Art & Performing Arts   

This is a continuation of the Ukulele 1 and 2 courses from last spring. In this course we will continue to have FUN playing ukulele together in class and expanding our ukulele repertoire. Using class hand-outs and YouTube videos we will be learning new chords and songs in the keys of G, D, A F and Am, focusing on becoming independent life-long ukulele players! Course requirements: a ukulele, a tuner, experience playing in the key of C, and a commitment to 10 minutes of practice each day at home between classes.

Have you always wanted to play the guitar to accompany yourself singing or is it just something you have always wanted to try? Then this introduction to Guitar course is for you! We will cover all of the basic fundamentals needed to learn to play the guitar, whether it is on your own, or with formal lessons. Discussions will include how to care for your instrument, how to tune, and how to play with proper posture and correct technique. Both chords and melody will be covered, and we will play familiar songs as a means for learning. Also, regardless of each individuals pace all songs can be arranged for all abilities. This course will focus on learning how to play using chord diagrams and tablature background. Traditional music notation will be introduced and explained but will not be the focus. Students will need: a guitar in playable condition, guitar picks, a clip-on tuner, or app, a guitar strap is optional but recommended. Folders, chord charts, reference materials and handouts of song sheets for the lessons will be provided by the instructor. Students of all backgrounds are welcome and those that have already taken the class come as a review, and to continue working on the songs we did, but with more advanced skills.

In this course students will explore and learn fundamental watercolor techniques, such as dry brush, wet on wet, glazing and washes, color theory, and brushwork to build your confidence so you can create pieces that you will be proud of. No prior experience required, just bring your enthusiasm and creativity!  

Supplies needed:   Pencil, eraser, paper towels, 2-3 round brushes size 4,8,12 mixing palette, 2 water jars (can be mason jars, plastic cups, anything to hold water), a small spray bottle, masking tape.  Watercolor paper arches/ cold press/ 140lb small pad.  As far as paints go I recommend Daniel Smith extra fine watercolor- set of 6, essential 5ml tubes and an additional burnt sienna tube.  You can find most of these on amazon, dickblick, Jerry’s Artarama, Michaels, and sometimes Walmart.  If you are signed up with a friend you can share paper and paints, but you’ll want your own pencil, brushes and palette.  The paper is important because the techniques will not work well on inexpensive watercolor paper.

This is the last of Jim’s four art seminars. As an art movement postmodernism to some extent defies definition – as there is no one postmodern style or theory on which it is hinged. It embraces many different approaches to art making and may be said to begin with Pop Art in the 1960s and to embrace much of what followed including Conceptual Art, Neo-Expressionism, Installation Art, and numerous other schools of art too numerous to mention here

This class will explore insider perspectives on Broadway shows of today, from the creative teams to areas of production, from actor insights to director perspectives - and more.

Get an inside look at everything which happens to make the magic of musicals, along with stories, reviews, and discussions on Broadway shows from the last five years.

Join us for a 6-week film adventure where movie lovers dive into the unexpected! In CineSeniors, we explore a wide variety of unique, surprising, and offbeat films—one per week—spanning all genres, and time periods from mystery to musicals, sci-fi to silent classics. Before the course begins, students get to vote on the films we'll watch together, ensuring a truly personalized experience.

Each week, we stream a selected film using free, easy-to-access platforms like YouTube, Tubi, or the Internet Archive—so a reliable internet connection and a fast computer are essential. After the film, we’ll host a lively and friendly conversation where you can join in—or just listen in—while we share thoughts, reactions, and film trivia. Whether you're a lifelong movie buff or just looking for something fresh and fun, this course offers great movies, great company, and great conversation. Come for the films, stay for the friendships!

In this course, students will build upon fundamental watercolor techniques. Reviewing techniques such as wet on wet, blending and color mixing from watercolor 1 and using them to create masterpieces.  Bring your enthusiasm and creativity!  This class will be a bit more in depth than Watercolor 1, but beginners are always welcome. 

Supplies needed:   Pencil, eraser, paper towels, 2-3 round brushes size 4,8,12 mixing palette, 2 water jars (can be mason jars, plastic cups, anything to hold water), a small spray bottle, masking tape.  Watercolor paper arches/ cold press/ 140lb small pad.  As far as paints go I recommend Daniel Smith extra fine watercolor- set of 6, essential 5ml tubes and an additional burnt sienna tube.  You can find most of these on amazon, dickblick, Jerry’s Artarama, Michaels, and sometimes Walmart.  If you are signed up with a friend you can share paper and paints, but you’ll want your own pencil, brushes and palette.  The paper is important because the techniques will not work well on inexpensive watercolor paper.  

For Watercolor part 2 please bring an additional agree brush size 18-20, masking fluid (Daniel Smith is a good one) and a masking fluid eraser.

This beginner-level tap dancing course is designed specifically for senior adult learners who are interested in exploring movement, music, and rhythm in a supportive, low-pressure environment. No prior dance experience is required. The class will introduce foundational tap techniques, basic steps, and simple combinations while emphasizing safety, accessibility, and enjoyment. Participants will learn at a comfortable pace, with modifications and adaptations offered to accommodate a range of physical abilities and mobility levels. The course will conclude with an optional performance opportunity for those who wish to share their progress.  Classes will incorporate warm-ups, rhythm exercises, and short choreographed routines set to a variety of music styles.   

Step into the world of ballet in this welcoming, beginner-friendly class. Each session introduces low-impact ballet movements through barre and floor work to improve balance, flexibility, and coordination. Alongside movement, participants will explore the stories, music, and history behind famous ballets, deepening their appreciation for this timeless art form. With a focus on creativity, connection, and enjoyment, this class provides a supportive environment where you can move at your own pace, express yourself, and build community. The course will conclude with an optional performance opportunity for those who wish to share their progress. Movers of all experience levels are welcome, and adaptive options will be incorporated into every session to ensure accessibility for all.

Although this course will build on a class previously offered last year, new participants can join and participate fully.   It is suitable for either those who use smart phones or dedicated cameras. The class won't focus on how to use a particular “camera” but rather, how to compose and get a better image out of whatever device you have.  We will review basic photographic fundamentals and qualities that create a “good” image.  Students will be asked to submit photos for critiquing and constructive criticism by class members. Although our goal will be to take a so-called “perfect” photo in-camera, we will see how to improve images by post-processing, using software: the so-called “digital darkroom.” I use Photoshop Elements, but the principles may be transferred to other software.  It’s not essential to have any software.  Questions and comments are encouraged with plenty of back-and-forth interaction.  Weather permitting I’d like to schedule a “meet and greet” field trip at a time convenient for as many people as possible.  I’d appreciate suggestions from you as to possible destinations.  

This will be the third of four art seminars and focuses on American Art. The post-Civil War era coexisted with rise of American economic and political power, and this is reflected in the emerging American Art scene. The main focus of this seminar is the period 1870s – 1950s. This is when the U.S. and the New York School challenged Europe as the center of modern art. This seminar will stress all the major art movements from this period. It is not necessary to have taken the earlier seminars.

This is a continuation of the Ukulele 1, 2, and 3 courses. In this course we will continue to have FUN playing ukulele together in class and expanding our ukulele repertoire and techniques. We will especially be focusing on MOVEABLE chords – chord shapes on the uke that do not use any open strings and therefore can be used up and down the fretboard to play in different keys. We will continue to focus on and share how to be independent life-long ukulele players!

Course requirements: a ukulele, a tuner, experience playing in the keys of C, D, F, G, A and a commitment to10 minutes of practice each day at home between classes.

This course is designed to teach foundational acting skills through practical exercises. Participants will focus on essential elements such as breath control for projection, voice modulation for emotional range, and physicality to enhance character portrayal. The course covers techniques for character development, script analysis for understanding roles, and scene work to create authentic interactions. The culmination is a showcase where students perform a rehearsed scene, demonstrating their skills. This workshop is suitable for beginners with no prior experience required and emphasizes learning through practical application rather than memorization.

Take a musical journey through the songs, stories, and cultural impact of The Beatles in this fun and engaging six-week ukulele class. Designed for beginner to intermediate players, this course combines hands-on music instruction with an exploration of how the Beatles transformed popular music, songwriting, recording techniques, and global culture.

Each week, students will learn a new Beatles song arranged for ukulele while examining a different era of the band’s evolution—from early rock-and-roll influences and Beatlemania to experimental studio innovation and enduring musical legacy. Along the way, participants will build core ukulele skills including chord transitions, rhythm patterns, strumming techniques, riffs and licks, and group performance.

This class is ideal for anyone with basic ukulele knowledge who enjoys classic rock music, group learning, and musical storytelling. Come discover why the music of the Beatles continues to inspire musicians around the world—and have fun making that music yourself.

What makes good art good?  Is it all subjective?  Are there objective qualities to art?  What _is_ art, anyway?  In this class we will look at the philosophy of art, including major theories on these big questions, and others, such as: how should we interpret artworks?  Does the artist’s intention matter?  How would we know what that is?  Are concepts like Art and Beauty connected in any way?  We will also address social questions pertaining to the arts, such as issues of censorship, public funding, and related topics.

Discover the timeless beauty and surprising modern influence of Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D in this unique six-week ukulele ensemble course. Participants will learn how a simple and elegant chord progression became one of the most recognizable foundations in Western music—and how it continues to shape countless contemporary songs today.

Throughout the course, students will learn and rehearse four different musical parts of Pachelbel’s Canon, arranged in C for varying skill levels from beginner to advanced. Whether you are new to ukulele or an experienced player looking for an ensemble experience, each participant will have an important role in bringing the piece to life.

As the weeks progress, the class will combine these individual parts into a layered group performance, exploring melody, harmony, rhythm, and accompaniment. Students will also examine the famous Canon chord progression and discover its influence on modern pop and rock music.

This course is open to adventurous beginners through advanced ukulele players. Participants should know a few basic chords and be excited to collaborate in a supportive group setting. Come experience how a 17th-century composition and one of the most iconic pieces in classical music continues to echo through today’s music—and become part of the sound yourself.