Award-winning textile artist Mimi Damrauer will teach you how to make a variety of paper beads including small and large, round and chunky, and other fun shapes. She will also demonstrate how to create a dangle that attaches to your phone. Leave with a colorful stash of beads and a mini kit to make your own dangle at home.
Join us for an interactive, Jeopardy-style presentation designed specifically for adults 55+ who are exploring lifestyle changes, future housing options, or downsizing. The goal is to educate, empower, and make important decisions feel a little lighter, and a lot more fun.
The Holland Center is proud to host the next Get Involved Gathering (GIG) with Desert Foothills Volunteers! Meet local nonprofits, explore ways to give back, and find volunteer opportunities—including at The Holland Center—that make a difference in our community.
Philadelphia, 1776: As tensions rise with King George III, Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense" electrifies the colonies, rallying public support for independence and inspiring George Washington’s weary army. Howard Fast’s "Citizen Tom Paine" vividly portrays the man and the moment that shaped a nation. Experience a staged reading performed by John Genette, Peter Strupp, and Phyllis Strupp, followed by a brief Q&A exploring the conflicts behind this revolutionary work.
Create eight vibrant, one-of-a-kind cabochon pieces filled with color and sparkle using dazzling dichroic and fusible glass. Perfect for pendant jewelry or decorative ribbon accents for gift wrapping. No experience needed; just bring your creativity and enjoy creating with new friends.
Author Jay Jones shares a powerful coming-of-age story set between cultures in late-1960s Arizona. After his father’s deployment and his parents’ divorce, young Jay moves to the Navajo Nation, where he faces identity, belonging, and resilience. Enjoy a live reading, personal insights, and a book signing following the lecture.
Dyeing silk with Sharpie markers feels like pure magic. Add the secret ingredient and watch colors race and swirl in unpredictable ways. No messy dye pots—just draw on silk, experiment freely, and create a one-of-a-kind 8" x 54" scarf you’ll love to wear and show off. Scarves are trending now, making your wearable art a stylish fashion statement!
Sharpen your strategy with our Defensive Play workshop, designed to help you use the Charleston to collect early information, read exposures, make safer discards, and know when to pivot from offense to defense. If you're ready to elevate your game, this class is for you.
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! Students ages 8-14 will study acting through games, scene work, storytelling, and character analysis inspired by Charlotte’s Web. At the end of the workshop, students will showcase their new skills to parents.
You can live off the desert if you know what to pick and when. Find out more as our Signature Program, Desert Awareness Committee, takes us for a stroll to see food producing plants and learn about harvesting techniques and food preparation ideas... and even taste some recipes from the “Our Tastes of the Desert” recipe book.
In four (4) friendly sessions, students will focus on the principles of painting along with the skills needed for acrylic application. Through structured exercises, students will learn the basics of value, composition, and color along with simple wet and dry brush techniques that will de-mystify the painting process.
Our latest can’t-miss experience! Step, turn, and smile through this lively line dancing class—taught by an expert instructor. Beginners and seasoned two-steppers will enjoy easy routines set to country and pop. Wear comfy clothes and come ready to dance. This session brings movement, rhythm, and laughter!
In four (4) classes, Sandi Carll from our Signature Program, Desert Foothills Theater (DFT), 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. The class uses improv principles to practice creativity, engagement, and connection to others.
In four (4) classes, Larry Charles—a nationally-recognized, exhibiting artist and expert instructor—helps you learn how to draw better with new techniques to capture what you see more accurately from landscapes, to still life, to people. Each class begins with a demonstration by Charles, followed by step-by-step advice as you draw and create beautiful art.
Have you ever wondered how wildfires are managed in the unique Sonoran Desert? Join Desert Foothills Land Trust for an engaging evening with presenter Tiffany Davila of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, who will unpack the science behind fighting fires in our desert ecosystem.
Join the Journal Jam and get ready to express yourself, connect, and get creative. Bring your thoughts for a fun journaling session filled with prompts, sharing, and inspiration. Reflect, write, and discover with a comfortable group of new friends.
Journey beyond the present in this captivating exploration of soul memory and timeless connection. Discover how spiritual imprints from other lifetimes may shape your choices, challenges, and deeper purpose today. Through reflective insight and guided discussion, tap into the wisdom of your soul’s journey to better understand the now.
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.
This gentle class introduces Controlled Articular Rotations (CARs)—slow, deliberate joint movements designed to improve range of motion. support joint health, reduce stiffness, and build confidence in everyday movement. Participants explore comfortable, pain-free motion with breath and awareness. No experience needed.
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!
Get to know accomplished artists and learn all about their creative processes in the Amazing Artist series—a collaboration between The Sonoran Arts League & The Holland Center. This is a fantastic opportunity for art enthusiasts to connect with local talented artists as they share their journeys, inspirations, and passions with our community. This month's featured artist: Carlos Page - Metal, Wood, and Cement.
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.
This 3-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.
Learn the art of transforming soft wool fibers into vibrant, long-lasting blooms using simple felting techniques. From roses to wildflowers, you’ll craft your own unique bouquet. Whether you’re brand new to felting or an experienced maker, this class offers step-by-step guidance with room for experimentation and plenty of inspiration.
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.
A full-length solo biodrama about a real-life con woman! Inspired by the true confessions of Sue Ellen Allen, this gripping performance tells the story of a Scottsdale educator, mentor, master networker, motivational speaker, businesswoman, and convicted felon. From local playwright Andrea Markowitz, witness the twists, charm, and audacity of a life lived boldly, and illegally.
Learn how to live in the quantum, where all possibilities exist. 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.
We’ve converted our conference room to a hat-making studio — open prior to our Kentucky Derby FUNdraiser Party (May 2). Bring your own hat to decorate with a selection of flowers, ribbons, and embellishments — all supplies provided (except the hat). You can also bring any of your own special additions like ribbons, netting, feathers, charms, and dried flowers. Come in any time between 9-5 pm M-F; no sign-up necessary. Bring a friend… and get ready to win BEST HAT!
Collection curated by: Phoenix Artists Guild. Presented by The Holland Center and displayed April 20 thru May 29, 2026. All exhibitions at The Holland Center are supported by the generous donors of The Holland Center.
Explore the rich history of mining in the American Southwest, with a special focus on Cave Creek. From the ripple effects of the California Gold Rush to Arizona Territory’s early mining districts, discover how mineral pursuits shaped the region. Learn how mining flourished into the early twentieth century and uncover the lasting traces still visible in the surrounding hills today.
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.
The second of this four-part series will review the short timeframe between the French and Indian War and the Declaration of Independence. A series of British authoritarian proclamations negate the freedoms enjoyed by the colonies. Loyal British subjects in America begin to believe they are not viewed by Parliament as full citizens of Great Britain and examine applicable options that include separation from the rule of King George III.
Should we be having fun with AI or be afraid? Come join in this valuable discussion on how our local community is dealing with AI. It is a raging river flowing through our lives, should you run away or get a boat? Tech 4 Life Computers, Web Sites, and Digital Marketing will lead this discussion utilizing their 23 years of local experience.
Learn to create special ink effects like fur, wood, glass, and feathers using short exercises on day one. Use these techniques to create frame-worthy drawings on day two. It's a class not to be missed with an art medium you can take with you anywhere!
Learn how hormonal changes across the lifespan impact cognition — particularly during perimenopause, menopause, and thyroid dysregulation. Discussion will include a review of the research and possible fixes.
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 sewed most of my clothes growing up... but nothing like this! Come see amazing artwork with the needle. Bring special needlework you may have."
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!
You are invited to a special event celebrating a stunning array of new art
presented by Phoenix Artists Guild. Meet the artists and learn about each individual piece in the exhibit.
Join fiddler & researcher Dr. Kate Rose, and guitarist Armand Ramirez, for a lively, all-ages interactive show exploring Arizona’s blended heritage through folk music, dance, fiddle tunes, and storytelling. Hear how pioneer and neighboring traditions merged—Celtic melodies and Hispanic rhythms—creating a unique Southwest sound shaped by land and culture.
The Sonoran Desert has sustained its own remarkable ecosystem for thousands of years. But the rapid urbanization of Arizona and the broader Southwest has put that balance under serious strain. Join us for a community conversation about our environment and what we owe the desert that has shaped life in Cave Creek for generations.
Discover the joy of creating your own collage and painted papers in this hands-on workshop using a gelli plate. Explore layering color, pattern, and texture in a playful, beginner-friendly process. Leave with a stack of unique papers ready for collages, journals, mixed media, or display.
Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Cave Creek's Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in this engaging presentation led by Park Supervisor Kevin Smith. Explore its rich history, diverse wildlife, rare desert waterways, and ancient Hohokam sites, while gaining a deeper appreciation for one of the Sonoran Desert’s most scenic and culturally significant landscapes.
The Charleston sets the tone for your entire Mah Jongg game. It’s not just about passing tiles, but making smart, strategic choices that shape your hand and influence your opponents' decisions. In this intermediate-level class, we’ll explore how to make confident decisions during each Charleston pass, including which tiles to hold, pass, and how to balance offense and defense.
What better way to celebrate our supporters by hosting a FUNdraising party with a purpose? This is our biggest – and only – fundraising event of 2026 with all proceeds benefiting our arts & education programming. You will be transported to the heart of Churchill Downs with creative decor, red roses, a themed photo booth, mint juleps, and an abundant buffet. Watch the race on the big screen and be in on the action when you pick the winner. Have a little extra fun and dress in traditional Kentucky Derby attire, with a chance to win a prize for best hat and best dressed couple!