February Events 
EDGE OF REVELATION
From January 17^th through February 28^th, Art Intersection brings Edge of Revelation, an exhibition of floral imagery by Keron Psillas, to Gallery 4 at HD SOUTH. Keron Psillas Oliveira is a photographer, author, instructor and mentor. Ms Psillas was the featured solo artist in the Pingyao International Photography festival of 2024 for her work Edge of Revelation, her new collection of floral exploration. In addition to Pingyao, this new work has been shown in London, UK and on the East Coast at The Bridge Gallery.  Gallery 4 admission is included in the price of museum admission.
COMMUNITY WIDE FOOD DRIVE
HD SOUTH will be a drop-off site for the annual Feeding Families community wide food drive held from February 10-February 21.  Bring in your non-perishable, non-expired, and non-glass food items to help restock food banks and food pantries after their support of Gilbert residents in need during the holidays. 
21^st ANNUAL ART OF QUILTING QUILT SHOW
HD SOUTH, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, invites you to the 21^st Annual “Art of Quilting” Show with a special theme of “Red, White, and Blue” in honor of America’s 250^th Anniversary.  The “Art of Quilting” show will run from February 24 to May 25, 2026.  Show admission is included in the price of museum admission. 
TOOLS OF A VINTAGE KITCHEN
Step back in time and explore the heart of the home as it once was – before microwaves and modern conveniences. Tools of a Vintage Kitchen showcases the everyday objects that shaped cooking and family life in the early to mid-20th century. From hand-cranked eggbeaters and cast-iron skillets to butter churns and enamel pots. Each tool tells a story of ingenuity, craftsmanship, and tradition. This exhibit reminds us that even the simplest objects can hold a rich history of home and family.  On display until April 6^th. 
February Programs 
BOY OUTTA THE BUSH 
February 3, 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm    Find Your Passion...Empower Your Community...Make Someone’s Day!  Welcome back Peter Schumann for an hour and a half of humor, inspiration, and adventure. Early in life Peter realized the world was full of fascination, opportunities, adventures, and experiences he would recall as “SURVIVAL” skills that would set the foundation for who he is today. Learn how Peter used his survival skills to make a positive impact in his community. Registration required. Cost: FREE  
A CIVIC EVENT—YOU BELONG HERE
February 4, 2026 | 3:00pm-5:00pm  HD SOUTH, in partnership with the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Citizen University, invites you to attend A Civic Event featuring Music In Common.  This curated experience helps people across social divides find common ground through facilitated conversation and music.  You won’t want to miss this unique, dynamic, and nationally recognized gathering, guaranteed to spark meaningful community connection and civic action.  Registration is required.  Cost: FREE
FAMILY HISTORY-WEAVING CULTURAL HISTORY INTO OUR FAMILY HISTORY WRITING 
February 7, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm   Join ASU Professor Emeritus Duane Roen, founding coordinator for the Project for Writing and Recording Family History in the College of Integrative Science and Arts, for this unique family history workshop. Sometimes family historians have only names, dates, and places for ancestors, but the more we gather names, dates, and other genealogical facts, the more we yearn for more personal connections to and understanding of those who came before us. Duane will discuss using cultural/social history to discover more of the stories we write about ancestors. A fun family activity! Bring paper and pen or a laptop.  Ages 12 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE    
SELF DEFENSE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS 
February 10, 2026 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm   Kids ages seven and older, teens, and adults are invited to join certified black belt instructors from East Valley Martial Arts to learn and brush-up on self-defense. Physical techniques for protecting oneself will be covered, as well as “street smarts” and prevention of incidents. Children ages 7 to 12 must have a parent or guardian present with them. Parents/guardians are welcome to join the class, or to sit quietly and observe from the sidelines. Safety is always a priority, and we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Registration required. Cost: FREE 
COOKIE DECORATING WITH MAE’S COOKIE JAR 
February 12, 2026 |  6:00pm – 8:00pm   Whether you come on your own or with friends, you will have a great time decorating gorgeous, themed cookie sets. Guided by the talented Vickie from Mae’s Cookie Jar, participants will learn a variety of cookie decorating techniques including how to hold the icing bags, outlining, flooding, wet on wet techniques, and more! All supplies and a take-home box are provided. Ages 16 and up. See website calendar for this month’s cookie set. Registration is required. www.maescookiejar.com/hdsouth 
ADVENTURES IN ART WITH GVAL 
February 14, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm   Join HD SOUTH and the Gilbert Visual Arts League for this fun and interactive art workshop. Pam Hendricks and Donna Finter, members of the Gilbert Visual Arts League (GVAL) will lead participants through a workshop teaching new artistic techniques. All supplies provided. Registration is required. See the calendar for this month’s art project. Cost: HD SOUTH Members FREE; Non-members $5. 
ARIZONA’S GERMAN POWS 
February 17, 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm   Welcome back local historian extraordinaire Steve Hoza as he shares interesting facts from Arizona’s history. Arizona was the home to 24 German prisoner of war camps during World War II. Steve has spoken to hundreds of former POW’s, their guards and camp personnel, and presents a gripping history of these camps. Included is the famous mass escape from Papago Park in December of 1944. There will be artifacts from the camps to see. Ages 12 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE 
PARTY IN THE STARS 
February 18, 2026 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm   The East Valley Astronomy Club (EVAC) is a group of more than 100 astronomy enthusiasts which began in 1987 and includes members from all over the Valley. Join EVAC and HD SOUTH for a Star Party where attendees will learn about the cosmos and be able to view celestial bodies in our galaxy! This event takes place at the Observatory at the Riparian Preserve. Registration is required.  Cost: FREE 
CHILDREN’S AUTHOR VISIT – BOOK READING 
February 21, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm   HD SOUTH welcomes five-time award-winning author M.S.V Walker as she reads from her new novel Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions. This popular, recently released sci-fi-fantasy novel, promotes character development for Arizona kids who are coming of age. The story takes place in Arizona’s own Superstition Mountains where lightning storms are abundant. Included in the program will be an innovative demonstration using a Tesla coil. An IBEW union electrician of 40 years will oversee the electrical demonstrations. If you already have the book, bring it for a personalized signing. Ages 10 and up. Registration required. Cost: FREE 
STEM SATURDAY 
February 21, 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm   Have fun at the museum on Saturday afternoons with AP teacher Karen Maas, from the Gilbert Classical Academy, and her STEM students as they share a STEM learning adventure with participants. GCA students will introduce a variety of activities including 3D printing with both 3D pens and printers, CAD applications using Tinkercad, Makey Makey apps with fruit, and more! Registration is required. Registration will close at 12pm on Friday. Cost: FREE 
SOUND MEDITATION FOR GRIEF February 24, 2026 | 6:30pm-7:30pm  Join Stuart Preston, a certified Sound Practitioner, for a deeply empathetic Sound Meditation session designed for those grappling with loss.  It’s not about moving on but finding moments of peace and clarity amidst sorrow.  Bring a yoga mat, blankets, and a pillow to create your personal sanctuary.  Dress comfortably and arrive 10 minutes early.  Learn more about Stuart and this unique practice at www.laostu.com.  Registration is required.  Space is limited.  Ages 16 & up.  Cost: $5 per person. 
ART WITH HEART 
February 26, 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm   Welcome Debra McVay M. Ed., for an expressive intuitive art class for adults, using a guided visualization that will help quiet the busy mind and open a connection to your heart’s intuitive voice. From this reflective space, you’ll create meaningful, intuitive artwork using watercolor—no art experience needed, just a willingness to explore and express from within. Registration required. Attendance limited. Cost: FREE 
  
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About HD SOUTH: Originally opened as Gilbert Elementary School in 1913, HD SOUTH—Home of The Gilbert Historical Museum, is the oldest building still standing in Gilbert and is the only one on the National Register of Historic Places.  The museum has made great strides to become one of Arizona’s premier community history museums as well as a center for arts and culture.  HD SOUTH is the vibrant cornerstone of an intergenerational community that celebrates the past, inspires unity of all people, and cultivates life-enriching collaboration.  The programs and events at HD SOUTH focus on six community pillars and are designed for all generations.  These pillars include History, Health & Wellness, Science, Literature, Art, and Music.   A private 501(c)3 non-profit, HD SOUTH is a catalyst for connection while bridging generations and maintaining a stewardship of history.  

For more information and to see our calendar of events, visit www.hdsouth.org