Arts   

Join Founding Director Megan Elliott, along with faculty and students, at the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts as they prepare for their annual Spring Open Studios. We will get a sneak peek at some of the projects they will be presenting and will have an opportunity to speak with the creators. After the class, stay for an evening of exploration and experimentation, and tour the Open Studios from 5-7 p.m. Examples of projects may include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, interactive video, projection mapping and immersive experiences.

“Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)” is an opera buffa in two acts composed by Gioachino Rossini with an Italian libretto by Cesare Sterbini. Rossini’s Barber of Seville is considered to be one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music and has been described as the opera buffa of all “opere buffe.” After two centuries, it remains a popular work. We will listen to and discuss the history of this opera; its structure, information about the composer’s sources, and different musical elements which are characteristic of this opera. Other information will be shared to define additional contributions to the opera genre.

Dance Fitness is perfect for older adults who want to add some movement to their lives but would like to adapt the easy-to-follow choreography to their own fitness levels. You will be encouraged to do what works for you and will be shown options for raising and lowering the intensity. In the process, you’ll move to great show tunes, standards and world music while improving your balance, brain function and cardiovascular endurance. Wear comfy clothing and come prepared to move. And yes, you can dance in a chair.

Gain greater proficiency in digital photography while using an advanced amateur camera (adjustable), mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) or digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Learn the fundamentals as you practice with your own personal camera. Basic principles of photography will be reviewed and then more sophisticated digital camera operations, such as controls, function and purpose, lighting, composition, hardware options and software will be discussed.

The ukulele is an easy instrument to learn. Have fun singing, strumming, and learning with fellow OLLI members. Learning a new instrument keeps the brain sharp, and fingering the ukulele helps arthritic hands. You don’t have to know how to read music to take this class. Any standard "C tuning" ukulele may be used. It is helpful if members bring their own ukulele and music stand; and, members may check out a beginner ukulele from any public library in advance.

Register for the performance in the company of fellow OLLI members in a reserved section of the theatre or attend the production at a different time that works with your schedule by purchasing a ticket on your own. The same OLLI discount on ticket prices applies either way you attend.

Learn about two highly regarded German visual artists: Gerhard Richter (b. 1932 - ), in a fictionalized treatment of his life and career, and Anselm Kiefer (b. 1945 - ), in a documentary. The first film is “Never Look Away,” 188 minutes, by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, the other is “Anselm,” 93 minutes, by Wim Wenders. We will explore and discuss trends and works by several German visual artists, looking at works from both East and West Germany, and also reference works throughout the 20th into the 21st century. Discover how art is embedded within a given culture and has clear connections to political and social history.

Get acquainted with the medium of clay. Explore hand-built ceramics from a functional and sculptural point of view while building and carving mugs and plant pots. Discover ceramic hand-building basics and observe demonstrations and examples. Some standing is required while working with projects.

Even if you didn’t attend Part 1, join us for Part 2, and continue to explore the ways that music, specifically choral music, has been composed and used to build a variety of communities—that of the composer within his/her creative cohort; of the performers; of audiences; and of scholars and commentators, past, present, and future.  We will focus especially on the concept of “community” in the framework of the arts, and how community is built by artists. We will consider six such artists, living in the ages of “Enlightenment and Brotherhood” (18th and early 19th centuries), and “Romanticism” (later 19th century): Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, and Johannes Brahms. Their use of the choir had some things in common, but also interesting differences resulting from their individual artistic, narrative, and expressive intentions.

Even if you didn’t attend Part 1, join us for Part 2, and continue to explore the ways that music, specifically choral music, has been composed and used to build a variety of communities—that of the composer within his/her creative cohort; of the performers; of audiences; and of scholars and commentators, past, present, and future.  We will focus especially on the concept of “community” in the framework of the arts, and how community is built by artists. We will consider six such artists, living in the ages of “Enlightenment and Brotherhood” (18th and early 19th centuries), and “Romanticism” (later 19th century): Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, and Johannes Brahms. Their use of the choir had some things in common, but also interesting differences resulting from their individual artistic, narrative, and expressive intentions.

Do you have a Mac computer or an iPhone, or an Apple Watch… or, even a Home Pod? From editing photos to word processing to spreadsheets to turning on and off the lights in your home, these incredibly high-tech devices can be both easy to use and fun. We will touch on some of the more useful features of Apple’s amazing products, as well as demonstrate some practical features and apps to help make your life a bit easier. This course will cover Apple devices and products only.