Hot Springs Study Groups
OLLI study groups are our “regular classes,” covering a variety of subjects presented by a variety of experts. The one thing they all have in common is their interesting, interactive nature. So feel free to choose as many as you like – you won’t be disappointed!
10372 Trinket Design – Jewelry Making as a Liberal Art
Instructor: Lynn Harris, Designer, Native Arts
Date: August 26, September 2, 9
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Good Samaritan Campus
10373 Trinket Design – Jewelry Making as a Liberal Art
Instructor: Lynn Harris, Designer, Native Arts
Date: September 14, 21, 28
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Location: Garland County Library
Cost: $40
Min Enrollment: 10 Max Enrollment: 15
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Day 1: Create your own distinctive jewelry under the tutelage of an expert. Learn basic techniques and the use of various materials to create your own custom earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, or custom designs for more unique creations. Choose from a variety of beads, colors, and styles. Your finished projects are yours to keep and enjoy. Supplies are included in your registration fee.
Day 2: Learn to bend and twist wires to create beautiful chain-link spirals, wire-work, wire sculpting, tassels, and jewelry. Create beaded jewelry or your own sculpture design. This workshop will give you an understanding of wire tools, different gauge wires for varied projects, and prepare you to design your own wire jewelry.
Day 3: Using all-natural beads such as bone, horn, shell, and wood, this learning experience combines nature with beading. Create a leather medicine bag. Weave a dream-catcher. Wire-wrap an arrowhead. Choose your project and bring it to life. Your projects are yours to keep.
For your convenience this three part class will be held in two different locations.
10374 - Finds and Artifacts – An Archeological Study
Instructor: Dr. Mary Beth Trubitt, Henderson State University
Date: September 1, 8, 15 & 22
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Garland County Library
Cost: $40
Min Enrollment: 10 Max Enrollment: 15
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This four-part, hands-on study opens with a general overview of archeology and takes you on a journey to pre-historic archeological finds from the Hot Springs area. Sign up to play an active role in a current project which focuses on tool production and trade along the Ouachita River. Catalog and analyze artifacts of recent excavations from our local area. Gain a general knowledge of items, excavation techniques, and a better understanding of Arkansas history and those who travelled and settled the Ouachitas. Walk away with a unique knowledge of current and previous studies of artifacts and finds that impacted our community and its history.
10375 - Hawg Heaven
Day 1: September 1
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Garland County Library
Day 2: September 5
Time: TBA
Location: War Memorial Stadium (Little Rock)
Instructor: Jesse Branch, Assistant Razorback Football Coach, 1975-1985
Cost Day 1: $10
Cost Days 1 & 2: $75.00 (If you drive yourself - $60.00)
Min Enrollment: 10 Max Enrollment: Unlimited
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Day 1: Get together with a ‘real life’ Razorback – part of a winning team, as a player, a coach, and Athletic Program Coordinator for the University of Arkansas. Jesse Branch will entertain you as he fills in the blanks about the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the ups and the downs of the team from it’s inception through recent changes in the U of A Athletic Department. More than just highlights, this insightful journey through Hawg Heaven is an afternoon that Razorback fans will not want to miss.
Day 2: Jesse Branch’s career-long commitment to the Arkansas Razorbacks led him from walk-on player, to team leader, to victorious coach. See the Arkansas Razorbacks with Jesse at War Memorial Stadium as the season opens against Missouri State. Learn why Jesse has the ‘inside scoop’ on the competition – although his life’s passion belongs to the Razorbacks, he will explain why one of his career changes also made a serious impact on the success of the Missouri State football program. The group will travel together from Hot Springs – transportation and tickets included.
10376 - History of the Arkansas Capitol: A Living Museum
Day 1: September 3
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Hot Springs Senior Center
Day 2: September 10
Time: 1pm-3pm
Location: Hot Springs Senior Center
Day 3: September 17
Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Location: State Capitol
Instructor: Dr. David Ware, Capitol Historian and Shira Kelly, Communications Specialist Secretary of State
Cost Days 1 & 2: $25
Cost Days 1-3: $45
Min Enrollment: 10 Max Enrollment: Unlimited
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Day 1 : Looking for a Home interprets the design and construction of Arkansas’ State Capitol and its history. The Capitol project, with all its adversity during political changes and economic shortfalls, was completed in 1915. This presentation promises insight for architectural enthusiasts and general audience enjoyment.
Day 2 : Virtual Tour – State Capitol and Capitol Grounds is an intriguing presentation which will take you on a journey of the Arkansas State Capitol from its inception. Featuring original art, furnishings, restoration, monuments, memorials, and dedicated gardens of the Capitol Grounds, this production offers a wealth of interesting history, as well as a description of the business center it houses today.
Day 3: Subsequent to the two-part lecture series, this walking tour through the Arkansas State Capitol, accurately referred to by some as a ‘living museum,’ is an adventure through political history in Arkansas. Learn about century-old stone work, details of several restoration projects, and anecdotal details of Arkansas’ rich historical government seat. After the morning tour, the group will enjoy lunch in Little Rock at the Arkansas Arts Center then return to the Hot Springs Senior Center.
Meet your transportation at Hot Springs Senior Center at 9am.
10377 - Nature Designs – Collage for Beginners
Instructor: Janet Whitten, Award Winning Artist
Day 1: September 4
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Entergy Park (meet at Pond Pavillion at Entergy Park)
Days 2, 3, & 4: September 11, 14, 25
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Hot Springs Senior Center
Cost: $40
Min Enrollment: 10 Max Enrollment: 15
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Have you ever looked at a landscape or picturesque setting and wish you could capture it forever? This four part series helps you understand how to think outside the box and pick out items from nature, sentimental pieces, or personal collectables and place them on canvas to create your own collage. Get to know the ‘designer in you’ in this series of classes that will begin with a picnic at Entergy Park on beautiful Lake Hamilton, where we’ll collect items from nature. The remaining three days of the series will include painting a background on canvas and laying out favorite items to create a unique work of art that’s all your own. Learn the meaning behind collage décor, why it can be so easy and especially unique, and how to make frames for your collage with natural everyday items.
(Picnic lunch is provided on Day 1 at Entergy Park)
10378 - “Last Structure Standing”- Lake Ouachita and the Old Bucktown Church
Day 1: September 9
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Lake Ouachita State Park Visitors Center, Mountain Pine, AR
Day 2: September 16
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Lake Ouachita State Park Visitors Center, Mountain Pine, AR
Instructor: James Wilborn, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Cost: $25
Min Enrollment: 10 Max Enrollment: 30
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Day 1: Learn about the construction of Lake Ouachita and the towns and structures that were moved in order for the lake to take form. Our expert will teach and entertain as he explains the impact of the lake on the state’s water supply, dam control, and the impact its construction had on Arkansas’ flood control system.
Day 2: Board a barge and enjoy a guided educational tour of beautiful Lake Ouachita. The country’s largest man-made lake is a wildlife and nature experience you will not want to miss. Visit secret places and enjoy a picnic on one of the lake’s island retreats while taking in the scenic views.
10379 - “Front & Center” – Community Theater Production – Full Production Study
Instructor: Jerry Davis, Author, Actor & Director
Dates: September 23, 30, October 4, 7, 14
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Good Samaritan Campus, Cedar Lodge #427
Cost: $65 (Price includes performance ticket)
Min Enrollment: 10 Max Enrollment: Unlimited
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Jerry Davis is a 30-year veteran actor, director, President of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Community Theater Association, and President of the Board of the Association of Senior Arts Programs. In this class, you will train from pre-audition stage through ovations in the production of a community theater play. Participate, support, and appreciate theater arts through this four-week course that analyzes a stage production of The Wizard of Oz. Appreciate theatrical production and experience all aspects of a start-to-finish stage play in this all-encompassing theater study. The class will begin with general acting and terminology, and then study all aspects of the various roles of the producers, directors, actors, and stage crew. OLLI members will learn the basics of critique, then attend the October 4, 2:30 matinee performance of The Wizard of Oz at the Pocket Theatre in Hot Springs. The final two classes will consist of discussion and study of the group’s critique of the live production. Don’t miss this in-depth, hands-on, open review instructed by local director and experienced actor, Jerry Davis.
10380 - Contemporary Art
Instructor: Marc & Terry Menefee, Artists and Rebecca Newell, MOCA Director
Date: October 1, 8
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Art Church/ Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Cost: $20
Min Enrollment: 10 Max Enrollment: Unlimited
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Day 1: This introduction to visual arts in the 21st century involves more than just learning. The Art Church is over 100 years old and boasts over 600 feet of stained glass and houses five artists studios and three galleries, along with living quarters for the owners and their two children. The Menefees are devoted to education and outreach to the greater Hot Springs area and its visitors. Terry, an award winning narrative artist, will open the discussion with details of their commitment to arts and education. Marc, internationally collected metal artist, will take the stage with a presentation of his contemporary metal works. He will also describe historical works and interpret symbolism as it relates to each era in history, and the process and representation used in his alabaster sculptures. This mesmerizing look into the lives of contemporary artists in grass-roots Arkansas is certainly worth the trip.
Day 2: Tour Hot Springs’ most recently renovated bath house, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Learn about the original tile, stained glass, and fine décor, while admiring the works of contemporary artists of various cultures, interpretation, media, and design. MOCA and its’ founders are committed to a vision for the Spa City with their contribution of the museum as an attraction to the downtown ‘art’ district – “Moving Our Community Ahead”. Learn about the vision, the plan, and the commitment while touring the modern art and exhibits of the restored bath house.
10381 - Crystal Find/Crystal Mine!
Day 1: October 6
Time: 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: McAuley Center
Day 2: October 15
Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Coleman Crystal Mines - Jessieville
Instructor:Charles Stone – Arkansas Registered Geologist, Survey Supervisor (Retired)
Cost: $25
Min Enrollment: 10 Max Enrollment: Unlimited
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Day 1: Delve into a captivating, in-depth discussion that explains the rich quartz crystal mines of the Ouachita Mountains, led by our expert instructor. Learn how the crystals formed, how they are mined, and the widespread and varied uses of quartz crystals.
Day 2: Enjoy a tour of the Ron Coleman Mine. Study a fascinating collection of fossils, amethyst, quartz and other stones from around the world. Watch a video about the crystal mines and the formation of crystals in the Ouachita Mountains. Then, dig for yourself in our own special section of the property and feel the excitement of exploring the overturned earth to find your own crystals. Many clusters and large quartz crystals are uncovered daily. Wear old clothes and bring gloves and a shovel – it’s a fun but dirty endeavor.
Picnic lunch at the mine included on Day 2.
10382 - Digital Photography
Instructor: Renee Steinpreis – President, HSV Computer Club
Dates: October 7, 14, 21
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Good Samaritan Campus (Cedar Lodge #427)
Cost: $30
Min Enrollment: 5 Max Enrollment: 10
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Learn to maximize the functions of your digital camera in this hands-on work-shop. Bring your camera, manual, and attachments and get the knowledge and experience you need to capture, save, and edit your photos. The instructor will spend time with you and your equipment in a one-on-one lesson. Plus, you’ll get an overview of the art of choosing and capturing good subject matter.
Class size is limited, so register early!
10383 - We’re Cooking Now! – Creative Fun in the Kitchen
Instructor: Lynn Harris, Designer, Native Arts & Kathy Packard, MS, M.Ed., LPC
Date: October 16, 23, 30, November 6
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Good Samaritan Campus
Cost: $45
Min Enrollment: 10 Max Enrollment: Unlimited
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Day 1: Cooking with Herbs is simple and delicious. Join this group for new ideas and tasty recipes that include herbs you can grow right in your yard or window box. An expert on herbs and unique cooking ideas will not only show you how fresh herbs can change the taste of a dish, but also how to easily grow your own – even if your thumb is not green!
Day 2: Bread from Scratch sounds like too much trouble? Become the bread expert with this class that teaches you the simple way to knead your own dough, keep it fresh in the freezer or refrigerator to use as needed, and the variety of textures for each kind of home-made, delicious bread. The average American consumes approximately 60 loaves of bread per year – why not learn to make your own?
Session 3: Recipes for Two is a reminder course on how easily and quickly you can prepare great meals on-the-go or share the kitchen with your spouse for a creative evening of cooking together. Just because the kids are gone doesn’t mean you need to shut down your kitchen. In fact, now cooking can be fun instead of a chore. Enjoy this class and learn the art of being in the kitchen.
Session 4: Pasta and Rice can be used as the starting point for a multitude of delicious temptations from the kitchen. Yes, clean out the pantry and just see how creative you can be with rice and pasta as your starting point. From entrées to salads, you’ll learn how easy it is to create great-tasting and creative dishes for yourself and your next pot luck or party.
10384 - Clinton Presidential Center
Presenter: Museum Docent
Date: October 21
Time: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Little Rock
Cost: $50 (Includes transportation and Presidential Style Lunch)
Min Enrollment: 10 Max Enrollment: Unlimited
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Your day will begin with an informational introduction of the structure, its design, and an overview of the exhibits, presented by a museum docent. Lunch will be served Presidential Style at the library’s “Café Forty-Two” restaurant. The afternoon will be left open for individuals to focus on areas of interest and to explore sights such as the replica of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room and the many galleries and exhibits. Following the museum tour, we will travel by trolley to the Clinton Presidential Center gift shop before returning to Hot Springs.
Meet your transportation at the Hot Sprins Senior Center. Transportation, lunch and admission to the library are included in your class fee.