Wednesday   

In this immersive course, we’ll take a guided tour of the Musical Instrument Museum, explore and interact with instruments from around the world, and learn about the relationship between poetry and music. We’ll read and discuss a selection of poems that engage with musical instruments and sound – writing commonly termed "ekphrastic," meaning writing that responds to other forms of art. For our second meeting, we’ll compose poems inspired by an instrument or musical sound and share them in a celebratory reading at MIM. No prior writing experience is necessary.

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) was arguably one of the world’s most important modern architects, designing approximately one thousand buildings during his career, including Taliesin West, his winter home and studio and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Scottsdale, Arizona. When you join Dr. Jennifer Gray, Vice President of the Taliesin Institute at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, you will survey Wright’s practice, including his renowned Prairie-style houses, famed buildings such as Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum, as well as lesser-known projects for affordable housing and utopian urban schemes. The course will situate his work in the context of the cultural changes of modernism, such as the Industrial Revolution, new technologies, scientific advancements, and progressive social politics. Participants in this class will receive a discounted audio guide tour of Taliesin West that can be redeemed between January 22 and May 31, 2026. Members will be informed during the class how to receive this discount.

An interactive, exploratory workshop focused on the reasons and opportunities for post-retirement community engagement. As you navigate the transition into your third act – after careers and kids – you may find yourself asking, “What’s next?” Retirement is rich with opportunities, but it also has its challenges, and remaining an integral, relevant part of your community can be easier said than done. Personal fulfillment is as important now as ever, and your experiences tell a story worth sharing. This workshop will help you explore how to turn your skills, experience, and passions into purposeful community involvement. Discover local opportunities, navigate the transition into your third act, and find fulfillment in this new chapter – because retirement is just the beginning, and volunteering can make it your most meaningful stage yet.

Fleeing religious persecution in Europe, Jews first arrived in the New World in the 17th century and have since built vibrant and influential communities throughout the Western Hemisphere. This highly visual presentation by leading travel journalist Dan Fellner will take us to historic synagogues in the Caribbean, South America, and the United States, including three of the oldest Jewish congregations in the U.S., all of which received letters from President George Washington affirming religious freedom in America. From Charleston to Curaçao, and Alaska to Argentina, we’ll explore the survival and resilience of Jewish life in places you might least expect to find it.

Joe DiMaggio was born into a family of fishermen, but he had no interest in that life. He dropped out of his San Francisco high school and took on odd jobs before discovering baseball. DiMaggio went on to have a legendary career with the New York Yankees, winning nine World Series titles. His smooth play in Yankee Stadium’s vast center field earned him the nickname “The Yankee Clipper.” Off the field, he married Marilyn Monroe, the world’s most famous woman at the time. Throughout his life, DiMaggio was admired for his poise, dignity, and classic sense of style.

Focusing on the state birds of the area west of the Mississippi, Kathe Anderson, a community scientist and conservation educator, explores what a state bird should be, along with the state nickname and other quirky state symbols of the ‘wilder’ West. Find out why the California gull is Utah’s state bird, which bird is shared by at least five states, and which state also has a state raptor.

Frida Kahlo once said, “I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best.” Her paintings are more than art – they are a visual autobiography, rich with symbolism, emotion, and personal history. Join us as we explore the life and legacy of this iconic Mexican artist, whose bold self-portraits continue to captivate and inspire across generations. From her close relationship with her father to the devastating bus accident that shaped her physical and emotional world to her passionate and turbulent relationship with Diego Rivera, each chapter of Frida’s life is vividly reflected in her work.

Cancer has long been one of the most feared diagnoses, and with good reason – it remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. For many years, the disease was shrouded in mystery, leaving doctors and scientists searching for answers. Today, that picture has changed. We now understand the biological hallmarks that distinguish cancer from normal cell behavior and have identified many of its causes. In this class, Dr. Joshua LaBaer will introduce the fundamentals of cancer: what it is, how our understanding has evolved, and – most importantly – the encouraging ways in which science and medicine are making progress in the fight against it.

The American Film Institute’s list of the best film scores includes many well-known classics – and a few surprises. The composers behind these scores led fascinating lives and built remarkable careers. With the help of vivid audiovisual examples, stories, and anecdotes, we’ll take an engaging journey through the creative process of composing these historic works – music that conveys what a film is saying without words and evokes emotions even the most brilliant dialogue cannot. With active student participation, we’ll also build our own alternative list of the top 25 film scores of all time!

Spiders, scorpions, bees, and wasps are just the beginning – arthropods are the most diverse and numerous group of animals on the planet. From scorching deserts to the icy edges of Antarctica, they’ve conquered nearly every habitat on Earth. Though some people are uneasy around these creatures – especially the creepy, crawly, or stinging ones – they are essential to the health of ecosystems everywhere. In this presentation, we’ll take a closer look at the fascinating world of arthropods and explore the vital roles they play in the unique environment of the Sonoran Desert. A field study for the second session of this class will take place at McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Gateway Trailhead. The address and meeting location will be provided to registered members during the first week of class. Duration: 2 hours; Distance: 1 mile. ADA compliant.

This class examines the ideology and practice of slavery in late medieval Italian cities such as Venice and Genoa. ASU professor Dr. Hannah Barker will discuss the laws that defined slave status, the demographics of the enslaved population, the types of labor associated with slavery, and some of the consequences of this practice for medieval Italian society.

This presentation by Captain Barney Rubel, USN (Ret.), Professor Emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College, explores the geography and geometry of American security using world maps and Venn diagrams. It examines the relationship between the world’s oceans and U.S. security interests, linking maritime strategy to the broader framework of national security strategy. The session also reviews major theories of geopolitics, key provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and foundational statements of U.S. security strategy.

Add laser cutting to your toolbox of creative skills with CREATE! In this beginner-level workshop, Makers will explore the process of etching designs using lasers. Our expert CREATE techs will guide you through tool safety, material exploration, preparation of etching areas, and how to cut lines in CorelDRAW – culminating in a laser-cut creation you can take home.

Following Presidents’ Day, we will explore how to understand the office of the presidency in 2026. Presidential power is often associated only with post–World War II America – but is this accurate? We will examine the differences between executive authority in foreign policy and domestic policy, and consider how a president’s ability to act is influenced by party support. Midterm elections are often viewed as a referendum on the presidency. In this election year, we will also ask whether presidential campaigns have always been long in America, how campaigning tactics have changed since the founding generation, and whether partisanship and gridlock are unique to modern history. Join us for this timely discussion, which uses presidents from various periods to deepen our understanding of America’s – and the world’s – most powerful office.

Why do some movies fill your entire TV screen while others leave black bars? Why are filmmakers like Christopher Nolan embracing IMAX – a format once reserved for natural history museums? And whatever happened to 3D – was it a fad, or a future that never quite arrived? This lively, visually rich class traces how the “shape” of movies has evolved from early Hollywood to the present day. We’ll explore why studios pushed widescreen technologies in the 1950s, how letterboxing and pan-and-scan transformed home viewing, and why directors like Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson are reviving vintage formats such as 70mm and VistaVision. By the end, you’ll see movies with new eyes, understanding the artistic, technological, and even economic choices behind what fills, or doesn't fill, the frame.

What is the definition of a “survivor,” and what were the common denominators for almost all survivors? Certainly, fear, food insecurity/starvation, and trauma. However, it would be erroneous to paint all survivors with the same brush—each experience is unique. This diversity is shaped by pre-war, war, and post-war factors, including age, geography, socio-economic status, family circumstances, and the wide range of wartime experiences. Post-war experiences also had a significant impact on survivors. This presentation includes examples from the speaker’s family, among others.

From "Jaws" to "The Graduate," "James Bond" to "The Birds," "Midnight Express" to "Breaking Bad," take a journey with a leading travel journalist to explore the places around the world where some of the most iconic movies and TV series were filmed. We’ll also visit the childhood haunts of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Buddy Holly, and uncover a British pop star’s surprising connection to the Alamo.

We live in a society that values youth more than the elderly. As a result, older Americans may feel discounted and are likely to experience age discrimination. Mature individuals can be their own worst enemies by buying into the false notion that they have less to offer society. Join Dr. Jack Gilbert, a Clinical Professor in the College of Health Solutions at ASU, to explore ways to challenge these assumptions and learn about pathways for contribution and purpose according to your own wishes. We will focus on valuable research and gain a first-hand appreciation of the challenges faced through Dr. Gilbert’s lived experience as a working 79-year-old.

This class provides an overview of Arizona Tribal water law and policy and its connection to Federal Indian Policy and history. It will examine where Arizona Tribes currently stand in securing their water rights within the state and across the Colorado River Basin, as well as emerging issues related to protecting those rights. Cora Tso, a research fellow, analyzes and develops recommendations on the water interests of Tribal Nations, collaborating with Tribal leadership, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Grand narratives of global history often emphasize human movement across the Atlantic – when they consider oceans at all. Yet the Pacific Ocean has long been a vital arena of human activity, rich in stories of migration, cultural exchange, and ecological transformation. In this engaging talk, Dr. Toby Harper presents the Pacific not merely as a backdrop but as a central force in shaping global history. Together, we’ll explore how the Pacific has connected peoples, plants, animals, ideas, and artistic traditions across vast distances – revealing a world history that is deeper, broader, and more interconnected than the familiar Atlantic-centered view.

Dutch still-life painters were renowned for showcasing their skill in rendering textures and surfaces with detailed, realistic light effects. Their still-life paintings often featured various types of food artfully arranged on tables alongside silverware, pots, and dishes. They employed specific paints, pigments, and techniques to achieve these effects. In this class, we will explore these techniques and study the work of notable Dutch Baroque still-life painters. You will also have the opportunity to create one or more paintings reflecting the style and characteristics of these artists. This is a studio art class. A materials list will be provided before the start of class.

While most discussions of modern conflict focus on tanks, drones, and great-power competition, the majority of today’s wars are irregular – struggles waged by states and non-state actors for power, influence, and legitimacy among populations. This session explores how rapidly advancing technologies – artificial intelligence, social media, cyber operations, and autonomous systems – are transforming the way such contests are resourced, fought, and won. Drawing on recent lessons from across the globe, Dr. Gleiman examines how these tools and trends empower both governments and insurgent movements to mobilize supporters, manipulate narratives, and compete for control, sometimes without firing a shot. He will also discuss how the Department of Defense and allied nations are rethinking doctrine and education to adapt to this evolving landscape of conflict. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of how technology is reshaping not just warfare, but the very nature of political struggle in the 21st century.

In this talk, you will discover how the Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings are connected to unwashed socks. We will take a detailed look at the Sistine Chapel artworks, uncovering fascinating facts and sharing funny and informative stories about the people and scenes depicted on the ceiling. The session will also cover a brief history of the Sistine Chapel and explore Michelangelo’s thoughts and poetry regarding the painting of the ceiling.

This course will examine the cultural transformations in thinking and living that reshaped America and Western Europe between World War I and the Great Depression. Known as the Roaring Twenties, the Jazz Age, and the Lost Generation, this period redefined values and norms. We will explore the vibrant world of 1920s Paris through F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Babylon Revisited and Bernice Bobs Her Hair, Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, and Gertrude Stein’s The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, considering the lasting legacy of the era.

Musculoskeletal disease is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, as well as degenerative disc disease, are the major conditions that result in musculoskeletal disability. Diagnosing these conditions often involves complex imaging modalities, including X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). This class, led by Dr. Rebecca Wachs, Associate Professor in the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, will explore how these imaging modalities work and how they are used alongside other information to make diagnoses. Current research into imaging will also be discussed, highlighting potential future modalities. Participants will gain a better understanding of how imaging is used to diagnose musculoskeletal diseases and what the future of imaging may hold.

Our life experiences leave lasting marks – not just in our memories, but deep within our biology. In this class, Dr. Candace Lewis, a neuroscientist at ASU, will explore how stress, connection, and even powerful therapeutic experiences can influence the brain and the tiny chemical tags on our DNA that help control how genes are expressed. This emerging field, known as epigenetics, reveals that our biology is not fixed – it is responsive, resilient, and capable of change throughout our lives. Dr. Lewis will also discuss her research on how new treatments, including psychedelic-assisted therapy, may help people heal from trauma and depression by promoting epigenome changes that underlie the brain’s ability to adapt. The talk will be uplifting, easy to understand, and focused on how science is uncovering the biological roots of renewal and emotional well-being.

This discussion examines the Rule of Law in American history. We will begin with concepts of Natural Law and the Rule of Law, trace its development through Greek and Roman courts, and explore its relationship with democracy. The course will also cover the Rule of Law and individual rights, concluding with a focus on the Rule of Law as a promise. This topic is as important now as ever.

Arizona-based artist Jana Peterson creates striking images that range from earthy abstractions and portraiture to futuristic galactic visions. Coming from a family of artists and teachers, she holds an M.A. in Art Education from A.S.U. and has been teaching and painting for over 30 years. Jana is a professional painter with the soul of Matisse – her work is dramatic, vivid, and bold, merging art and technology. Peterson is joining us to celebrate her works on display – and to have a little fun making art with us! We’ll be painting "Bryggen" (the dock), a historic harbor district in Bergen, one of Norway’s oldest port cities on the west coast and a center for Hanseatic trade. Bryggen has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.

Water is Arizona’s lifeline; however, that lifeline is under strain. As Colorado River water supplies shrink, groundwater levels decline, and cities continue to expand, the question becomes urgent: Where will Arizona find its next bucket of water? This clear and engaging two-part presentation series examines the state’s current water supplies and highlights innovative strategies that experts and communities are developing to meet future demand. Topics include desalination, advanced water recycling, rainwater and stormwater harvesting, water importation, cloud seeding, and groundwater recharge. Participants need no scientific background – only curiosity and concern for Arizona’s future. Whether you have lived in Arizona for many years or recently arrived, you will gain insight into the challenges ahead and the critical choices that will determine Arizona’s water future.