Arts & Humanities   

In June 2022, about eight months after Stephen Sondheim’s death, Ben Brantley of The New York Times “wearily” attended yet another revival of Into the Woods and noted that it was as though the audience “had been transformed into trembling pilgrims gathered at a sacred meeting spot—sighing, gasping, sobbing.” Brantley then reflected on the fact that by that time, audiences everywhere were deifying Sondheim, even though, over the course of his seven-decade career, the composer was often misunderstood, and many of his shows had failed financially. In an era when Broadway was dominated by musicals such as Hair and Godspell, Sondheim made his entrance with the groundbreaking “concept” musical Company, and each new project marked a radical departure from the last, often puzzling audiences accustomed to more traditional fare like Annie and Oliver. This course examines some of Sondheim’s most iconic works, including shows like A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, and many others, and explores the innovative craftsmanship he brought to his art.

Here are two titles – a quirky coupling of topics that seemingly have no relation to each other. The first refers to the Atomic Bomb that ushered in an age of nuclear anxiety and existential angst. The second relates to Disneyland, that “Utopian” experiment that could serve as a tonic and retreat from life's troubles. You might be wondering how a bomb and an amusement park could have any connection to religion? We shall see, if you wish to go where few have gone before.

Join stand-up comedian and educator, Stuart Preston for a lecture that dives into humor over the years. We will explore the evolution of comedy from ancient Greek satire and medieval jesters to Shakespearean wit and today’s viral memes. This talk reveals how humor reflects culture, challenges norms, and connects us across generations. Perfect for comedy lovers and history buffs alike!

Join Al Dart, a registered professional archeologist, to learn about Native American ceramic styles that characterized specific eras in the US Southwest prior to about 1450. Mr. Dart will discuss how archaeologists use pottery for dating archaeological sites and interpreting ancient lifeways. You will gain an understanding of the importance of context in archaeology, how the things people make change in style over time, and how different styles are useful for identifying different cultures and for dating archaeological sites. His many illustrations include examples of ancient pottery types that were made throughout the American Southwest from about 2000 to 500 years ago.

As doors were closing in Europe and South America, they were opening in America. In this class, we will cover how immigrants – some of them escaping the political turmoil in different moments – played enormous roles in the creation of the Hollywood music that we know and love. Many of the greatest classical music sounds were constructed by these immigrants changing the landscape of American culture, a process that started over a century ago and is still in development today. Anecdotes and stories will be combined with audiovisuals and musical examples.

Join us for “Fortunato Film School" where ASU film professor Joe Fortunato will screen, discuss, and provide live commentary on the Steven Spielberg classic "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." It is often cited as the one of the most beloved films of all time! We will begin with a brief introduction on the background and making of the film. Then, we will screen the film together with live commentary provided, giving you insights into the filmmaking process, fun facts, and some guidance on how to "read" a film creatively. After the film, we will discuss what we've learned and debate if it lives up to its "great film" reputation (and even discuss what that designation means in the subjective world of creative art).

Come experience Indigenous creativity at the Heard Museum! Dan Hagerty, Chief Advancement & Engagement Officer, will welcome you and share a 30-minute presentation about the Heard Museum. Following the welcome, enjoy a guided tour of Bob Haozous: A Retrospective View, the first major retrospective for the artist Bob Haozous (Warm Springs Chiricahua Apache, b. 1943). Through the presentation of more than 75 works, the exhibition brings together six decades of his work including sculpture, painting, prints, and jewelry, and examines the timely social commentary embedded in Haozous’s work. After your tour, stay for lunch at the Heard Museum Courtyard Café and visit the newly remodeled Heard Museum Shop. Please note that lunch is not inluded in the cost of the class.

In this art history session about the Late High Renaissance master, we will follow Michelangelo’s soap opera-like life. We will discover why he felt that he wasted his youth. We will discuss the Sistine Chapel and learn how he expressed his feelings about having to paint these frescoes. We will also learn what authorities did to express their displeasure of his work. In addition, we will discuss, compare, and contrast the three Davids: produced by three master sculptors, from three eras, in three art styles. This expanded lecture covers his life, his works of art, and the historical context in which he worked.

From 1610 to 1670, Dutch art flourished in the Netherlands. Artists transformed previous genres of art by investigating how light reflects off different surfaces, revealing the enlivened and true character of their subjects. The "Dutch Art Expanded" collection pairs landscape, portraiture, interior, and still life paintings with prints and decorative art objects from the broader works at Phoenix Art Museum. Alongside these works, the installation features artworks by Arizona-based artists Rachel Bess and Alanna Airitam, whose practices are inspired by hidden histories and aesthetic concerns associated with the 17th-century movement. Join us for this class led by Phoenix Art Museum Docent, Susan McGee, to explore these themes and more through a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration.

Paul Newman, the embodiment of charisma, captivated movie audiences with his iconic baby blue eyes, striking features, and powerful screen presence. Known for his multiple Academy Award-nominated performances in films like "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958), "The Hustler" (1961), and "Absence of Malice" (1981), Newman ultimately won an Oscar for "The Color of Money" (1986), the sequel to "The Hustler." Alongside his acting career, he pursued a parallel path as a race car driver and dedicated significant time to entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors. This course will trace the timeline of Newman’s remarkable career, from his legendary collaborations with Robert Redford in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) and "The Sting" (1973) to his final roles in "Road to Perdition" (2002), "Empire Falls" (2005), and "Cars" (2006), where he voiced the retired race car Doc Hudson. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

Architectural history follows a canon of both traditional and eclectic styles from ancient to contemporary times. But what happens when a mix of whimsy, eccentricity, humor—and sometimes the creator's genius—insert themselves into the mix? Occurring throughout time and in various parts of the world, these unconventional structures exist to serve the cultures they were created for, from ancient religious sites to modern car-culture merriment. This course explores a myriad of structures set against the backdrop of the societies in which they existed, the construction methods used, the patrons for whom these structures were constructed, and the notions of the builders and architects who created them. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

How did Walt Disney's life and vision shape the creation of an entertainment empire? How did early challenges influence the company’s identity and creative output? And how did Disney grow into a global powerhouse? This course explores these questions and more as we delve into the 100-year history of the Walt Disney Company, tracing its evolution from humble beginnings to a global entertainment giant. Topics include the rise of Disney animation and theme parks, the company’s 1990s revival, and the strategic acquisitions that transformed Disney into a media conglomerate. We will also examine Disney's future and gain insights into what it’s like to work behind the scenes at the company. Throughout the course, we will consider diverse perspectives—from those who revere the Magic Kingdom to those who critique it and everywhere in between. This course offers a comprehensive look at how Walt Disney’s vision became a cultural force shaping today's entertainment industry. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.