Acting, Art, & Art History   

Every major change in humanity’s time frame has a
specific character. This course will explore contemporary
artists worldwide and their work created at the turn of
the new millennium. It will survey the social and cultural character in the artwork of this new international generation confronting global ecological change. This course follows The Metropolitan Museum curated tour format encouraging classroom dialogue by posing questions and answers while viewing works by outstanding artists in this new generation. This is in a seminar “shared inquiry” dialogue where knowledge of Art History is not required. It is about viewing art and having a discussion for all levels and backgrounds.
New in-person course. The format includes lecture and discussion.

Use your natural speaking voice for commercials, films, and more. Learn a unique way to break into the lucrative voice-over industry on your own terms. Concludes with a professional voice evaluation with your instructor.

Repeat remote workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

The 19th century was the foundation of the modern world. From industrialization to women’s liberation, to political ideas that shaped our thinking today, the arts, and the political revolutions, it all began more than two hundred years ago. Come along on a journey to the roots of the 21st century. Repeat in-person course. Format includes lecture.

In stressful times, it’s of utmost importance to create opportunities for happiness and pleasure. PLAY is an excellent way to do this. We are wired to play, and with good reason: play substantially reduces stress, enhances brain function, and builds social bonds. In this class, we will engage in “play for intelligent adults” with group games drawn from the world of improv. No, we won’t try to be actors or comedians, and no one is “put on the spot.” Most of the games are played with the whole group, and it’s perfectly fin — actually a lot of fun — to simply watch and applaud your classmates. Laughter and loads of surprise are absolutely guaranteed. If you’re a former child, you’re a born expert at play.

Repeat in-person course. Format includes lecture, discussion, film, hands-on, movement.

The public often sees the art world as the domain of wealth, trendsetters, and high rollers, yet deception lurks behind the façade. After weapons and drugs, art is the third most lucrative illicit trade, with reports suggesting that more than half of artworks are fake or misattributed. In this course, we will ask: When is a copy simply a copy, and when is it a forgery? What techniques do master forgers use? Does a collector hold true title, and how important is provenance? What can science tell us about art authenticity? We will uncover riveting stories of criminal art activity, gallery closings, and master forgeries.

August Wilson was the first African American playwright to have a Broadway theater bear his name, a fitting tribute to a dramatist who brought African American culture and lived experience to the stage. In this course, we will read, watch, and examine the first five plays in Wilson’s American Cycle, a ten-play series representing each decade of the African American culture’s 20th century. We will explore Wilson’s life and the influences behind his work while focusing on Gem of the Ocean, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Seven Guitars, tracing his powerful interpretation, celebration, and perseveration of African American culture.

Journey into the vibrant world of early 20th century art and witness the birth of abstraction. This transformative period reshaped the cultural landscape, from the bold colors of Fauvism, the fractured forms of Cubism, to the dreamlike realms of Surrealism. Each session focuses on the movements’ leading artists including Matisse, Kandinsky, Picasso, Mondrian, Duchamp, and Dali. We will explore their aesthetic goals and the social and cultural currents that influenced them.

This introductory course teaches the basics of the Zentangle Method of pen & ink drawing. It is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. This course will explore the basics of the Zentangle method, and provide instruction in fundamental pen strokes, multiple tangle patterns, and simple shading techniques. We will explore basic components of design and ideas for embellishment.
 

Repeat remote workshop. Format includes discussion and hands-on learning.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Course Materials Kit is $15 + postage and will be mailed directly to the registrants. Payment can be made directly to the facilitator via Venmo or a check.

Shading could be said to be the most exciting component of the Zentangle method! After your tangles have been placed on your tile, it is your shading techniques that make your overall design “pop.” In this class, you will explore shading basics, and how to apply these skills to the original white, black, Renaissance, and grey Zentangle tiles.

New remote workshop. Format includes hands-on learning.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Beginner materials ($15) can be mailed directly to the registrants and payment is made directly to the facilitator via Venmo or a check.