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.

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.

“The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, follows nine teenage girls as they warm up for their weekly soccer games. Over the course of a season, their conversations reveal the complexity of adolescence and what it means to grow up. Director Katherine McGerr and her 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.

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.

Inspired by a visit to the International Quilt Museum and the diversity and wide array of quilt styles throughout history, this year’s theme of the 2026 Sunken Gardens is “A Patchwork Garden,” drawing on both traditional and modern quilt-making throughout the 250 years of American history. Please plan accordingly for the weather and your comfort. A good deal of walking is required.

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.

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.

Enjoy a guided tour through “American Patriotism” and “American Innovations, 1770-1870” led by the curator. Learn how American women expressed patriotic sentiments in their quilts. See the range of symbols they used to convey messages revealing their patriotic feelings and political leanings, and discover the global trade and technological innovations that influenced quiltmaking during the late 18th and 19th centuries.

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, on your own time and at your convenience. Over 40 hours of programming are available 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.

 

Women Who Lived for Danger – Lynn Roper (4 sessions)

Fearless, smart, creative and decisive women. From 1940, the British SOE trained 39 women to handle guns and explosives, work undercover, endure interrogation and use complex codes as they were dropped into Nazi-occupied France to work as secret agents. America’s intelligence agency, the OSS, began in 1942, bolstered this effort and evolved in 1947 to the CIA where trailblazing, daring women helped the U.S. face the new, growing Soviet threat. These courageous agents of change also fought for equal pay and opportunities for women.

World War II in the Pacific – Roger Lempke (6 sessions)

The U.S.A. fought World War II in two fronts that were quite different on opposite sides of the world. After Pearl Harbor the war in the Pacific had aircraft carriers engaging in combat for the first time and “island hopping” become a major tactic never experienced in warfare. Explore the significant characteristics of the war in the Pacific including pre-war relations, military leadership, tactics, and logistics in the vast ocean region.

Functional Strength and Balance – Diane Hopkins (4 sessions)

Enhance overall physical fitness and improve the ability to perform daily activities with confidence. Focusing on muscular strength, flexibility, mobility and balance, engage in exercises tailored to support functional movement and reduce the risk of injury. Using just a chair, through guided workouts and movement strategies, build confidence in your physical abilities, fostering greater independence and overall well-being.

 

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene – Liz Kocher (3 sessions)

Long-lost until discovery in the late 19th century, the gospel account of Mary Magdalene tells the story of discipleship, conflict, and the proclamation from a voice too often overlooked. Explore the world within and behind the text of Mary Magdalene’s gospel and get a glimpse into the complex world of artifact discovery and scripture interpretation.

Classic Car Restoration – Mike Zimmerman (1 session)

You’ve always wanted to restore that car you drove as a teenager but were afraid to take the first step. Discover the things to consider making the project manageable. Designed for both beginners and veterans, learn proper tools, workspace, costs and safe preservation methods along with bodywork techniques, paint preparation, engine care, and interior refurbishment to bring a vintage car back to life while maintaining authenticity.

First Century Son(s) of God – Michael Ryan (1 session)

The Son of God? What can it mean? Although Christians understand Jesus is the Son of God, many are not aware of the title’s meanings in the first century nor that there were others to whom the term applied. Exploring the implications of other "sons of god" challenges and illuminates our understanding of the Gospels today. Deepen your understanding of the gospels through an historical critical approach.

 

Lincoln Saltdogs Baseball: Life Behind the Scenes – Shane & Morgan Tritz (1 session)

Go behind the scenes with Saltdogs General Manager Shane Tritz and his daughter, Morgan, as they share an inside look at life in Minor League Baseball. Hear firsthand stories about the highs and challenges of managing a team, family life around the ballpark, and what it’s really like to be part of the Saltdogs organization. A fun, personal glimpse into the world of professional minor league baseball.

Gait Speed: The 6th Vital Sign – Casey Bogenrief (1 session)

Discover why gait speed is more than just a way of measuring how fast you walk. This simple, accessible indicator reflects the health and function of multiple body systems and is strongly linked to overall vitality and survival. Learn how slowing down can signal underlying changes and how reduced mobility can create a cycle of inactivity and deconditioning that impacts long-term health. Participate in a gait-speed assessment and learn what you can do to improve this vital sign.

 

Restoring and Managing Resilient Prairies – Chris Helzer (1 session)

Prairies are beautiful, diverse and fascinating. View photos and hear stories about Nebraska prairies and learn about how land stewards keep them vibrant and healthy. Explore seed harvest, prescribed fire, grazing, mowing, invasive species management, and the art and science of blending those in surprisingly sophisticated ways. Discover how bees, badgers, cows, and people can all interact and coexist.

Yes, Your Vote Matters – Sandra Washington, Eric Gerrard, Laurel Van Ham (1 session)

Learn the most effective and efficient ways to express your opinions at the local, state and federal levels. We’ll discuss contacting elected and appointed officials, testifying at public hearings, social media, letters to the editor and more. We’ll focus on individual actions while recognizing the power of collective action. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert or in-between, and whether you have a few minutes or plenty of time, your civic engagement can make a difference!

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.

“Cosi fan tutte” (literally "Thus do they all" or "Women are like that") is a witty Italian comic opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte. First premiered in Vienna in 1790, this satirical romantic comedy revolves around a bet to test the fidelity of two engaged sisters. We'll listen to highlights, discuss the opera's history, structure, musical elements, and explore how it fits into the broader world of opera.

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.

Do you have envelopes full of negatives or slides? What about old photos stored in shoeboxes under your bed? Learn how to preserve these in a more organized form. Bring some of these to class and explore the process of scanning and saving those prints digitally so they will be memories forever. Bring no more than four or five prints, negatives, or slides.

Few nations on Earth have a more colorful history than Japan. Settled by migrants from the Asian mainland back in the mists of pre-history, Japan has seen the rise and fall of Emperors, rule by Samurai warriors, isolation from the outside world, expansion over most of Asia, defeat and rebirth. Explore how the Japanese love of nature developed in the art form of Ikebana. Each class will demonstrate Ikebana, following the development of the art form, as it is connected to the fabric of Japanese culture and history.

Few nations on Earth have a more colorful history than Japan. Settled by migrants from the Asian mainland back in the mists of pre-history, Japan has seen the rise and fall of Emperors, rule by Samurai warriors, isolation from the outside world, expansion over most of Asia, defeat and rebirth. Explore how the Japanese love of nature developed in the art form of Ikebana. Each class will demonstrate Ikebana, following the development of the art form, as it is connected to the fabric of Japanese culture and history.

The ukulele is an easy instrument to learn. Have fun singing, strumming, and learning with fellow OLLI members. Learning a new instrument keeps the brain sharp, and fingering the ukulele helps arthritic hands. You don’t have to know how to read music to take this class. Any standard "C tuning" ukulele may be used. Bring your own ukulele and music stand; and, members may check out a beginner ukulele from any public library in advance.

This course has been expanded from 3 to 6 weeks, providing more time to focus exclusively on Apple products (Macs, iPhones/iPads, iWatch, and AirPods) and the latest software updates and refinements.  Designed for users who are already comfortable with their devices, explore advanced features and recent developments. You don't need to own every Apple device, but a  solid understanding of the basics is expected so we can dive right in without covering beginner-level content.