Art and Literature   

This two lecture series traces the evolution of the singer-songwriter tradition - from the early pioneers of personal songwriting to the extraordinary explosion of influential artists during the 1960s and 70s. Along the way, the series explores how deeply personal music transformed popular culture, changed the recording industry, and continues to shape contemporary music today. The lectures combine historical background, artist profiles, classic recordings, cultural commentary, and rare stories behind many of the era's most memorable songs.

This lecture traces the rise of surf bands from the beaches of Southern California to the top of the national music charts, exploring the artists, songs, and youthful spirit that defined the era. Attendees will hear the stories behind legendary performers such as Dick Dale, The Beach Boys, and Jan and Dean while learning how surf music reflected America's fascination with cars, beaches, freedom, and the California lifestyle. Through classic recordings, vintage visuals, and behind-the-scenes insights, the lecture also examines how the Beatles and the changing social climate of the mid-1960s brought the surf music craze to a sudden end. This lecture offers a lively journey into one of the most colorful and enduring chapters in rock-and-roll history.

Students will read and discuss thirty-two short stories written by outstanding American writers from early in the 19th century to contemporary times. Keeping in mind the historical context of each story, students will explore these stories to discover what they teach us about human nature, and the challenges each of us face as we live our lives.

Take a journey through the ancient and early Christian periods in architectural history - from the celestial significance of ancient ziggurats to the symbolic ordering of Byzantine mosaics. This course explores how architecture changed over centuries, shaped by shifting cultures, philosophies, and artistic ideals. Along the way, you'll look at key buildings that defined each era, get to know the ideas behind their appearances, and draw connections between structures that were built worlds apart.

By the end of the course, you'll have a solid understanding of the cultural backgrounds informing major architectural movements, be able to identify significant buildings and their symbolic features, and recognize how architecture from different times and places connected in surprising ways. No background in architecture is needed - just curiosity and an appreciation for the built world.

Ready to continue your colored pencil journey? This ongoing class is designed for returning students who wish to deepen their skills and explore new techniques in a supportive and inspiring environment. Through a series of carefully selected projects, students will strengthen their understanding of color, layering, texture, value, and composition while continuing to discover the joy of the creative process. As confidence and experience grow, students who wish to do so are welcome to bring their own reference photographs and receive individualized guidance tailored to their interests and skill level. Whether your passion lies in florals, landscapes, wildlife, portraits, still life, or abstract designs, this class offers a welcoming space to refine your technique, develop your own artistic voice, and enjoy the lifelong journey of creative expression.

Prerequisite: At least one semester of Exploring Colored Pencils.

Did you know that when you are completely immersed in your current action, you are meditating? Creating art is an example of an activity that teaches you how to focus on, and live in, the moment. Join us to experience the joy of creating amazing art with the humble but versatile medium of colored pencils. Learn simple tips, tricks and techniques for creating rich and vibrant artwork, which can be applied to all subjects including florals, still-life, landscapes, portraits, abstracts and more. No drawing experience or expertise necessary. Instruction will be tailored to suit each individual's skill level.

This course will begin with understanding basic camera functions and how to adjust camera settings. Students will learn the 3 principles of lens aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings to create quality images. Further instruction will include composition, lighting techniques, and camera handling to improve image quality. Lessons will become more advanced and build on the basics presented in previous sessions. Some of the more advanced topics will include Astro-photography (moon and stars), Macro-photography (extreme close-ups), dramatic lighting techniques, and other fun and interesting ways to create striking images. There will also be discussions about how to choose editing software, how to catalog and store images for easy retrieval and an overview of digital imaging technology and image file types.

Each class will have a suggested shooting idea for students to practice, sharing their results for review and critique with an online Flicker account. A camera with adjustable settings is recommended for the course. No books required. Presentation notes will be provided.

Learn how to turn a sketchbook into a creative journal filled with drawings, observations, and personal stories. This class explores urban sketching, nature studies, travel memories, food illustration, visual notetaking, composition, and mixed-media techniques using ink, markers, and colored pencils. Through demonstrations, exercises, and guided projects, students will create expressive sketchbook pages that combine images and text. Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, this course encourages observation, creativity, and the joy of recording everyday experiences.

This course offers a playful and approachable introduction to creating art with soft pastels. Perfect for beginners, the class provides a hands-on opportunity to explore basic tools, materials, and pastel colors. You will learn how to select and prepare textured surfaces to create a strong foundation for your artwork. Lessons will introduce the elements of art—including line, form, color, texture, and space—and show you how to use these elements to strengthen your composition skills. You will also explore color-blending and layering techniques, including how to smudge, blend, and build layers of color to create depth and dimension. By the end of this course, you will have the foundational skills and confidence needed to continue your creative journey with soft pastels.

Photography has never simply been about recording what is in front of your lens. It is about interpreting - and telling the story you want to tell with your resulting image. Explore creative techniques that are very much in vogue today, including intentional camera movement, slow shutter speeds, multiple exposure and more. Techniques that will open new doors for your photography and turn the heads of all who see your work. We will post selects on flickr.com for sharing. This class is hybrid, meeting on Zoom with two sessions in person on location for a photography shoot. For all skill levels using a digital camera, mirrorless or dSLR, and/or a phone.

Painting Seasonal Blooms is a watercolor painting course inspired by the favorite blooms of each season, offering a perfect way to appreciate the beauty of change and color in nature. With step-by-step instructions and lots of drawing exercises, you'll learn to draw and paint from your reference (image or a real flower). This course will also explore the basics of watercolor painting, starting with the types of materials and tools that you can use, and moving on to techniques in handling the medium. You'll learn about value, basic composition, color mixing, blending, and the mechanics of watercolor. Approaches such as wet-in-wet and working in layers will be introduced. With demonstrations and ongoing individual guidance, you'll develop your own artwork at your own pace. By the end of the course, you'll gain a solid foundation in watercolor and feel comfortable to pursue your passion for watercolor!