Nicolet College Kicks-off Arts & Enrichment Program Featuring Classes for a Variety of Interests

Nicolet College is set to launch many dozens of classes and events in coming months geared for those looking to learn new skills and also for individuals looking for activities that enrich their lives. 

In all, the upcoming Arts & Enrichment program will feature 50 different offerings that include many theater events, art exhibits, creative art classes, offerings in the Learning in Retirement program, and several outdoor adventures. 

“Nicolet exists to serve all residents in the college’s district and this collection of classes and events is geared to do exactly that,” said Jodi Fox Engelman, manager of Professional and Community Education at Nicolet. “Not everyone is looking to earn college credits, but they are looking for the opportunity to expand their knowledge and engage in unique experiences that add to the quality of life.” 

Community Enrichment

A sampling of non-credit classes in the Community Enrichment suite include Mindfulness and Meditation, Drawing for the Absolute Beginner, Storycatching: Community Record Keeping Through Oral Histories, Sweetgrass and Pine Needle Basketry, Mastering Your Digital SLR Camera, Make Your own Peace Pole, Spring Herb Walk and Medicine Making Class, and Natural Dye Study Lab Outdoors, along with many others.  

Nicolet Live!

The Nicolet Live! Performing arts series is emerging from its pandemic hiatus with seven events which include concerts, films, and production by the Nicolet Players community theater troupe, which will present the play The Understudy. 

“People have been itching to get back into the Nicolet Theatre to enjoy a wide variety of performances,” said Mike Effinger, Theatre and Events Services manager at Nicolet. 

“We’re bring some productions back with reduced seating to allow for ample social distancing. We’re hoping for the best, but as we all know the pandemic is not predictable and we will make all necessary adjustments as conditions dictate.” 

Concerts on the docket include the Wisconsin Brass Quintet’s A Night at the Movies, and two concerts through a partnership with WXPR Public Radio, country artist Darrell Scott and the bluegrass band Henhouse Prowlers. 

Nicolet College Art Gallery

The Nicolet College Art Gallery will also reopen this spring with several in-person events and exhibits. 

These include the popular and prestigious Northern National Arts Competition, the Wisconsin Regional Arts Program (WRAP) Exhibit, the Nicolet College Student Art Show, and a return of the Empty Bowls Food Pantry Fundraiser, which will also serve as the opening reception for the WRAP exhibit. 

Learning in Retirement

The Learning in Retirement program will be featuring a variety of offerings in both an in-person and virtual format. 

Upcoming classes include the Ced Vig Nature Series, the Motorcycle Travelogue documenting a 5,000-mile trip through the United States, Women in American History, and Great Masters of Western Painting. 

Cost is $45 for annual membership, which runs from July 1 to June 30. Members can take as many or as few classes as they like. 

Outdoor Adventure

For those who like to get outside, the Outdoor Adventure program has several classes remaining in the Winter 2022 season. 

These include the Winter Animal Tracking on Snowshoes, Maple Syrup Making, a Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Ski Outing, Basic Tree Felling, several Permaculture classes to get ready for spring gardening and planting, and the two-day Musky Seminar that will go in depth on how to catch these piscatorial giants of the Northwoods. 

“In all of these classes individuals will expand their knowledge and skills on any given activity which then translates into more enjoyment while partaking in their pursuit of choice,” said Terry Rutlin, Outdoor Adventure coordinator.