Arts: Visual Arts   

Holding on to the remains of the dead may seem creepy, and it is often even illegal in the US. This course will address many of the cultures and belief systems that find it important to preserve the remains or possessions of ancestors and/or religious leaders, in other words, relics. To present, protect, or preserve their relics, these cultures have created (and continue to create) special containers known as reliquaries, which are often considered works of art by outsiders. We will look at sub-Saharan Africa, Buddhist Asia, and the broad Christian world, not limited to Catholic Europe. In each case, we will consider how museum practices often conflict with the intentions and cultures that created the reliquaries. The course will conclude with a look at how contemporary artists have used the notion of the reliquary, featuring Al Farrow’s reliquaries that wowed visitors to SOU’s Schneider Museum of Art this winter. In each class session, there will be time reserved for questions.

NOTE: There is no class on Monday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

This course is designed for students who are familiar with quilting basics (advanced beginner/intermediate quilters). Students will complete a throw-sized quilt top. Participants will learn the quilting history of the Drunkard's Path block, tips for choosing fabrics, and design principles. They will also be taught how to cut and sew curved quilt pieces. Students should be knowledgeable about and own a rotary cutter and cutting mat. They are also required to bring their own sewing machine and to be familiar with its use. The instructor will provide some cutting tools and irons. A complete supply list will be provided at the first session with options for purchasing those items.

NOTE: Students will be required to purchase the "Lime and Soda" quilt pattern ($10.00), a set of 8 1/2" Drunkard's Path acrylic templates (about $24.00), and fabric ($50-$100).

Are you an avid mobile photographer with a story to tell? All those pictures languishing in your iPhone deserve more than a one-time share on social media. Why not curate some of them, wrap them in a simple story, and turn them into a visually rich eBook you can publish and distribute through the Apple Bookstore for the people who matter most to you: your family, friends, colleagues…and maybe a wider audience? If class participants have an Apple iPhone and an iPad Pro and are ready to learn some simple chops, this class will equip them to use simple IOS tools to turn an album of their photos, some short text (and even some sound clips, if they like) into a beautiful eBook portfolio they can publish and distribute through the Apple Bookstore. The instructor will guide participants through the ins and outs of using two Apple-based apps that make it easier than one might think to collect photos and words into beautiful page layouts using just an iPhone and iPad.

NOTE: Participants need a late-model iPhone (11,12,13,14, or 15) and an iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th generation) to make good use of this course. If they also use a Macintosh computer, that will be helpful, but the course will focus on the use of the iPhone and iPad Pro. Earlier models of iPhones or iPad or iPad Air will NOT work for this course.

Creativity is a trait with deep genetic roots; artistic potential is in our genes! Yet for a range of reasons, many people have never seriously engaged in creating visual art. This course is for those people. In a safe and supportive environment, participants will dig deep for their artistic roots. The goal is to plant seeds in virgin artistic soil. The only requirement is to have had little or no visual arts training and a willingness to challenge deeply embedded habits of mind about art making and what makes it meaningful. In each of the six sessions, participants will engage in simple but intriguing visual art experiences. Then, through short lecture, small group activity, and guided discussion, previously closed doors will crack open and let in some light. What this class will NOT do is teach technique (not yet), teach critique (not useful yet), or reinforce absolutes (not necessary). Finally, for highest student satisfaction, arranging to attend all sessions is highly recommended.

NOTE: Students will be asked to bring simple supplies: a pencil or two, an eraser, any pen with which you like to write, a pair of scissors, and a glue stick. For the last class, students will need a sheet of decorative wrapping paper.

If you’re itching to get into quilting but don’t know how to sew, this is the course for you! Students will go home with a basic understanding of how to use a sewing machine and a baby-sized rag quilt. Class members can either supply their own fabric or use some of mine, but fair warning: mine is gorilla-themed and students might prefer something different. Students will also need to beg, borrow, or steal a sewing machine to bring to class. The instructor will provide thread, bobbins, pins/clips, and seam rippers. The class is scheduled to meet for six sessions, with the first session dedicated to getting started with tasks such as how to thread a sewing machine, put the bobbin in, and so on. Those who are speedy and/or have prior sewing experience may be able to get done in four class sessions. The class is structured to accommodate faster quilters, but long live the tortoise!

NOTE: Registered students will receive information about fabric in a pre-course email.

Studying Van Gogh's life and art is like embarking on a journey through vibrant fields of sunflowers, swirling night skies, and deeply expressive portraits. Delving into his life reveals a tumultuous yet passionate soul, while analyzing his art unveils a mastery of color, texture, and emotion. Exploring Van Gogh's work is an exploration into the human condition. In this course, students will have an opportunity to learn about his life and art through lectures and discussion. Clear instructions will be given for each week’s in-class project. During each session, students will have the opportunity to create their own interpretations of Van Gogh’s style. The three sessions will focus on “Sunflowers,” “Starry Night,” and finally, a portrait in the impressionist’s style. Students’ art will be shared and discussed at the end of each class. Watercolor paper, paints and brushes will be supplied. This course is open to all levels of ability.

NOTE: A small donation for supplies would be welcomed, but is not required. There are two in-person sections of this course offered, both on Wednesdays. The first starts the first week of the term; the second starts the second week of October. Please register for one of two.