Learn Computer Skills - And Much More - At Tincan, For Free | Arts & Culture

Newsflash:  Tincan is Spokane's best kept secret.

Okay, as a new member of Tincan's board of directors, I may be a little overzealous.  And it's not like the organization is a secret either, after serving thousands of Spokanites over the course of nearly two decades. 

Even so, a tour of Tincan's facility on 2nd Avenue near Cedar in downtown Spokane is a real eye-opener.  For the uninitiated, Tincan is a non-profit organization that teaches all types of computer and video production skills to just about anyone who's interested, for free.  There's a large, airy computer lab with 32 shiny new iMacs with oversize monitors.  Use them to surf the web or work on projects alone, or learn new skills with one-on-one help from their friendly staff.  No reservations needed.

Group workshops are held in a smaller lab, also equipped with iMacs.  Classes include everything from Basic Internet Skills to Online Job Searching to Photoshop 101.  Learn how to shoot and edit like a pro in Tincan's video production studio.  Free.  All of it.

For parents, Tincan offers spring break and summer break camps for kids that teach cool stuff like designing video games and making short films.  This, too, is free, and registration for spring break camp is still open, as of this writing.

Tincan offers much more, including courses for business owners and aspiring journalists.  Check out their website - you're bound to find something you like, at a price that you'll really like - free.