Visual and Performing Arts   

Step into the fascinating world of fashion with this lively 8-week journey through history & how it influenced design. We'll dive into defining moments: religion, economics, military, environmental, groundbreaking movements, and legendary designers which shaped style from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Beyond the essentials, we’ll explore fun fashion trivia & uncover pop culture connections. Whether you’re a style enthusiast or a history buff, this class will inspire and entertain, blending learning with flair and a touch of glam. Come ready to discover the stories behind the stitches!

Based on the assertion that the various genres of music created by African Americans are best visualized as a giant tree with one main trunk and an ever evolving network of branches, this course will explore both the common cultural and psychological functions served by major genres over time as well as the unique functions served by each of those genres, beginning with the Spirituals created by African captives in slavery and continuing through the blues, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, soul, and hip-hop. We will explore how the music has functioned in both the African American and wider American communities. Learning in the course will be facilitated through brief lectures, active discussions, and a richly diverse sampling of oral and video recordings. Enrollees will also be encouraged to take advantage of live music offerings in the Denver metro area and to share their experiences during class discussions.

Join us for an engaging eight-week journey through the magic of cinema! In this class, two passionate film enthusiast facilitators will each share four specially selected films, offering a curated exploration of storytelling, visual artistry, and cultural impact. Each week, we’ll watch a featured film and dive into lively discussions about its themes, characters, cinematography, and relevance.

This class is perfect for movie lovers who enjoy dissecting films, debating their meanings, and uncovering the unique perspectives that each facilitator brings. The films are shown in their entirety with English subtitles.

Course Structure:

• Weeks 1–4: Facilitator 1’s Film Selections – Explore their personal selections and what makes them resonate.
• Weeks 5–8: Facilitator 2’s Film Selections – Discover a different perspective through their top picks.

Each week includes a film screening followed by an in-depth discussion. Participants are encouraged to share their insights, making this a collaborative and enriching experience.

Come prepared to watch, analyze, and critique the selections. The facilitators value all opinions.

“Film Noir” as the French called the American movies that emerged from World War II. The name implies dark film or black movie. It not only refers to the fact that the movies were in black and white but also to the plot, the actors, and film production. Many of the best examples of the genre were cheap “B” movies but some of the classics were high-end with big name stars. This time we meet a murder victim who isn’t dead, a mercy killer, war veterans, an innocent prison convict, a street hardened cop, and a pickpocket. Along with our movie we will have the weekly action-packed serial episode. Again, we will have a short discussion before and after the movie to discuss the stars, the plot, and why the movie was successful.

Due to the length of the ‘Class A’ movies, class will start at 12:30.

Join us for our sixth in a series of most highly rated and enjoyed films of a decade. Having done the films of the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s, this term we will watch and then discuss movies from 2010 to 2019. Our discussions will deal with the making of the movie and its directors, actors, and other key contributors. The value and the fun of the discussions depend on contributions from class members, although we are fine with some who want to watch and listen.

Examples of our eight wide-ranging movies will be Silver Linings Playbook, Argo, Dallas Buyers Club, Spotlight, Ex Machina, and The Big Sick. Some actors we will see are Bradley Cooper Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Alicia Vikander, Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, and Ray Romano. Directors of these 6 movies include David O Russell and five other fine directors you may not be familiar with. We look forward to watching and discussing these terrific movies with you.

Movies are magic. Entertaining, emotionally moving, sometimes with awesome effects, they are able to create and spread unifying visions of our world. But they don’t just “happen”. Join us as we step behind the camera and take a journey through the movie creators’ eyes from studio executives, producers, casting people, actors, writers, cinematographers, editors, composers, technicians and directors. You will understand what it takes to create the story, finance it, put together the team, and produce the movies we all enjoy so much in this most collaborative of all arts. This course is a combination of informative videos and group discussion and is appropriate for all levels of film fans.

Explore Denver’s stunning architecture and elevate your photography skills in “The Photographer's Denver: Iconic Buildings Through the Lens.” This four-session course is designed for photographers of all levels, from smartphone enthusiasts to seasoned DSLR users. The first in-person DU location session covers essential photography fundamentals, including lens choice, lighting observations, and creative perspectives to capture the beauty of architectural designs. The following three sessions take you on-location to Denver’s most iconic architectural landmarks, where you’ll practice your skills and receive personalized guidance to create captivating images. Whether you are capturing intricate details of interiors or bold urban exteriors, this course will help you tell the story of Denver’s unique architectural character.

Students are responsible for their own transportation to each downtown Denver site (to be announced). Join us for an inspiring hands-on experience that combines technical learning with the vibrant art of architectural photography. All course sessions will only be held on the session date without exception.

Members should have a Smartphone with camera capabilities and/or any type of digital camera. Some locations may require an admission fee. Members will be responsible for their own transportation for each session.   

Watercolor Pencils are a unique medium combining drawing with painting in such a manner that no other medium can replicate. They are versatile, fun, and perfect for those who want to create watercolor art with pencils. This course gives you an overview of this medium and will guide you to the right steps for creating quality and stunning art that you will be proud of. Instruction will include drawing techniques and transferring of images, color layering, and color mixing to determine the lights and darks, and mood of the art piece. You will have 8 sessions to create 6 pieces of art and learn techniques that can be used to enliven existing paintings. This class is very much for beginners and those unfamiliar with watercolor.

Supply List will be provided in advance to all participants. But here are basics supplies like Watercolor pencils, Watercolor paper, Brushes #2 #4 #8