Fine Arts/Literature   

Hemingway is a master of the short story, and during this class we will read and discuss some of them. The instructor has his favorites, for example, “Hills Like White Elephants” and “A Clean, Well-Lighted a Place,” but please inform the instructor if you have stories you would like to include. You will receive copies of the stories; a $5 copy fee will be added to your registration to cover the cost.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" may well be, or at least is a contender for, The Great American Novel. The iconic image of roughneck Jimmy Gatz, aka Oxford-educated Jay Gatsby, stretching his arms toward the green light on the other side of Manhasset Bay, has haunted us for more than a century. If you'll take down your dog-eared copy of the novel and read it before our term begins, we'll have an intense discussion about it during our first class period. Thereafter, during our remaining three periods, we'll watch the cinematic versions from 1949, 1974, and 2012, noting the strengths and demerits of each film, and perhaps come to a consensus (or close, anyway) about which version stands most true to Fitzgerald's story. Each student should have a copy of "The Great Gatsby." Any edition will do. Viewer discretion advised.

The objective will be to explore four different mediums in four different styles: landscape, portrait, floral and still life. Students will learn about acrylics, watercolor, chalk pastels, and pencil and/or markers. This introductory class will allow the student to step into their very own creative self. A $5 fee to cover the cost of supplies will be added to your shopping cart when you register. 

Embark on a journey of discovery! This class explores the great guitarists and their musical contributions to jazz music in America. From Swing to the Great American Songbook to the "cool" of Blue Note and Verve to more "modern artists," we will dive deep into the lives and music of the immortals of jazz guitar. We'll delve into artist biographies, listen to musical examples, see demonstrations of guitar techniques, and learn about the analysis of styles and improvisational methods. Students will be exposed to some of the best music to come out of the jazz idioms and gain a deeper understanding of that music and the lives of these great musicians. A knowledge of music is not a prerequisite, but curiosity and the love of learning and discovering certainly is. Come join the instructor on this ride of learning about true musical and guitar genius!

Alice Munro's stories are wonderful to read and discuss, and the perfect focus for a short (three-week) summer course. These stories will stay with you long after the summer is over: find out why this Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author is so loved. Please borrow or purchase the book by Alice Munro "Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage: Stories" (Vintage Press).

Our imagination is the source of creativity, fantasy and art. It enriches our daily lives and propels our curiosity. We will explore our individual experiences of make-believe and wishes, hopes and aspirations. Stories, music and movies will provide material as will memories and plans for the future.

Remember when you had fun drawing as a child but never got past the fifth grade learning new drawing skills? Perhaps you stopped altogether yet continued to love art. What if you could go back and learn some new drawing skills from a fun, structural approach? We'll cover topics of line, shape, value, perspective and composition and learn how to "see" to draw. Join this opportunity to enjoy creating art again by learning from an award-winning art teacher. This class is for all who want to enjoy art! You will learn by doing and will have fun assignments to discuss in a classroom setting. A simple supply list of materials you will need will be included on your registration receipt. Note: If you took this class in the fall or spring term, you may also register for this term if you would like a refresher. 

Practice your watercolor skills with summer scenes from the Upstate. Students may submit one to two photographic images to be considered for painting subjects. Several days prior to class, the image for the week will be sent by email for the students to print and transfer to watercolor paper prior to class. Please bring the printed image to class. Painting steps will be demonstrated using traditional palette colors on watercolor paper, usually 11"x15”. The sizes of the watercolor brushes should be scaled to the size of the paper. Please note: this is NOT a beginning watercolor class; previous experience with watercolor techniques, such as graduated washes, glazing and lifting, is required. Summer 2026 Supply List