Online Zoom Class

Nicolette is back to kick off the Fall/Winter season with her first workshop and she is very excited to get together with all art lovers!  This class is on Zoom and it is a wonderful opportunity for artists and art lovers to get together, learn a great deal, and share what they love most.  Nicolette always has surprises for us, and this first session is no different.  She knows that [...]

What is cultural appropriation, and how does it differ from cultural appreciation?  Just why is it such a hot button? Can we spot it when it occurs? You will get these answers and more when you join Jan Downey, for her last talk in the AnthroBites Series. She will sum up the series, and leave you with an understanding of our world and its people. Please register 24 hours before [...]

  Race and Ethnicity have been in the news so much lately, but as much as in any time period, these terms are important to discuss and understand. How do we use the terms and how does our understanding inform our relationships with others? Leading us through this important instruction is anthropologist, Jan Downey, who will shed light on the subject in ways we may not have thought of. You [...]

    What is the difference between sex and gender? Do all cultural groups around the world understand these terms the same way? Does new scientific research make the issues related to sex and gender more, or less, clear? Join Jan Downey in the 6th session of her series on Anthropology.  There will be much discussion, and you will learn a lot. Please register 24 hours before the class start [...]

Nicolette is going to share some amazing art that has been found under floors, plastered behind walls, in cold air registers, and of course, in attics!  She is also going to tell you about things you may have that are valuable!  You won't believe it! SO, YOU HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT….. BRING AN OBJECT YOU HAVE THAT IS COLLECTIBLE OR OF VALUE, THAT YOU CAN TELL A BIT ABOUT IF YOU [...]

  Very much a presence in many societies, shamans and healers are often dismissed as being a "new age" phenomenon. They have been, in many instances, elevated to a mystical and romantic status.  Learn about the important role shamans and healers have held within small-scale socities for most of human history. Join Jan Downey in the 5th of her sessions on Anthropology. There will be a lively discussion, and you [...]

  The definition of "art" is far from standard in the world, but why is that?  How is art conceived by people in different societies, what is its function, and why do we sometimes disagree about what is art -- and what isn't. Join Jan Downey for a lively discussion on this subject, as the #4 class in her fascinating AnthroBites series on Anthropology. When you register, you will be [...]

  This session will challenge your ideas about "family". Even if you have studied your family genealogy, this session is a fascinating look at how other cultures understand, think and talk about their relationships to others in their families.  Taught by Cultural Anthropologist, artist-Jan Downey, the focus is on cultural lifeways of humans with who we share the world. And, along the way, you will be finding out more about [...]

What are rituals and how are they different from routines? What purpose do rituals serve, for us and for people around the world? Would we recognize the rituals of another culture? Taught by Cultural Anthropologist, artist-Jan Downey, the focus is on cultural lifeways of humans with whom we share the world. And, along the way, you will be finding out more about yourself. The sessions in this series are designed [...]

  Did you realize that one of the greatest treasures in the heart of the heartland is hiding right under our feet? Coldwater Cave, Iowa's longest and most spectacular cave, is located beneath the gently rolling hills of farm country in northeast Iowa. It is a living breathing wonder of nature.  This natural wonder has been studied and mapped since 1967. Come and hear Ron and Nicolette Bonnstetter tell about [...]

As we begin the new year, I want you to meet amazing humans that have lived a LIFE!  As the new year begins, we might learn from each of these women, how to grasp the moment! ….How to grasp life and hang on ! Don’t forget you are helping the Holland Center by supporting this nonprofit every time you join one of their programs. They certainly appreciate your help in [...]