Oklahoma State University’s Doel Reed Center in Taos invites you to a unique educational experience in beautiful Northern New Mexico. The leisure learning classes, designed by expert instructors for inquiring adults, invite you to explore the art, culture, and recreational experiences that multi-cultural Northern New Mexico offers.

September 25-27, 2025

Enrollment for Fall 2025 Leisure Learning courses begins March 12, 2025. Enrollment ends August 25, 2025.

The course fee for classes is $425.

Cancellation policy: September 2025 Leisure Learning classes, cancellations after August 25, 2025 are ineligible for refund. Cancellations requested on or before August 25, 2025 may be granted a full refund, less a $50 processing fee.

Northern New Mexico: Hispanic Herders, Fur Trappers, Anglo Settlers, and the Taos Art Community from 1700 to 1930

Instructor: Andrew Gulliford

Delve into the history and culture of Northern New Mexico. Each morning, we will discuss the people that contributed to the vibrant culture of Northern New Mexico between 1700 and 1930. Learn more about Hispanics settling on land grants, the historic southwestern fur trade, Anglos who came via the Santa Fe Trail, and the Taos Society of Artists (1915-1927). In the afternoons, our conversation will come to life as we explore local cultural and historic sites in and around Taos. Max enrollment: 10

Andrew Gulliford, the 2023 Doel Reed Center’s Jim & Linda Burke Visiting Scholar, is a professor of history at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. He is an award-winning author whose books include, “Boomtown Blues: Colorado Oil Shale;” “Sacred Objects and Sacred Places: Preserving Tribal Traditions;” and “The Woolly West: Colorado’s Hidden History of Sheepscapes.” His articles and photographs have appeared in national publications, including High Country News, Preservation, American Heritage, Colorado Heritage, and Montana.

New Mexico Tinworks

Instructor: Richard Gabriel, Jr.

Examples of tinwork by Richard Gabriel Jr

Award-winning Spanish Market artist, Richard Gabriel, introduces you to the tools and techniques of traditional New Mexico tinworks. Learn punching, cutting, and embossing techniques while working from start to finish on your own projects. No experience necessary! Max enrollment: 10

Richard Gabriel, Jr was born in Albuquerque and raised in northern New Mexico village of Questa. He began working in tin in the late 80s and began creating tinwork shortly thereafter. He now produces and sells over 12,000 pieces per year. In 2018 Gabriel won Best of Show at Santa Fe’s Spanish Market. Richard Gabriel resides in Tijeras, New Mexico where he creates traditional Spanish Colonial tinwork. Richard is also a painter and sometimes uses his paintings in his tinwork. He teaches tin smithing at Santa Fe Community College and has a studio in Tijeras.

Exploring New Mexico

Instructor: Jennifer Lynch

Walk the amazing landscapes, historic sites and hidden gems of Northern New Mexico.

Stroll the ancestral home of the Pueblo peoples of northern New Mexico at Bandelier National Monument and visit contemporary Picuris Pueblo. Hike the shady tree-lined trails of Santa Barbara Canyon and visit the Earthship Biosphere for a whole new take on Southwest architecture. This class is for those who love moderate hiking, breathtaking views and cultural adventures. Max enrollment: 10

Jennifer Lynch is a master printmaker, painter and art educator based in northern New Mexico. She has been involved in the art communities in Taos and Santa Fe for 30 years. An avid outdoorsperson, she shares her love of local sites and trails and the many hidden gems of northern New Mexico.