What: The Helena Institute offers 30+ courses in a variety of areas of interest

When: August and September 2009, specific dates depend on individual class

Where: Helena, Montana

Who: Anyone interested in learning new skills or expanding on established hobbies and interests

Details: Discover new passions or brush up on new techniques for old hobbies at the inaugural Helena Institute. Offering more than 30 courses to choose from, the Helena Institute is designed to get students out of the traditional classroom. Each of the classes emphasizes a participatory learning experience – meaning field trips, studio sessions and hands-on training. These do-it-to-learn-it activities will take you step by step through all the skills needed to learn new hobbies or perfect established crafts. Topics include cooking and food, outdoor recreation, fibers and fabrics, dance and yoga, writing, outdoor and Montana history, musical instruments, art, mosaics, paper arts and other areas.