LIFELONG LEARNING Spring 2026 Catalog   

Calling all artists and art enthusiasts, take an adventure into the historic world of painting.

Come learn and explore who the original Impressionist were, what they said about painting, how they were received, and what changes this group made in the world of art. Bring the lessons of Impressionism to life by making your own paintings. Explore brush strokes. Explore color—how to see it, how to mix it, and how to use it. Find out what exploring space means in painting. Join artist Alex Whitney for this unique art course!

Supplies are not included.

SUPPLIES LIST
(Don’t bring supplies to the first class. We will discuss the supply list on the first night.)

Have you ever wished conversations were less about conflict and more about connection? Welcome to "Mindful Communication: Listening, Responding, and Self-Advocating." Whether chatting with family, meeting with colleagues, or catching-up with friends or acquaintances, we can inadvertently turn these conversations into power struggles, amplified further by the echoes of politics, business, or entertainment media. But the good news is it doesn't have to be this way! 

Learn the practice of mindfully connecting and communicating with others. Transform your interactions into uplifting and genuine experiences, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts. Let's journey together to unearth impactful conversations while embracing the art of listening, the finesse of responsive communication, and the power of self-assertiveness.

Come learn the ways in which photography has shaped our perceptions of the western landscape. From post-Civil War expeditions that surveyed the lands west of the Mississippi, to the rise of pictorialist modernism at the turn of the 20th century, and more recent representations of the West’s growth, this course is both a story of America’s contributions to the history of photography as it is a story of American expansionism. We will discuss both well-known figures such as Ansel Adams, Carleton Watkins, and Richard Avedon, in addition to those lesser-known photographers like Anne Brigman, Robert Adams, and Justine Kurland. In all, this course promises to reflect upon how photographs have created an indelible image of the American West that has deeply impacted our appreciation of the land’s natural and cultural history. Join Dr. Chris Balaschak, Flagler College Professor of Art, as he leads you through "Photography and the American West."

Come view the Charlie Chaplin silent film, "Modern Times," released in 1936, which appeared on movie screens nine years after the "talkie" era had begun. Chaplin was the writer, music composer, director, and star in the film. It was the final role for Chaplin's "Little Tramp" character. In this film, the little tramp is overwhelmed by his repetitive job in a factory. He survives unemployment, a hospitalization, several incarcerations, and a number of other chaotic events only the Little Tramp could stumble into. Winner of numerous movie achievement awards, "Modern Times" is regarded by film critics and film historians as a cinematic treasure.

Join film enthusiast, Greg Barry, for a special screening and post-viewing discussion of this film classic!

The film is approximately 1 hr. and 30 min.

Join Stephanie M. Hohlios, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Art History at Flagler College, for a screening of "Edo Avant Garde," a documentary that reveals the pivotal role Japanese artists of the Edo era (1603-1868) played in setting the stage for the "modern art" movement in the West. https://www.edoavantgarde.com/

Directed by Linda Hoaglund (Wings of Defeat, ANPO: Art X War, Things Left Behind, The Wound and The Gift), and filmed in 4K according to the artful vision of cinematographer Kasamatsu Norimichi (Japanese Academy Award winner 2014), "Edo Avant Garde" gives the viewer access to over two hundred works of art in museums and private collections across the U.S. and Japan. Situating such artworks in connection with everyday culture in Edo Japan (1603 – 1868)--Buddhist faith, shifting class dynamics, responses to the natural world, and the broader motivations of art patrons—this gorgeous film shows how and why new ways of making art developed in early modern Japan.. http://lhoaglund.com/biography

A discussion of the film, led by Dr. Hohlios, will occur immediately after the film screening.  The film is approximately 1 hour and 25 min.

This event is in partnership with the https://staugustinefilmsociety.com/ 

Location: Ringhaver Student Center, Gamache Theater, Flagler College
Doors open and check-in: 1:15-1:30
1:45-3:15: Film Screening
3:15-4:00: Discussion led by Dr. Hohlios
The Gamache Theater is on the 1st floor of Ringhaver Student Center

Registration is required. No walk-ins, please.
Participants must be 18+

Ringhaver Student Center, Gamache Theater, Flagler College 
Address: 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Flagler College Parking is not provided for this event. Please use public parking or make other arrangements. 

In 1780, John Adams, having been effectively kicked out of the French court, headed to Amsterdam, the financial capital of Europe, in search of money. He believed the revolutionary United States had grown too reliant on French financial aid, too dependent on an overbearing ally. For the next three years, Adams made friends with Dutch newspaper publishers and wrote a stream of articles that constructed a version of average Americans that made them look very much like average Dutchmen. Why?

Join historian Dr. Peter Veru for this fascinating, yet little known part of American history. Dr. Veru will discuss that Adams made this seemingly odd choice with a canny purpose in mind: selling America as a sound prospect to Dutch retail investors and the bankers who serviced their demand for securities. When the Dutch Republic finally recognized the United States as an independent nation in 1782, Adams’s articles became the marketing literature for his campaign to establish American credit on the public bond market and open a new era in both Dutch and American history: the start of a financial relationship that lasted well into the nineteenth century. 

Join us at the historic Markland House for this special event!

Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

6:30-7:00 p.m. wine and light appetizers
7:00-7:45 p.m. speaker
8:00 p.m. event ends

Flagler College parking is included with this event. Participants must be 21+.

Understanding urban tree can help ensure that your trees have healthy and long lives. Urban and suburban trees face unique challenges, such as air pollution, vehicle damage, and limited space, that require specific care. Join Flagler College Professor and Board Certified Master Arborist Florida, Dr. Don Spence, as he touches on topics that range from the right plant, right place concept, proper pruning, hiring a tree company, and understanding tree biology and health.

Tin Pan Alley was not so much a place in NYC but a slang term for the music business at the turn of the 20th Century (from 1880s -??). The history of music wouldn't be complete without looking at the fascinating years of Tin Pan Alley. What was it? Who was part of it? Tin Pan Alley music publishers provided America with popular songs for professional entertainers that were played on the parlor piano. The term later included the sale of gramophone records and radio broadcasts. But after World War Two the music business changed, the record producers moved to California, and the sale of sheet music was no longer big business.

Tin Pan Alley is a bit of American history during pivotal years of the US. Learn about the rise and fall of Tin Pan Alley and the songs and artists who made it so important. Be prepared to dive into the works of Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Kay Swift, Frank Loesser, Fats Waller, Cole Porter, Dorothy Fields, and others in relation to the historical and musical events that shaped the songs published by the Alley. An area has been preserved as a New York City landmark, with the street section officially co-named Tin Pan Alley to honor its history. Join Tom Hischak, Emeritus Professor of Performing Arts, State University of New York College at Cortland, for this fascinating piece of US history!

Join artist, Liz Monaco, for an introductory course to the art of wildlife illustration using colored pencils. In this engaging and hands-on course, be ready to explore techniques for capturing realistic textures, vibrant fur and feather details, and lifelike animal expressions. The course covers foundational skills such as layering, blending, and color theory, with a special focus on rendering natural habitats and wildlife anatomy. Participants work from photo references and live demonstrations, gradually building their own portfolio of animal portraits. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a supportive environment to deepen your artistic practice and appreciation for the natural world!

Click Here for Basic Supplies List

Are you a fan of “Prison Break,” “Orange Is the New Black,” and “The Shawshank Redemption"? Have you ever wondered how realistic those shows are in their portrayal of prison life? Prison is a stark reality for 1.9 million currently imprisoned Americans. The United States has the third highest incarceration rate in the world, and Florida has one of the highest incarceration rates in the nation. In this two-part seminar/day trip, join Flagler College criminology professor, Dr. Kelly Vannan, for a talk on the history and current state of Florida’s prisons. Dr. Vannan will be joined by local author, former inmate, and prison reform advocate Emmett Tatter, who will share his own experiences and insights from his time behind bars. The second part of this seminar will be a tour of Union Correctional Institution, a state prison in Raiford, Florida, that houses nearly 2,200 male inmates. Union provides all levels of security, from minimum to maximum, and has a variety of programs available to inmates. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about prisons, hear from a former prisoner, and visit a Florida State prison.

Please note, attendance at Dr. Vannan's talk with Emmett Tatter is required in order to participate in the prison tour. Also, participants will need to complete a background check. More information will be given closer to the tour date. Those who are not able to attend the talk and do not pass a background check will not be able to tour the prison.

The talk will be on Monday, March 23 from 5:30-7:00 PM at Pollard Hall.

The prison tour will be on Friday, March 27. The warden will give our group the time to be at the prison closer to the date. The tour will be approximately 1 hour. Please plan to drive to Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, FL. The specific meeting spot at the prison for our group will be provided closer to the date. Raiford, FL is approximately 1 hr. and 20 mins. from St. Augustine. The tour is limited to 20 participants.

There is no discount for this seminar/tour for members.

Are you interested in learning about Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR)? Maybe you're new to the area and haven't heard about this beautiful natural space or maybe you’re a long-time resident who hasn’t had a chance to explore the reserve. The GTMNERR is just one of 30 such reserves across the United States spanning from Alaska to Puerto Rico. The 75,761-acre boundary of conservation lands and waters runs from Ponte Vedra to Palm Coast and is home to some of the best fishing, boating, and beaches in Northeast Florida. About GTMNERR

Plan to join us at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) at Ponte Vedra Beach. Experienced GTMNERR volunteers, Mary and Jeff Finnan, will lead this on-site seminar/event. Learn about the essential role estuaries have as protectors of our environment, the reserve's history, and GTM’s research, education, and conservation roles. See the effects of oysters cleaning the water, browse the Exhibit Hall (at the Visitor Center) with interactive displays that introduce the area’s natural wonders, and learn about both the GTMNERR programs that are open to the public and what you can do to support the mission of GTM. 

Meet at the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center  
505 Guana River Road  
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082  

The Visitor Center is the first turn on the left after you have turned on to Guana River Road. Free parking at the Visitor Center.  

This seminar/event is FREE to Lifelong Learners, but registration is required. No walk-ins please. 

Are you interested in learning about Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR)? Maybe you're new to the area and haven't heard about this beautiful natural space or maybe you’re a long-time resident who hasn’t had a chance to explore the reserve. The GTMNERR is just one of 30 such reserves across the United States spanning from Alaska to Puerto Rico. The 75,761-acre boundary of conservation lands and waters runs from Ponte Vedra to Palm Coast and is home to some of the best fishing, boating, and beaches in Northeast Florida. About GTMNERR

Plan to join us at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) at Ponte Vedra Beach. Experienced GTMNERR volunteers, Mary and Jeff Finnan, will lead this on-site seminar/event. Learn about the essential role estuaries have as protectors of our environment, the reserve's history, and GTM’s research, education, and conservation roles. See the effects of oysters cleaning the water, browse the Exhibit Hall (at the Visitor Center) with interactive displays that introduce the area’s natural wonders, and learn about both the GTMNERR programs that are open to the public and what you can do to support the mission of GTM. 

Meet at the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center  
505 Guana River Road  
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082  

The Visitor Center is the first turn on the left after you have turned on to Guana River Road. Free parking at the Visitor Center.  

This seminar/event is FREE to Lifelong Learners, but registration is required. No walk-ins please. 

Experience the evolution of Florida’s military past at two historic forts- Fort Caroline and Fort Clinch! From the wooden palisades of the French and Spanish frontier, that were on the banks of the St. Johns River, to the brick bastions of the Civil War era, that were strategically located on the dunes of Amelia Island, be ready to trace the environmental and complex cultural forces that made Fort Caroline and Fort Clinch vital to centuries of exploration, conflict, and trade. Join Flagler College adjunct history professor, Justin Lawson, on this intriguing and history-drenched day trip! Sit back and relax as we travel by charter coach bus to Fort Caroline, Fort Clinch, and Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island! Talks by Justin Lawson and ranger-led tours bring each fort’s story to life. During the last 2 hours, enjoy free time to explore Fernandina Beach's historic district - grab a bite to eat, browse the shops or bask in the fresh ocean breeze on the beach. Spend the day with us and learn about these two important forts that were part of two distinct periods of US colonialization and history! Shelly Haser, director of Lifelong Learning, will be with the group during this day trip.

The charter bus departs Flagler College at 8:00 am and will return to Flagler College at approximately 5:00 pm. It is approximately 1 hr. from Flagler College to Fort Caroline and 1 hour from Fort Caroline to Fort Clinch/Fernandina Beach. The Fernandina Beach historic district is right next to Fort Clinch. The cost of this day trip includes the charter bus, Flagler College Parking pass, entrance fees to both forts, Justin Lawson's talk, and the ranger led tour. Participants should be prepared to stand or walk for about 2.5 hours total throughout the day trip. 

Websites:
Fort Clinch State Park
Fort Caroline National Park
Downtown Amelia Island

Calling all artists and art enthusiasts, take an adventure into the historic world of painting.

Come learn and explore who the original Impressionist were, what they said about painting, how they were received, and what changes this group made in the world of art. Bring the lessons of Impressionism to life by making your own paintings. Explore brush strokes. Explore color—how to see it, how to mix it, and how to use it. Find out what exploring space means in painting. Join artist Alex Whitney for this unique art course!

Supplies are not included.

SUPPLIES LIST
(Don’t bring supplies to the first class. We will discuss the supply list on the first night.)

Are you a new, aspiring, or experienced author ready to take control of your publishing journey? Whether you're working on your first novel, a nonfiction guide, or a children's book, this course equips you with the tools, strategies, and industry insights to successfully self-publish and sell your book!

You'll learn how to:

• Prepare and polish your manuscript for publication
• Choose the right publishing platforms (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, etc.)
• Design professional-quality book covers and interiors
• Navigate ISBNs, copyright, and legal considerations
• Price and distribute your book globally
• Build an author brand and marketing strategy
• Use social media, email lists, and promotions to grow your readership

 

You’ll have the confidence to launch your book into the world with professionalism and pride! This is the perfect course for writers exploring alternatives to traditional publishing and entrepreneurs and professionals looking to publish a book to grow their brand!

Based on the real life of Mary Evans Peavett, “A Walk With Maria” is based on the book, "Maria" (1980) by best-selling novelist, Eugenia Price. The book takes readers and enthusiasts along the streets and in the neighborhoods Maria travels in the 1700s. Even though the story is a work of historical fiction, Mary Evans was a real person, who along with her husband became one of the first British couples to take advantage of British ownership of FL and move to St. Augustine. Mary Evans became "Maria" in Price's book, the second of a trilogy involving St. Augustine.

Nicole Diehm, Head Librarian and Curator at the St. Augustine Historical Society, will share Mary's real life story and then lead the group on the walking route tour of the city drawn in 1764 by Thomas Jefferys. The tour will cover the events that took place at each location in the book, while detailing the history behind the fiction.

This seminar meets at the Oldest House for a quick synopsis of the book plot. The walking tour takes approximately 1.5 hours. Participants will be walking or standing for the duration of the tour. Join us for this unique seminar!

Meet at the Oldest House Museum Complex
Address: 271 Charlotte St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

There is limited parking at the Oldest House. There is paid street parking.

Based on the real life of Mary Evans Peavett, “A Walk With Maria” is based on the book, "Maria" (1980) by best-selling novelist, Eugenia Price. The book takes readers and enthusiasts along the streets and in the neighborhoods Maria travels in the 1700s. Even though the story is a work of historical fiction, Mary Evans was a real person, who along with her husband became one of the first British couples to take advantage of British ownership of FL and move to St. Augustine. Mary Evans became "Maria" in Price's book, the second of a trilogy involving St. Augustine.

Nicole Diehm, Head Librarian and Curator at the St. Augustine Historical Society, will share Mary's real life story and then lead the group on the walking route tour of the city drawn in 1764 by Thomas Jefferys. The tour will cover the events that took place at each location in the book, while detailing the history behind the fiction.

This seminar meets at the Oldest House for a quick synopsis of the book plot. The walking tour takes approximately 1.5 hours. Participants will be walking or standing for the duration of the tour. Join us for this unique seminar!

Meet at the Oldest House Museum Complex
Address: 271 Charlotte St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

There is limited parking at the Oldest House. There is paid street parking.

Dive into the fascinating world of Mexico's iconic spirits, exploring the rich tradition and diverse production methods of Tequila, Mezcal, and other authentic Agave spirits (Bacanora anyone!?). Come learn the nuances of different agave species and terroirs, moving through classifications like Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. Sample a curated flight of premium spirits, paired with traditional flavors to celebrate the craftsmanship behind this unique category. Join Dr. Zac Cole, professor and program director of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Flagler College, for a deeper appreciation of the complex journey from the agave plant to a world-class spirit. Relax and enjoy this special tasting seminar in the Historic Markland House!

Complimentary Flagler parking is included.
Participants must be 21+.
Doors open at 5:45 pm.

Join visiting German history professor, Dr. Helmut Flachenecker for a 2-part seminar on castles in Medieval Central Europe. Topics included are the importance of castles in relations to protection of a territory, expression of power, and the symbol of rulership, as well as the history of the castles in Central Europe from Roman times to the Middle Ages. A special focus will be on the density of castles in a specific region (Franconia Germany) and castles of the Teutonic Order in Prussia. What was the Castle-Romanticism in 19th-century in Germany? Come learn about these important and long standing structures which played a pivotal role in much of European history. Many castles are still standing today throughout Europe! This special 2-part seminar meets on T/TH March 24/25 from 5:30-7:30 pm in Pollard Hall.

Many believe there were at least three major influences that shaped present-day St. Augustine: Industrialist Henry Flagler, the tremendous growth of railroads, and three devastating fires. Learn about Henry Flagler’s vision that went beyond building two amazing hotels. He had creeks and part of the San Sebastian river filled in and mined the coquina stone on Anastasia Island. These changes to St. Augustine enticed wealthy visitors to his hotels who were part of the growing number of northerners that built large cottages so they could live in St. Augustine. Flagler also founded The Florida East Coast Railroad, which built the infrastructure needed to support the expanding train system that brought visitors and "snow birds" from northern states. Join Bob Nawrocki, retired Chief Librarian, St. Augustine Historical Society Research Library, for this captivating seminar as he discusses these major changes and how they impacted the growth and development of St. Augustine and the surrounding areas.
 

Join us for a captivating evening seminar delving into the rich history, culture, and geography of Portugal—experienced through its vibrant gastronomy. Through a curated selection of four exquisite Portuguese wines paired with an assortment of special cheeses and charcuterie, participants will explore the country’s diverse regional influences and global connections that have shaped its culinary heritage. Led by Flagler College history professor and Portuguese wine enthusiast, Dr. Nic Miller, this event combines historical insight with sensory delights. With Dr. Miller's experiences living in Portugal and ability to speak Portuguese, it's sure to be a memorable and educational evening! Set in the elegant and historic Markland House at Flagler College, this special seminar is back by popular demand and offers a unique opportunity to savor, learn, and unwind in a truly unique setting.

Participants must be 21+
Flagler College parking is included
Doors open: 5:45 p.m.
Event 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The Hague School denotes a group of artists that lived and worked in The Hague, Netherlands, from approximately 1860 to 1900. Influenced by the 17th century Dutch Golden Age and the French Barbizon School, these painters depicted landscapes and everyday life in a muted palette which captured the atmospheric conditions of the Netherlands. Some notable artists from the collection are Jozef Israëls, Anton Mauve, Jan Hendrik Weissenbruch, Hendrik Mesdag, and Jacob Maris.

This special seminar meets at Pollard Hall for a brief talk with the instructor and art collector, Don Robbins. Then the class will walk with him to his home for a private tour of his Hague School paintings (about a block from Pollard Hall); Don Robbins will talk about his research into the work, including stories about the artists’ lives, as well as his process for collecting the beautiful masterpieces—many are still in the original frames and virtually untouched.

The Hague School denotes a group of artists that lived and worked in The Hague, Netherlands, from approximately 1860 to 1900. Influenced by the 17th century Dutch Golden Age and the French Barbizon School, these painters depicted landscapes and everyday life in a muted palette which captured the atmospheric conditions of the Netherlands. Some notable artists from the collection are Jozef Israëls, Anton Mauve, Jan Hendrik Weissenbruch, Hendrik Mesdag, and Jacob Maris.

This special seminar meets at Pollard Hall for a brief talk with the instructor and art collector, Don Robbins. Then the class will walk with him to his home for a private tour of his Hague School paintings (about a block from Pollard Hall); Don Robbins will talk about his research into the work, including stories about the artists’ lives, as well as his process for collecting the beautiful masterpieces—many are still in the original frames and virtually untouched.

Founded in 1968, Flagler College celebrates almost 60 years of providing a rich, comprehensive liberal arts education with a heritage extending back more than 130 years! Come learn more about the College’s namesake, Henry Flagler, and how a hotel became a college. Who were the people who founded the college and what were the major events and turning points over the decades? Join us as Flagler College Professor Emeritus, Dr. Tom Graham, takes us on a journey through the remarkable history of Flagler College.

This seminar is part of the 2025-26 Lifelong Learning/St. Augustine Historical Society (SAHS) speaker series at Flagler College, Markland House.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
6:30-7:00 p.m. wine and light appetizers
7:00-7:45 p.m. speaker
8:00 p.m. event ends

Flagler College parking is included with this event. Participants must be 21+

Embark on a captivating journey through the diverse terroirs of South America's premier wine-producing nations, Argentina and Chile! Discover the bold, high-altitude character of Argentine Malbec and the unique herbal complexity of Chile's signature Carmenère.  Join Dr. Zac Cole, professor and program director of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Flagler College, as he guides you through a curated flight of wines, exploring how geography and climate shape the glass. Enjoy perfectly paired wines with regional flavors. Join us for a relaxing evening at the historic Markland House and appreciate the New World craftsmanship that has placed these wines firmly on the global stage.

Complimentary Flagler parking is included.
Participants must be 21+.
Doors open at 5:45 pm.

Join award-winning author Stephen Hundley for a special Lifelong Learning writing workshop weekend! The focus of this workshop is on memorable and accessible life writing and open to anyone, from beginners to advanced writers. The workshop is broken down into three sessions over two days.

Sat., April 25

• 7:45-8:00 AM - Check in Pollard Hall. Bagels, coffee, and fruit (included in registration fee)
• 8:00-11:30 AM - Life Writing Flash Forms: Where to Start 
  This session focuses on the uses of nonfiction narratives, what makes writing memorable, and the many shapes that these stories can take. Core ideas: Why We Write, Sensory Details, Lyric Verse, Epistolary Forms
• Lunch - 11:30-12:30 PM (buffet lunch in the Ponce dining hall - included with the registration fee)
• 12:30-3:00 PM - About Place: Making Setting Matter
  The afternoon session will discuss the role of setting in life writing and how to write places that feel sharp and alive. Core Ideas: Evocative Place Writing, Place as Form

Sun., April 26

• 10:00 AM-12:00 PM - Big Picture, Small Windows: Putting It All Together
  In the third and final session, be ready to practice creating stories in bursts and learn how to outline and plan a booklength, life writing project built from many short, manageable stories.
  Core Ideas: Using Flash Fiction Forms and Lyric Verse in Linked Narratives, Booklength Project Planning, Finding Your Story’s Center

 

The workshop ends at noon.

A Flagler College 2-day parking pass is included. This workshop is limited to 14 participants. Participants must be 18+. Join a community of writers for a special weekend! All sessions meet at Pollard Hall, Flagler College.

Stephen Hundley is the author of "Bomb Island" (Hub City Press, 2024), which won the bronze medal for Fiction in the 2024 Florida Book Awards, and "The Aliens Will Come to Georgia First" (University of North Georgia Press, 2023). His stories and poems have appeared in Prairie Schooner, Cream City Review, Carve, The Greensboro Review, and elsewhere. In fall 2025, Hundley was the Flagler College Storyteller in Residence. He spent the semester engaging students in creative writing, storytelling, and the craft of literature, and also connected with the community through a book reading and discussion on "Bomb Island" for Lifelong Learners.

Hundley holds an MA from Clemson, an MFA from the University of Mississippi, and a PhD in English from Florida State University. 

Embedded along the streets and in the towns arounds us are the echoes of victims’ voices, their stories waiting to be told. It is often easier to name a famous criminal than to recall the names of the victims, yet predators and prey are two sides of the same coin. We are intrigued by the macabre and in our quest to understand human behavior, it can be illuminating to explore the extreme end of the continuum, the one in which predators lurk. Yet, it is important to also consider the characteristics of the victims and context of the crime.

Join Flagler College Criminology professor, Dr. Kelly Vannan, for a deep dive into the study of crime, cold cases, and killers in and around Saint Johns County. Over this four-class series, be ready to discuss serial murders that happened around the region, including an infamous female serial killer, the I-95 Killer, and two unsolved murder cases that happened right here in Saint Augustine, 50 years apart. Are people born bad or made evil through circumstances? Are victims merely unlucky or is there more to it? Let’s investigate!

In what ways might your life serve as a model for others?

This course includes brief selections from the memoir genre to serve as guides for participants to craft memoir writing of their own. Memoir writing involves not only a journey through the past—the joys and tragedies, gains and losses, victories and failures—but also the writing tools of yesteryear.

As you craft your memoir, be ready to use “outdated” writing tools: pen, paper, and typewriter. Nostalgia, rather than being dismissed, will be embraced as a source of reflective creativity. Old ways of doing things will be revisited to conjure the memories of the past so that you can begin to put your own legacy on paper.

Join Flagler College Institute for Classical Education Director, Dr. Brad Rowe, in this unique writing course! This course meets two times a week for two weeks.

The Early, High and Late Renaissance in Italy was enriched with such artists as Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian and others. Spanning the 14th through the 17th centuries, the Renaissance was a great flourishing period for the arts which also witnessed the effects of Mannerism, and the dramatic works of the Baroque period with artists such as Caravaggio, Bernini, Velazquez, Peter Paul Rubens and other outstanding artists. Join artist, David Ouellette, for a fascinating look at the artists who where a part of the Renaissance and Baroque periods of history.

"One Hundred Years of Solitude" won the Nobel Prize for Gabriel García Márquez in 1982. It has been translated into almost 50 languages; about 50 million copies have been printed. It is one of the great books of the 20th century. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is the story of six generations of the Buendía Family and the village of Macondo, somewhere in northern Colombia in the 19th century, mostly. 

This course will be a book discussion including the concept of magical realism, which runs through the work. Numerous threads can be identified and followed, including the personalities of the various remarkable women in Macondo, religion and superstition, the influence of technology in the development of a community, the culture of excess and violence, biblical parallels, fascination with death, the seven cardinal sins, and the repetition of history. A particular focus will be on the cycle between time-life-death-no time and its continuing recurrence.

Participants are strongly encouraged to read this book (if they haven't done so) before the course or while taking the course in order to fully engage with the content and materials. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" in translation is widely available and can be downloaded from the internet free of charge. A study and reading guide will be available electronically.

Join literature enthusiast, Raymond Vergne, as he guides the class through "one of the best books you have ever read."

NOTE: There is no class on March 17. Flagler College is closed for spring break.

Develop or sharpen your drawing skills! This course is open to beginners and experienced folks alike and focuses on basic drawing techniques by concentrating on the elements of descriptive drawing through observation. Be prepared to develop the qualities of line and volume with a full range of values. The course will also cover linear perspective and compositional design. There will be regular critiques. Come join artist David Ouellette for this informative course!

NOTE: This class meets for 2 hours each week for 6 weeks.

Drawing I Materials and Supplies List

Urban sketching is all the rage, and St. Augustine is one of the most sketchable cities in the world! Whether you're an advanced sketcher, just starting, or somewhere in between, this course will guide you to enhance drawing and painting skills while recording life, our surroundings and special memories. Be ready to begin your own visual journal! Learn to put together a portable studio that can go anywhere in pocket or purse, then take to the streets to put skills into practice. The first class meets in Pollard Hall where you'll learn the foundations of sketching, techniques to approach the blank page, and to take a peek into some finished sketchbooks for inspiration. Then, for the next three classes, the group will meet at iconic locations around St. Augustine to sketch and perhaps add color to our on-the-spot sketches! Whether you are new to St. Augustine or have walked the Ancient City's streets for years, this will be a fun-filled space for creativity and connections!

Join Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) professor Jaime Howard, who is also a founding member of Urban Sketchers Jacksonville and the First Coast Plein Air Painters, on Page One of your sketchbook to begin a creative habit that will stay with you for life. Let’s go! The locations for classes 2, 3, and 4 will be shared by the instructor in class.

Click Here for Suggested Supplies

Urban sketching is all the rage, and St. Augustine is one of the most sketchable cities in the world! Whether you're an advanced sketcher, just starting, or somewhere in between, this course will guide you to enhance drawing and painting skills while recording life, our surroundings and special memories. Be ready to begin your own visual journal! Learn to put together a portable studio that can go anywhere in pocket or purse, then take to the streets to put skills into practice. The first class meets in Pollard Hall where you'll learn the foundations of sketching, techniques to approach the blank page, and to take a peek into some finished sketchbooks for inspiration. Then, for the next three classes, the group will meet at iconic locations around St. Augustine to sketch and perhaps add color to our on-the-spot sketches! Whether you are new to St. Augustine or have walked the Ancient City's streets for years, this will be a fun-filled space for creativity and connections!

Join Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) professor Jaime Howard, who is also a founding member of Urban Sketchers Jacksonville and the First Coast Plein Air Painters, on Page One of your sketchbook to begin a creative habit that will stay with you for life. Let’s go! The locations for classes 2, 3, and 4 will be shared by the instructor in class.

Click Here for Suggested Supplies

Are you ready to learn the ancient art of Tai Chi Chuan?

The Beginning Form First Third (B1) Tai Chi Chuan Series is designed for everyone. Regardless of previous knowledge and experience, you can learn the art and science of Tai Chi while meeting new friends, and refreshing the mind and bodies. This program will give an in depth understanding of the principles of Tai Chi so that you can practice for the rest of your life. Now is the perfect time to start and fall in love with this ancient art.

First third of the Cheng Man Ching short form.

Escape into the vivid world of pigments with our exclusive course on transparent watercolor techniques. Embrace the joy of painting as you learn to explore and understand the unique characteristics, possibilities, and limitations of the vibrant watercolor medium.

This course provides insight into the special papers, pigments, and brushes employed thus enriching your artwork and expanding your understanding. Regular critiques ensure your steady growth while immersive demonstrations breathe inspiration into your journey as an artist. The creative power of your brushstrokes will brighten your watercolors with the intrigue of transparency in landscape portrayal.

Students are responsible for their own supplies. Click the link below for a printable list.

Watercolor Materials and Supplies