There's some telltale signs that separate an average piece of old silverware from something truly special, says appraiser Shawne MacIntyre, and she wants to help people spot them.

The Start Your Own Collection course is one of the new general interest courses at Capilano University this year. It covers topics that don't often come to mind when pondering university life, in this case, learning what to look for in antiques and artwork.

It was the brainchild of MacIntyre, an art appraiser with MacIntyre Appraisals who often has people coming to her asking what they can do to get the eye for antiques.

"Certainly with the Antiques Roadshow and Cash In The Attic and all those television shows, there's a greater awareness of art and antiques," she said.

That ranges from people who want to start a serious collection to those who just want to figure out how special their grandmother's silverware collection really is.

"We're really starting at the basics: how to examine, how to inspect a piece," she said. "The goal of this course is to bring some knowledge and bring some confidence to people who are going out there for the first time."

The one-day course gives people a starting place, but that's not all that's on offer.

Lynne Moran, coordinator of continuing education, said not everyone is looking to hit the books again full time, and this offers an easier way to keep the mind active and pick up new hobbies, or enhance your businesses without eating up at your free time.

New this year includes practical options like a business course for new Canadians who want to learn about regulations in Canada, non-profit governance and real-estate, or you can escape with courses on traveling for cheap or stargazing.

The stargazing course is run by Wanda La Claire, an astrophysicist who's worked with the HR MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver.

"It's one of those sciences, too, where you might be the person to spot something new," said Moran.

The Start Your Own Collection course runs Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9:30 to 3:30 and costs $99. A lot of the general interest courses are just one-day, Moran said, which is done so that people don't have to make a huge commitment to try something out.

She said she hopes people find something that really interests them and come back for longer courses.

A full list of general interest courses is available on the website at capilanou.ca/ce.html.

tholloway@nsnews.com