Are you looking to spark your imagination and explore new artistic skills in the new year?

If so, you can kick off your creativity at Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St, Overland Park, where Painting with Pastels invites participants to uncover the beauty of soft pastels. Through blending, layering and expressive color techniques, artists of all levels can refine their skills.

This five session class begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11. Cost is $59/$65 nonresidents.

Next, creativity takes center stage in the Longhouse Visitor Center at the Overland Park Arboretum, 9209 West 179th St., with Experimental Drawing. Starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26.

This five-session program encourages playful exploration of new techniques and mediums to rediscover the joy of drawing. Cost is $59/$65 for nonresidents.

Finally, the New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Pkwy., hosts the Watercolor Painting Series beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 10.

Designed for beginners, this four session program provides guided mini studies to build confidence with watercolor techniques. Supplies are included. The fee is $145/$160 for nonresidents.

For more information or to register, call 913-831-3359 or visit jcprd.com/50plus.