Fine Arts/Literature   

Please join the instructor to read and discuss a novel he loves, "Bewilderment," a profoundly moving story of the relationship between a grieving widower and his troubled nine-year-old son. In addition to the book's emotional power, there's also delight in a naturalist's fascination with the plants and animals in the world around us and an astrobiologist's wonder with the stars and planets above. If we can find the movie, we'll watch it. If we can manage an invitation to the Planetarium, we'll go there. But most of our time will be spent exploring the beauty and mystery of Richard Powers' imagination.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

The instructor/author will review the Revolutionary War biography, "George Washington's One-Man Army: The Life, Legend, and Battles of Peter Francisco." The presentation will address the abduction from the Azores, indenture to Patrick Henry's uncle, securing of freedom, fighting, and postwar life of Peter Francisco also known as the One-Man Army and the Virginia Giant. As a six-foot six-inch, 260-pound teenager, Peter was a super-sized child soldier who fought in 10 engagements, received six gruesome wounds, and dispatched over 20 enemy soldiers...mostly by the bayonet and a six-foot broad sword commissioned for him by Washington. 

This is a one-hour class that meets for four weeks.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

 

In this class, students will create two paintings over the course of four classes: one still life and one landscape. Instruction will cover composition, color and techniques. We will work from photo images. Students will be responsible for their supplies. This is a beginner / intermediate class.  Supply List  A $10 instructor fee will be added to your registration fee to cover the cost of the artist instructor. 

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Four classics, all of them enshrined on the National Film Registry. Our Western is a jaw-dropping epic filmed in widescreen(!!) and starring an American icon. Our Romantic Comedy is an elegant, insouciant Art Deco bonbon set in Venice and Paris. Our Musical is elegant, insouciant, and set in Paris as well, introducing several cornerstones of the Great American Songbook. And Our Drama, wrenching and unsparing, still remains the finest study of midlife's vicissitudes ever put on film. Viewer advisory, however: these films are so good that you may swoon. The instructor will bring you back by waving a muffin under your nose. A $5 fee will be added to your registration to cover to cost of muffin ingredients.

This is a two-hour class and some films may run a bit over.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

 

Participation in this class requires completion of Kay Stricklin's basic level Dream Class. As experienced dreamers we all know the value and necessity of keeping a dream journal. Most of us have developed a habit of recording our dreams. Now let’s take the process to a higher level. We will explore some famous dream journals. We will try out some new technics and styles and propel our dreams to new heights. Plus it’s just fun.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

 

What did the Dutch bring to New Amsterdam—and what traces of that culture remain in America today? This course pairs Russell Shorto's "The Island at the Center of the World" with paintings of the Dutch Golden Age. We will explore commerce, individualism, domestic life, religious tolerance, civic life, and the natural world while also considering the contradictions of Dutch colonialism, including the displacement of Indigenous peoples and slavery.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Plumbing the depths of biblical narratives, this course sheds light on the many ways of understanding key aspects of the Bible. Like an onion, there are many layers to our tales and traditions to be revealed. Many of these interpretations are mystical in nature and fill in the gaps not clearly addressed by a simple review of the Bible. Such investigations can help Christian devotees understand Jesus' many parables and views that are present in the New Testament. Please purchase or borrow the book "Hammer on the Rock" by Nahum N. Glatzer. A $5 copy fee will be added to your cart for copies of handouts. 

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

January is the time of deep darkness, long nights and colder weather. Throughout our northern hemisphere, for millennia this is a time of festivals of lights. Rituals that call light into the darkness to provide safety, hope and renewal. In modern times, this is more symbolic than necessary, but it is still powerful spiritually. In this class, we will examine ancient practices and myths of light and winter. Then we will explore how these are translated into modern traditions and habits. We will look at our personal responses to the season of darkness and the power of light.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

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 a previous term, you may also register for this term if you would like a refresher. 

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

 

"Far from the Madding Crowd" was Hardy's first commercial success and remains one of his best-loved novels. Published in 1874, it is the story of memorable characters set against the backdrop of rural traditions and landscape—all the features Hardy made his own and which make this novel the perfect winter read for you!

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

Come along for a discovery journey into Contemporary "Smooth" Jazz! The genre is a mixture of jazz, blues and rock idioms sprinkled with a little Latin spice featuring superb contemporary guitarists exploring and creating new avenues in the genre. You will experience 8-10 artists that will cover the 50 years of Smooth Jazz, many of which shaped the musical nature of contemporary music. Biographies, discographies, listening and demonstrations will be par for the course. As always, a music background is not necessary, but a curious mind and ears are a prerequisite. Come join us as we dig deep into Contemporary "Smooth" Jazz.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

You're about to enter another dimension where television became more than entertainment — it became a mirror to society’s hopes, fears, and moral dilemmas. In this four-week journey, we’ll explore The Twilight Zone (1959 -1964), Rod Serling’s groundbreaking anthology series that blended science fiction, fantasy, and social commentary into unforgettable half-hour stories. Through carefully selected classic episodes, you’ll uncover how the show challenged censorship, confronted prejudice, and reflected the anxieties of its era — all while delivering twist endings that still resonate today. "There's the signpost up ahead. The next stop: The Twilight Zone!"

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.  

 

We will read and discuss The Merchant of Venice and watch together the Al Pacino, Joseph Fiennes, Lynn Collins, and Jeremy Irons movie version of the play. Robust discussions are encouraged. Please bring a copy of the play. Any edition will do. Note: viewer discretion is advised; the film adaptation of the play is rated R and contains mature themes and content.

This is a two-hour class.

If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are 3 possible reasons. 1) Registration has not opened yet. Registration begins for Annual Members November 17 and for Friends November 19 at 9 a.m. 2) You are not logged in (Click Sign-In). 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership.