Community Calendar

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.

Over half a century after the Stonewall Uprising, the vibrant and complex history of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and movements in the U.S. remains a focal point of rich discussion and political relevance. In this course, we will immerse ourselves in the intricate history of LGBTQ+ Americans, examining their political organizations, cultural contributions, and the profound ways they have helped shape the nation. This course offers a comprehensive overview of key LGBTQ+ figures, events, and cultural shifts beginning in the early 20th century to the present, highlighting the emergence and evolution of LGBTQ+ identities and activism, and the challenges they have historically faced. We will uncover how a marginalized community has become a powerful force for social change, impacting every facet of American life— from grassroots politics and art to society at large. Together we will gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ history and gain a renewed appreciation for the ongoing struggle towards justice, inclusion, and freedom in the US

The adventure begins in New York City, where the echoes of Tin Pan Alley’s Great American Songbook still resound. We witness a new generation of talented songwriters, singers, and groups, who filled the airwaves and shaped the soundtrack of our lives. This course is a journey into the melodies, stories, and vibrant personalities behind the Brill Building era of the late 1950s and 1960s. We will discuss the music of legendary songwriters such as Carole King & Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Phil Spector, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Neil Diamond, and others. Together we will rediscover the tunes from Elvis Presley, the Coasters, Dion and the Belmonts, the Drifters, Dionne Warwick, the Ronettes, the Shirelles, the Animals, the Monkees, Manfred Mann, Andy Williams, the unforgettable Righteous Brothers, and many others.

Longevity comes down to one simple truth: our ability to weather the inevitable challenges life unexpectedly drops in our lap. Resilience is our ticket to extended healthspan. Western society is entering a phase of significant transformation that will change how we age. This course is a condensed version of Fulton’s Whealthspan Masterclass which focuses on the five foundations for extending healthspan and looks at societal changes that will impact all of us. We will distill the latest and most relevant age-related science for a general audience and explain the strategies for optimal outcomes that fit a wide range of cultures and values

This course focuses on recent events in Russia and the post-Soviet space, many of which stem from enduring ethnic tensions. The Russian Federation is home to 180 nationalities, many of which have long been in conflict. We will examine how the Russian state—under the Tsars, Soviets, and President Vladimir Putin—has sought to impose uniformity, often diminishing ethnic groups. Through a historical lens, we will explore the struggles of these groups, from peaceful movements like the Circassian movement to violent resistance like Chechnya. Contemporary Russian culture, including music, cinema, cuisine, and humor, will also be discussed to illuminate current events.

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.

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