Visual Arts   

We will study and discuss selected photographers whose primary work dates from 1925 to 1960. Photographers will include Dorothea Lange (1895-1965), Margaret Bourke-White (1904-1971), Berenice Abbott (1898-1991) and more. Note: Participants do not need to have taken other courses in the series to enjoy this one.

Beyond beautiful flower arrangements, ikebana (“giving life to flowers”) is a contemplative practice firmly rooted in Japanese culture, aesthetics and the philosophies of wabi sabi, simplicity, understated elegance and living harmoniously with nature. We will practice this graceful, ephemeral art by creating arrangements from simple miniatures to table centerpieces for the holidays including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year. Prerequisites: Participants must be able to use garden scissors to clip flowers and small branches. Materials: Garden scissors and large Japanese kenzan (flower frog). Materials fee (payable to instructor): $30 for fresh flowers and other shared materials.

Are you afraid of adding beads to your needlepoint, counted cross-stitch, quilting or other craft projects? We will create a sampler with different stitches using beads and learn different beading techniques that can be applied to any craft project. Prerequisites: Participants should be able to handle needles and thread, maintain tension and read a chart. Required textbook: Bead Embroidery, The Complete Guide: Bring New Dimension to Classic Needlework by Jane Davis (2005), ISBN: 978-0873498883. Materials (depends on participant’s project): 12" × 12" needlepoint canvas, Aida cloth for counted cross-stitch or quilting cotton. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $5 for shared beads and threads.

The Eternal City’s sculptures and monuments often record the political triumphs of its victorious rulers, mythological tales and sacred religious themes. We will explore the many art museums, archeological sites, churches, palaces and fountains throughout Rome, focusing on the chronological development of classical and religious art and architecture from antiquity down to the unification of Italy in the 19th century.

We will learn about the history of black-and-white photography and will gain skills to produce images for printing. We will tune our photographic eye to B&W, capture images suited to convert from color, explore post-processing apps and techniques, and learn how to use them. Class time will include lecture, discussion and hands-on processing, with homework to complete between classes. Materials: Digital SLR or mirrorless camera and laptop computer with applications including Lightroom, Photoshop, iPhoto (optional) and NIK.

Mosaic is a slip-stitch and colorwork knitting technique that creates patterns using one color at a time. We will begin by learning and practicing mosaic knitting, then we will choose a project to knit in class. Prerequisites: Participants should have basic knitting skills (knit, purl, cast-on/-off) and be able to read and follow a pattern. Materials: Needles and yarn; size, amount and cost will depend on each participant’s chosen pattern.

We will delve into color theory, from paint-mixing and color interaction to the cultural and emotional significance of color. We will explore color temperature, saturation and value, and how they can be used to create depth, contrast and meaning. Hands-on exercises will include gouache paint and Josef Albers' experiments with colored paper. This course is for everyone, whether you are simply curious about color or want to dive deeper into color use in your own art. Materials: The instructor will email a detailed materials list to participants before the first class; approximate cost (if buying new): $35.

Ekphrastic poems are vivid, imaginative descriptions or interpretations of visual art—such as paintings, sculptures or photographs—that amplify, analyze or reimagine its meaning. These poems often explore a personal experience with the artwork and allow the writer to converse with, interrogate or bring life to static scenes. We will discuss, compose and share ekphrastic poems, and have fun in the process. Prerequisites: Experience with poetry- or prose-writing is helpful but not necessary.

Ekphrastic poems are vivid, imaginative descriptions or interpretations of visual art—such as paintings, sculptures or photographs—that amplify, analyze or reimagine its meaning. These poems often explore a personal experience with the artwork and allow the writer to converse with, interrogate or bring life to static scenes. We will discuss, compose and share ekphrastic poems, and have fun in the process. Prerequisites: Experience with poetry- or prose-writing is helpful but not necessary.

Through slide presentations, videos and a hands-on stitching project, we will study these two related Japanese textile practices including their humble and utilitarian roots, their cultural and geographical origins and how they continue to evolve today. We will meet practitioners past and present, discuss how folk practices adapt to meet current needs and circumstances, and see how new generations adapt past traditions. Prerequisites: Participants should be able to do a running stitch. Materials: Embroidery snips. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $65 for consumable materials and shared supplies.

Creating a sketchbook journal during our travels can capture the experience in a far richer way than a phone full of snapshots or a few t-shirts! By sketching and describing objects, plants, buildings and people we meet, we create deeper memories and help us to really see where we are. We will learn what and how to sketch simple elements of natural and urban landscapes and people. Prerequisites: An interest in travel, journaling and drawing/sketching plus some experience with graphic arts are helpful but not necessary. Materials: The instructor will provide a list of suggested materials to registered participants and discuss at the first class.