Discover how cacti survive brutal heat, scarce water, and hungry animals with remarkable adaptations. Dr. Ken Sweat of Arizona State University explores the unique features, survival strategies, diversity, and habitats of this fascinating plant family. Presented by Desert Foothills Land Trust and The Holland Center, this program kicks off this year’s Foothills Speaker Series.
Join us on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays each month for informal American Mah Jongg Open Play. All levels are welcome, especially those who have completed our Mah Jongg classes. Bring friends, meet new players, and enjoy a fun way to support brain health and social connection. No instructor or group leader; social play only—no money games.
Discover the fun and versatility of oil pastels in this relaxed, hands-on class. Whether you’re new to oil pastel or want to try something new, this class is designed with beginners in mind. You’ll learn the basics of working with oil pastels as we work step-by-step to create a fall themed impressionist piece of art you’ll be proud to take home.
Every Thursday, make time for creativity in a welcoming, dedicated space. Beginners through experienced artists are invited to bring their own supplies and work independently or in a small group. Paint, draw, explore mixed media, fiber arts, glass, collage, and more. Develop skills, experiment, finish works in progress, or start something new. Self-directed studio time; no instructor.
Explore how the Desert Foothills Leadership Academy can strengthen leadership skills, expand your professional network, and deepen your understanding of the issues shaping the Desert Foothills region. Meet Academy alumni, community leaders, and business professionals while learning how the program develops leadership potential through diverse perspectives and community-focused experiences. Free light bites and drinks provided.
Learn why Medicare Supplement premiums are rising, how to evaluate your options, and strategies for protecting yourself from future increases while maintaining the coverage you need. This free educational presentation covers when it may make sense to keep your current plan, when to explore alternatives, and how guaranteed issue rights and medical underwriting can affect your choices. Lunch provided.
A special event celebrating the art of expression by our current featured gallery artists Pamela Fingerhut, Diane J. Huff, and Margit Kagerer. Meet the artists and learn about each piece in the exhibit.
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.
Join a small group of older adults for three thoughtful conversations about what aging means, what shapes our perspectives, and what matters most as life evolves. Each session explores a different topic, from changing definitions of “old” and personal values to future priorities and evolving family, friendship, and caregiving roles. Share experiences, hear different perspectives, and reflect on aging well.
This can’t-miss line dancing class features an expert instructor guiding beginners and seasoned dancers through easy routines set to country and pop music. Wear comfy clothes and enjoy movement, rhythm, and laughter in a welcoming environment; there's no audience watching while you learn—just fun, low-impact exercise while learning new steps with others.
Every Monday, develop your painting skills in a supportive community where all levels and painting genres are welcome. Beginners build foundational skills through guided exercises, while experienced artists pursue independent projects, experiment with new media or subject matter, and receive personalized one-on-one coaching from Susan. Learn and strengthen techniques as you gain confidence while developing your own artistic style.
Build creativity, connection, and cognitive flexibility through four accessible improv classes with Sandi Carll of our Signature Program, Desert Foothills Theater. Easy, low-stress games encourage self-expression, laughter, social engagement, and brain health without the pressure of performing. No improv experience is needed, and activities can be adapted for low mobility or seated participation, making this welcoming for a wide range of abilities.
Join our Signature Program, Desert Foothills Theater, every Tuesday in October for a classic radio thriller brought to life by local actors in a staged reading. Experience Lucille Fletcher’s "Sorry, Wrong Number", as a bed-bound woman overhears a murder plot and races to get help before time runs out—all while enjoying a delicious lunch during your break.
Discover the fun and strategy of American Mah Jongg in this lively, hands-on class. No experience needed! You’ll learn the essentials like tile names and suits, how to use the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card, and the basics of game play and etiquette. This class combines instruction with guided play to help you build confidence and enjoy the game.
Explore two Scottsdale cases from the 1970s and 1990s with local historian Bruce Wall, a former Scottsdale Police Department Crime Prevention Police Aide. Hear the story of a teenager whose disappearance was initially believed to be a runaway case, and a shocking story of two men who were murdered after a road rage incident.
Every Thursday, make time for creativity in a welcoming, dedicated space. Beginners through experienced artists are invited to bring their own supplies and work independently or in a small group. Paint, draw, explore mixed media, fiber arts, glass, collage, and more. Develop skills, experiment, finish works in progress, or start something new. Self-directed studio time; no instructor.
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, this acclaimed musical follows sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March as they navigate love, loss, ambition, and growing up during the Civil War. Jo transforms her family’s experiences into the stories she longs to publish. With a powerful score, Little Women brings laughter, heartache, hope, and personal discovery to the stage.
Join The Holland Center and Desert Foothills Library for the 4th Annual Desert Foothills Book Festival! Meet award-winning local authors, talk all things books, and purchase signed copies of your favorites while supporting local writers and our community. Reading is fun—and even better when you meet the people behind the stories! This free community event is open to all.
Discover the fun and strategy of American Mah Jongg in this lively, hands-on class. No experience needed! You’ll learn the essentials like tile names and suits, how to use the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card, and the basics of game play and etiquette. This class combines instruction with guided play to help you build confidence and enjoy the game.
Every Monday, develop your painting skills in a supportive community where all levels and painting genres are welcome. Beginners build foundational skills through guided exercises, while experienced artists pursue independent projects, experiment with new media or subject matter, and receive personalized one-on-one coaching from Susan. Learn and strengthen techniques as you gain confidence while developing your own artistic style.
Join our Signature Program, Desert Foothills Theater, every Tuesday in October for a classic radio thriller brought to life by local actors in a staged reading. Experience Lucille Fletcher’s "The Hitch-Hiker," originally introduced by Orson Welles in 1941, as Ronald Adams encounters a mysterious hitchhiker dressed in black during his journey from Brooklyn to California—all while enjoying a delicious lunch during your break.
As the future of the Colorado River hangs in the balance, learn how history, policy, drought, and changing conditions are shaping Arizona’s water supply. Explore the agreement governing Colorado River allocations, why reservoirs are critically low, and how evolving water management decisions could affect communities, economies, and the future of Arizona.
Create two unique 3-by-5-inch fused glass garden art panels to brighten your garden, patio, or home. Choose colorful glass and decorative elements, including dots, stringers, and vitrigraph, to add texture, movement, and personality. Designed for all experience levels, your finished pieces will be fired, mounted in metal garden stands, and ready to display or give as gifts.
Join us on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays each month for informal American Mah Jongg Open Play. All levels are welcome, especially those who have completed our Mah Jongg classes. Bring friends, meet new players, and enjoy a fun way to support brain health and social connection. No instructor or group leader; social play only—no money games.
Slow down, quiet your mind, and recharge with the calming vibrations of crystal singing bowls combined with the gentle energy of Reiki. This relaxing group wellness experience offers an hour to settle in, release stress, and support mindfulness, relaxation, and emotional well-being. No experience is necessary—simply come as you are and leave feeling calmer, lighter, and renewed.
Every Thursday, make time for creativity in a welcoming, dedicated space. Beginners through experienced artists are invited to bring their own supplies and work independently or in a small group. Paint, draw, explore mixed media, fiber arts, glass, collage, and more. Develop skills, experiment, finish works in progress, or start something new. Self-directed studio time; no instructor.
Transform your yard into a fall fueling station for Arizona butterflies, including monarchs. Master Gardener and Monarch Tagger Adiane Hopkins shares the host and nectar plants butterflies need, thoughtful planting strategies that support pollinators, and how monarch tagging helps protect these remarkable insects.
Discover how paleontology reveals the ancient world through fossils, prehistoric life, excavation, and scientific clues. Taught by accomplished STEM students, this free session helps grades 1–5 learners build curiosity and critical-thinking skills while exploring what paleontology can look like as a future career. Each participant will uncover “fossils” and use evidence to reconstruct prehistoric life.
Travel the globe with National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner through all four episodes of the original Blue Zones docuseries, discovering how the world’s longest-living communities create longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Enjoy stretch breaks, mindfulness activities, trivia prizes, and conversation between episodes—or drop in for a single stop on the journey.
This can’t-miss line dancing class features an expert instructor guiding beginners and seasoned dancers through easy routines set to country and pop music. Wear comfy clothes and enjoy movement, rhythm, and laughter in a welcoming environment; there's no audience watching while you learn—just fun, low-impact exercise while learning new steps with others.
34250 N. 60th St., Bldg. B
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
(480) 488-1090
info@hollandcenter.org
© Copyright 2026 | The Holland Center | Website maintained by Tech 4 Life