Check back often - workshops and presentations are regularly being added.
VIRTUAL LEARNING SERIES
Presentations and workshops will cover a wide variety of topics ranging from
the arboretum and nature to culture and history to arts and crafts, and more...
The Virtual Learning Series serves to educate, explore, share research, provide commentary, and discuss topics of interest.
Sessions are open to all and always free.
the arboretum and nature to culture and history to arts and crafts, and more...
The Virtual Learning Series serves to educate, explore, share research, provide commentary, and discuss topics of interest.
Sessions are open to all and always free.
Registration closes at 4:00pm on the day of the presentation.
In the Footsteps of the Donner Party - Tuesday, May 11th
Location: Zoom video conferencing
Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm PST
Cost: No Charge - open to the public
In the spring of 1846, a group of families stepped off into the wilderness for a 2,000-mile walk across the continent – and into history. Join our guest, author and national expert on the tragedy, as he tells the tale of these doomed pioneers and explains the cascade of events that led to their winter entrapment west of what is now Reno, and the rescue of the survivors.
Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm PST
Cost: No Charge - open to the public
In the spring of 1846, a group of families stepped off into the wilderness for a 2,000-mile walk across the continent – and into history. Join our guest, author and national expert on the tragedy, as he tells the tale of these doomed pioneers and explains the cascade of events that led to their winter entrapment west of what is now Reno, and the rescue of the survivors.
Frank X. Mullen is the author of “The Donner Party Chronicles” and a veteran Reno journalist for the Reno Gazette-Journal and the Reno News & Review. Mullen also is a living-history Chautauqua performer whose characters include Babe Ruth and Henry VIII. He has been an adjunct journalism instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno, and teaches history and storytelling classes at Truckee Meadows Community College.
Photographing Nature: Bringing the Arboretum into Focus (Part 2) - Monday, May 17th
Location: Zoom video conferencing
Date: Monday, May 17, 2021
Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm PST
Cost: No Charge - open to the public - appropriate for all ages
Skill Level: All levels of photography experience
As a follow-up to the May 3rd session, participants are encouraged to apply the tips learned at the first session and create digital photos taken of wildlife and flower subjects. Participants may submit up to two (2) photographs for a friendly and helpful critique.
Even if you weren't able to attend the first session and you have taken photographs at the arboretum before, you are welcome to submit them to get helpful hints to improve your techniques.
Photos should be emailed to MayArboretumSociety@gmail.com
Include the subject, "Arboretum Photo for VLS"
Photos submitted should be JPEGs sized no larger than 1920 by 1080 pixels
Photos will be accepted until Sunday, May 16th at 11:59pm PST
About the Presenter: Judy Duffy embraced photography after a fascinating trip to the Galapagos in 2010. The combination of skills required appealed to her -- geeky technical knowledge, together with the creative challenge of finding strong compositions, good light, and captivating subjects. Having recently relocated to Reno, she has reconnected with wild places, which weren’t accessible when she was busy working in Silicon Valley and raising a family. Judy is active in the Reno Photo Club (www.renophoto.org), both competing and managing their website. She is often out exploring the local trails and photographing birds. Her focus areas are bird photography, Sierra Nevada landscapes, and recently night sky landscapes. To view her work, visit Judy Duffy Photography.
The Art of Zentangle - Monday, May 24th
Location: Zoom video conferencing
Date: Monday, May 24, 2021
Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm PST
Cost: No Charge - open to the public - appropriate for all ages
Zentangle is a method of drawing repetitive, non-representational patterns, which we call “tangles”. The process is calming, meditative and compelling, as well an effective outlet releasing stress. Your completed drawing is always unique, usually pleasing to you, and often a complete surprise because it’s one of the few art forms that doesn’t have to start with a plan.
In this presentation, Jan Brandt will share the origins of Zentangle, demonstrate the steps, explain the terminology, and show her own drawings as examples and inspiration.
Location: Zoom video conferencing
Date: Monday, May 24, 2021
Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm PST
Cost: No Charge - open to the public - appropriate for all ages
Zentangle is a method of drawing repetitive, non-representational patterns, which we call “tangles”. The process is calming, meditative and compelling, as well an effective outlet releasing stress. Your completed drawing is always unique, usually pleasing to you, and often a complete surprise because it’s one of the few art forms that doesn’t have to start with a plan.
In this presentation, Jan Brandt will share the origins of Zentangle, demonstrate the steps, explain the terminology, and show her own drawings as examples and inspiration.
About the Presenter: As a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT), Jan Brandt puts to great use her abilities to create (art, music, writing) and to share what she knows with others. Since early childhood she has danced, played piano, written stories, knitted, crocheted, painted, quilted and more. Her Bachelor’s degree is in Fine Arts, and as she worked outside her home for most of her adult life, she realized she most enjoyed her opportunities to teach. She went to work in the community college system as a free-lance computer trainer, and taught classes for a number of years. After she retired and moved to the Sierra Nevada mountains, Zentangle came to find her, and she became intrigued with the easy, relaxing method of drawing non-representational patterns. She became a CZT in 2013, and has taught the Zentangle Method ever since at various locations around Reno and now in her home.
Ancient Findings of Northern Nevada - Monday, June 7th
Location: Zoom video conferencing
Date: Monday, June 7, 2021
Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm PST
Cost: No Charge - open to the public - appropriate for all ages
Our area is known for amazing ancient findings, including some of the oldest in our state -- and in North America.
Join us for a spirited discussion of the communities, cultures, and creatures of yesteryear, along with ancient findings of world significance, all right here in Northern Nevada.
Location: Zoom video conferencing
Date: Monday, June 7, 2021
Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm PST
Cost: No Charge - open to the public - appropriate for all ages
Our area is known for amazing ancient findings, including some of the oldest in our state -- and in North America.
Join us for a spirited discussion of the communities, cultures, and creatures of yesteryear, along with ancient findings of world significance, all right here in Northern Nevada.
About the Presenter: Laura Robertson is a musician and local artist whose work often incorporates nature, wildlife, and upcycled household items. She is active in the community in the areas of adult education and creative pursuits, and is Senior Director of Resources for a global technology company based in Nevada. Originally from Atlanta, she graduated from Kennesaw State with a Bachelor's degree in organizational communication, and minors in cultural anthropology and language studies. Laura served on the May Arboretum Society Board of Directors for two years, originated the Virtual Learning Series in Fall 2020, and remains an active member of the Society.
