Creative Arts   

OLLI students will have an opportunity to view an exhibit at Chico Art Center and write about the art. This class is for beginning writers as well as experienced ones. Jean Varda and Joan Goodreau, authors and OLLI members, will guide students through the art-to-writing process.

We'll visit museums, art galleries, and studios in the area and talk with curators and artists to learn more about the places and the work. Afterwards, we'll go to coffee houses or restaurants for no-host treats and conversation with group members.

This class is for people who know how to play the basic A to G chords on guitar, although class members may bring other stringed instruments to play, e.g. mandolin, bass, ukulele, banjo, harmonica, or squeeze box. Or sing along without an instrument! Songs and lyrics will be emailed each week, featuring artists like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Everly Brothers, The Drifters, and other favorites from the 1950s and 1960s.

California's location on the edge of the continent has led to unique trajectories for "superbly independent" women in general, and women artists in particular. This class will examine the histories of creative women in the state, many of them only newly "rediscovered." The focus will be on the cultural context in which these women confronted the Western modernist canon in painting as well as their pioneering work in photography and craft.

This multimedia seminar celebrates how vocal duos, trios and groups are able blend their voices to create unforgettable harmonies and performances. Genres and musical styles include: The Big Band & Swing Era, Jazz, Pop & Vocalese, Rock & Doo Wop, The California Sound, Latin American, Country & Western; Bluegrass, Folk & Folk Rock, and Motown.

This musical journey explores both well-known and lesser-known vocal groups, such as the Boswell Sisters, Andrew Sisters, Glenn Miller & the Modernaires, Tommy Dorsey & the Pied Pipers, Mills Brothers, Four Freshmen, Hi Lo’s, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Manhattan Transfer, Dion & the Belmonts, Frankie Lymon, Marcels, Everly Brothers, Beach Boys, Afro Cuban All Stars, Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys, Weavers, Kingston Trio, Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, CSN&Y, Supremes, Four Tops, Temptations and much more.

I'll share their backstories, musical influences, and reveal which other vocal groups they influenced. We'll listen to their recordings and watch classic video performances. The only prerequisite is a love of music and groups that brought us so many timeless recordings.

Want to watch some great and interesting movies? In this course we'll watch and discuss some of our favorites. Each meeting will feature a representative movie from a different genre.

Through lectures, videos, and discussions, we will consider what five artists – Georgia O'Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Faith Ringgold, Wayne Thiebaud, and Audrey Flack – expressed about life in America. Participants will receive emails with something to read, something to watch, and a discussion preparation exercise in advance of each class meeting.

This class will introduce participants to Prismacolor pencil use. These pencils have a wax base so it is good to know how to use and take care of them. The class will address what types of paper to use, basic procedures for color swatching, color blending strategies, layering colors, sharpening techniques, and preparing and working on a complete colored pencil drawing. Completed Prismacolor pencil drawings can look like paintings with a thoughtful approach, proper blending, and some patience.

Knitting with others is a wonderful learning environment. This class is designed to give knitters who have mastered the basic stitches of knit and purl a chance to work on a project of their choosing while we chat and share ideas online with other knitters. All levels of ability are welcome! Gale contributes to the class by offering tips and suggestions for patterns, yarn, and tools based on her years of knitting experience.

I would love to share this beautiful style of banjo playing with you. We'll start by learning how to tune and hold the banjo. Then we'll learn three or four simple chord shapes and how to play the "bum ditty." With a few left hand techniques, we'll be playing some gorgeous music. If you don't have a banjo or want more details, email Bill (Stillstrumming@gmail.com).

Each week we'll view a feature-length documentary or two shorter films. The films will generally feature a performer or composer, the impact of their environment on their music, and the impact of their music on other musicians and on society. Or the focus might be on a style of music from swing to country, jazz to rock. This is a class for the open-minded and intellectually curious because, paraphrasing Mick Jagger, you might not always hear what you like, but sometimes you just might like what you hear.

The Original Carter Family disbanded in 1943, but their music lived on. Mother Maybelle Carter, as she was now known, formed a new group: The Carter Sisters. They performed on the radio, joined The Grand Ole Opry, and brought old-time music up into the urban folk revival of the 1960s and 70s. We will continue to trace Carter family history and sing their songs. Musicians, bring your instruments, but you don't need to be a musician to participate. Interest and enthusiasm will suffice!

Reading poetry helps you to know things more fully; it commands your attention; and it can sustain good conversation. In this class, participants select poetry from favorite sources to read aloud with fellow enthusiasts.

Sing and/or play popular gospel songs. Bring your voice, guitar, violin, cello, harmonica, squeeze box, or other instrument and join a group of people singing and playing for fun. This is not meant to be religious. It's just a place to enjoy great music. Join us!

By looking at "great" buildings throughout history, we will learn about the principles of architecture; the importance of materials, technology, and patronage in the construction of a building; and how to look at architecture in general. Each week we will examine two or three important buildings and the role innovation plays in architecture.

This class is designed for anyone interested in the intersection of art, science, and medicine. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the human eye, including its anatomy, physiology, and the most common ophthalmic diseases and treatments. We will also explore the fascinating field of neuroasthetics, which focuses on the study of how the brain perceives and processes beauty, art, and aesthetics.

Start your Tuesday with music and songs. Join us in a fun, informal weekly sing-along. Bring your voices and/or musical instruments. The operative word is "fun." If you like music, you will like this class. All levels welcome!

Grab your sketchbook and assorted art materials! The goal of this class is to complete a piece of art each week during class time. For each session we will look at a photo, video clip, or artwork, briefly discuss it, and then create our own piece. Prior to each session, specific art materials that will be used by the instructor for that week will be shared. Participants are welcome to follow along with the instructor or take off in a direction of their own.

The Writer's Workshop serves a community of writers interested in sharing their writing and responding to other writers' work. We will focus on fiction, memoir, creative non-fiction, poetry, travel writing, stories for children, and other types of writing. Following a workshop format, this class will be an opportunity for students to receive feedback for their written work and provide meaningful support to fellow writers.

Learn to write a short 10- to 20-minute play. We will cover the basics of playwriting, including format, structure, character, conflict, and dialogue. This is a workshop-style class in which we discuss concepts and techniques, share what we have written, and write short exercises to develop skills. Prompts will be offered to stimulate your ideas. There will be an opportunity for some of the plays to be performed in the annual OLLI Play Festival.