Cost: $125, $100 for three or more. Info: Scott, 310-866-2587, scottmastro@gmail.com.

Looking for a way to explore your artistic side and a fun night out? Check out Canvas and Cocktails, 249 Clayton St., an upbeat creative class for both the artistic and not so artistic. Learn the basics of acrylic painting with step-by-step instructor guidance. Adult classes are Wed.-Sat. at 6:30p.m., $35-$40 per painter, including materials. Children’s classes Saturdays, 9:30a.m., $30. Space is limited. Register at 303-333-3288 orwww.canvasandcocktails.com.

Investigate fine fabric arts through classes for adults and children at TACtile Art Center, 7777 E. Hampden Ave.: Japanese Shibori Dying, Sat. & Sun., June 6 & 7, 9a.m.-4p.m.; Needle Felting, Sun., June 14, 1-4p.m. OnDIY FRI, Upcycle and Recycle with Wiley Sherer shows how to craft useful things out of others’ junk, Fridays, 5-7p.m. $5. Info: www.tactilearts.org, email info@tactilearts.org, or 720-524-8886.

Find true protection from fear, worry and anxiety in Freedom From Fear, a Buddhist refuge course held at Avalokiteshvara Buddhist Center, 1081 Marion St., Sat., June 6, 9a.m.-1p.m. Pre-register, $30. General Program Buddhist Meditation classes held Wednesdays, 7p.m., & Sundays, 10:30a.m. Also: daily chanted prayers, advanced study programs and free stress-buster meditation. Info: call 303-813-9551 or www.meditationincolorado.org.

Shed light on Denver & Colorado’s past with lectures and tours this month at the Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway. Castles of Colorado: Scandals, Hauntings, and Tales of the Past is this month’s Red Hot Sundays for Red Hat Ladies program, Sun., June 21, 2p.m. $20 includes program, refreshments at 3p.m., and museum admission. Tours include Tocabe: Denver’s Newest American Indian Eatery, Sat., June 13, 1-3p.m.; and Quilters and DCPA Insiders’ Tour, Thur., June 25, 6-8p.m., and Sat., June 27, 10a.m.-5p.m. Celebrate Chinese culture and traditions through dance as the Christina Yeh Dance Studio performs at the next First Friday lunchtime program, July 3, 12:15-1p.m. Bring/buy lunch; free cookies/drinks. $5. Reservations required for all events: 303-866-4686; www.coloradohistory.org.

Fresh City Life provides information, ideas & experiences through free cultural programming for adults every month at the Denver Public Library: The Curious Mind of Werner Herzog is a series of the filmmaker’s documentaries, screened Tuesdays, 6-9p.m., through July, in the B2 Conference Center: June 16, Land of Silence and Darkness; 23, Little Dieter Needs to Fly; 30, Wheel of Time; July 7, Grizzly Man; 14, Encounters at the End of the World. Madame DeFarge’s Knitting Salon is offered every Monday, 5-7:30p.m., providing a social gathering for free knitting, with instructors on hand for problems. No registration required. Classes are available at same time, but require registration: Sticks & String: Beginning Knitting teaches the basics, June 8, 15, 22 & 29. How Money Works — Six Key Strategies is a women-only workshop hosted by the Women’s Financial Network, Tues., June 9, 6-7:30p.m. Power Up is June’s two-part WordShop: Creative Writers’ Space offering, held Tues., June 16 & 30, 6-7:30p.m. Craft-O-Mat is the monthly freestyle crafting session (Sat., June 6, 1-4:30 p.m.) inviting patrons to bring their own portable projects and exchange tips and socialize with others. No registration required. On that same day, crafter Gail Lindley demonstrates how to make a fairy or forest gnome doll using needle felting in Craft Services: Needle Felting: Rocky Mountain Fairies, 1:30 or 3p.m. Whether you’re a pro, an amateur, or someplace in between, come to the free Nuts ‘n Bolts Basic Bike Maintenance Workshop, Sun., June 21, 1:30-4:30p.m., in the Acoma Plaza, outside the west entrance. Details at http://denverlibrary.org/programs/fresh/bike.html. Bring your knitting or any favored handwork and watch a free movie at KnitFlix: Damn Yankees, Tues., June 23, 5:30-7:30p.m. Unless noted, all events held in Level 1 Fresh City Lounge of the Central Library, located at 14th Ave. Pkwy. & Broadway. Registration required for all events unless noted, visit: www.denverlibrary.org/fresh or call 720-865-1205.

Discover simple, self-healing principles of cleansing & detoxification in A Mid-Summer’s Clean Eating Dream, a free community class at Apothecary Tinctura, 2900 E. 6th Ave., a medicinal herb store & clinic, Tues., June 16, 6:30-8:30p.m. Other classes: The Art of Thai Herbal Compressing, Sun., June 8, 4:30-7:30p.m.; Reclaim Your Fertility/Fertile Soul Workshop, Sun., June 28, 9a.m.-7p.m. Call 303-399-1175 to sign up; details/costs, visit www.apothecarytinctura.com.

Experience benefits of hypnosis to create calm in Release Anxiety, Tues., June 9, 7:30p.m., or Sat., June 13, 3p.m., presented by Hypnotherapy for Women’s Wellness, LLC. Free. Call Jennifer Welch, 303-393-1062 or visit www.womenswellnesshypnosis.net.

Residents and community groups are invited to give their two cents on the City’s trash and recycling programs. Public input is needed to develop the Denver Solid Waste Management Master Plan, a 20-year guide for service goals. Local meetings: June 9, District 3 Police Station, 1625 S. University Blvd.; 10, Barnum Recreation Center, 360 Hooker St.; 16, National Jewish Hospital, 1400 Jackson St. Can’t make a meeting? Fill out the online survey at www.DenverGov.org/Trashsurvey, June 10-30. Info, call 311.

Denver will be crawling with new urbanists as the Congress for the New Urbanism comes to town, June 10-14. The national conference promoting the planning and development of walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods is being co-hosted by Denver Planning Director Peter Park and the Planning Department. Urban planners and designers, architects, developers, engineers, government officials, lenders and community activists from around the world will hear 200+ speakers over four days, and scrutinize Stapleton, Belmar and Highlands Garden Village developments by bus, bike and foot. For details, visit http://cnu17.org.

Ballet Nouveau Colorado’s Garrett Ammon & Alexandre O. Philippe discuss their current obsessions and the process of transforming obsession into art in My Obsession, a Lighthouse Writers Workshop. Tickets, $10/person; workshop held Fri., June 12, 8-9:30p.m., at Eventgallery 910Arts, 910 Santa Fe Dr. Info: 303-815-1779, www.910Arts.com.

Denver Housing Authority will present a Home Ownership Fair Sat., June 13, 10a.m.-3p.m., at the PPA Center, 2105 Decatur St., teaching first-time buyers how to purchase a home, providing current homeowners with resources to improve their homes, and presenting options for homeowners in delinquency or foreclosure. Free parking, refreshments, door prizes and youth activities provided. Spanish and Vietnamese translators on hand. Details, call 303-654-2526 or visit www.denverhousing.org.

Begin with fundamentals of painting outdoors in a plein air painting trip offered by A Good Day for Art, a supportive, non-judgmental, creative art experience for adults. Choose Sun., June 14 or 28, or Sat., June 20, either 9a.m.-1p.m. or 10a.m.-2p.m., $45 per session. Locations vary. Preregistration required. Info: 303-369-1952 or www.agooddayforart.com.

Keeping feline companions happy and well adjusted is the goal of new classes at the Dumb Friends League, 2080 S. Quebec St. The next three-week Kitten Kindergarten class ($30) starts Tues., June 16; they’re offered monthly through October. One-evening Cat Behavior Workshops ($10) are offered monthly as well. The last two sessions of Kindergarten are “paws-on” with kittens invited for socialization, tips and training. To enroll, call Donna at 303-751-5772, ext. 7213, or http://support.ddfl.org/site/PageServer?pagename=training_cat_class.

Become informed about Wills & Trusts and Investing for College at a free Denver Community Credit Union class, Tues., June 16, 5p.m., and Tues., June 30, 10a.m., respectively, at 1041 Acoma St. (Classes normally held 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6p.m.) Email education@denvercommunity.coop or call 303-573-1170, ext. 754, to register or for more information. Can’t attend? Go to www.denvercommunity.coop and click on “Education” for free online tools.

Mi Casa Resource Center For Women provides good, free advice on common legal problems every Legal Night the third Tuesday of each month (June 16), 5:30-7:30p.m. Attorneys are available to provide legal guidance in areas including housing, employment, credit problems, family law, immigration, etc. Held at Mi Casa, 360 Acoma St. Info: 303-573-1302.

Learn to rustle up more referrals or redecorate on a dime with the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce in June. Christine Halaska shares innovative design solutions for home and office in Design on a Budget, the Women of Cherry Creek’s Wed., June 17, presentation, held 11:30a.m.-1p.m., at The Egg & I, 560 S. Holly St. RSVP by June 12. The Referability Formula: A Strategic Approach to Getting More Clients with Less with speaker and trainer Alecia Huck is the next Business Success Series presentation, Tues., June 23, 7:45-9:15a.m., at 101 Monroe St. The Chamber has been selected as the Non-Profit Partner to operate the snow cone and soda booths at this year’s Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Fri.-Sun., July 3-5, so volunteers are needed. Contact Yolanda Marshall at ymarshall@fcbcolo.com for more information. Info/costs:www.cherrycreekchamber.org or 303-388-6022.

See how innovative “green” roofs can help make cities sustainable at the first Green Roofs for the West symposium, Thur., June 18, 8a.m.-5p.m., at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. The conference and trade show boasts two panel discussions with regional experts, to address issues of green roof design, green jobs, storm water management and public policy. Pre-registration/information: www.botanicgardens.org and click on the “classes” link, e-mail registrar@botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3580.

Want to avoid nightmares in a remodeling project? Attend the free Old Home/New Space: A Guide to Remodeling seminar at Classic Homeworks, 3430 E. 12th Ave., Thur., June 18, 6:30p.m. Learn planning & strategy, budgeting, selecting professionals, design consideration, the construction process and maintenance. Registration/info: 303-722-3000 or visit www.classichomeworks.com.

Pearl Street Yoga, 1550 S. Pearl St., loves to share the yoga! Free Summer Solstice Class at Wash Park, Sat., June 20, 4p.m. Join Doug McGhee and other PSY instructors for a soulful practice welcoming in the summer solstice. Six-week Prenatal Yoga series held Sundays; next series begins July12 – call for availability.Info, exact Solstice location and complete weekly class schedule, Call 720-203-4241 or visit www.pearlstreetyoga.com.

What’s the difference between black, green, white and oolong teas? What are the health benefits of tea? Find out when Linda Appel Lipsius of Teatulia Teas presents Tea 101, Sat., June 20, noon-1p.m., at Caboodle Gifts, 1515 S. Holly St. $15. Register: www.caboodlegifts.net, 303-759-3966, or email caboodlellc@gmail.com.

Trace the evolution of the modern Japanese state from its ancient roots to the present in Japan, a free Active Minds presentation, Tues., June 23, 5:30-6:30p.m., at Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave. Putin’s Russia examines Vladimir Putin, the former Russian president and current prime minister, and how his hard-line politics and centralized control may continue, Wed., June 24, 10-11a.m., at Malley Senior Center, 3380 S. Lincoln St. Free, but RSVP at 303-762-2660. Examine OPEC and the role it plays in affecting the world’s supply of oil and what the future may hold for U.S. oil (in)dependence in OPEC and the Oil Economy, Wed., June 24, 2:30-3:30p.m., at Springbrooke (formerly Cherry Oaks), 6800 Leetsdale Dr. Free, but RSVP at 303-331-9963. Info on all Active Minds offerings: www.ActiveMindsForLife.com.

Learn how mature trees add to home value and reduce energy costs in The Care of Trees in Your Landscape, a free public lecture, Wed., June 24, 7p.m., in National Jewish Hospital’s Heitler Hall, 1400 Jackson St. (parking available in Jackson St. lot). East Denver City Forester Jim Myer will give tips on caring for the urban forest, plus species selection. Second of six lectures in the Congress Park Historic Speakers series. Questions: 303-377-4913 or cvansciver@earthlink.net or visit www.congressparkneighbors.org.

Diplomate in Acupuncture Eva H. Stanley presents Allergy Help!, a lecture on alternative allergy treatments, Thur., June 25, 6p.m., at Alternative Chiropractic Center, 1805 S. Bellaire St., Ste. 101. RSVP/info: 303-504-3600.

Connect and communicate with your unborn child in PreBirth Parenting, a four-week class held in south Denver, Mondays, 7-8:30p.m., starting June 29. Fee: $45; pre-registration required. Call 720-988-8322 for info.

Enrich Your Life is a series of weekly life-coaching sessions held every Thursday through June, 6:30-7:30p.m., at Eugene Field Library, 810 S. University. First time free. Space is limited. Call Dianne, 303-388-2251.

Become adept at drywall patching, power tools, basic home wiring and more at Workshop for Women, 47 W. Alameda Ave. Call 303-284-6354 or www.workshopforwomen.com for schedule.

Don’t just learn, live Spanish through free social and educational gatherings of the Denver Free Spanish Network. Speakers of all ages and skill meet in homes, restaurants and coffee shops to share interest and learn. For dates & details, visit http://spanish.meetup.com/22/ or call Isobel McGowan, 303-964-9129, or Bruce McLarty, 303-733-7390.

Free Yoga in the Park! Held Sundays at 10:10a.m. Beginning and intermediate practitioners welcome. Alamo Placita Park near E. 4th Ave. and Ogden St. For more info, call MJ at 303-433-6280.

Inspire Creativity Arts Camp for the Performing and Visual Arts provides all ages with training options in drama, vocal, dance, art and tech theatre, held at Merrill Middle School, 1551 S. Monroe St., Mon.-Fri., July 13-31, 9a.m.-3:30p.m. The day camp is open to middle school, high school and college students and adults, and an art unit is open to elementary school children. Art show and dramatic performances take place at camp’s end. Details & registration: 303-790-0875 or www.inspirecreativitycamp.org.

Aspiring writers can get practical insight into the book publishing process in How Books Get Published, a special summer course at University College, two weeks in July. Elizabeth Geiser, former head of DU’s Publishing Institute, will present the bottom-line considerations that guide publishers in their decision-making, what agents, editors and sales people do within the process, and what they look for in submitted manuscripts. The course includes hands-on workshop sessions and interaction with agents, editors, marketing specialists and publishers. Meets Thur. & Fri. evenings, July 16, 17, 23 & 24, and two Saturdays, July 18 & 25. To register, call Student Services at 303-871-2291; for more information on this and other summer quarter courses, contact Sarah Bhatti at 303-871-4964 or Sarah.Bhatti@du.edu. For info on all course offerings, call 303-871-3155, or visit www.universitycollege.du.edu.

The Inner Connection Institute is a center for spiritual growth and psychic development, offering classes in meditation, healing and clairvoyance. Call 303-282-9439 for a free newsletter, or come by the free aura healing clinic, held each Wed., 6-7p.m., at 4101 E. Louisiana Ave., Suite G-1 (entrance around the back of building).

Learn to play flamenco guitar like a gypsy with master teacher and educator Rene Heredia at the Flamenco Center for Guitar & Dance, 602 S. Emerson St. Gypsy dance classes also available Friday evenings at Artistic Body & Development, 520 Cherokee St. Email gypsyproductionsinc@comcast.net or call 303-722-0054 or for details on either program.

Meditation and Buddhist philosophy classes are held Thursdays, 6-8p.m., in Cook Park, using the Dalai Lama’s The Art of Happiness and Sogyal Rinpoche’s The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Call Deb Rosenberg, 303-695-0499, for location and details.

¿Habla usted Español? Haroldo’s Spanish conversation group takes place on Fridays, 9:30a.m.-noon, at Washington Park United Church of Christ, 400 S. Williams St. Advanced conversation, reading, translation and grammar. Info: 303-733-9693.

Do something relaxing & rejuvenating for yourself, with taijiquan (tai chi) classes through Taoist Tai Chi Society, 1060 Bannock St. The Society’s four-month beginning taijiquan (tai chi) course teaches 108 movements and basic angles. Call 303-623-5163 or visit www.colorado.usa.taoist.org for latest class start dates. Health Recovery classes held weekly.