Fine Arts, Film & Literature   

Continue viewing the American Film Institute’s choices of the best films ever made. In this class, participants watch each film and, if time allows, have a brief discussion.

Ever looked at a work of art and wished you could ask the artist how they did it? Or why? Here's your chance. Several local artists will share their work, talk about their process and vision, and engage with participants. Whenever possible, artist websites and other materials will be sent out in advance of the class. LIMIT 20

Shakespeare’s comedies are like no other comedies in the long history of theater. The four plays we will explore in this class–The Comedy of Errors, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, and Twelfth Night–will take you to four different “worlds,” filled with memorable characters, humor, conflicts, anger, beauty, love, music, magic, disguise, and truly impressive women. Shakespeare’s comic art works for first-timers as well as seasoned theater-goers, and this class is designed for both (and even for those with Shakespearephobia!). Because the experience of great art changes at different times of our lives, a “senior perspective” is perfect for appreciating the life-affirming nature of comedy.

Engage in reading and discussing significant written works of western civilization. This term focuses mainly on twentieth century thought, although we begin with the Victorian-era poet Christina Rossetti, followed by physicist Max Planck, Synge’s play The Playboy of the Western World, economist Friedrich Hayek, political philosopher John Rawls, fiction by Frank O'Conner and Raymond Carver, and the book Eichmann in Jerusalem by Hannah Arendt. LIMIT 16

Poetry is especially valuable in confronting anxieties and uncertainties. While poetry does not necessarily answer the large questions that confront us, it can put words to the situations that trouble us most, and by so doing, define and exert control over our worries. In this class, we will discuss the work of English poets from World War II onwards: W.H. Auden, Philip Larkin, Stevie Smith, Dylan Thomas, and a few writers from the 21st century as well. The class will be mostly discussion, a careful reading of the words poets use and an examination of how they address problems: existential, national, personal. No special knowledge of poetry is needed--only a willingness to spend time thinking about poems and how they create meaning, for the writers in their world and, perhaps, for us in ours. LIMIT 20

Recent scientific and technological advances in artificial intelligence have produced a variety of human substitutions that blur the line between what is real and what is not. Paralleling those advances, the movies of a number of current filmmakers provide a rich resource for exploring ideas of what being human -- whether authentic or synthetic -- means. To consider those movies and AI's promise or threat, participants will view and discuss both full-length films and selected excerpts. Features include Steven Spielberg’s A.I.; Frank Langella in Robot & Frank; Pulitzer play nominee Marjorie Prime; and Ibelin, a documentary.  Blade Runner, Her, Ex Machina, and Companion are among those to be excerpted.

For beginners, intermediates, and those who just want to get together to paint while inspiring others, bring a brush and join the class. The weekly sessions consist of a demonstration, time to paint and ask questions, and the opportunity to share individual projects. Basic watercolor supplies are required. LIMIT 18

Haiku, an ancient form of poetic expression, pairs well with the more recent free verse. Did you know that some of our modern free verse "Beat" poets were also Haiku poets? During this class we will learn about major writers from both genres. We will write our own poems every class period and share our work voluntarily.