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, join other artists learning, creating and painting together. All levels are welcome and encouraged to meet other artists in a positive and supportive environment. New students will be guided through basic exercises as your learn to paint. Experienced painters will find a supportive community of artists and guidance from a teacher that respects your uniqueness as an artist.
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.
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 W.W. Jacobs’ “The Monkey’s Paw,” a chilling tale of a mummified paw that grants three wishes with deadly consequences—all while enjoying a delicious lunch during your break.
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 afternoon sessions provide hands-on training and real-world insight into public safety. This is a drop-in program—students can start at any time.
Celebrate the Cave Creek and Carefree community while supporting local nonprofits at this lively evening of food, music, games, raffles, and community spirit. Enjoy Harold’s famous BBQ, connect with organizations making a difference, and meet friends and neighbors. Every ticket helps support local nonprofits, including The Holland Center’s arts and education programming.
Create a one of a kind 10 x 14 mosaic tray. Learn the basics of mosaics and create a functioning piece of art as you see your design come to life! Whether you prefer a geometric pattern, colorful abstract design, or something inspired by nature, your finished tray of glass and ceramic pieces will be completely your own.
Discover how drawing and pastels come together to create a stunning three-dimensional desert landscape! Learn the magic of values, color, and depth as you follow step-by-step with the instructor. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this fun, supportive workshop makes creating your own masterpiece easy and inspiring.
Make time for your art. Whether you're just beginning your artistic journey or have years of creative experience, our Artist Open Studio offers dedicated time and a welcoming place to create. Whether your goal is to learn, practice, or refine your craft, take time for yourself and your art at The Holland Center. Artists Open Studio is each Thursday afternoon.
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. Players will benefit most from this class after developing a solid foundation in offensive play and hand-building strategies.
Join in for this free session and become a weather scientist for the day where you will discover what makes our atmosphere so exciting! Students will learn how clouds form, why storms happen, and how meteorologists predict the weather. Then students will participate in a fun, hands-on cloud-in-a-container experiment and create a tornado model to explore air movement and pressure.
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.
Discover the gentle power of Tai Chi in 4 weekly class sessions for beginners and returning enthusiasts. Enjoy low-impact exercise that supports balance, flexibility, posture, stress reduction, cardiovascular fitness, and overall well-being. Each class begins with breathing exercises and gentle stretching before learning and executing Tai Chi techniques in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Every Monday, join other artists learning, creating and painting together. All levels are welcome and encouraged to meet other artists in a positive and supportive environment. New students will be guided through basic exercises as your learn to paint. Experienced painters will find a supportive community of artists and guidance from a teacher that respects your uniqueness as an artist.
Discover the fascinating world of Arizona’s bats and their essential role in the desert ecosystem. Hally Cokenias, co-founder of Arizona Bat Rescue, explores the biology, behavior, habitats, and ecological importance of the state’s 29 bat species, including their role in controlling insects and pollinating native plants. Gain a deeper understanding of these often-misunderstood animals and the vital role they play in our desert.
In four Tuesday morning workshops, nationally recognized artist and instructor Larry Charles shares professional techniques for creating more realistic watercolors. Beginners are welcome! Each session includes a step-by-step demonstration followed by guided hands-on practice. Explore texture, clothing, skin tones, water reflections, lighting, and realistic hands and eyes. Expect to complete at least two finished watercolor techniques per class.
Discover the history, culture, language, and agricultural traditions of the O’odham and Piipaash, members of a thriving community bordering Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Fountain Hills. Explore how their ancestors lived along the Gila and Salt Rivers, including innovative approaches to water delivery and crop cultivation.
In four Tuesday afternoon workshops, nationally recognized artist and instructor Larry Charles shares professional techniques for creating more realistic watercolors. Beginners are welcome! Each session includes a step-by-step demonstration followed by guided hands-on practice. Explore texture, clothing, skin tones, water reflections, lighting, and realistic hands and eyes. Expect to complete at least two finished watercolor techniques per class.
Give your child the chance to write, create, and perform! Page to Stage helps 2nd–5th graders bring their ideas to life. Throughout this 6-week program, kids will collaborate to create and present their original short play—no writing or theater experience needed. Guided by a children's writing and theatre director, students will build confidence and creativity as they perform their original play in a “reader’s theatre” showcase.
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: Jeanne Bonine
Join in on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday each month for American Mah Jongg Open Play. Bring your friends, make new friends, and enjoy an afternoon of American Mah Jongg strategy and fun. All levels are welcome to join, with a special invitation to those that have taken our Learn American Mah Jongg and Beginner Guided Open Play classes.
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.
Discover the beautiful art of pen and ink in this fun, creative two-day holiday workshop! Designed for beginners through intermediate artists, this class will introduce you to the techniques that make pen and ink such a unique and expressive art form. You’ll take home your own handmade holiday cards (at least 4) to share with family and friends.
Make time for your art. Whether you're just beginning your artistic journey or have years of creative experience, our Artist Open Studio offers dedicated time and a welcoming place to create. Whether your goal is to learn, practice, or refine your craft, take time for yourself and your art at The Holland Center. Artists Open Studio is each Thursday afternoon.
Whether you know us as Foothills Community Foundation or The Holland Center, you’re part of our story! Join us to celebrate 40 years of bringing people together through education, the arts, community programs, and shared experiences. Reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, share memories, and celebrate the people who have helped shape our community over four decades.
Already know the basics of American Mah Jongg but want extra support? Strengthen your skills, build confidence, ask questions, and learn through hands-on play in a relaxed, social setting. No lessons are provided. Bring your 2026 NMJL card and your own set or use one provided. Limited to 12 players. Social play only—no money games.
Explore the forces and sounds that shape our world! Taught by accomplished STEM students, this free session helps grades 1–5 learners discover the basic laws of gravity and how sound travels and is processed by the human body. Students will verify Newton’s gravitational laws through an experiment, see a theremin demonstration, and observe sound vibrations through a “dancing rice” activity while exploring physics as a future career.
Looking for your next role to showcase your talent? The Desert Foothills Theater is seeking adult actors of all experience levels for "Grumpy Old Men" the Musical. Auditions, rehearsals, and performances will take place at The Holland Center. Secure your audition appointment for November 6 or 7th, 2026.
Bring your family, friends, and four-legged companions for a free community event celebrating pets, RV life, and connections that make a difference. Meet adoptable dogs, explore Newmar RVs, watch mobile grooming demonstrations, discover local pet-care resources, and cool off with ice cream. Hosted by RVOptimizer, this event brings people and pets together while helping deserving dogs find loving homes.
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 November through March, begin at 10 a.m., and last for 60-90 minutes. The Nature Trail is relatively flat, and the Saguaro Trail is slightly uphill.
Kids will get tips and tricks for their next audition as they gain a better understanding of the audition process, practice, and gain confidence in a safe and supportive environment. Parents are offered a behind the scenes review of the youth audition process. You'll learn how to set your child up for success in community theater projects.
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. As Arizona and the surrounding states face large cutbacks of Colorado river water, understanding our role is crucial. Join us for a community conversation about our unique Cave Creek environment.
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.
You don’t need to be funny to thrive in improv—you just have to be you! Designed under our health and wellness program, this unique 4-week workshop is built for everyday seniors with absolutely zero theater or comedy experience. If you can hold a conversation and enjoy laughing, you already have all the skills you need. Come try something new in a safe, welcoming environment!
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 afternoon sessions provide hands-on training and real-world insight into public safety. This is a drop-in program—students can start at any time.
Join Dr. Kate Rose and Armand Ramirez for a lively interactive performance exploring Arizona's rich musical heritage through traditional folk music, dance, and storytelling. Featuring live fiddle and guitar, you'll hear revived Arizona tunes, discover the stories behind them. This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities and is in support of the America 250th initiative.
Navigate holiday stress and caregiving challenges with practical guidance from Sam Cradduck, a nationally recognized gerontologist, author, and aging-care advocate with more than 35 years of experience. A seasoned speaker and co-host of the nationally distributed talk show "Aging Untold", Sam brings candid advice and compassionate insight to managing family dynamics, supporting loved ones, and preserving dignity and connection during the holidays.
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.
Supplement your child's education with Actor's Quest — a one-day workshop, presented by our Signature Program, Desert Foothills Theater (DFT). DFTs Children's Director will guide creativity, movement, and storytelling through interactive theatre games and acting exercises. This specialized homeschool theatre arts and literacy program offers a holistic approach to education, providing students with a wide range of academic, social-emotional, and creative benefits.
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: Art gone BIG... size matters and can change how you feel about what the artist is showing you.
Create your own stunning 5" x 5" fused glass landscape! Students will be guided step-by-step through the process of designing and assembling your unique winter landscape. Using sheet glass, frit, powder, stringers, and vitrigraph you’ll learn how to layer and arrange the glass to bring your landscape to life. Join in and create a unique and beautiful piece of art.
Explore how neuroscience and psychology explain the influence of thoughts, beliefs, expectations, and attention on everyday choices and experiences. In this interactive workshop, certified hypnotherapist and emotional release practitioner Michele Guy Syne guides you through four practical steps and hands-on exercises to recognize overlooked opportunities, move beyond old patterns, and approach life with greater awareness, intention, and courage.
Unplug and join us for a day of fresh air, fun and adventure at the Jewel of the Creek! Our signature program, the Desert Awareness Committee, and the Desert Foothills Land Trust for the 14th annual Desert Discovery Day. Explore the Sonoran Desert, learn about its past and present inhabitants, meet native wildlife, and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages.
In this fun and relaxed class, learn the easy way to create detailed charcoal drawings with step-by-step guidance. Starting with a demonstration and followed by shortcuts and unique tips & tricks for achieving realism and good composition, you will follow a reversal process and take home a beautiful, finished drawing by the end of the class.
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.
Looking to make a difference in Carefree and Cave Creek? Join us for this free community event featuring local nonprofits in one place. Meet representatives, learn about missions and volunteer opportunities, ask questions, and sign up for volunteer training. Discover ways to turn your skills and passions into meaningful local action—all while enjoying a free light lunch.
How can American education better prepare students for the future? Explore the challenges facing K–12 education, their implications for civic engagement and workforce readiness, and potential paths forward. This timely discussion examines innovative learning models and the growing role of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning, opening a conversation about how emerging technologies could help improve student outcomes.
Join in on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday each month for American Mah Jongg Open Play. Bring your friends, make new friends, and enjoy an afternoon of American Mah Jongg strategy and fun. All levels are welcome to join, with a special invitation to those that have taken our Learn American Mah Jongg and Beginner Guided Open Play classes.
Looking for thoughtful, handmade gifts that are meaningful without breaking the holiday budget? Join us for an interactive workshop where you’ll learn about essential oils and create your own custom essential oil spray to keep for yourself or give a special gift to someone you love, making it a fun and meaningful addition to your holiday gifting.
This class is a relaxed and encouraging session, perfect for beginners as well as experienced pastel painters. You will learn how to layer and create soft vibrant desert blooms. Along the way, you’ll explore fun, expressive techniques to create texture and depth without needing to be overly precise.
Kids ages 8-14 can audition for "TROLLS Jr." The Musical — a new and exciting show that Desert Foothills Theater will be among the first in the country to perform! Auditions and rehearsals will take place at The Holland Center. Show performances will be at The Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater. Audition dates: November 19-20, 2026.
Bring a little magic to your holiday décor! Build and design your own beautiful sea glass Christmas/Holiday tree. Your one-of-a-kind piece will combine the peaceful beauty of the ocean with the warm glow of the holiday season. Working with colorful, smooth, frosted beach glass, you’ll build your unique tree and artfully weave fairy lights throughout your tree, illuminating the glass.
Join this free session where students will take a journey inside the human body! Students will learn how major organs and body systems work together, including the heart, lungs, brain, muscles, and bones. Students will conduct a heart-rate experiment to investigate how activity affects the circulatory system and they will build a working lung model to see how breathing happens.
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.
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.
What fuels the brain—and what happens when its ability to use fuel changes with age? Join Dr. Brian Browne and learn about glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, ketone bodies, and age-related cognitive decline due to cerebral glucose utilization.
From our families to yours, everyone here at The Holland Center would like to wish you a Very Happy Thanksgiving! We are truly thankful for our patrons, our volunteers, our donors, and everyone who makes this the special place that it is!
In this two (2) session workshop, nationally recognized artist and instructor Larry Charles will teach you how to create two unique, personalized pet portraits - for yourself or to give as a gift. One on a chalkboard with a hand-painted wooden frame and one on an antique slate chalkboard used in schoolrooms over a hundred years ago.
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.
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.
Create one-of-a-kind, captivating glass dragonflies to add an enchanted sparkle to your garden -- or to give as a gift. Combine various glass elements together, including frit ground glass, pebbles of glass, and stringers. No glass cutting skills required. Each student will make one large and one small dragonfly.
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 afternoon sessions provide hands-on training and real-world insight into public safety. This is a drop-in program—students can start at any time.
Get into the festive spirit in this fun, creative fused glass class that's perfect for any level of experience. Our instructor will provide examples and templates to inspire you as you create your own unique designs to keep or give as gifts. You’ll create up to six larger ornaments or several smaller ones, using colorful sheet glass, vitrigraph, dots, and murrini.
Join in on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday each month for American Mah Jongg Open Play. Bring your friends, make new friends, and enjoy an afternoon of American Mah Jongg strategy and fun. All levels are welcome to join, with a special invitation to those that have taken our Learn American Mah Jongg and Beginner Guided Open Play classes.
The holidays should bring joy—not overwhelm. Join us for an encouraging and practical class filled with simple techniques to reduce holiday stress, improve emotional wellness, and create more peace throughout the busiest season of the year. You will also receive a complimentary wellness gift to take home and continue their self-care journey throughout the holidays.
Join us for the 5th Annual Winter Artisan Market, presented by The Holland Center and the Sonoran Arts League! Shop a wonderful selection of handcrafted gifts and one-of-a-kind creations from talented local artists and makers. It’s a fun way to kick off your holiday shopping, support local artists, and maybe even find a little something for yourself. 🎁
Admission is free, so bring a friend and come enjoy a festive day of shopping and creativity!
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 60-90 minutes. The Nature Trail is relatively flat, and the Saguaro Trail is slightly uphill.
Join us for the 5th Annual Winter Artisan Market, presented by The Holland Center and the Sonoran Arts League! Shop a wonderful selection of handcrafted gifts and one-of-a-kind creations from talented local artists and makers. It’s a fun way to kick off your holiday shopping, support local artists, and maybe even find a little something for yourself. 🎁
Admission is free, so bring a friend and come enjoy a festive day of shopping and creativity!