News and Events
Successful First Virtual Leisure Learning Experience
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, The Doel Reed Center conducted its first virtual Leisure Learning experience in May. As Academic Credit classes and July Leisure Learning classes were cancelled, the center wanted to stay connected to its community to make their difficult times during quarantine educational and enjoyable.
Participants from different states joined the two virtual classes offered to connect
and share their interests in literature and art. Floral Exploration: Botanical Drawing at Home with Sara Schneckloth unleashed the hidden talents of the participants by observing
and drawing local neighborhood flora. Bear & Coyote: Stories of Leslie Marmon Silko with Brewster Fitz left participants wanting to read more about The Pueblo writers.
Ginny and Don Harban talked to us about their journey with the Doel Reed Center’s Leisure Learning classes in Taos and their new experience with the virtual classes that were offered in May 2020.
“In 2015 we became aware of the program – in particular, a class on the novelist, Tony Hillerman, as described in an alumni email. A favorite author of ours. We were hooked. In subsequent years we attended classes on Northern New Mexico religious art and architecture, New Mexico cooking, geology, and film making in New Mexico. Others chose to study many other art and culture related subjects, and even fly fishing."
“Our excellent instructors led us from movie sets to museums. We created and ate food in a local chef’s cooking studio. We hiked the hills learning about New Mexico’s amazing ancient past and present. In addition to classwork, we were able to share wonderful meals and side trips with our fellow alumni classmates. New friends and now, old ones.”
This year, because of national and State of New Mexico recommendations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Doel Reed Center in Taos Leisure Learning classes scheduled for July 2020 got cancelled. So, the Harbans joined the center in its first virtual learning experience.
“Sadly, this year, because of the Covid 19 pandemic, classes at the Doel Reed had to be cancelled. Instead, we experienced a wonderful alternative – a Virtual Leisure Learning Class on New Mexico literature – Bear and Coyote. For us, a bonus – our original instructor on Tony Hillerman and even some of our original classmates.”
The Harbans consider the classes offered by the Doel Reed Center in Taos "a real gem".
"Our experiences there have been educational and entertaining and have opened our eyes to the beauty and culture of Northern New Mexico. Getting to meet other Alumni while learning and socializing has strengthened our bond with the University."