Lessons on ceramics, weaving and stained glass are among the new and creative workshops at the Octagon Center this semester.

The term began Jan. 13, and includes classes in cooking, dance, photography, film, arts and crafts and foreign languages.

“We offer a variety of classes for all types of people,” said Carla Murphy, marketing director for the Octagon Center. “A lot of times when people think of the arts, they think of drawing and pottery.

“We want them to know we offer quite a few more classes than that.”

Upcoming workshops comprise a Paper Cut Valentine’s Workshop on Saturday, Feb. 1, and a Rhythms of the Middle East Workshop on March 1.

The Middle East Workshop will focus on finger cymbals, rhythm patterns and dance steps.

Later this semester, the center will host a Ukrainian Easter Egg workshop, which will teach the traditional method of decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs using layers of wax and dye.

Other adult classes include Stained Glass and Life Drawing, an interactive studio focusing on realistic and expressive interpretation.

Summer travelers can prepare for their adventures by taking one of the center’s foreign language classes such as Spanish and French for Travelers.

Also at the center will be a five- week film series that will incorporate multicultural and sociological perspectives on portrayal and other aspects in American cinema. The film series will include The American Cinema: A Multicultural Perspective, Couples in Hollywood and Women’s Film- Yesterday and Today.

Although classes have already begun, there is still plenty of room. Schedules are available at the center. For further information, call the Octagon Center at 515-232-5331.