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.

Summer 2026

Enrollment for 2026 Leisure Learning courses begins in January 2026.

For early access to your favorite course, considering joining the Doel Reed Society. Members of the Doel Reed Society enjoy access to early enrollment in leisure learning classes along with many other donor benefits.

Learn more about joining this group of annual supporters who further the mission of the Doel Reed Center by visiting the Doel Reed Society page.

Additional enrollment information coming soon. Please contact doelreedcenter@okstate.edu for assistance.

Exploring Taos Through Linocut Printmaking

Instructor: Mary Claire Becker

Learn linocut printing in the printmaking studio where Doel Reed created his masterful aquatints! Open to all levels, this hands-on workshop guides students through the entire linocut process—from sketching to carving and printing—while encouraging creative exploration. Field trips will provide plenty of inspiration as participants take in the dramatic landscape and rich culture of Northern New Mexico.

Mary Claire Becker is a printmaker whose work rearranges and re-contextualizes human-made depictions of Nature. She holds an MA and MFA from the University of Iowa, a Certificate of Book Arts from the UI Center for the Book, and a BFA from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Becker has shown in venues around the world, completed multiple residencies and received numerous awards for her work.

Adventures in Native New Mexico

Instructor: Jennifer Lynch

Leisure learning group hiking in New Mexico Experience the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of the region through guided hikes (1–3 miles on moderately challenging terrain), scenic rafting excursions, and visits to museums, historic landmarks, and local wineries. This course offers a dynamic way to connect with the natural beauty and cultural depth of northern New Mexico, blending outdoor exploration with cultural discovery.

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.

Tony Hillerman: On Screen and Off

Instructor: Ryan Slesinger

Experience northern New Mexico through the eyes of Navajo Tribal Police Detectives Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn. We will read excerpts of Hillerman's writing, and watch selections from TV and film adaptations of Hilerman's work. Leisure learners in this course will investigate their own whodunit, exploring the town of Taos and the surrounding region with a Chee and Leaphorn-style murder mystery scavenger hunt. This course is perfect for long time readers of Tony Hillerman and newcomers alike.

Ryan Slesinger is a Teaching Assistant Professor of English at Oklahoma State University where he enjoys teaching a wide range of literature, writing, and film courses for the English Department and the Honors College. His deep love of northern New Mexico has driven much of his teaching and research, leading him to begin working with the Doel Reed Center in Summer 2023. Since then, he has lead multiple classes for leisure learners and academic credit courses for OSU students.

Taos as an Artist Colony in the 20th Century

Instructor: Rebecca Brienen

Explore the rich legacy of art in Taos. Delve into the themes and subject matter of the Taos School painters, the Taos Moderns, and the artists who followed, gaining insight into how the region’s unique landscape and culture shaped their work. The course includes field trips to museums, galleries, and the breathtaking outdoor locations that inspired these artists, offering a deeper connection to their creative processes. Through lectures, discussions, and on-site learning, participants will develop a nuanced understanding of Taos’s pivotal role in American art history.

Rebecca Brienen is a Professor of Art History and Director of the Prairie Arts Center in Stillwater. She received her B.A. in Art History from Wellesley College in 1989. She holds an M.A. in Theology from Harvard University and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Art History from Northwestern University. Brienen and her corgi Howard are a therapy dog team. She is a member of Pete’s Pet Posse and can be seen at various events on and off campus.

Beginning Fly Fishing

Instructor: Nick Streit, Taos Fly Shop

Trout and fly rod and reel

Learn about the skills and equipment needed to become a ﬂy ﬁsherman — basics of the ﬂy rod and reel, casting, pond and stream ecology, matching the hatch (identifying what ﬂy to use when), knot tying, ﬁsh identification, ethics, rules and regulations and safety.

You will have the opportunity to learn and implement your new skills on local ponds, lakes and rivers, all while traveling the scenic drives through beautiful northern New Mexico. Distance to the fishing areas will be dependent on water levels and water conditions. Expect to drive or carpool with another class participant to the fishing areas.

The course fee includes a $100 credit towards the purchase or rental of fly fishing equipment or gear.

Fly fishing can be a fun and relaxing experience, but please keep in mind that participants will be required to do some light hiking and wading in streams, some of which will be rough, rocky terrain. Additionally, most fishing locations are above 8000 feet in elevation, so consider your fitness level before signing up. Polarized glasses are highly recommended, as well as sun protection.

You will be expected to purchase a New Mexico fishing license. This cost is not included in the class fee.

Max enrollment: 6

Intermediate and Advanced Fly Fishing

Instructor: Nick Streit, Taos Fly Shop

Fly rod with mountains in background This class is designed for the more advanced fly fisher who wants to improve their skills on the water.

Intermediate and Advanced fly fishermen/women will have a chance to review their skills in this class. Four full days of fishing, including one day on private water will provide ample time for anglers to put their skills to the test in the local ponds, lakes or rivers with our highly skilled local guides. Be prepared to provide a bio about your fly fishing experience. This will assist the instructors/guides to know what your abilities are, and how to best tailor this learning experience for each of you.

Expect to drive anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and a half depending on water and weather conditions. You will be expected to furnish your own ride. However, we encourage you to carpool with other class participants.

You will be asked to inform your instructor about your previous fly fishing experience and any underlying health, and or mobility issues that you may have. This information will be kept confidential, but it is needed for your safety and well-being, as well as for the safety of others in the class.

The course includes a $100 fee towards private water fees. You will also be required to purchase a one-day Colorado fishing license. Your New Mexico and Colorado fishing licenses are not included in the class price.