Community Calendar

Some topics don’t fit neatly into OLLI science classes—too big, too small, too little, too much, too off-topic—and often end up on the proverbial cutting room floor. In this course, these intriguing bits and ends are gathered up and presented like a charcuterie board of tasty science snacks. This will be a six-week romp through just about anything one might imagine including a little bit of color theory, a morsel of genetic testing science, a dash of airplane physics, some lightning theory, a mouse that turns scorpion venom into a painkiller, current scientific thoughts on origins of life, and a lot of time to explore topics of interest to you. Bring your questions and we will explore some of the exciting nooks and crannies of science together

Join Amy Lyn Edie, a talented portrait artist from Northwest Arkansas, for an immersive six-week drawing course designed for complete beginners. This hands-on class will guide you through the essential techniques of drawing, focusing on three key areas: portrait drawing, perspective drawing, and landscapes. In the first two weeks, you will explore the fundamentals of capturing the human face. The following two weeks will introduce you to the principles of perspective drawing. In the final two weeks, you will connect with nature as you learn to draw landscapes. Whether you are picking up a pencil for the first time or looking to refresh your skills, this course offers a supportive environment to foster creativity and growth. Take a journey into the art of drawing, where you will build a strong foundation and create beautiful works of art. *A detailed list of materials needed will be provided upon registration.

The Southern Italian port city of Naples is home to a rich and complex history stretching back to its foundation by Greek colonists in the 8th century B.C.E. Across the centuries, Naples evolved into a vibrant cultural, political and economic center of the Mediterranean world, first as a part of Magna Gracia, and later, under successive periods of Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Angevin, and Spanish rule, on route to becoming the capital of the independent Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1816. In 1861, Naples’s incorporation into the newly unified Italian nation-state as a part of the Risorgimento initiated an era of modernization and adaptation that persists to the present day. In this six-week class, we will examine la storia e tradizioni of bella Napoli—a city famously pieno di contradizione (“full of contradictions”). Aimed at students and travelers alike, the course offers a virtual “grand tour” of Naples through a close examination of a dozen Neapolitan monuments/ historic sites reflective of milestones in the city’s historical development from its origins through today, including: Castel dell’ Ovo, Spaccanapoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II , Castel Nuovo, the Duomo, Santa Chiara, i musei Capodimonte e Archeologico Nazionale, Palazzo Reale, Teatro San Carlo, and the Galleria Umberto I among others (including “side visits” to the city’s best pizzerias, food stalls, pastry shops and cafes!)

Participants will learn all the basics to stamping in this class. We will cover rubber and photopolymer stamping, proper mounting, block cleaning, and various ink and stamping techniques. You will create three detailed cards along with envelopes to take home. From random stamping to a more advanced “rock and roll” technique, you will leave with tons of information for your future creations. Kits will include die cuts precut by the instructor so focus is on the stamping. Other projects from this instructor can be seen on her facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PapercraftsbyKJ

Workshop fee includes instruction and all materials

For adults 18 or older

Have you been looking for a group to dance or learn to dance with that is centered on safety, connection, and healing? The NWA Center for Sexual Assault and Cece Marie Choreography are hosting free dance workshops beginning this summer. This is a healing-centered dance experience where survivors reclaim safety, creativity, and connection through movement and shared story. You deserve to feel safe in your body.

This workshop is open to adult survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and / or human trafficking.

Sign up here: https://www.nwasexualassault.org/art-workshops-for-survivors

Not sure if you're eligible? Please talk to a member of our friendly team. Call 479-347-2304, email info@nwasexualassault.org, or visit the NWA Center for Sexual Assault website: nwasexualassault.org

Because you are not alone.

From August 1992 to April 1995, three tragic and high-profile events—Ruby Ridge, Waco, and the Oklahoma City bombing— captured the attention of the nation, as federal forces clashed with U.S. civilians. These incidents, often tied together in media coverage, are marked by themes of freedom, religion, and guns. John Powers, a Lifelong Learning program educator, will delve deeper into the individuals involved and the decision-making processes that escalated these confrontations, leading to devastating loss and destruction in the heart of America. With the benefit of 30 years of perspective, we’ll move beyond the headlines and explore the complexities of these events, uncovering the broader social and political forces at play. Join us for a thought-provoking examination of a pivotal period in U.S. history, where we seek to understand the true causes and consequences of these tragic moments.

Many individuals contribute to history but never get their due. Women and other marginalized groups traditionally received less ink in history books than the “great men” of history who were mainly white males. This course looks at nine women--three each session--whose achievements are not commonly known. Among the nine women are a scientist, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, a pioneering pilot, a suffragist, a candidate for the U. S. presidency, an activist for women’s and African-American’s rights, a British anthropologist, and a pioneering politician from the Western U.S

In honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025, we will explore her life, works, and legacy from a fresh perspective. Both seasoned readers and those new to Austen will appreciate experiencing the story of her authorship through images of original documents and artifacts. Austen began writing fiction in her teenage years, warmly supported by her family, especially her clergyman father. Yet she had to wait until she was in her thirties to see her first book in print. In this course, we will discover what happened in between, as well as how a household of creative women made it possible for her to focus on her writing and achieve publication. We will consider how and why her literary reputation grew after her death, and we will take a tour of the contemporary adaptations and retellings that continue to broaden her readership.

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.

Are you ready for a trip to Italy, or simply interested in learning about the country’s language and customs? Join Dr. Ryan CalabrettaSajder, Associate Professor of Italian at the University of Arkansas, for a 6-week journey filled with essential phrases and travel tips. This course will cover a variety of topics, including preparing for your trip, salutations, navigating the airport, ordering food and drinks, shopping, traveling within Italy, and ensuring your safety. Get ready to embark on this exciting adventure!