Visual Arts   

More than just beautiful flower arrangements, ikebana (“giving life to flowers”) is a contemplative practice firmly rooted in Japanese culture, aesthetics and philosophies of wabi sabi, simplicity, understated elegance and living harmoniously with nature. We will explore and practice the current expression of this graceful, ephemeral art by creating basic arrangements from simple miniatures to complex centerpieces and freestyle arrangements that can be reproduced and admired at home. Prerequisites: Participants must be able to use garden scissors to clip flowers and small branches and to carry flower containers with water. Note: As this is a progressive course that builds on knowledge gained in each class, participants should only sign up if they can attend all classes. Materials: Garden scissors, round container and Japanese kenzan (flower frog); cost varies if buying new. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $25 for fresh plant materials and other shared supplies.

Bargello is a form of needlepoint that consists of straight stitches in a mathematical pattern to create motifs. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, we will learn Bargello stitches and design our own canvas for 10-12 stitches. Prerequisites: Participants should be intermediate stitchers who have taken a basic needlepoint course, be able to read/follow a pattern and be able to see the canvas. Materials: 12” ruler, #2 pencil and small scissors (required); magnifying/reading glasses (optional). Materials fee (payable to instructor): $30 for shared materials.

We will explore how to use the camera on your iPhone. We will cover basic operations, editing and sharing. Prerequisites: As course material is progressive, participants should plan to attend all classes. Materials: Apple iPhone; participants must bring their iPhone to class and know their Apple ID and the associated password.

We will learn the basics of knitting including knit and purl stitches, simple increases (yarn over) and decreases (knit two together), how to cast on and bind off, and more! We will use these basics to make a scarf so that you can gain confidence undertaking projects up to the intermediate level on your own. Prerequisites: Participants should be able to read and follow instructions. Materials: Knitting needles (size 7), knitting gauge/needle size ruler, 3 oz. Lion Brand Wool-Ease (or equivalent) and project bag. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $20 for practice needles, yarn, tool kit and notebook with instructional handouts and patterns.

Dazzle needlepoint designs incorporate vibrant, contrasting colors and patterns, often with a bold and eye-catching aesthetic. We will work on a geometric design with multiple crossed, woven and laid stitches in 10 colorways. Prerequisites: Participants should be intermediate stitchers who can read/follow a pattern and have taken previous courses on needlepoint. Materials: A detailed list will be emailed to participants; approximate cost: $35 if buying new.

We will explore the beginnings of architecture from prehistory through ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. We will examine key sites and buildings not only as architectural objects but also as expressions of artistic thought and theory that reflect the social collectives that created them.

We will explore a different knitting technique each day including one-row pattern, mosaic, mitred squares, brioche and entrelac. We will introduce the technique, practice it and discuss other ways to use it in a project or pattern. Prerequisites: This course is not for beginners; participants should have basic knitting skills including knit, purl and cast on/off, and be able to read and follow patterns. Materials: Needles and yarn according to individual preference; materials will be discussed at the first class.

What is your personal experience when looking at art? Do you feel energized, inspired, curious, confused or even frustrated? We each have a different experience with art, and you do not have to be an art historian or have a guide to enjoy what you see. In this highly participatory course, we will learn to slow down, trust our eyes and reactions, use our knowledge and experiences to inform understanding, and work together as a small group to make meaning of one artwork each week. Prerequisites: Participants do not need to have taken other courses in this series to enjoy part 3. Required textbook (read before first class): All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me by Patrick Bringley (2024), ISBN: 978-1982163310.