Minot State / CEL / MSU Lifelong Learning Institute
Center for Extended Learning

MSU Lifelong Learning Institute

The desire to learn never stops! The MSU Lifelong Learning Institute offers workshops for all ages, fostering a love of learning. The program provides opportunities to develop new skills, engage in creative activities, and meet like-minded learners. 

2026 Spring Classes

Pickleball

Dive into the basics of pickleball with our pickleball classes, led by local expert Kevin Yale! These beginner-friendly classes will introduce you to the fundamentals of this exciting sport in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Learn how to serve, volley, and score, and get tips on improving your game. No experience or supplies are needed—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to have a great time on the court!

Beginner I

May 11, 13, 18, 20 and 22

10 am - 12 pm
MSU Wellness Center

Cost: $60

Beginner II

May 26 & 28, June 2 & 4

10 am - 11:30 am
MSU Wellness Center

Cost: $50

Summer 2026 Classes

Evening Beginning Wheel Throwing

Instructor: Blaire Engel

Learn from local potter Blaire Engel in a fun, hands-on pottery class. This 4 week introductory ceramics class will allow you to explore wheel throwing to create simple forms on the wheel. Students will be taken through the process step-by-step, beginning with wedging clay, centering clay, throwing basic forms and glazing and firing their work. Price includes supplies and firing fees.

Session 1: Wednesday Evenings

May 27, June 3, 10, & 17
6:00 - 8:00 pm

Cost: $175
Level: Beginner
Age: 16+ (ages 12-15 may register with a registered adult)

Session 2: Thursday Evenings

May 28, June 4, 11, & 18
6:00 - 8:00 pm

Cost: $175
Level: Beginner
Age: 16+ (ages 12-15 may register with a registered adult)

Session 3: Wednesday Evenings

June 24, July 1, 8 & 15
6:00 - 8:00 pm

Cost: $175
Level: Beginner
Age: 16+ (ages 12-15 may register with a registered adult)

Session 4: Thursday Evenings

June 25, July 2, 9 & 16
6:00 - 8:00 pm

Cost: $175
Level: Beginner
Age: 16+ (ages 12-15 may register with a registered adult)

Art for Everyone Ceramics Classes

Instructor: Blaire Engel

Learn from local potter Blaire Engel in a fun, hands-on pottery class. These 2-week introductory ceramics classes are open for (almost) all ages!

  • students may bring a water bottle.
  • please refrain from wearing any jewelry on hands and wrists.

Handbuilt Gnomes

May 23 & 30
10:00 - 11:00 am

Cost: $25
Level: Beginner
Age: 7+ 

This hand building class will teach you how to make a gnome and come back the next week to decorate.

Handbuilt Mug

June 6 & 13
10:00 - 11:00 am

Cost: $25
Level: Beginner
Age: 7+ (younger children may attend with an attending adult) 

This hand building class will teach you how to make a pinch pot mug! Decorate the surface with textures and decorations to give it your own twist!

Monster Mayhem

June 20 & 27
10:00 - 11:00 am

Cost: $25
Level: Beginner
Age: 7+ (younger children may attend with an attending adult) 

This hand building class will teach you how to make a pinch pot monster! Decorate it with sharp teeth, big eyes and give it your own personality!

Handbuilt Face Plant Pot

July 11 & 18
10:00 - 11:00 am

Cost: $25
Level: Beginner
Age: 7+ (younger children may attend with an attending adult) 

This hand building class will teach you how to make a pinch pot flowerpot, and give it a funny face! Once your pot grows your plant will turn into some fun hair for your face!

Additional Ceramics Classes

Open Studio - 9 Sessions

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & July 7, 14, 21, 28
6:00 - 9:00 pm

Cost: $250
Instructor: Blaire Engel
Level: Intermediate
Age: 14+ (children must be accompanied by a registered adult and attending parent/guardian only.) 

Join the MSU clay community and experience the joy of ceramics with other pottery lovers You’ll enjoy collaborative learning in a supportive, nurturing climate. Open studio hours are for individuals who already have some experience in clay and can work without direction or help. If you have never worked in clay but would like to learn, please consider signing up for one of our beginner-level classes!

Animal Sculpting Class

June 8,15 ,22 & July 13
6:00 - 9:00 pm

Cost: $200
Instructor: Blaire Engel
Level: Intermediate
Age: 16+

Have you ever wanted to learn the art of ceramic sculpture? In this four-week course Blaire will take you through the art of building an animal sculpture of your choice. Learn the solid – to -hollow building method. Please bring multiple print outs of different angles of your animal of choice for reference. Price includes supplies and firing fees.

Wheel Try It

June 29 & July 6
6:00 - 7:00 pm

Cost: $25
Instructor: Blaire Engel
Level: Beginner
Age: 8+ (children under 14 must be accompanied by a registered adult) 

This class is ideal for beginners who are excited to learn the basics of wheel throwing in a low-stakes environment, and a great precursor to a multi-week course. Blaire will provide a demonstration at the beginning of class and offer guidance as students practice at their own wheels. Fees cover the cost of class and clay for up to two completed pieces, including firing.