Education does not end with graduation. Learning is a lifelong undertaking, whether it be professional accreditation courses or simply reading books about a topic that fascinates. A curious mind can truly never grow old. The Madeworthy editorial staff has gathered some wonderful continuing education opportunities from around Fort Worth (and the Internet) so that our readers, like Einstein, can continue to be passionately curious.  

University Continuing Education 

Most universities have some form of continuing education. Some offer professional certifications, while others offer fun and inspiring classes for all ages.  

• TCU Extended Education: Community Education, TCU Silver Frogs, and Professional Education Programs 
• University of Texas at Arlington 
• Texas Women’s University 
• Texas Wesleyan University 
• Yale University (online) 

• University of Washington (online) 
• Princeton University (online) 

The Arts and Nature 

With the incredible arts culture in Fort Worth, it’s no problem to find a great program! From learning flamenco dancing to exploring gardening with native plants, these courses will keep your brain young.  

• The Botanical Research Institute of Texas 

• The Amon Carter Museum of American Art 
• Fort Worth Conservatory of Music and Fine Arts 
• Margo Dean School of Ballet 
• The Kimbell Art Museum 
• Texas Ballet Theater 

• The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth 
• Stage West adult acting classes 

Cooking Classes 

Regardless of whether you are a beginning cook or an accomplished home chef, cooking classes are great fun, and the results are completely delicious.  

• Central Market 

• The Cookery Fort Worth 
• The Table Market 
• The Culinary School of Fort Worth – if you’re ready to take the next step toward a new career 

Crafts and Hobbies 

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Without a hobby or two, life is just no fun! These are great ideas for picking up a new hobby. 

• The French Knot – needlecrafts 
• SiNaCa Studios – glass blowing and crafting 
• Front Porch Pottery Studio 
• Studio Sabka – fine arts 

Business 

These are courses designed to help entrepreneurs both new and experienced.  

• Texas Woman’s University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs 
• University of Texas at Arlington 
• Accelerate DFW 
• Texas Wesleyan University 

• Purvis Real Estate Training Institute 

The post Passionately Curious first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Many of us are immersed in guiding our children through their formal educations and in advancing our careers right now. We bound out of bed in the morning to make lunches, brush hair, and run the carpool lane gauntlet before heading to our jobs. We come home and try to remember how to divide fractions and who won the Battle of Glorieta Pass, to say nothing of making a scale model of a newt chromosome that is due tomorrow. And we have to take professional accreditation and certification courses to stay at the top of our professions. But what happens when our children are grown, and we retire? How can we continue to learn and nourish our minds? Why does it matter?

Numerous studies have shown that participating in educational and social activities that stimulate the brain during late middle age and early old age seems to help prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The more socially and intellectually engaged a person can be, the better it is for the brain. This, of course, leads to the next question: where can a retired person participate in educational and social activities that stimulate the brain?

Fortunately for those of us who live in Fort Worth, there is a program designed specifically for the more mature learner. Texas Christian University is home to the Silver Frogs Lifelong Learning Institute. Quite a few of you reading this may have taken a Saturday class at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens or wine-tasting class one evening through the Extended Education program, and you know the quality of the courses offered. An adjunct of TCU’s Extended Education program, Silver Frogs is specifically geared toward over-fifty learners who have the time and the desire to learn.

Started in January of 2015 with 160 members and just 24 classes and lectures, Silver Frogs has grown to over 450 members with a total of 92 courses and lectures in just three short years. Courses offered this semester cover a wide range of topics, from “’60s Rock & Roll: When Music Was Hum-able & Lyrics Mattered” to “Homeless Young Children: The Most Voiceless and Invisible” to “Understanding Soccer for Beginners.” Later this month, there is a luncheon lecture by author and historian Quentin McGown on “Fort Worth – How Our Past Makes Our Present.”

Unlike the other Extended Education classes offered by TCU which are pay as you go, Silver Frogs is run on a membership model. As the old advertisement says, “Membership has its privileges.” For a flat fee, Silver Frogs can register for up to three daytime classes held in one of two locations on the TCU campus. They may also participate in up to three one-time lectures and attend up to three luncheon lectures presented by TCU faculty and Fort Worth worthies.

Julie Lovett, Assistant Director of TCU’s Extended Education program, has been with Silver Frogs from the beginning and at TCU for 18 years. She says that one of the first questions people ask is if you have to be an alumnus of TCU to become a Silver Frog. “You do not have to be an alumnus. This program is open to anyone.” Additionally, there is no educational requirement. “Anyone from someone who stayed at home to CEOs of major companies are members,” Lovett says. The only requirement, other than being over 50, is having an open, questioning mind.

In addition to finally understanding soccer or learning about the challenges faced by homeless young children, Silver Frog members are part of a vibrant, dynamic community. Members form discussion groups, dining groups, and walking groups. New friendships grow.
In order to bolster the sense of community that the Silver Frogs program engenders, members have started a monthly newsletter. Called the Silver Streak, the newsletter is full of member and instructor profiles, book reviews, recipes, and information about future classes and lectures. Contributors are all members of Silver Frogs.

In an interview with Bill Moyers, writer Isaac Asimov said, ““People think of education as something that they can finish… If you enjoy learning, there’s no reason why you should stop at a given age.” TCU’s Silver Frogs Lifelong Learning Institute offers Fort Worthians an opportunity to continue to learn, to engage with like-minded people, and to enjoy life after 50.

This article first appeared in the March/April issue of Madeworthy.

The post Lifelong Learning with Silver Frogs first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

This year marks the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth’s 125th anniversary. The Modern is the oldest museum in Texas and one of the oldest in the country. The Anniversary Class provides a peek into this rich history, as well as a coveted visit to the Modern’s vault – a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity.

The Anniversary Class will explore works on paper, both old and new, in the Modern’s permanent collection through drawing, photography, and experimental printmaking. Three distinguished local artists will lead participants in discussions and specially designed studio projects over 10 weeks.

Whether participating with a group of friends or taking the lead to try something new on your own, you will leave with an enhanced appreciation for art and the hidden treasures in the Modern’s collection.

Space is limited; enroll by registering online.

Cost:
Members $175
Nonmembers $200
All materials are provided.

September 15, 22, and 29, 1–4 pm
With artist Kalee Appleton
@kaleeappleton

October 6, 13, and 20, 1–4 pm
With artist Sydney Webb
@sydwebbstudios

October 27 and November 3, 10, and 17, 1–4 pm
With artist Kristen Cochran
@cathedrals_of_jelly

Sonya Cisneros is Membership/Special Events Manager at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Since 2008, she has written for a variety of publications and blogs, including the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, DFW.com, Indulge and Fort Worth, Texas: The City’s Magazine, where she served as Associate Editor. Sonya is an alumnae of the Bob Schieffer College of Communication School of Journalism at TCU and continues to write on a freelance basis.

The post Access the Modern’s Vaults first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.