Workshops & Community Experiences   

Sauces are often considered the pinnacle of a chef’s achievement, requiring study and practice to master. A great saucier must possess a discerning palate and the ability to build depth and harmony into each sauce. Today, global influences from Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Mediterranean—combined with the public’s appetite for bold, diverse flavors—have taken sauces in many exciting directions, offering endless possibilities for preparation and pairing. In this class, explore the history of the world’s greatest sauces, learn the fundamentals of sauce making, and discover practical, everyday applications.

Learn the basics of operating a computer-controlled laser cutting machine to create geometric fabric quilting blocks. These machines use computer designs to precisely cut shapes that participants can sew together into a quilt. This class includes one hour of design and machine operation instruction, followed by 30 minutes of open cutting time to cut your fabric. Designs will be limited to basic geometric shapes—such as squares, rectangles, triangles, and other polygons—no larger than 18” x 24” per individual shape. Participants will leave with several laser-cut fabric pieces, each cut to the geometric design and size of their choice.

The violins of Antonio Stradivari and the guitars of Matteo Sellas have achieved near-mythological status. Join Dr. Matthew Zeller, MIM’s Curator for Europe, to explore what makes historical string instruments from the late Renaissance through the Baroque period so extraordinary. We’ll examine historical documents ranging from 15th-century lute-making instructions to architectural treatises by Italian masters. Diving into the technical aspects of violins and guitars, we’ll study the craftsmanship of Andrea Amati, Stradivari, and others. Students will even design their own string instruments in the style of the great masters. This 2.5-hour class includes a curator-led tour of MIM’s special exhibition "Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars," along with a lecture and hands-on workshop.

Join jazz musician Clark Gibson for an unforgettable journey through the life and music of one of the most revolutionary figures in American music history—Miles Davis. Born in St. Louis, Miles wasn’t just a participant in the evolution of jazz—he led it. From the fiery complexity of bebop to the cool sophistication of West Coast jazz, and from the spacious beauty of modal jazz to the electric pulse of jazz fusion, Davis continually reshaped the sound of modern music over nearly five decades. Discover the genius behind the horn at the John Dawson Center for Jazz Education at The Nash, and experience the artistry that forever changed the face—and sound—of music. Then, on Sunday, Sep. 21 we will go to The Nash Jazz Club (110 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix) to see how these fundamentals in jazz improvisation work together at a live jam session featuring some of the top jazz musicians in the valley.

Presented by the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State University at Changing Hands Bookstore, OLLI members are invited to a special reading and conversation with noted novelist Andrew Porter and renowned poet and writer Sally Wen Mao. A recent review of Andrew Porter’s work appeared in The New York Times (“A Novel That Takes On Life’s Greatest Mystery: Our Parents,” April 15, 2025). Sally Wen Mao’s debut novel was recently featured in The Washington Post’s “11 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of 2024.” Please join us for this special event to hear from these outstanding writers.

Join an engaging expert panel exploring how social connection, community involvement, and lifelong learning contribute to healthy aging. Moderated by OLLI at ASU Director Jared Swerzenski, this session features Dr. Aaron Guest, renowned gerontologist and Assistant Professor of Aging at ASU’s Edson College, alongside Sandra Freyer from ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation. Together, they will share insights into how staying socially embedded and intellectually active can enhance well-being and longevity, offering evidence- based strategies for thriving in later life.

Annual Member Event Only - Watts IDEA Office and the Osher Life Long Learning Institute (OLLI) invite you to join award winning Chef Sasha Raj for fresh plant based food and fellowship!

Chef Sasha will help us all discover how to make healthy, fresh meals that are easy and practical—no matter your lifestyle. Whether you're a student in the dorms, a busy professional with limited time, an empty nester adjusting to cooking for fewer people, or retired and looking for fresh inspiration in the kitchen, this workshop is for you. This event is for Watts staff, students, faculty, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute members who are interested in building community. This FREE Annual member event is limited to 30 registrants. Please register early. OLLI will cover the cost of parking at a designated parking location.

Join OLLI Intergenerational Scholar Allie Thurgood, ASU School of Art MA candidate, for a hands-on, heart-centered workshop where creativity and connection come together. This intergenerational class introduces participants to the basic techniques of hand-building with clay, pinching, coiling, and slab work, while weaving in meaningful dialogue and storytelling. Each participant will create a symbolic clay object that represents a personal value or memory. Then, paired with a partner, they'll work together to co-create a second piece to reflect their conversation and themes that emerge. Rooted in community building and intergenerational exchange, this workshop emphasizes both the technical fundamentals of ceramics and the power of shared experiences. No prior clay experience necessary! Just bring your hands, your stories, and your curiosity.

The initial session will explore the archaeology of the contemporary Phoenix area and the cultural tradition archaeologists call “Hohokam.” In reality, this tradition represents the Ancestral Sonoran Desert people who, among many achievements, built and inhabited expansive villages centered around plazas and vapaki (platform mounds). They also constructed large-scale irrigation systems that, at their peak, extended miles from the Salt and Gila Rivers, creating microclimates that supported intensive agriculture and providing networks through which people moved, communicated, and exchanged objects and ideas. The second session will focus on the museum at S’edav Va’aki and its ongoing relationships with the site’s descendant communities. These dynamic collaborations offer insight into the ancestral village site and highlight the importance of preserving cultural connections and archaeological sites. After each discussion, participants are encouraged to explore the outdoor interpretive trail and indoor galleries. Please note that there will be a lot of walking involved, but the site is ADA accessible.

Join us for a look behind the seemingly perfect world of a ballet dancer. Discover the latest evolution of this 400-year-old art form and witness the sweat, joy, and frustration of in-studio rehearsals. Then, reconnect with the dancers a week later and see the fruits of their perseverance and determination when they perform live at Symphony Hall in Downtown Phoenix: Sleeping Beauty. The cost of the class includes tickets to the show on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Accessible seating and other seating requests can be arranged in advance with Claire and our OLLI coordinator.

Botany is becoming a lost art. We will convene in a four-acre rewilded habitat garden in South Phoenix to bolster our botanical skills. Students will learn the basics of botany and delve into controversial new findings on plant ‘intelligence.’ We will sketch botanical details, meet regional plants, learn to recognize three plant families, and observe plants alongside their pollinators. We will discuss the ways in which plants benefit us and explore some of the decisions plants make in their own lives. The session will end with a discussion circle centered on quotes from five botanical authors.

Mediation is the practice by which a third-party neutral helps people and organizations work through conflict. But these skills are applicable to everyone—from workplace disputes to conflicts with friends or family. In this two-part series led by the ASU Lodestar Center's Kristyn Carmichael, we will discuss and practice the basic techniques of a mediator, as well as how to negotiate at the table as one of the parties. You will learn how to help people navigate conflict, negotiate agreements, and find mutually agreeable solutions.

The 1950s were a decade marked by the post-World War II boom, the dawn of the Cold War, and the Civil Rights movement in the United States. During this time, the United States was the world’s strongest military power, the economy was booming, and the fruits of this prosperity—new cars, suburban houses, and other consumer goods—were available to more people than ever before. The booming prosperity of the 1950s helped create a widespread sense of stability, contentment, and consensus in the United States. The ’50s were full of poodle skirts, greasers, and some amazing food. Take a trip down memory lane with classic recipes from the 1950s. These appetizers, main courses, and desserts were popular back when a gallon of milk cost only $0.82!

An understanding and appreciation of the religions of our neighbors is essential to a civil society. In this two-session class, Chris O’Brien—MIM docent, Fulbright winner, and extensively traveled world history teacher—will guide participants on a basic and practical journey through the religions of Islam and Sikhism. Chris will focus on the beliefs, practices, and social aspects of each religion, covering how each has evolved both historically and spiritually. We will also explore some of the interactions that have taken place between these religions. Class materials will be emailed to each participant and posted on the course website prior to the first session. This allows participants the option to preview the materials, print them, and bring notes to class. Session two will include a guided tour of an Islamic mosque and a Sikh temple. Transportation is not provided by OLLI; Chris will meet members at a predetermined location.

Learn the basics of operating a computer-controlled laser cutting machine to create geometric fabric quilting blocks. These machines use computer designs to precisely cut shapes that participants can sew together into a quilt. This class includes one hour of design and machine operation instruction, followed by 30 minutes of open cutting time to cut your fabric. Designs will be limited to basic geometric shapes—such as squares, rectangles, triangles, and other polygons—no larger than 18” x 24” per individual shape. Participants will leave with several laser-cut fabric pieces, each cut to the geometric design and size of their choice.

Explore the Arizona Science Center in a new way with a three-hour adventure through our newest galleries and makerspace! Start the day before the Center opens to the public with an exclusive demonstration on the Daniel Cracchiolo Stage. After kicking things off, join the team for a behind-the-scenes look at the newly reimagined Dorrance Planetarium. End the morning in CREATE with a hands-on creative challenge: using vector graphic design and laser cutting, you’ll assemble a one-of-a-kind table (or desk) lantern. Bring your walking shoes and get ready to embrace your inner child!

Discover the story of trailblazer General George Stoneman and the creation of the military road that bears his name. This historic road ran through what is now the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Carefree, Cave Creek, and the Black Canyon. Learn what life was like for the soldiers and civilian men and women who traveled from Fort McDowell to Fort Whipple under nearly unbearable conditions. Session two will include a short, 90-minute, one-mile walk on the Camino Campana interpretive trail loop at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy’s Fraesfield trailhead in North Scottsdale. This walk explores the history of the area prior to the construction of the Stoneman military road and discusses life in Arizona during the 1870s. At the conclusion of the walk, participants will open a soldier’s haversack and learn about its contents. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. No pets allowed. Participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes before the walk begins.

Clint Eastwood is one of the most iconic figures in American film—and one of the Western genre’s most influential artists. Over a remarkable seven-decade career, Eastwood has brought to life some of the Western’s most memorable characters, from the mysterious “Man with No Name” in Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy to his Oscar-winning role in Unforgiven. Join Western Spirit Chief Curator and film historian Andrew Patrick Nelson for an exploration of Eastwood’s Westerns—from "Rawhide" to "Cry Macho," including "Hang 'Em High," "High Plains Drifter," "The Outlaw Josey Wales," "Pale Rider," and more. Through selected clips and expert commentary, we’ll trace Eastwood’s evolving relationship with the genre and uncover new insights into his enduring legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this class offers a rich look at how Eastwood kept the Western alive—and how the Western helped shape Clint Eastwood.

In this class, participants will take two guided tours offering a deeper understanding of Arcosanti’s unique fusion of architecture and ecology. The first tour explores the property’s key structures—including the Vaults, Ceramics Apse, and Bronze Foundry—while introducing Paolo Soleri’s concept of “Arcology,” which blends sustainable design with community living. The second tour dives into the creative mind of Soleri through a close look at original models, drawings, sketchbooks, and photographs. This behind-the-scenes visit to the Archives offers rare insight into the evolution of Soleri’s ideas and the history of the project. Together, these tours provide a rich and engaging overview of Arcosanti’s architectural vision, historical roots, and ongoing cultural significance. Please note that the property tour route includes some stairs/uneven pathways. It can be made somewhat more accessible, but not completely. There will be a lot of walking. Lunch can be ordered in advance from Arcosanti or you can bring your own! Museum Admission is included for the day.

As one of the world’s most beloved cuisines, it might be surprising to learn that a single, unified Italian cuisine hardly exists. The truth is that Italian food is still largely defined by its regions—each region in Italy has created its own unique culinary tradition. These cooking traditions shape people’s identities just as much as their dialects and traditional costumes do. Local cooking preferences and customs are influenced by geographic, historical, and climatic differences: some regions are landlocked and mountainous, while others hug the sea and are hilly; some have absorbed Arab or Greek influences, while others bear the marks of French or Austrian rule. Additionally, some regions enjoy the dazzling Mediterranean sun most of the year, whereas others experience cold winters, snow, fog, and harsh winds.

Many birds of the desert-urban interface are familiar, but often misidentified and misunderstood! This class focuses on a dozen of our common species, including our state bird, the Cactus Wren; the whimsical and popular Gambel’s Quail; the noisy Northern Mockingbird; and the ubiquitous Anna’s Hummingbird and Mourning Dove. We’ll also discuss invasive species such as the city pigeon, European Starling, Great-tailed Grackle, and House Sparrow. Find out which bird is a medal-winner, which is a real estate developer, and which is on the Audubon watch list for declining populations. Part of the class will be held outdoors, with the hope of seeing some of these birds. Please bring binoculars, if you have them, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Join Penny Friedberg, MBA, MS, on December 1st and 3rd for a two-session course designed for those cooking for one or two. In week one, the focus is on breakfast, highlighting the benefits of home cooking and offering practical techniques to make it more manageable. Participants will explore essential tools and cookware for a healthier kitchen and watch a live demo featuring granola, vegetables, and eggs. Week two shifts to dinner, featuring a thoughtful discussion on sugar, artificial sweeteners, fats, and oils, followed by a live cooking demonstration of stir-fry and other healthy dinner recipes.

Current students from Dr. Rosemarie Dombrowski’s Medical Humanities course at ASU (HON 394 Poetry & Medicine) will lead this intergenerational session exploring the efficacy of reading and writing poetry as a means of navigating aging, illness, and loss, while promoting wellness and healing. Students will share excerpts from studies, lead discussions of selected poems, and engage attendees in short reflective writing exercises.

This lecture offers an in-depth exploration of Charles Dickens’ beloved novella A Christmas Carol, with a particular focus on the symbolic roles of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, and how they contribute to Ebenezer Scrooge’s personal transformation. The lecture also examines the theatrical interpretation of the story, highlighting the TheatreWorks stage production through discussion of set and costume design, thematic emphasis, and the creative elements that bring the magic of Dickens' world to life. This session is ideal for those interested in literature, theatre, and the ways classic texts are adapted for the stage. Class includes a ticket to the 2:00 p.m. showing of A Christmas Carol on Sunday, December 7.

Join Water Resource Management Director Mike Boule for a walking tour of the City of Surprise Wastewater Facility. The tour will provide an in-depth look at the processes and technologies involved in wastewater treatment. Participants will explore the various stages of treatment—including preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary processes—while gaining insights into the environmental impacts and regulatory requirements of wastewater management. The tour will also cover the role of innovative technologies in enhancing treatment efficiency and sustainability. Please bring a jacket and wear closed-toed shoes. The tour includes both indoor and outdoor areas, with about half a mile of walking, some stairs, and gently sloping small hills around the facility.

In collaboration with the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve and Dr. Ken Sweat, this community service opportunity invites participants to take part in the removal of stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum), an aggressive invasive plant from South Africa that is rapidly spreading across Maricopa County. This hands-on activity will support the preservation of the native Sonoran Desert ecosystem and reduce local fire hazards. As part of this course, participants will also explore the broader impact of invasive species on biodiversity, with a focus on the challenges posed by stinknet. Learn how increased global travel has enabled certain species to thrive in new environments and discover how land managers are responding to these ecological threats with innovative control strategies. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our desert landscape while deepening your understanding of invasive species and ecosystem resilience.

Please consider joining us for a night of fun and education. Chef Paul Lindsay from 2322 PHX will be treating us to a dinner that includes time-honored Asian cuisine. He comes with 25+ years of global experience, and is an innovator who will inspire us with a commitment to flavor, nutrition, and service. Our educator will be Dr. Ann, who is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine. Ann is trained and has been practicing at the highest level of her field at Harmony and Health. She will talk about her journey and answer questions about the differences between Western and Eastern Medicine. Your host, Tammy Austin, is a home cook who focuses mostly on delicious food, but always with health and nourishment in mind. She has taken cooking classes for more than 25 years and is a trained (but not practicing) Health Coach.

FEE: $75 will be added to your cart for this SIG