Join us for a leisurely stroll through our local native desert park — led by a Desert Awareness Naturalist — and learn about Sonoran Desert upland plants and how they survive. Walks are the 1st Saturday of the month December through April, begin at 10 a.m., and last for 90 minutes. The Nature Trail is relatively flat, and the Saguaro Trail is slightly uphill.
You are invited to a special event celebrating the art of expression by our current featured gallery artists MJ Okawa, Robin Rand, Jennifer Summa, and Lucy Emilia. Registration not required, but RSVP kindly requested on our website.
Never had an art class? Join us for joyful, fear-free painting! Learn acrylic techniques through fun exercises that teach value, composition, and color. Fast-drying paints make it easy to experiment and adjust your work. Build confidence and core painting skills in a positive, supportive setting.
In four (4) classes, Sandi Carll from our Signature Program Desert Foothills Theater will host an engaging and lively improv class. Participants will actively participate in fun and easy improv games designed to improve cognitive ability, foster brain health, and broaden creative expression.
Rewire your brain for a stronger you in 2026! Discover the truth behind common brain myths as you explore how MindDNA can help reverse brain age. Class fee includes a copy of "Better from Within" by award-winning author and neuro-educator Phyllis Strupp, plus healthy bites and refreshments.
This four-session workshop is designed for both beginners and those who want to achieve more realistic drawings. Larry Charles — a nationally-recognized, exhibiting artist and expert instructor — will begin each class with a step-by-step demonstration, followed by individual mentoring as you create your scene. Expect to create two drawings per session.
Discover the fun and strategy of American Mah Jongg in this lively, hands-on class—no prior experience needed! Learn essentials like tile names and suits, how to use the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card, and the basics of game play & etiquette. Perfect for complete beginners or those looking for a refresher, this class combines instruction with guided play to help you build confidence and enjoy the game.
This four-session workshop is designed for both beginners and those who want to achieve more realistic drawings. Larry Charles — a nationally-recognized, exhibiting artist and expert instructor — will begin each class with a step-by-step demonstration, followed by individual mentoring as you create your scene. Expect to create two drawings per session.
Teens ages 14–18 are invited to join the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Cadet Program — a unique opportunity to learn about law enforcement, build leadership skills, and serve the community. Weekly Tuesday sessions provide hands-on training and real-world insight into public safety.
Join us and learn more about these highly sociable, widely distributed, and often seen animals here in Arizona! Javelina, also known as Collared Peccaries, are actually not pigs, even though they are commonly confused with them. We will talk about their history, behavior, adaptations, and practical tips for peaceful coexistence in our shared neighborhoods with Jeff Meyers of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
This curved-glass cactus garden will never wither... and will be a beautiful addition to your home! What will you put in your garden? Participants will design a unique garden using a 15 x 8 inch sheet of clear glass, frit (ground glass), glass pebbles, thin rods of glass, and background art. No glass-cutting skills required.
This presentation highlights movies filmed in Arizona, from silent-era productions to classics of the 1930s–50s we remember from Saturday matinees and late-night TV. It also covers films from the 70s–90s, including ones starring Tom Mix, John Ford, Clint Eastwood, Elvis, and works shot in Sedona, Apacheland, Old Tucson, and Florence.
This low-pressure session invites participants of all levels to enjoy the creative world of poetry by listening to and discussing a selection of poems provided by the instructor. No writing or preparation needed—just come as you are to a warm, relaxing, and welcoming space for sparking imagination, exploring different voices, and connecting with others through the joy of words.
This 4-session class is designed as an introduction for beginners but can also be taken repeatedly as an enjoyable hour of beneficial exercise where students have reported improvement in balance, flexibility, and posture. Warm-up includes breathing and stretching prior to the Tai Chi movements.
Professional artist & art educator Nicolette Bonnstetter enlightens our community about the art world with her blend of creativity, humor, and thought-provoking discussions in the Art, Coffee, & Conversation series. Seasoned art enthusiasts and newcomers alike will enjoy her relatable approach to deeper contemplation about art. About this session: "I’ve been lucky, Ron worked in many places and I went along. I saw things I want you to see! I’ll take you to a country that had warnings. We should not have gone... but... we did."
Our latest can’t-miss experience! Step, turn, and smile through this lively one-hour line dancing class. Beginners and seasoned two-steppers will enjoy easy routines set to country and pop. Taught by an expert instructor in a mirrored studio. Wear comfy clothes and come ready to dance. This session brings movement, rhythm, and laughter!
We all know someone who is afflicted with dementia. Empower yourself with knowledge and resources for navigating the challenges of dementia caregiving. Gain a comprehensive understanding of dementia and its progression from early to advanced stages, learn strategies for cultivating & maintaining meaningful connections with individuals affected by dementia, discover ways to honor & support the vital role of caregivers, and explore practical approaches to mitigate stress and enhance the quality of care provided.
This class has been postponed to February 14th, 2026. We are far more powerful than we have been led to believe, and we all have the ability to create what we want in our lives. The challenge, however, is to figure out — or "remember" — how to do that. Learn tools and exercises to get you there from a certified hypnotherapist and civil engineer.
Ted Loomis is an acclaimed artist working in photography and mixed media, known for powerful images that capture people, place, and culture with honesty and depth. Drawing from decades of travel and storytelling, his work blends fine art and documentary approaches to reveal humanity and experience.
Learn how to get the most out of every deal. Discover the strengths in your starting hand, use simple hand-building strategies, and make confident decisions as the game unfolds. You’ll learn when to stay the course, when to adjust, and how to manage risk from the Charleston to the final tile.
Did you know over 190 of Arizona's 300 bird species are documented right in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve? From tiny hummingbirds to majestic raptors, each bird has a unique story to tell about its habitat, diet, and behavior. Join Rick Pearce, a bird expert from McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, to discover fascinating facts about these feathered residents, practice your binocular skills, and gain insider tips on spotting even the most elusive species.
Join us as author & historian Keith Warren Lloyd brings to life the true story of the mass escape from the Phoenix POW Camp during World War II—the largest escape of prisoners of war in North America! Hear how twenty-five German sailors tunneled out of the camp and braved the harsh Sonoran Desert in a daring bid for freedom.
This 2-day workshop brings together Holland Center drawing instructors Adrienne Lee Cohen and Larry Charles for a dynamic pen & ink class. Adrienne demonstrates special ink effects for fur, wood, glass, and feathers, while Larry teaches composition and a mistake-proof pen & ink technique.
This guided play session is perfect for anyone who has already learned the rules and basics of American Mah Jongg but would like extra support while playing. It’s a relaxed, hands-on way to strengthen your skills, ask questions, and build confidence at the table.
Who knew journaling could spark friendships? In this fun and supportive workshop, you’ll explore your thoughts through writing while connecting with others in a small group setting. With creative prompts and “quick thinks” from your facilitator, you’ll write freely—no filters, no judgment—just self-discovery and great conversation.
Your creative playground! Looking for a space to unleash your creativity, connect with fellow artists, and spark new ideas? Our Open Art Studio is the perfect spot! Whether you love painting, drawing, collage, mixed media—or anything in between— bring your favorite supplies and dive in.
Caring for aging parents comes with a lot of questions -- especially about their insurance. Bring your lunch and learn the basics of Medicare and Medicaid, explain what is covered and what is not, and how to feel confident in navigating your loved one’s healthcare needs.
Experience deep relaxation and renewal through the soothing power of sound. This restorative sound bath combines crystal bowls, chimes, and grounding instruments to create calming vibrations that help quiet the mind, release stress, and bring the body back into balance.
The practice of medicine has been around for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that the world began to fully understand how diseases and infections originated and could be controlled. In 1950 global life expectancy was 46 years, today it is over 73 years. In the U.S. it has gone from 69 to nearly 80 years. We will explore the evolution of medicine and take a close look at the structure and function of the medical industry today and the future effects of such influences as artificial intelligence.
Venture outside of your comfort zone and try something new and FUN! Gently exercise your core and limbs through the ancient art of belly dance. This low impact, flowing class teaches graceful movements and simple steps to exotic melodies that leave you toned, relaxed, and proud. No experience needed to join the coin-jingling fun!
Manifest the life you want in 2026 with this guided vision art canvas class. Bring your hopes and dreams for the new year and leave with a completed vision board, a light heart, and clear understanding of how you can attain your best life. No artistic talent needed!
Create a captivating portrait of a fur friend with pastels. Learn to paint realistic fur, capture textures and details, and get the values just right as you create a wonderful piece of art to proudly display or give as a gift. Perfect for pet lovers wanting to grow their skills and have fun while creating a lasting memory.
Are you ready to make 2026 the year everything changes? If you’ve felt like your dreams have been on pause, buried under “someday” and “maybe next year,” it’s time for a Powerful Shift. This is not another “goal-setting” workshop. This is a catalytic experience designed to ignite clarity, courage, and unstoppable momentum for your life.
Are you looking to brush up on some management concepts and leadership skills? Are you new to the area and interested in a unique opportunity to learn more about how our local and regional entities work and meet key leaders in the Desert Foothills region? The application deadline is January 26 2026 for the next Academy starting in March 2026. To learn more, please join us for a free open house/mixer to talk with our Desert Foothills Leadership Academy alumni and see if the 2026 Academy is a good fit for you.
Learn about the common nutritional deficiencies in adults, common absorption challenges, and supplement guidelines that will aid the quest to reduce your risk for cognitive decline and dementia.
With AUDIENCE SUGGESTIONS, improv players will create characters and sketches on the spot. No one – not even the performers - know what is going to happen next. Get ready for some adult madcap mayhem and hilarious onstage moments. INTRODUCING OUR LOCAL CELEBRITY IMPROV PLAYERS! DO YOU RECOGNIZE ANY OF THEM? Kristine Petersman (Foothills Caring Corps) Steve Feld (Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce) Brooke Dallas (Big Earl's Greasy Eats) Brian Kunkle (Kiwanis Club [...]
The people of the Sonoran Desert not only survived but thrived in the harsh environment that surrounded them. Learn about the accumulated generational knowledge of these desert people and how they used plants to sustain themselves. We will explore the amazing properties of many essential desert plants, about gathering and processing procedures, and ways in which the plants were utilized.
Learn how to get the most out of every deal. Discover the strengths in your starting hand, use simple hand-building strategies, and make confident decisions as the game unfolds. You’ll learn when to stay the course, when to adjust, and how to manage risk from the Charleston to the final tile.
Phoenix Art Museum's Master Docent Alice Bazlen will connect you with artist Eric Fischl, and with each other, through Eric's narrative paintings that explore universal themes including memories of growing up, family relationships, anxieties about the future, and social taboos.
Join our fun beginner knitting class to learn basics, make new friends, and enjoy hands-on guidance. You’ll practice casting on, simple stitches, and binding off, then create either a cozy starter scarf or a small coaster to take home. Perfect for absolute beginners and previous attendees.
You are invited to view the Holland Gallery of Fine Art's exhibit celebrating the art of our current featured gallery artists: MJ Okawa, Robin Rand, Jennifer Summa, and Lucy Emilia and their exhibit: VIBRANCE Fine Art of Arizona Women.
Supplement your child's education with Actor's Quest — a one-day workshop, presented by our Signature Program Desert Foothills Theater, that links literacy with the arts! Each month, students ages 8-14 will explore a new theme with guided creativity, movement, and storytelling through interactive theatre games and acting exercises. At the end of the workshop, students will showcase their new skills to parents.