The Japanese aesthetic can look alien to Western eyes if we do not have an understanding of the culture that created it. In this class we will learn about Japanese history and how it has impacted the culture and specifically the visual arts. As we look at objects we will start to appreciate the beauty of transience and imperfection. The final class we will discuss The Way of Tea, and we will create a Zoom version of a tea ceremony experience .

Using Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky's Favorite Poem Project as a blueprint, class participants will be asked to share, and to comment on, one or two published poems. The focus will be on the natural world-poems that contemplate trees, mountains, rocks, streams, birds, poems that, like Mary Oliver's poem, "When I am among the trees," bring gladness. We will talk about why the poem is a favorite, and how the poet's use of language and choice of construction has contributed to its appeal. In addition, given the difficult time we have been experiencing, would you bring a poem that has brought you pleasure during these past months.

When Jim Whyte settled outside the slate mining town of Monson, Maine in 1895, people hardly knew what to make of him. Almost 130 years later, we still don't. A world traveler who spoke six languages fluently, Whyte came to town with sacks full of money and a fierce desire to keep to himself. It was clear that Whyte was hiding from something - enough to make even the FBI eventually come looking (twice!). But even the Feds couldn't imagine how Whyte, who lost every penny he had when WWI broke out, amassed another fortune before he died. Based on the true story, Hermit follows one man's quest to discover all he can about Whyte's secret life before it was too late. Jeffrey Ryan will discuss how he researched the story of Jim Whyte and how he went about creating his enormously popular coming of age tale that evokes 20th century imagery of the Maine woods and rural life as it then existed.

This workshop is designed to introduce the concept of "legacy letters" and to encourage participants to craft their own legacy document. A legacy letter (also called an "ethical will") is a written document that allows people to share their life lessons, express their values and transmit their blessings to future generations. Writing a legacy letter is a rewarding experience that creates an enduring gift for children, grandchildren and other loved ones. The workshop includes discussion and brief writing exercises to help participants examine their life histories, explore their values and capture important insights. It offers advice, encouragement and a model structure to help participants draft and complete a legacy document that can be shared with family and friends.