Arts   

After opening with LSO Composer-in-Residence Elena Ruehr’s “Broadway Boogie Woogie,” LSO celebrates the culmination of her three-year residency by presenting her newly commissioned “Violin Concerto No. 3,” written for the orchestra and concertmaster Anton Miller. Following intermission, LSO performs Ludwig van Beethoven’s magnificent and heroic “Symphony No. 3 Eroica”.

Join director Bobbie Pieranunzi for a discussion about the musical Bright Star, produced in association with UNL Opera. A member of the original Broadway cast, Bobbie will provide insight into this bluegrass-inspired musical set in the American South during the 1920s and 1940s. Bobbie’s production and design team will discuss their concepts and show examples of their drawings and models. This session will include a sneak peek at the set, lighting and costumes.

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.

In “Primary Trust” by Eboni Booth, experience the tender journey of old friends Kenneth and Bert as they sip on mai tais at the local tiki bar. When Kenneth’s longtime job ends, he is forced to push past his boundaries and reconcile with his past. Witness the intimate moments as you are drawn into a world where every choice matters and every connection holds the power to change lives. Join the production team for a talk and tour before the show.

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.

Learn about the Museum and the life of artist and Holocaust survivor Samuel Bak. Then, tour the exhibition of artworks by Samuel Bak, Dinh Q. Lê, Mladen Miljanovic, Serge Alain Nitegeka, and Maja Ruznic. These artists are survivors of 20th century genocides and use their art as a means of building collective memory of the violence they witnessed. The tour includes opportunities for written or drawn reflections and group conversations.

Discover how Hot Shops Art Center grew from a shared passion for molten materials into a thriving Omaha arts community. Home to more than 100 artists, the center features four anchor studios where pottery is fired, glass blown, bronze cast, and iron forged. Explore additional studios showcasing painting, photography, jewelry, fiber arts and more. Your tour concludes with a live glassblowing demonstration that highlights the heat, skill, and artistry behind creating hand-formed glass pieces.

Experience the collaborative work that creates a successful chamber music presentation. No musical experience necessary. Observe a rehearsal of the Nebraska Chamber Players and then be asked to help the musicians work together more successfully. Learn how musicians play together as a group, even when it appears no one is leading.

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.

Finding and preparing art activities to do with grandchildren, or other young people in your life, can be overwhelming. Learn professional tips about suitable supplies and setting up for projects and obtain step-by-step guidelines for quality art experiences you’ll both enjoy. Art projects will be demonstrated by the instructor for your future use.

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.

A new adaptation of Frederick Knott’s masterpiece of suspense and 1954 Alfred Hitchcock film. When a husband plots the perfect crime to murder his wife, things quickly spiral into a web of deceit, betrayal, and unexpected twists. This gripping mystery will have you guessing until the final moment. Enjoy a backstage tour prior to the show.

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.

The following package of courses were previously recorded OLLI courses. Learn at your own pace, on your own time and at your convenience. Over 40 hours of programming is available for a single cost of $30. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with the link to the package of courses.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL.

Braver Angels: Healing Our Democracy – Barbara Dewey (1 session)

The mission of Braver Angels, a national organization, is to heal the dramatic political divide afflicting our nation – not by trying to convince either side that it is wrong but by helping people learn to converse and even disagree in a respectful and civil manner. Learn how a group of concerned volunteers is working to form a Nebraska alliance of Braver Angels and how you can get involved.

Identity Theft: A Consumer Guide – Ryan Sothan (1 session)

Identity theft can affect anyone; learn how to fight back with knowledge and tools. Explore how to monitor credit, report suspicious activity, and use fraud alerts or credit freezes. Learn over a dozen real-world strategies to protect personal information, reduce risk, and respond effectively if compromised. Whether you're securing your finances, your family, or your peace of mind, get equipped with the confidence to stay one step ahead.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases: Free Speech and Press – John Bender (4 sessions)

The First Amendment may seem clear and absolute, but in fact, it is neither. What freedom of speech and the press mean has been the subject of several Supreme Court opinions. This class will examine eight major precedents in four areas: prior restraints, libel, dissent and symbolic expression These cases have shaped our contemporary understanding of freedom of expression.

Tech Basics for Everyday Life – Ryan Sothan (3 sessions)

Build your confidence with smartphones, tablets, and the internet. Learn essential skills to stay safe online, including how to block unwanted calls, shop and bank securely, and protect your credit. Explore common scams affecting Nebraskans and gain hands-on experience with practical tools. Whether reconnecting with loved ones or managing finances, gain the knowledge needed to thrive in today’s connected world.

Global & Regional Water Issues: Challenges and Solutions – Multiple Instructors (2 sessions)

OLLI Symposium – Sept 27, 2025 - Water is one of the most critical resources for sustaining life, agriculture, and economic development. Challenges such as scarcity, pollution, climate change, and equitable distribution continue to threaten water security worldwide and right here in Nebraska. National and local experts examine policies, conservation strategies, and scientific advancements aimed at securing water resources for future generations.

Contact and Conflict – Jeff Barnes (1 session)

More than three centuries of Nebraska’s history during the Plains Indian Wars are marked throughout the state by historical monuments. Explore these instances of “contact and conflict” between Native peoples and European Americans in Nebraska and how they are commemorated, from trading, treaties, war and reconciliation.

A Life Well-Lived: Your Legacy Plan – Kevin Orth and John Love (4 sessions)

This course offers a guided, introspective journey through your past, present, and future. Explore your life story, clarify personal wishes, and create a legacy of love and guidance. Your decisions will bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones, relieving them of difficult choices during emotional times and allowing them to focus on honoring your life and the memories you’ve shared.

Community in a Time of Crisis – Day Hefner (1 session)

While the phrase “unprecedented times” is the refrain we often hear to describe these days, the deep polarization and the challenge of forming a collective identity are by no means new to the church. Explore the struggles of the early church reflected in the Book of Acts and the letters of Paul as they wrestled with how to pull together Gentile and Judean, slave and free, women, men, and so on into a new community, forging a new communal identity in response to the ground-shaking new things God was doing.

Esports at UNL: Engaging Students in 2025 – Instructor: Ryan Tan (1 session)

Esports (short for “electronic sports”) is a rapidly growing sports industry with a multi-billion-dollar market value. Over 500 million people across the world watch or compete in e-sports. This number is projected to grow to 640 million. The varsity e-sports team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln competes with other Division 1 universities across the United States. Learn about this exciting new, popular sport at UNL.

Entrepreneurial Lawyering at Nebraska Law - Instructor: Brett Stohs (1 session)

At the Nebraska College of Law, nine clinical programs offer third-year law students the opportunity to represent clients before they graduate and become lawyers. Supervised by licensed attorney professors, students provide valuable legal services to clients without means to hire a private attorney. Brett Stohs started the Weibling Entrepreneurship Clinic in 2013 and has served over 500 startups, small businesses, and nonprofits. He shares his pedagogy and passion, providing a sampling of valuable experiential programs.

Child and Youth Advocacy in Out-of-Home Care - Dawn Rockey & Monika Gross (1 session)

Learn about CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for abused or neglected, truant and ungovernable children and youth in the juvenile court system and about the Foster Care Review Office (FCRO) for Nebraska. FCRO volunteers oversee the safety, permanence, and well-being of children in out-of-home care. CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children in the court room and become a stable adult giving the child a fighting chance to gain a voice, achieve safety and stability and develop a sense of self-worth.

Contemporary Otoe-Missouria Lives Resilience – Christina Goodson (4 sessions)

This course focuses on contemporary Otoe-Missouria history post-removal to Indian Territory (1881-present), the survivance of Otoe-Missouria people and ways of life, and language revitalization and reclamation among the Otoe-Missouria and other Nebraska tribes. The course covers major U.S. Indian Policy such as the Dawes Act, Allotments, Termination, Indian Claims Commission, and Relocation.

Know Your Rights in Long-Term Care – Tami Barrett (1 session)

At some point, we or our loved ones may need long-term care. This course offers guidance from the Nebraska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for the rights of residents in assisted living and skilled care facilities. Learn about state and federal laws that protect those rights, explore real-life scenarios, and gain tools to ensure quality care. Also learn how to connect with local resources and explore volunteer opportunities through the ombudsman program.

Explore Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin,” one of opera’s most enduring works, based on Alexander Pushkin’s classic novel in verse. Learn about the story’s themes, characters, and cultural impact while gaining insight into Tchaikovsky’s approach to transforming literature into a powerful lyric drama. Listen to highlights, discuss the opera's history, structure, musical elements, and explore how it fits into the broader world of opera.

Learn about the planning and work to complete Pershing Mural tile installation and the cooperative effort with the UNL School of Architecture to create a “community connection” area around the Mural wall that includes seating, a stage, and a reflective area behind the wall. Both sections will meet in the classroom on April 13 and 20, then split into two groups for the walking tours April 27 and May 4.

Learn about the planning and work to complete Pershing Mural tile installation and the cooperative effort with the UNL School of Architecture to create a “community connection” area around the Mural wall that includes seating, a stage, and a reflective area behind the wall. Both sections will meet in the classroom on April 13 and 20, then split into two groups for the walking tours April 27 and May 4.

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.

Join OLLI friends at James Arthur Vineyards to explore unconventional wine pairings with familiasr "junk food". Sample a range of wines matched with classic snack-aisle items and compare how each pairing works. This session offers a simple, practical look at how different flavors interact.

Join faculty and students at the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts at UNL for their annual Spring Open Studios. Get a sneak peek at some of the projects and speak with the creators.  Stay for an evening of exploration and experimentation, and tour the Open Studios.  Projects may include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, interactive video, projection mapping and immersive experiences.