The North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement will draw upon the crafts heritage of the region for a series of hands-on spring art classes. The courses, which are open to students of all ages and skills, will take place April through June.

Master thread craftswomen Julie Simpson and Elaine Zinn will teach "Sew Gorgeous" 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 16, with an informative session at Waechter's Fine Fabrics, 9-D Reed Street, Biltmore Village. Subsequent classes will take place from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, at UNC Asheville's Reuter Center. The workshop will focus on creating and adorning a shawl, jacket or vest. The cost of the workshop is $125 plus a $10 in-class materials fee for embellishment supplies. The registration deadline is April 10.

Professional Jenna Weston will teach "Botanical Block Prints" 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, at UNC Asheville's Reuter Center. Students will learn how to draw botanicals and turn them into printing blocks. No previous art experience is required. The cost for the workshop is $100 plus a $25 supply fee. The registration deadline is May 1.

Simpson will teach a second workshop, "Creating an 18-Inch Cloth Character Doll," from 9 a.m.-noon Friday, June 26, and 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. June 27-28. Classes will be held at UNC Asheville's Reuter Center. Simpson will guide participants through all phases of doll construction from sewing and shaping to costume and accessories. Participants must bring a sewing machine, basic sewing supplies, materials for the doll costume and matching threads to class. Additional embellishments will be available in-class for a $10 fee. The cost for the workshop is $125. The registration deadline is June 12.

Space is limited; early registration is required. To register for the workshops, call the Center for Creative Retirement at 828/251-6140.