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.
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) Monday afternoon 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.
Discover the truth behind common brain myths as you explore how MindDNA can help reverse your brain age. Rewire your brain for a stonger you in the new year.Your class fee includes a copy of Better From Within authored by Award winning and Neuroeducator Phyliss Strupp. Enjoy healthy bites and refreshments during the session.
This four-session drawing workshop welcomes beginners and those seeking more realistic results. Instructor Larry Charles begins each Tuesday class with a step-by-step demo, then offers individual guidance as you draw the same scene. Create two drawings per session and learn to truly see and capture what’s around you.
Discover the fun and strategy of American Mah Jongg in this lively, hands-on class—no prior 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 & 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 drawing workshop welcomes beginners and those seeking more realistic results. Instructor Larry Charles begins each Tuesday class with a step-by-step demo, then offers individual guidance as you draw the same scene. Create two drawings per session and learn to truly see and capture what’s around you.
Who are you calling a pig? Javelina, also known as Collared Peccaries, are actually not pigs, even though they are commonly confused with them. Join us and learn more about these highly sociable, widely distributed, and often seen animals here in Arizona! 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.
Design a forever-green cactus garden that will never wither. Using a 15x8-inch sheet of clear glass, you’ll craft a unique desert scene with frit (ground glass), glass pebbles, and thin glass rods. No glass-cutting skills needed. Bring your creativity and imagination for a peaceful, lasting art piece.
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.
Do you love playing bridge? Looking for a way to meet new people and exercise your brain? We are looking for men and women that would love to join a weekly bridge group in the new year. If you are interested in playing here at The Holland Center, please RSVP at our website.
Experience how poetry can touch your heart. Take a relaxing break and enjoy the creative world of poetry! This friendly, low-pressure session invites participants of all levels to listen to and discuss a selection of poems provided by the instructor Kelly Clays. No writing or preparation neede, just come as you are.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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: Ted Loomis - Mixed Media/Encaustic
Learn how to get the most out of every deal in this class. 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 for a presentation on "The Great Desert Escape" with author & historian Keith Warren Lloyd who 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 during the war! Hear how twenty-five German sailors tunneled out of the Papago Park Prisoner of War Camp and braved the harsh Sonoran Desert in a daring bid for freedom.
This two-day workshop features the Holland Center's drawing instructors in the Valley's first of its kind pen-and-ink class. Adrienne Lee Cohen will demonstrate and mentor students in how to get special effects in ink: fur, wood, glass, and feathers. Larry Charles will show how to compose a pen-and-ink scene and use a special technique to get a mistake-proof image.
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 from your instructor, you’ll write freely using 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.
A new and popular class! Please join us for an 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.
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!
Visualize your dreams by utilizing our custom developed manifestation workbook to create an interpretive canvas of your desires. Use goal setting and reinforcement to manifest a future that works for you. 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.
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.
Learn about the common nutritional deficiencies in adults, including B vitamins, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals. We'll also addresses common absorption challenges and supplement guidelines that will aid the quest to reduce your risk for cognitive decline and dementia.
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.