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FAIRFIELD, Ill. — Frontier Community College invites community members to expand their skills and explore their passions this fall through a wide variety of Community Education classes.
With both in-person and online options, FCC offers opportunities for lifelong learning that fit any schedule.
In-Person Classes at Frontier Community College
Frontier Community College Book Club (Every other Thursday, 10 a.m., $10, FCC Learning Commons): FCC’s Book Club will meet every other week for seven sessions in the Learning Commons conference room. Each meeting begins at 10 a.m. This semester’s reading list includes:
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August 28: How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
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September 11: Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place by Terry Tempest Williams
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September 25: The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
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October 9: A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power
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October 23: Starling House by Alix Harrow
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November 6: Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha
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November 20: Bird Hotel by Joyce Maynard
Dehydrating 101 – A Beginner’s Guide to Food Preservation (October 7, 6–7 p.m., $30, FCC’s Bob Boyles Hall): Learn the basics of food dehydration in this hands-on class designed for beginners! Explore the benefits of dehydrating, what foods work best, how to use a dehydrator, and proper storage techniques. From prepping fruits and vegetables to making your own snacks and rehydrating for meals, you’ll gain practical skills to start preserving food at home. Ideal for gardeners, meal preppers, campers, or anyone looking to reduce food waste.
Intro to Drawing (Mondays, September 15–October 6, 6–8 p.m., $50, FCC Mason Hall Room 22): Whether you are brand new to drawing or looking to sharpen your skills, this class will help you see the world with fresh eyes and translate it onto paper. Students will explore foundational techniques such as line, value, shading, and perspective while experimenting with graphite, charcoal, and pen.
Drawing Studio (Mondays, October 20–November 10, 6–8 p.m., $50, FCC Mason Hall Room 22): A relaxed, studio-style class where students bring their own subject matter—still-life objects, photographs, or reproductions of master artworks—and work independently with guidance from an experienced instructor. Individualized feedback will focus on technique, style, and composition. A great follow-up to Intro to Drawing but open to all levels.
What Was the Renaissance? (Tuesdays, October 7–21, 6–8 p.m., $30, FCC Mason Hall Room 24): Step into one of the most exciting periods in art history! This short lecture series introduces the masterpieces of the Renaissance, from Brunelleschi’s architecture to the works of Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Students will gain a deeper appreciation for how this era shaped art and culture.
The Story of Christmas in 12 Artworks (Monday, December 1, 6-8 p.m., $10, FCC Mason Hall Room 24): Celebrate the season through art! In this one-evening lecture, enjoy a journey through twelve iconic artworks that tell the Christmas story in fresh and inspiring ways. From Nativity scenes to the evolution of Santa Claus and festive traditions, this program blends art, history, and seasonal cheer.
Bobcat Den Fitness Center: The Bobcat Den features a two-level fitness center equipped with free weights, machine weights, treadmills, a rowing machine, and more. A HIIT room is also located just off the main area.
Fitness center memberships can be purchased at The Bobcat Den and are valid during regular hours of operation.
Membership Rates
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Daily: $5 (Single) | $10 (Family)
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Weekly: $10 (Single) | $20 (Family)
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1 Month: $20 (Single) | $45 (Family)
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3 Months: $55 (Single) | $125 (Family)
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6 Months: $100 (Single) | $215 (Family)
FCC Fitness Classes: The Bobcat Den also includes a classroom space near the lobby that hosts a variety of fitness classes. Since opening in 2015, the center has offered programs for all ages and skill levels. This season’s lineup includes multiple levels of Pilates, Yoga, and Total Body Workout classes.
For details and schedules, visit: iecc.edu/fcc/student-life/bobcat-den/fitness-classes.
Registration & Payment
Prior to attending class—or at the start of each semester—all participants must complete a registration form in Frontier Community College’s Student Services Office. This applies to both package plans and drop-in sessions. Registration is available at FCC Student Services or by calling 618-842-3711.
Class Pricing
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$25 for 4 sessions
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$40 for 8 sessions
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$50 for unlimited sessions
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$8 one-time drop-in (valid for up to three different classes; must purchase a package after using a drop-in)
Bonus: Purchase the $40 or $50 package plan and receive a free membership to The Bobcat Den Fitness Center—giving you access to all fitness amenities during regular hours in addition to your classes.
Beginner Photography (Wednesdays, September 3–24, 5–7 p.m., $50, FCC Mason Hall Room 25): Take control of your camera in just four evenings! Move beyond “auto” and start shooting with purpose. Learn manual shooting, the exposure triangle, lenses, natural light, and composition. Student equipment requirements: a DSLR camera and at least one lens.
Advanced Photography (Wednesdays, October 1–22, 5–7 p.m., $50, FCC Mason Hall Room 25): Ready to push your photography skills further? Explore light painting, action shots, flash mastery, and night photography. For students comfortable with manual mode. Equipment requirements: DSLR camera, at least one lens, and a tripod.
Introduction to Photoshop (Mondays, October 6–November 3, 6–7 p.m., $50, FCC Mason Hall Room 25): Get started with the essentials of Adobe Photoshop. Learn how to edit photos, create graphics, and build a strong foundation in digital design.
Photoshop II (Mondays, November 10–December 1, 6–7 p.m., $50, FCC Mason Hall Room 25): Take your Photoshop skills to the next level with advanced tools, layering, photo manipulation, and creative effects. Ideal for students with some Photoshop experience.
Basketball (Wednesdays, 7–9 p.m., $50, New Hope Grade School Gym): Join us for weekly basketball at New Hope Grade School, south of Fairfield. Open to all skill levels, this fun and active gathering is a great way to stay fit, meet new people, and enjoy the game.
Featured Online Classes
For those seeking flexibility, FCC also offers self-guided or instructor-moderated online classes that can be completed from anywhere:
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Discover Digital Photography ($130) – A beginner’s introduction to photography fundamentals, including composition, exposure, and camera use.
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Computer Skills for the Workplace ($147) – Covers email, spreadsheets, databases, and essential office software.
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How to Get Started in Game Development ($144) – Hands-on projects to teach design concepts, development techniques, and industry insights.
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Stocks, Bonds, and Investing, Oh My! ($141) – A beginner-friendly course on financial literacy, investing, and retirement planning.
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Spanish ($143) – Interactive language learning with vocabulary, phrases, and cultural insights.
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Conversational Japanese ($130) – A travel-friendly introduction to Japanese conversation, culture, and audio practice.
More Options Across IECC
In addition to Frontier Community College, Community Education classes are also offered this fall at other Illinois Eastern Community Colleges campuses: Olney Central College, Wabash Valley College, and Lincoln Trail College. Programs include woodworking, art, fitness, driver’s education, concealed carry certification, and more.
Registration
To register or view a complete list of Community Education classes, visit www.iecc.edu/communityed.
