Arts & Humanities   

Long before John Wayne rode the range, artists Frederic Remington and Charles Marion Russell were painting the drama, danger, and romance of the American frontier. This illustrated lecture explores the visual dialogue between Western painting and film, revealing how the compositions, themes, and storytelling techniques of these pioneering artists influenced Hollywood’s greatest directors. Through film clips and side-by-side comparisons, we’ll discover how John Ford translated Remington’s action-packed paintings into scenes from "Stagecoach" (1939) and "The Searchers" (1956) – and why both artists and filmmakers shared an ambivalent nostalgia for the vanishing West. We’ll also trace Russell’s personal ties to early Hollywood stars such as William S. Hart and Douglas Fairbanks, and examine how the Western became America’s quintessential multimedia tradition – moving seamlessly from magazine illustrations to motion pictures. Whether you’re a fan of classic Westerns, American art, or the mythology of the frontier, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how these art forms shaped – and continue to shape – our collective imagination of the American West. Course fee includes museum admission.

Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles— jazz, classical, pop—into powerful cinematic impressions. We will discuss how composers shape emotion across genres like drama, romance, comedy, sci-fi, and westerns. From The Jazz Singer to James Bond, we will trace the evolution of film scores, spotlighting legendary composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams. Celebrate the artistry of film music and its lasting emotional impact.

This course is for those who are new to watercolors, have used watercolors to a limited degree, or wish to increase their knowledge and improve their skills. We'll begin by exploring essential terms, tools, tips, and techniques – covering both general painting concepts and those specific to watercolor. You'll be introduced to watercolor materials, including paper, paints, pigments, and brushes, and the instructor, Allen, will share helpful information about where to find supplies locally. Throughout the course, you'll learn practical tips starting with how to properly hold your brush and handle paper. Each technique will be clearly explained and demonstrated before you have a chance to practice it yourself, and as your skills grow, you’ll apply what you've learned to create your own watercolor paintings. We’ll continue adding layers of knowledge, experience, and creativity until the course ends. All supplies will be provided by the instructor.

This course will explore the diverse styles of jazz, addressing the complexities that often arise for new listeners in distinguishing what constitutes jazz and what does not. We will trace the historical development of this American art form, highlighting pivotal moments and key figures within each style. Along the way, we will study notable recordings and the contributions of influential innovators who shaped the evolution of jazz.

In this immersive course, we’ll take a guided tour of the Musical Instrument Museum, explore and interact with instruments from around the world, and learn about the relationship between poetry and music. We’ll read and discuss a selection of poems that engage with musical instruments and sound – writing commonly termed "ekphrastic," meaning writing that responds to other forms of art. For our second meeting, we’ll compose poems inspired by an instrument or musical sound and share them in a celebratory reading at MIM. No prior writing experience is necessary.

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) was arguably one of the world’s most important modern architects, designing approximately one thousand buildings during his career, including Taliesin West, his winter home and studio and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Scottsdale, Arizona. When you join Dr. Jennifer Gray, Vice President of the Taliesin Institute at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, you will survey Wright’s practice, including his renowned Prairie-style houses, famed buildings such as Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum, as well as lesser-known projects for affordable housing and utopian urban schemes. The course will situate his work in the context of the cultural changes of modernism, such as the Industrial Revolution, new technologies, scientific advancements, and progressive social politics. Participants in this class will receive a discounted audio guide tour of Taliesin West that can be redeemed between January 22 and May 31, 2026. Members will be informed during the class how to receive this discount.

In October 2026, OLLI travels to Central Europe in the footsteps of Mozart. In preparation, this class explores Mozart’s music through the lens of locations significant to his career: Munich (where his opera Idomeneo premiered), Salzburg (his birthplace), Vienna (where he spent his final decade), and Prague (where he enjoyed extraordinary popularity). Open to both travelers and non-travelers alike, the class offers unique insight into the composer’s music and the four cities that inspired and sustained him.

An interactive, exploratory workshop focused on the reasons and opportunities for post-retirement community engagement. As you navigate the transition into your third act – after careers and kids – you may find yourself asking, “What’s next?” Retirement is rich with opportunities, but it also has its challenges, and remaining an integral, relevant part of your community can be easier said than done. Personal fulfillment is as important now as ever, and your experiences tell a story worth sharing. This workshop will help you explore how to turn your skills, experience, and passions into purposeful community involvement. Discover local opportunities, navigate the transition into your third act, and find fulfillment in this new chapter – because retirement is just the beginning, and volunteering can make it your most meaningful stage yet.

This class offers an enchanting, in-depth look at four keyboard instruments and how they work – from the portative organ (12th–16th centuries) to the invention of the harpsichord and its evolution into the piano, and finally a leap forward to the modern grand organ, featuring Arizona’s largest in-use church pipe organ at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church. Several pieces will be performed on each instrument to demonstrate their unique capabilities.

Beethoven is one of the most significant composers of the 18th century, thanks to his ability to explore new ideas and expand the boundaries and aesthetics of his time. One of his greatest contributions as a composer was leading the music of the Classical era into the Romantic era. Join Dr. Nurit Jugend, composer and music educator, to examine Beethoven's three main periods as a composer and discuss two of his most significant and well-known works: the majestic Symphony No. 5 and the nature-inspired Pastoral Symphony No. 6. By the end of this class, you will have a deeper understanding of Beethoven’s music and his unique artistic voice.

Frida Kahlo once said, “I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best.” Her paintings are more than art – they are a visual autobiography, rich with symbolism, emotion, and personal history. Join us as we explore the life and legacy of this iconic Mexican artist, whose bold self-portraits continue to captivate and inspire across generations. From her close relationship with her father to the devastating bus accident that shaped her physical and emotional world to her passionate and turbulent relationship with Diego Rivera, each chapter of Frida’s life is vividly reflected in her work.

This class is being offered twice, one in the morning (Class 043) and one in the afternoon (Class 046).

Join us at Cosanti in Paradise Valley for a unique chance to participate in our long tradition of ceramic artisan crafts. Begin with a tour of our active workshop, an experiment in desert materials and community organization, now an Arizona Historic Site. After the tour, students will learn techniques for forming and glazing decorative ceramic tiles, choosing two pre-formed tiles to paint with vibrant liquid glazes. Each tile will be a one-of-a-kind work of art, fired, packaged, and returned within two weeks. Waterproof and durable, the tiles are perfect for display, practical use, or as a unique keepsake or gift.
 

The Wyeths are a remarkable family. N.C. Wyeth, though not born into an artistic family, became a nationally known illustrator whose work transcended mere illustration to become fine art. His son, Andrew, and grandson, Jamie, are the most well-known, both achieving immediate success in New York. This class will explore the lives and art of these three men and, time permitting, will also highlight other talented members of the Wyeth family.

This class is being offered twice, one in the morning (Class 043) and one in the afternoon (Class 046).

Join us at Cosanti in Paradise Valley for a unique chance to participate in our long tradition of ceramic artisan crafts. Begin with a tour of our active workshop, an experiment in desert materials and community organization, now an Arizona Historic Site. After the tour, students will learn techniques for forming and glazing decorative ceramic tiles, choosing two pre-formed tiles to paint with vibrant liquid glazes. Each tile will be a one-of-a-kind work of art, fired, packaged, and returned within two weeks. Waterproof and durable, the tiles are perfect for display, practical use, or as a unique keepsake or gift.
 

The American Film Institute’s list of the best film scores includes many well-known classics – and a few surprises. The composers behind these scores led fascinating lives and built remarkable careers. With the help of vivid audiovisual examples, stories, and anecdotes, we’ll take an engaging journey through the creative process of composing these historic works – music that conveys what a film is saying without words and evokes emotions even the most brilliant dialogue cannot. With active student participation, we’ll also build our own alternative list of the top 25 film scores of all time!

Humans have been making unauthorized marks on walls for thousands of years. From ancient Roman political messages to today’s elaborate street murals, this visual journey explores our timeless urge to leave a mark. In this two-part course, we’ll travel through centuries of unsanctioned art – from medieval church graffiti to the explosive street art movement of the 1980s. Discover how outlaw artists like Basquiat and Keith Haring jumped from subway walls to museum galleries, and how modern masters like Banksy turn vandalism into million-dollar art. You’ll never look at a spray-painted wall the same way again!

Join OLLI Intergenerational Scholar Allie Thurgood, ASU School of Art MA candidate, for a two-part, hands-on, heart-centered workshop where creativity and connection meet. This intergenerational class introduces participants to the basics of tile making with clay – including slab building, carving, and relief – while exploring how to tell stories through visual art. In the first session, each participant will create a personal story or memory as a tile mosaic. Then, partnered with another participant, they’ll co-create a second tile reflecting their shared conversation and emerging themes. In the second part of the workshop, participants will explore the basics of color mixing and painting on clay, bringing their tiles from the first session to life with color and detail. Rooted in community building and intergenerational exchange, this workshop emphasizes both the technical fundamentals of ceramics and the power of shared experiences. No prior clay experience is necessary – just bring your hands, your stories, and your curiosity!

Let’s delve into the lives and loves of history’s most legendary couples – from the mythic romance of Antony and Cleopatra to the passionate entanglement of Napoleon and Josephine. We’ll spotlight iconic literary figures like the Brownings, as well as famous royal duos, musical geniuses, and pioneering partners in science. And, of course, no tale of love would be complete without revisiting the grandparent of them all – Romeo and Juliet.

Join us at Harkins Shea 14 for a screening of the new documentary Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause. Beloved actor, comedian, and talk show host Charles Grodin charmed audiences with his signature dry wit and deadpan delivery in classics such as The Heartbreak Kid, Catch-22, and Midnight Run. Yet beyond his comedic talents, Grodin was a passionate advocate for social justice, dedicating much of his life to freeing wrongly convicted prisoners. This compelling documentary celebrates his remarkable life and career through rare archival footage and interviews with stars including Adam Arkin, Carol Burnett, Robert De Niro, and Martin Short. ASU Film and Media Studies professor Dr. Kevin Sandler will introduce the film and lead a 30-minute post-screening discussion. The class fee includes a specially discounted ticket.

Add laser cutting to your toolbox of creative skills with CREATE! In this beginner-level workshop, Makers will explore the process of etching designs using lasers. Our expert CREATE techs will guide you through tool safety, material exploration, preparation of etching areas, and how to cut lines in CorelDRAW – culminating in a laser-cut creation you can take home.

Join this virtual tour of national war memorials in the U.S. and beyond, examining them as public art, cultural history, sites of dark tourism, and spaces of collective memory. Cultural anthropologist Kelly Nelson will share six different purposes that war memorials can serve and invite participants to compare realistic and abstract elements in monuments. We will also explore what the upcoming national memorial for the post–9/11 war on terrorism might look like.

Why do some movies fill your entire TV screen while others leave black bars? Why are filmmakers like Christopher Nolan embracing IMAX – a format once reserved for natural history museums? And whatever happened to 3D – was it a fad, or a future that never quite arrived? This lively, visually rich class traces how the “shape” of movies has evolved from early Hollywood to the present day. We’ll explore why studios pushed widescreen technologies in the 1950s, how letterboxing and pan-and-scan transformed home viewing, and why directors like Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson are reviving vintage formats such as 70mm and VistaVision. By the end, you’ll see movies with new eyes, understanding the artistic, technological, and even economic choices behind what fills, or doesn't fill, the frame.

"Steve Bergsman Presents Fabulous Female Singers of the Fifties" is a 90-minute multimedia presentation that combines discussion of the songs and singers of the 1950s with on-screen visuals and, of course, audio of the era’s greatest tunes. The show is based on two books Bergsman wrote: "All I Want Is Lovin’ You" (about white female singers of the era) and "What a Difference a Day Makes" (about Black female singers of the era). The program moves chronologically. With the recent passing of Connie Francis, Bergsman has updated the presentation to highlight her contributions. It begins with songs like Teresa Brewer’s "Music! Music! Music!" and Patti Page’s "Tennessee Waltz" from 1950 and concludes with Connie Francis’s "Where the Boys Are," which is actually from the 1960s.

Register for this class by clicking this link: https://azmusicfest.org/events/fabulous-females-of-the-fifties/

Join Randy Otto for a one-hour class and a 90-minute performance portraying Winston Churchill. The class runs from 2:00–3:00 p.m., followed by the show from 4:00–5:30 p.m. Whether delivering Churchill’s iconic speeches or engaging in one-on-one dialogues during “Ask Winston,” Otto conveys the essence of quick Churchillian wit, fierce tenacity, and the “never give in” resolve that inspired not only the British people but also rallied the free world in defense of liberty and freedom. Through his dedication, research, and passion for storytelling, Otto brings to life the complexities of this remarkable leader, highlighting the enduring relevance of Churchill’s legacy and the lessons it offers for future generations. During the class, Randy will discuss the history behind Churchill and explain how he prepares and recreates the character. The session also includes his renowned “Ask Winston Anything” segment.

From "Jaws" to "The Graduate," "James Bond" to "The Birds," "Midnight Express" to "Breaking Bad," take a journey with a leading travel journalist to explore the places around the world where some of the most iconic movies and TV series were filmed. We’ll also visit the childhood haunts of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Buddy Holly, and uncover a British pop star’s surprising connection to the Alamo.

This class will cover the basic tools of literary memoir, with a focus on micro and flash memoir – memoirs in the 250–1,000-word range. We’ll read, discuss, and write micro-memoirs, which we’ll share in class (and possibly elsewhere). No prior writing experience is required.

This four-week series explores the music of America and how it both shaped – and was shaped by – the nation’s identity from its infancy to the present day. We’ll begin by examining what America inherited musically from the European roots of its colonists and how the people and the land they encountered influenced and expanded that musical language. How did different approaches to religious life shape the music used in rituals and ceremonies? Regional influences also played a major role in the development of American music, and we’ll explore those contributions. Along the way, we’ll ask: “Is there an American sound, and if so, what might it be?” Audio, video, and visual art examples will illustrate this journey, covering the creation of popular music, jazz, country, American concert music, theatre music, rock and roll, and contemporary sounds.

Register for this class by clicking this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844A9AF28A2FECE9-59330689-music#/

In 1935, with the breakthrough of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, jazz became the most popular music in the United States. Big bands existed before Goodman, and today we have around 100 years of this music to explore, dating back to the 1920s with early exemplars such as Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington, and continuing to modern masters like Maria Schneider. This class is intended for jazz aficionados and those who want to learn more about jazz – no instruments required! The class will consist primarily of active listening to exemplary recordings, interspersed with guided discussion.

The Phoenix Art Museum presents more than 30 examples of painting, sculpture, and decorative arts drawn from the most important Florentine Baroque art collection outside of Italy, assembled over more than 40 years by Houston-based art collector and co-founder of the Medici Archive Project, Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl. Featured artworks by local Florentine artists and artists across Europe reflect Florence’s flourishing art industry, as well as the cultural and intellectual legacy of the Medici Grand Dukes on the Renaissance and Baroque movements. Led by Phoenix Art Museum docents, join us as we explore these themes and more through a lecture-style presentation and in-gallery exploration.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Oscar-nominated 1944 drama Lifeboat is a masterfully composed allegory of the Allied forces during WWII and their need to unite to defeat the Nazi enemy. The film’s powerful interplay of suspense and emotion is all the more remarkable given that it is set entirely on a lifeboat and shot on the backlots of 20th Century Fox. This class explores the innovativeness of Lifeboat as well as its controversies: John Steinbeck, who wrote the original story, denounced the film as racist and anti-labor; the Production Code Administration navigated concerns over gruesomeness and vulgarity; and several prominent critics claimed it was anti-democratic.

Step behind the curtain and meet L. Frank Baum, the imaginative mind who brought "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" to life. We’ll explore Baum’s prolific storytelling career, with special attention to the theatrical adaptations that helped turn his fantasy world into a stage spectacle. From early stage productions and silent films to the beloved 1939 musical film, discover how Baum’s vision evolved in the limelight. We’ll also trace Oz’s enduring influence on pop culture – from Broadway hits and reimaginings to countless references in music, fashion, and film – proving that, more than a century later, the Yellow Brick Road still leads somewhere magical. Class: 10:30 - noon, Show: 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Nature journaling is a practice that blends observation, curiosity, reflection, and creativity to deepen our connection with the natural world. Spending time in nature offers numerous physical and psychological benefits, and journaling enhances these effects by encouraging mindfulness and intentional engagement. In this two-part class – Friday in the classroom and Saturday in the field – participants will learn what nature journaling is, its purpose, and the benefits it provides. You will explore a variety of observational techniques to record details about the natural environment, including plants, animals, geologic landscapes, and weather. Through hands-on exercises, you will test out different journaling methods, such as drawing, labeling, mapping, and descriptive writing, discovering which approaches resonate most with your own style. In addition to recording observations, you will reflect on personal experiences in nature, deepening your awareness and appreciation of the world around you. The goal is not to become an expert artist or naturalist, but to cultivate a sustained practice of curiosity and wonder. By the end of the course, you will have the tools to slow down, notice more, and create a meaningful, mindful connection with your environment. Nature walk will be at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, 7:00 - 8:30 a.m.

Some 27 million visitors prepared for the twentieth century by attending the World’s Columbian Exposition, which once occupied nearly 700 acres on Chicago’s South Side. Most had never even seen a light bulb, yet they were suddenly greeted with more electric lights than were then in use in the entire city of Chicago. The Fair was a striking blend of the palatial and the modern: its Greco-Roman buildings evoked Renaissance grandeur, while the visionary architecture of Louis Sullivan hinted at the future. Elegant concert halls—where thousands heard Handel’s Messiah—were complemented by the music of John Philip Sousa and Scott Joplin. This course will revisit the architecture, art, and music of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Dutch still-life painters were renowned for showcasing their skill in rendering textures and surfaces with detailed, realistic light effects. Their still-life paintings often featured various types of food artfully arranged on tables alongside silverware, pots, and dishes. They employed specific paints, pigments, and techniques to achieve these effects. In this class, we will explore these techniques and study the work of notable Dutch Baroque still-life painters. You will also have the opportunity to create one or more paintings reflecting the style and characteristics of these artists. This is a studio art class. A materials list will be provided before the start of class.

This lecture offers an in-depth exploration of Charles Dickens’ beloved novella A Christmas Carol, with a particular focus on the symbolic roles of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, and how they contribute to Ebenezer Scrooge’s personal transformation. The lecture also examines the theatrical interpretation of the story, highlighting the TheatreWorks stage production through discussion of set and costume design, thematic emphasis, and the creative elements that bring the magic of Dickens' world to life. This session is ideal for those interested in literature, theatre, and the ways classic texts are adapted for the stage. Class includes a ticket to the 2:00 p.m. showing of A Christmas Carol on Sunday, December 7.

"Superman" (1978) – the classic big-screen treatment of the Man of Steel – ushered in the modern superhero genre and made audiences believe a man could fly. ASU film professor Dr. Joe Fortunato will screen, discuss, and provide live commentary on this 1978 classic. The class will begin with a brief discussion about the background and making of the film. During the screening, live commentary will offer insights into the filmmaking process and guidance on how to read a film creatively. After the film, we’ll discuss what we’ve learned and debate whether it lives up to its reputation as one of the great superhero films and a landmark in American cinema.

In this talk, you will discover how the Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings are connected to unwashed socks. We will take a detailed look at the Sistine Chapel artworks, uncovering fascinating facts and sharing funny and informative stories about the people and scenes depicted on the ceiling. The session will also cover a brief history of the Sistine Chapel and explore Michelangelo’s thoughts and poetry regarding the painting of the ceiling.

Before she died in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in ghettos and concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Poland – powerful stories later published by her son. Irving Lubliner, professor emeritus at Southern Oregon University, will share excerpts from "Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust," shedding light on his mother’s fortitude and indomitable spirit, as well as his own experience as a child of Holocaust survivors. Participants will gain insight into the Holocaust through the eyes of a survivor and learn how the instructor, the child of two survivors, was shaped by his parents’ experiences.

The 1946 film "Notorious," set during World War II, features director Alfred Hitchcock and actors Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman at the height of their talents. In this twisted spy thriller and anguished love story, Hitchcock evokes darker shades of suspense and passion than in his previous works by casting two of Hollywood’s most beloved stars boldly against type. On one hand, "Notorious" tells the story of a man in love with a woman who must seduce and then marry another man as a spy for the U.S. government. On the other hand, the film is a tale of geopolitical intrigue that blends myth and reality, exploring themes of Nazism, the atomic bomb, and America’s Good Neighbor Policy.

The Great Patriotic War reached deep into the Soviet landscape, both physically and culturally. Artists capturing the efforts and effects of the conflict before, during, and after the war helped shape the Soviet perspective on its role in the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. Using the siege of Leningrad as an example, this presentation highlights some of those artistic contributions.

Arizona-based artist Jana Peterson creates striking images that range from earthy abstractions and portraiture to futuristic galactic visions. Coming from a family of artists and teachers, she holds an M.A. in Art Education from A.S.U. and has been teaching and painting for over 30 years. Jana is a professional painter with the soul of Matisse – her work is dramatic, vivid, and bold, merging art and technology. Peterson is joining us to celebrate her works on display – and to have a little fun making art with us! We’ll be painting "Bryggen" (the dock), a historic harbor district in Bergen, one of Norway’s oldest port cities on the west coast and a center for Hanseatic trade. Bryggen has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.

Join Denny Kato, a third-generation Japanese American and retired U.S. Army lieutenant, for an exploration of the rich and varied artistic practices that emerged within the Japanese incarceration camps of World War II. From visual art and handmade crafts to vocational training and cottage industries, this course examines how creativity became both a form of resistance and a vital means of survival. Through a multidisciplinary lens, you’ll uncover the resilience and cultural expression that flourished under some of the darkest conditions in American history.