Arts   

Some artists of “Tales We Wear” look across the centuries and the world to delve into the enhanced body as a means of expression. Others utilize clothing to make gender repression, poverty, and racial exploitation visible. Attire can not only communicate who we are but can become art itself. Learn about the complex language of clothing in exceptional works from the Karen and Robert Duncan and the Kathryn and Marc LeBaron art collections.

LSO and guest conductor Andrew Grams are joined by concertmaster Anton Miller for Max Bruch’s energetic and virtuosic “Scottish Fantasy.” After intermission, LSO will perform either Edward Elgar’s “Nimrod” from his “Enigma Variations” OR Edvard Griefg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” – you decide with your vote! Antonín Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 8” closes this program.

Step back in time with fellow OLLI members during a guided tour of Omaha’s magnificent Joslyn Castle. Built in 1903 and designed in the Scottish Baronial style, this historic landmark offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of George and Sarah Joslyn and Omaha’s early growth. Explore its remarkable architecture, rich history, and beautifully preserved spaces while enjoying an engaging and memorable cultural experience.

Learn how American quiltmaking has served as a powerful expression of identity and social change. See how quilts document historical moments while preserving cultural traditions. Also learn how Black and Indigenous makers use quiltmaking for storytelling and resistance, and how the medium has expanded into fashion and fine art. Following the presentation, enjoy a guided tour through “Identity and Engagement: American Quiltmaking from 1970 to Today.”

Explore the Holland Performing Arts Center through this guided tour focusing on the venue’s history, architecture, art, and unique features. Opened in 2005, the center includes two performance spaces: the 2000-seat Kiewit Hall and the 350-seat Scott Hall. The tour concludes with a 30-minute question and answer session.

Visit Nebraska’s newest nature and cultural center for an exploration of the art and natural beauty at Wagon Tongue Creek Farm and Nature Reserve. Nestled in the scenic Bohemian Alps near Valparaiso, the farm features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Learn what inspires the instructor and how he creates large-scale metal sculptures. Discover the wonders of the unique landscape.

“Arcadia” by Tom Stoppard, a comedy of ideas, unfolds across time in an English country house. In 1809, a young woman and her tutor explore mathematics, nature and passion; in the present, rival academics sift through clues they left behind. Wit, romance and chaos theory collide. Director Michael Matthews and his production team will discuss their concepts and show examples of their illustrations and models, followed by a sneak-peek at the set, lighting, costumes and sound.

Thousands of quilts are stored at the International Quilt Museum. Go behind the scenes to tour the climate-controlled storage area and learn how staff and volunteers care for the world’s largest public quilt collection. Afterward, explore the galleries and current exhibitions at your own pace.

Gain greater proficiency in digital photography while using an advanced amateur camera (adjustable), mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) or digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Learn the fundamentals as you practice with your own personal camera. Basic principles of photography will be reviewed and then more sophisticated digital camera operations, such as controls, function and purpose, lighting, composition, hardware options and software will be discussed.

Visit one of the most popular exhibitions at The Durham Museum, with newly added objects from The Rosemary Clooney House and the collection of Stephen and Heather French Henry. Hear the music of Irving Berlin while viewing the costumes of Edith Head, props, sheet music and archival photos. Join us and make new holiday memories.

Enjoy a preview of the iconic December 2027 OLLI musical journey to Branson, Memphis, and Nashville. Learn about this eight-day trip featuring spectacular live performances in Branson, followed by a visit to Graceland, the legendary birthplace of rock 'n' roll. You will explore "Music City" alongside OLLI friends and conclude the adventure with an unforgettable evening at the Grand Ole Opry. Don’t miss this exciting sneak peek of entertainment, history, and lasting memories!

Enjoy a preview of the iconic December 2027 OLLI musical journey to Branson, Memphis, and Nashville. Learn about this eight-day trip featuring spectacular live performances in Branson, followed by a visit to Graceland, the legendary birthplace of rock 'n' roll. You will explore "Music City" alongside OLLI friends and conclude the adventure with an unforgettable evening at the Grand Ole Opry. Don’t miss this exciting sneak peek of entertainment, history, and lasting memories!

Explore modern floral design approaches that emphasize color and texture as seasons change from summer to fall. Participants are provided with tools and all supplies necessary for the creation of three unique designs to take home. Styles include: Colorful Tray Collection, Textural Green Ombre, and Fall Elegance in Cylinder Vase. All levels of floral design experience are welcome.

Explore the intersection of art and science during two immersive classes at the Joslyn Art Museum. We’ll examine the origin and history of the museum’s global building stones, from geological formation to architectural use. We will also analyze how geology influences the narratives and aesthetics of the paintings within. Discover a new perspective on natural history and art that you can apply to any museum in the world.

Explore the intersection of art and science during two immersive classes at the Joslyn Art Museum. We’ll examine the origin and history of the museum’s global building stones, from geological formation to architectural use. We will also analyze how geology influences the narratives and aesthetics of the paintings within. Discover a new perspective on natural history and art that you can apply to any museum in the world.

Though gospel references are brief, Mary Magdalene has captivated the Christian imagination for centuries. A key figure in Gnostic texts, medieval legends, and diverse visual arts, she symbolizes evangelism, repentance, and contemplation. Modern portrayals often cast her as Jesus’ closest companion, reflecting evolving spiritual desires. Through weekly readings and discussions, we will explore these multifaceted interpretations to understand what this enduringly fascinating figure reveals about our own hopes and needs.

In 1900 there were 300+ opera houses in Nebraska; today there are a few left and a small number can be used. Learn what was meant by the term “opera house,” their purpose, why they flourished for a relatively short period of time (ca. 1880-1930) and what happened to them. Is there a future for the extant buildings? We will discuss the amazing opera houses in Red Cloud, David City, Fremont, and Friend and their importance to the past and today.

In 1900 there were 300+ opera houses in Nebraska; today there are a few left and a small number can be used. Learn what was meant by the term “opera house,” their purpose, why they flourished for a relatively short period of time (ca. 1880-1930) and what happened to them. Is there a future for the extant buildings? We will discuss the amazing opera houses in Red Cloud, David City, Fremont, and Friend and their importance to the past and today.

Register for the performance in the company of fellow OLLI members in a reserved section of the theatre or attend the production at a different time that works with your schedule by purchasing a ticket on your own. The same OLLI discount on ticket prices applies either way you attend.

Learn about Samuel Bak's life followed by a tour of the Fall exhibition, Past, Present, Futures at the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center. During the tour, we will engage in a slow-looking exercise and in-gallery discussions to explore how artists have used the portraiture to reflect and comment on historical and contemporary events, while envision alternative futures.

Take a tour of Nebraska Innovation Studio, a 16,000-square-foot community makerspace featuring a full metal shop, wood shop, rapid prototyping room, and art studio. Innovation Studio is open to university faculty, students, staff and community members for a monthly membership. Following the tour, participants will learn how to use a wood lathe to transform a wood blank into a handcrafted pen to take home. This hands-on woodworking process requires patience, focus, and creativity.

Build photography skills using your mobile devices – smart phones and tablets. Most of the content will focus on Apple device Technology but, it will also cover Android features, multiple apps and photographic principles common to all cell phone cameras. There will also be limited discussion about post processing of photographs using the phone app Snapseed. Download Snapseed from your app store to enable some practice processing photos on your device during class.

Learn how to turn great photos into masterpieces through post-processing and editing. Discover how to control brightness, contrast, sharpness, cropping, and much more. You will need a laptop with an editing program such as Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Nikon NX-1 or another comparable recent editing program. Bring at least two photos in RAW format and two photos in JPEG format to the class to get started.

The following video programs are previously recorded OLLI courses. Learn at your own pace, at your convenience. All 35+ hours of programming are available to you for a single cost of $30. You will receive a link in your registration confirmation email to access all recordings. The link will be active from the first day of the term until one week before the next term starts.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL and is provided with closed caption.

 

BONES, BODIES, AND BESTSELLERS - Dr. Kaitlin East (1 session)

Crime fiction is even more fun when the science holds up. Whether you’re a fan curious about the facts behind your favorite mysteries, or an author eager to sharpen your storytelling, pull back the curtain on science in crime fiction. Explore forensic anthropology and how, when accurately utilized, it can improve mystery stories, learn how a forensic anthropological investigation works, and review literary examples that succeed in incorporating accuracy.

HIGHWAY ARCHAEOLOGY - Nolan Johnson (4 sessions)

The Highway Archeology Program at the Nebraska State Historical Society enables significant cultural resources, both below and above ground, to be taken into consideration when road construction is planned. This partnership with the Nebraska Department of Transportation has been in existence since 1960 and has changed a lot over 65 years. Learn how it came to be and how it continues to protect our shared Nebraska heritage.

READING AMY TAN - Susan Major (4 sessions)

Delve into one of Amy Tan’s highly acclaimed novels, The Kitchen God’s Wife. The story is infused with vivid details of Chinese life and traditions, spanning continents and centuries. It presents a memorable portrait of a courageous woman and a tale that celebrates the bond between mother and daughter.

SPIES AMONG US: A WWII GERMAN SPY IN OMAHA - Anthony Foreman (1 session)

Would you believe that the most famous German spy during World War I had previously been a Nebraska resident? Some other questions might arise: What was he doing here? What did he do as a spy? What happened to him? Tony Foreman has pieced together answers to these and many other questions through archival research in Nebraska, Germany and Great Britain. This is a session about heroism, romance, cruelty, war and espionage.

THE ROMAN REVOLUTION: 133 BCE-11CE - Vanessa Gorman (6 sessions)

The fall of the Roman Republican government was fueled by financial inequalities, class struggles, incompetent leadership, military expansion, and the rise of populist generals. The people learned that they were indeed sovereign and proceeded to vote away their political power in favor of dictators, like Marius and Caesar who brought them bread and circuses, but also decades of civil war, until Augustus was the last man standing and established a principate.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE LINCOLN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - Multiple Instructors (4 sessions)

Learn about the process of putting together a Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra concert, then attend “Experience the Intrigue.” Executive director Barbara Zach Lee will discuss what an orchestra means to a community, Maestro Edward Polochick will give insights on how orchestras provide transformative experiences, composer Julia Adolphe will share how it feels to hear her compositions performed live, and viola soloist Rita Porfiris will talk about life as a professional musician, and what inspires her.

LINCOLN’S LIBRARY OF THE FUTURE - Ryan Wieber (1 session)

Lincoln’s long-awaited new Central Library in the heart of downtown will open for service in 2028. Designed as a modern library with flexibility and space for community partners to complement library activities, the new library will provide traditional services and collections yet incorporate what is now expected in modern library design, function and sustainability. Walk through the virtual plans for the new facility and discover what will make this a world-class library and help transform O Street.

EIGHT PILLARS OF YOGA: IT’S MORE THAN EXERCISE - Jessica Jewel (1 session)

Yoga is known for physical postures, but its roots are far deeper. Explore the eight limbs of yoga as outlined by the sage Patanjali in his Yoga Shastra. Discover the ethical, physical, and meditative foundations of yoga. Learn how this ancient practice supports clarity, peace, and meaningful living. These teachings provide both a historical perspective and a framework for its true purpose: quieting the churnings of the mind and body.

CAN NUCLEAR POWER GO GREEN IN NEBRASKA? - Multiple Instructors (1 session)

For decades, nuclear power has gotten a bad rap in popular culture, but actual data show that despite some high-profile accidents, few deaths have resulted. With climate change looming, new modular designs with advanced safety features and new applications make it worth a fresh look. Learn how modular nuclear power could help generate ammonia for fertilizer in rural Nebraska.

Camille Saint-Saëns' grand opera “Samson et Dalila” dramatizes the biblical tale of a heroic Hebrew leader whose divine, superhuman strength makes him the ultimate threat to the oppressive Philistines. However, he is seduced by the cunning Philistine woman Dalila, who uncovers the secret of his power and betrays him, leading to a tragic climax where a blinded Samson invokes God one last time to collapse the temple upon his enemies. We'll listen to highlights, discuss the opera's history, structure, musical elements, and explore how it fits into the broader world of opera.

Big stories can come in the smallest packages! Join us as we discover remarkable artworks from the Joslyn Museum that are rich in detail, beauty, and imagination. From sparkling portraits and charming still lifes to intricate sculptures and treasured devotional objects, these miniature masterpieces invite us to look closely and see more. Together, we’ll explore how artists use scale to create wonder, stir emotions, and make tiny works leave a lasting impression.

Experience the “rooms where it happens” as you explore study, instruction, and performance spaces in the new music building on UNL’s City Campus. Visit rehearsal rooms used by the Cornhusker Marching Band during bad weather and see where the next generation of Nebraska musicians train and perform.