and tips will be available for use.

Open Artists' Studio

Students will create art independently in a supportive, open studio environment. Artists will be encouraged to share ideas, favorite reference photos, and more with the class. A ten-minute tips-and-tricks art video will be shown at the beginning of each class. The other artists and coordinators will give ideas and make suggestions when requested. All levels will be welcome. Students must bring their own supplies, and all mediums used must be odorless.

Advanced Colored Pencil Techniques

This course is for students who can demonstrate proficiency in basic drawing skills and colored pencil techniques, such as shading objects from light to dark, blending of colors, and burnishing objects. Artists will expand their skills in colored pencil artistry while gaining practice in advanced rubbing methods with wax pencils. Students will complete three drawing projects designed to strengthen these advanced techniques. The instructor will demonstrate the use of wax pencils, water‑soluble pencils, inktense pencils, and oil pastel pencils, allowing artists to explore a range of materials. While most students may prefer wax pencils for their personal projects, all will be encouraged to experiment with different tools. Artists must bring artist‑quality colored pencils and good‑quality paper, along with their own supplies, to each class and arrive at the first class prepared to begin a project of their choice.

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Watercolor and Acrylic Problem Solving Workshop

This course is for anyone with intermediate experience using watermedia including the use of acrylic paint. Assistance with YUPO paper will also be available. Instructor will provide demonstrations during the class. Students can bring in paintings in progress or brand new pieces that the artist wants to start. Students MUST bring in the reference from which the image originated and should have a black and white image measuring at least 4 x 6 inches for all reference material. There will be individual critiques given and suggestions as to where to go with one's own art voice. Please bring a working mat to put on your work when we discuss it.

Treasure Tiles: Creating a Personal Memento

Students will transform old jewelry, buttons, souvenirs, greeting cards, toys, trinkets, and other keepsakes into a small assemblage artwork. The result will be a one-of-a-kind “treasure tile” that preserves memories while recycling items into lasting art. The course fee will provide the surface to work on and a variety of materials that students will need to create a basic "treasure tile." The students should provide one color of acrylic paint, their own personal small treasures, and a small container of tacky glue, or a glue gun and glue stick.

Woodcarving: Open Carve

LLI woodcarvers are invited to gather around the tables for open carving this session. The idea is to bring carving enthusiasts together for a fun, social opportunity to work on an old project or start something new. No formal instruction will be provided. Carvers are invited to bring along a favorite carving or tool of choice to share, an album of work or a book to inspire, a hunk of wood to whittle, and an encouraging word.

Music and Dance

For those inclined towards the performing arts, Midlothian offers a range of music and dance programs suitable for various skill levels.

Beginner Tap Dancing

Students will learn basic tap dance steps and easy dance routines. Tap dance is fun and great exercise. Please register for only one session (Beginner or Intermediate) to allow all students a chance to participate.

Read also: Lifelong Learning Opportunities

Intermediate Tap Dancing

Tap dancing is good for the body and the brain. This course is designed for intermediate-level students who desire to refresh learned skills using old and new choreography. Please register for only one session (Beginner or Intermediate) to allow all students a chance to participate.

Country Line Dancing

This course will use line dancing for fun and exercise. Knowledge of basic line dance steps is preferable. New dances will be taught and older ones will be reviewed.

Line Dance Practice

This is a continuation of the Country Line Dancing course allowing students to practice dances previously taught.

Introduction to Line Dancing

This course will provide students with an opportunity to learn the basic steps and patterns used in line dancing. Students will also become familiar with the language used to “call” the dances. Learning some simple line dances will be a real confidence booster. This course is tailored to first-time line dancers, but everyone is welcome!

Ballroom Dance for Partners

This course will be an opportunity to learn, review, and practice the steps and patterns of popular ballroom dances. The dances covered will depend on class interest and may include Rumba, Cha Cha, Swing, Night Club Two Step, Bachata, Foxtrot, Waltz, and Tango. Each dance will be covered in a three-week series with a fourth week for review and practice. Please note that students should pre-arrange a dance partner who is also an LLI member in order to register and participate. Students looking for a dance partner may use the signup sheet on the shelf in the hallway outside the LLI office.

Moving to Music

This course will share an hour of movement with all types of music, allowing students to move their muscles from head to toe. It can be a lot of fun to move to the music. Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear. There will be sit-down and stand-up movements that will make students feel like dancing.

Beginning Guitar

Students will discover the joy of making music as they begin their journey with the guitar. They will explore the instrument step by step, learning its parts, how to tune it, and how to hold the pick with confidence. The course will guide students through playing simple melodies using both tablature and standard notation, while also introducing a dozen or more common chords with strum patterns. Students will learn the notes on each string and gain a foundation in basic music theory to support their progress. Each student must bring their own guitar and an electronic tuner (a Snark ST‑2 or similar model will work well). Because each class will build on the skills introduced previously, consistent attendance will be encouraged to support steady growth.

Ukulele Instruction and Jam

Whether students are picking up a ukulele for the first time or have been strumming for years, this course will offer a welcoming space for all skill levels. The ukulele is one of the friendliest stringed instruments-easy to learn, fun to play, and perfect for group music-making. No music reading is required, and there will be no homework or pressure-just good company and four cheerful strings. Beginners will receive extra support during the first 30 minutes of the first class, while experienced players are welcome to assist or join in later. As the weeks progress, intermediate skills and faster songs will be introduced for those seeking a challenge. Students may bring their own ukulele, but are encouraged to wait on purchasing one until trying out different sizes provided by the instructor. Loaner instruments will be available during class, and recommendations for affordable options will be offered.

Lifelong Musicians

Students will play and sing a wide variety of popular songs from the 1920s through the 1980s-examples include Down on the Corner, Proud Mary, Sweet Caroline, Crazy, Love Potion #9, and Brown Eyed Girl. This course is designed for students who enjoy these classics and can play a chording instrument (guitar, mandolin, ukulele, keyboard), bass, percussion, or any instrument that fits the group. Lyrics and chords will be provided, and all songs will be played together as a group. Everyone who registers should play an instrument-even a pair of egg shakers counts! While there is little formal instruction, students will learn from each other and have fun. Good attendance is encouraged.

Introduction to Afro-Brazilian Percussion

Drumming and Percussion are fun! Students are invited to experience the hip-shakin' rhythms of Brazil and Cuba. No experience is necessary, and the instruments will be provided by the instructor for the first session. Students are encouraged to choose and purchase an instrument for continued participation. Learning to play the music provides an opportunity to learn about the cultures, both secular and religious, that created the music.

Literature and Performing Arts

Midlothian also provides opportunities to explore literature and performing arts through programs like Readers Theater and Storytelling Slams.

Readers Theater

This introductory-level course will introduce students to Readers Theater, a performance style that gained popularity during World War II. Students will explore various forms of Readers Theater and practice acting techniques such as voice inflection, facial expression, and active listening. All reading levels are welcome, and standing is not required. Typical readings may include old radio shows, one-act plays, and other short programs, all designed to be read aloud and completed within a single class session. The subject matter will remain flexible, and student suggestions will be welcomed. On the final class session of each month, students may bring a short piece (approximately 3-5 minutes) to share-such as a poem, essay, magazine column, or song lyrics. All participation will take place in the classroom; there will be no outside performances. Readers Theater offers a fun and engaging way to strengthen reading, comprehension, vocabulary, language, creativity, and teamwork skills.

Super Senior Storytelling Slam

Story Slams have gained worldwide popularity. Akin to NPR's "The Moth" or "This American Life,” slams are festivals for the spoken word. LLI story-slammers can tell up to an eight-minute story each month. At each session, up to eight participants will be selected from those registered. Other students can put their names in a hat for a chance to tell, as time permits. Themes will be announced in advance, and stories must be mostly true and told without notes. The audience will be expecting real-life stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and it needs to be clear why the story matters. Students will share their tales with fellow LLI members in a supportive setting. MCs will offer coaching. Each class will kick off with a fun warm-up or storytelling exercise.

Academic and Cultural Exploration

For those seeking intellectual stimulation, Midlothian offers courses that delve into history, architecture, and local culture.

Richmond's Architectural Gems

Richmond is filled with extraordinary buildings that represent the best of American architecture. This course will explore such buildings as the internationally famous Virginia State Capitol, the Westhampton Campus of the University of Richmond, Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Egyptian Building, Monumental Church, and the Old City Hall. Starting with the Court End Neighborhood and Monument Avenue, students will explore streetcar neighborhoods such as Woodland Heights, and finally, automobile suburbs such as Windsor Farms.

Additional Learning Opportunities

Beyond the specific courses listed, Midlothian also provides other avenues for lifelong learning, including:

Computer Classes: Addressing digital literacy and online safety concerns.
Employment Skills Programs: Tailored programs for developing specific employment skills.
Parenting Programs: Equipping parents with the knowledge and skills to support their children's growth and learning.
Language Classes: Opportunities to learn languages like French.
Community Engagement Programs: Encouraging participation in local democracy and community structures.

The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) in Chesterfield

The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) in Chesterfield is dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities for midlife and older adults. LLI offers education, fitness, and social activities for its members. It operates as a nonprofit organization, exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

LLI serves as a learning community of peers who are committed to ongoing education and their own intellectual development. Members are keen to stay current, are curious about the world of ideas, and are actively involved with their own learning. Some members even contribute by teaching courses.

LLI Chesterfield provides daytime courses taught by volunteer instructors on a wide variety of topics, categorized into 15 areas. An annual membership fee grants LLI members unlimited access to most courses across the Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions.

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