May 11 Monday
RD holds secular, science-based addiction recovery support groups every Monday. We are LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent led/friendly. Harm reduction approaches welcomed. Sober curious folks are welcomed. Anyone questioning their relationship to substances is welcomed. No student observers, please.
Using principles learned from the Fundamentals, Figure/Head, and Painting classes, we’ll apply our knowledge and skills to Great Master artworks. We’ll learn watercolor basics (wet on wet,wet on dry, color mixing). Each week we’ll look at various artists such as Rubens, Rembrandt, Winslow Homer and more. From each, we’ll cover the human figure, landscapes, and abstracts.
All levels welcome!
Course Outline
Week 1: Overview/Review, Wet on Wet, Wet on Dry/Damp, Water Control, Brushes
Week 2: Simple Volumes, Visualizing simple masses, Value
Week 3: Monochrome, Using Black and Earth-tones
Week 4: Warm and Cools
Week 5: Color, Working with Primaries, Color Mixing
Week 6: Long-Form Master Study, Applying our skills to a single study
May 12 Tuesday
If you missed this series in 2023 -- or simply want a fresh perspective -- now’s your chance to revisit the Gilded Age, one of the most complex and captivating periods in American history. From 1877 to 1896, America saw explosive industrial growth, technological innovation, and immense wealth for a fortunate few. But beneath the glittering surface were the untold stories of those who made that world run.In this third class of the series, Historians and authors Nancy Markey and Kay Adams shift the spotlight to the people who lived and labored behind the grand doors of families like the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Carnegies. Much like the downstairs staff of Downton Abbey, America had its own domestic workforce -- maids, butlers, cooks, coachmen -- whose lives were defined by long hours and strict hierarchies.Through rich storytelling and historical insight, Nancy and Kay bring to life the experiences of the working class during this era of opulence and inequality. Discover what daily life was really like for the staff who kept Gilded Age households running. While this is part of an ongoing series, each class stands alone; join us for one or many
May 13 Wednesday
The Yvonne Richardson Community Center (YRCC) has been a cornerstone of the Fayetteville community since 1996 — and it just got even better! Join us for a special session celebrating the Center’s exciting expansion, featuring new community rooms, a hardwood gymnasium, and a fully equipped instructional kitchen.This interactive class includes a guided tour of the upgraded facility led by YRCC Director Josh Lainfiesta, an open discussion about current and future programs, and a brief, hands-on cooking activity in the new kitchen. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to YRCC, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape the future of this vibrant community space.About YRCC: Founded in 1996 and named in memory of Yvonne Richardson, daughter of former Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball Coach Nolan Richardson, the Yvonne Richardson Community Center’s mission is to prepare today’s youth for tomorrow’s challenges by offering enriching recreational, educational, and social opportunities. While youth development remains its core focus, YRCC proudly serves people of all ages through inclusive programs and events that strengthen community connections
May 14 Thursday
Embrace the journey of aging with confidence and vitality! Join Vicky Willis, a certified Yoga instructor and OLLI’s Yoga Guru, in this transformative program designed specifically for those looking to enhance their well-being as they age. Through slow, precise movements rooted in Yoga, participants will systematically stretch and condition their muscles, providing essential support to aging joints. This program focuses on four key areas: strength, flexibility, agility, and balance; fundamental elements for healthy living that can help eliminate morning stiffness and improve overall mobility.Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket, blocks, a yoga strap, and a yoga mat, and to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement. Join us to foster a healthier, more active lifestyle as you embrace the changes that come with age! Activity Level: 1
In this two-hour presentation, Walter Schmidt, local singer/songwriter and music teacher, will explore the history of the American Revolution through a unique lens: the presentation and discussion of several topical songs published and sung in the colonies and Great Britain between 1763 and 1783. Listening to them now can provide a unique insight into that seminal period of American history.Based on Oscar Brand’s 1972 collection Songs of ’76: A Folksinger’s History of the Revolution, this class will explore the music that captured the spirit and struggles of the American Revolution. Participants will examine songs from three distinct stages of the era—beginning with the initial period of growing tension between the colonies and Great Britain from 1763 to 1764, continuing through the war years that began in 1765, and concluding with the Treaty of Paris in 1783 and its aftermath. Through these songs, the class will trace how music reflected and influenced the evolving emotions, politics, and hopes of a nation on the brink of independence.Walter Schmidt, singer/songwriter & music teacher, will introduce two or three songs from each period by providing a brief historical background and then singing each song, accompanied by guitar or banjo, and providing an opportunity for brief discussion after each son
May 18 Monday
Death is certain, but how we prepare for it makes all the difference. Join Dr. Fidel Davila, a retired Pulmonary and Critical Care physician, for a thoughtful, practical look at end-of-life planning.Through guided discussion and hands-on activities, participants will learn how to communicate their wishes clearly—both verbally and through essential documents like Living Wills and Medical Power of Attorney. You’ll discover what these tools mean, when they’re used, and how to ensure your values guide decisions when you no longer can.Working together in a supportive setting, you’ll benefit from expert insight and shared perspectives—making a difficult topic easier to face and understand. Leave with the clarity, confidence, and resources to begin your own plan and give peace of mind to yourself and your loved ones.
Irish Slow Session is for those who would like to learn Irish tunes and songs. The hour before each Irish Session we’ll learn a few new tunes and tips on how to jam in the Irish Sessions.Every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Check the Folk School calendar for more information.
May 21 Thursday