What Will You Learn This Fall? | | We still have many openings for exciting and informative fall term classes and special events. Whether you prefer meeting in person at our Arapeen Drive building, or if you want to try out our beautiful Sandy Center location, or if you love the convenience of meeting live online via Zoom, we have something for everyone. We have selected a few highlights for you, below, to hopefully make your decision easier! | | |
We are bombarded daily with data. How well do we really understand the numbers, percentages, probability, and, most importantly, from where is the data coming? This course will explore the notion that, "Basic statistics is describing and interpreting data to make informed decisions and understand the world around us.”
Thursday, September 25 at 11:30 am
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In a time of increasing division, the ability to engage in respectful, thoughtful conversations is more important than ever (even and especially with those you disagree with!). This six-week course introduces the Living Room Conversations model--an approach to discussing challenging topics in a controlled environment where all voices are heard and valued. Participants will learn how to practice active listening, curiosity, and bridge-building, learning how to navigate difficult discussions with empathy and understanding. Each week, we will cover specific skills and discuss a different topic together, fostering powerful connection and mutual learning. Weekly topics will include: Foundations of Civil Dialogue, Navigating Tricky Conversations, Finding Common Ground in Political Discussions, Communicating with Care and Empathy, Writing and Speaking for Impact, and Applying Civil Dialogue in Everyday Life.
Thursday, September 25 at 9:30 am
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In this class, we will create stationery and artistic envelopes to send in the mail. Correspondence art is a fabulous way to use your own creativity to surprise and delight a friend, relative, co-worker, or even a new pen friend. We will use several art mediums and everyday items to enhance your communication with others. No previous knowledge of art is required. Pen friends are available if participants wish to write to someone new. Side benefits may include a happier mailbox!
Monday, September 22 at 11:30 am
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Let's Have Fun with Art
With NEW Osher Instructor Michele Goaslind
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Let's Have Fun with Art is a playful, hands-on class designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Class members will explore a variety of exciting techniques including acrylic painting, multimedia collage, paint scraping, and foam sculpture. Each project encourages experimentation and self-expression, making art accessible and fun for all skill levels. Whether you're layering textures or sculpting with foam, this class is all about enjoying the creative process and discovering new ways to make art. Bring an apron and be ready to get messy and make something amazing!
Thursday, October 2 at 10:00 am
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For the advanced beginner to the intermediate painter: Improve your watercolor skills through practice! This class will give you dedicated time to get your paints out and create. Each week we will paint a different subject matter together, learning tips and techniques as we go and sharing with each other. Let go of expectations of perfection--we will learn through doing! Come prepared with your supplies and be ready to paint each week. (Don't forget to make sure you set your mug of drinking water away from your container of brush water!)
Monday, September 22 at 5:30 pm
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You want to feel calm and in control in your home--but instead, you are surrounded by clutter, unfinished projects, and delayed decisions. You are not alone--and there is nothing wrong with you. You just have not learned the skill of organizing in a way that feels doable and kind. In this course, you will be gently guided through The Clear & Simple Way, using the proven See It. Map It. Do It. method to create spaces that truly support your life. You will take small, manageable steps that lead to big, lasting change--and experience the relief of getting unstuck.
Thursday, September 25 at 11:30 am
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The arrival and evolution of the first peoples in the Americas is a story that continues to reveal itself from mystery to majesty. From the time hominins began traversing the earth until they arrived at Turtle Island, one theory after another is undone by new discoveries. This class looks at the pathways to and through the Americas, the Indigenous Peoples who populated the Americas, the diverse cultures they created, their encounters with each other, and eventually with an alien race that tried to subjugate or exterminate them. It is a remarkable story that they survived and are yet persevering.
Thursday, September 25 at 3:30 pm
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Run by the Osher National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University, this very special program allows members from various Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes to participate in shared online courses, thanks to the generosity of the Bernard Osher Foundation. These courses are not meant to replace our locally offered in-person or online courses, but rather to supplement our own local offerings. The very high-quality courses feature popular instructors from some of the other 124 Osher Institutes across the country. Osher Online allows Osher members from different states and institutions to learn with and connect to each other while maintaining membership at their own local Institutes. We hope you will enjoy being a part of the fun!
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sept 17. An orientation will be held on Sept 30 at 12:00 PM (MT) for all enrolled attendees.
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Join us for the September session of the NEW Osher Booker Bookers Book Club series! The Booker Bookers will read Booker Prize winners in monthly meetings from September 2025 through May 2026, with the exception of January 2026. Each session will feature a rotating discussion leader from among Osher members. The reading list is curated by Osher volunteer Lee Ann Troutman, featuring titles available at both the Anderson Foothill branch of the city library system and the Granite County Library. Come meet new friends and join the Booker Bookers!
Friday, September 5 at 1:00 pm
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For nearly a century, the State Capitol has been one of Utah's most prominent landmarks. Designed by local architect Richard K. A. Kletting, the Capitol has been home to state government since its opening in 1916. From 2004 to 2008, the Utah State Capitol underwent one of the largest historical preservation projects in the United States. In addition to safeguarding the building against the risk of an earthquake, the project also repaired and restored the original beauty and artwork of the Capitol. Each year, thousands of people visit the Capitol to witness its modern magnificence and historic significance.
Come join us for a tour of our amazing Capitol building. We will be touring floors 1-4, visiting the Governor’s office and Gold Room, as well as visiting the tunnels under the Capitol.
Wednesday, September 24 at 10:00 am
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When we look for books about the Visual Arts, we usually find non-fiction histories, biographies, memoirs, instruction manuals, and museum catalogs. However, there are some writers who work to weave the Visual Arts into literature (novels, mysteries, thrillers, romances). These books rarely surface in a book search for "Visual Arts." In this event, Osher member Lydia Jones will review 15-20 of these harder-to-find books so you can decide whether to add them to your TBR list. Feel free to bring your own favorite titles to share with the group, too.
Lydia has degrees in Humanities and Art History. She was the Director of Museums and Galleries at Southern Utah University where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the College of Performing and Visual Arts. After leaving the university, she worked as a book indexer specializing in art books.
Friday, October 17 at 2:00 pm
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In January 1863, U.S. Army forces from Camp Douglas attacked a village of Northwestern Shoshone, resulting in what has been described as the largest loss of native life in American history. Visit the massacre site on a day-long bus tour, exploring this traumatic event through the perspectives of three different instructors: Darren Parry, Brad Westwood, and Ephriam Dickson. They will each present lectures for us, enroute and on site.
Darren Parry is the Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. Darren also serves on the Board of Directors for the American West Heritage Center, the Utah State Museum board, the Advisory Board of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. In 2017, he received the Esto Pepetua Award from the State of Idaho for one who preserved and promoted history in the State of Idaho. He is the first Utah to win this award. He attended the University of Utah and Weber State University and received his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, with an emphasis on History. His passions in life are his family which includes his tribal family. Darren is the author of The Bear River Massacre: A Shoshone History (2019) and wants to make sure that the story of the Bear River Massacre and the outcomes of that horrific event are always remembered. It is important that the Shoshone perspective is heard.
Brad Westwood recently retired from his position as the senior public historian with the Utah Department of Culture and Community Engagement. He was formerly the director of the Utah State Historical Society and was Utah's State Historic Preservation Officer. He also served as Manager of Acquisitions for the LDS Church History Department (archives, library, and museum) and Chair of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections at BYU.
Ephriam Dickson, forme curator at the Fort Douglas Museum, and later with the U.S. Army Center of Military History, Ephriam Dickson is an historian with special interest in Native Americans and their relationship to the federal government. He has also studied the Civil War extensively. Ephriam currently serves as Deputy Superintendent at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Friday, September 12 at 8:00 am
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This fun tour begins at the front doors of the Walker Center in downtown SLC. Once inside, you'll learn a little about the city's premier historic office tower, including its ties to Utah's mining industry and WWI. You'll also hear about Harry Houdini's visit and a true crime caper which played out at the Walker long ago. The tour moves to the rooftop just in time for sunset! Here your guide will point out other city landmarks and there will be time for photos. After dark, the iconic Walker Center sign lights up! You'll hear the history of the sign and see its modern capabilities. This tour is recommended for residents, history buffs, and anyone else wanting to experience the most photogenic rooftop and all of Salt Lake City at the most magical time of day.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 15
Saturday, September 20 at 6:30 pm
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Located in Bluffdale, experience a weaving class in a shady pasture surrounded by alpacas, goats, and chickens. Beginner to experienced weavers welcome! The looms are warped and ready to go. Instruction and all materials provided, but feel free to bring your own yarns, fabric scraps, feathers, or let your creativity run wild. You'll leave with a finished wall hanging or table runner.
Friday, September 19 at 10:00 am or 4:00 pm
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| Did you also know? Our online brochure each term features a handy calendar at the end! Our team of Osher staff carefully creates this calendar to help you schedule your classes and your Osher life each term. Click the link below, scroll to the bottom, and take a look! | | Stay Connected by Joining Us on Social Media | |
The Osher Instagram and Facebook pages are a great way to stay connected. We highlight the accomplishments of Osher instructors and members. Special Events are updated, posted, and featured here too. Please like us to stay up to date and share with your friends who would enjoy all that Osher has to offer!
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
801-581-6461 | osher@utah.edu
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