LAS CRUCES - Artists and small businesses can learn and develop Internet and social networking skills at free classes beginning soon in Las Cruces and sites throughout southern New Mexico.

A grant-funded program called Fast Forward New Mexico (FFNM) is bringing 64 hours of free Internet training classes to artists and other small businesses in the Las Cruces area beginning in February and March at the Branigan Library. The classes will be offered in Spanish and in English, said Carla Rachkowski, statewide marketing coordinator for the program, which offers free Internet training in 17 of New Mexico's public libraries.

The classes cover everything from basic computer skills to "using Internet tools to decrease business costs and increase sales through e-commerce, e-marketing, and social media," Rachkowski said.

Jonathan Helf of High Mountain Furniture near Gallup, said the classes helped him with everything from locating and using Internet resources to developing targeted marketing plans.

"I discovered that my target market is growing families with too many kids and too little space, and doting grandparents who want to buy beds for their grandkids," said Helf, who makes bunk beds.

Tiki Carpenter, a metal artist who took courses at Aztec Public Library in the Four Corners area, said she became licensed as both a goldsmith and silversmith, honed her computer skills and learned how to market her skills.

"Where I shine is in custom work. The pieces I do end up becoming

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family treasures or family heirlooms. I needed to start learning the Internet, because once you learn how to use it, you can reach out there to whole world," said Carpenter, who plans to use such sites as Facebook and LinkedIn to promote Goldcrafters, her business and website.

Those interested can learn more and sign up for classes of their choice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Branigan Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., or visit online at www.fastforwardnm.org.

Classes are also planned at Columbus Village Library in April and May and at Carlsbad Public Library and Silver City Public Library at dates to be announced soon.

S. Derrickson Moore can be reached at (575) 541-5450.

If you go

•What: Sign up for artist/small business training classes

•When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, classes March and April

•Where: Branigan Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave.

•Cost: Free

•Information: www.fastforwardnm.org