We are going GLOBAL!
ABX: ART BLOCKS eXpanded introduces the top 250 works of art selected by The College Boards Advanced Placement Program® (AP®), representing GLOBAL artistic traditions. (Don’t worry. No tests!)
ART BLOCKS is diving deep into that list and creating “small bites” that are interesting, memorable, and conversational. The works are presented chronologically as they mirror the culture in which they were made.
Classes will be on Tuesday mornings, 10-12, in person at The Waldo Café, starting September 3. They will be ongoing until we finish the list, pausing for holidays and travel.
Six classes are $150. If you must miss a class, you can apply it towards a future class.
STAY TUNED for:
A year of ART BLOCKS 2025 Ancient through Contemporary
The BASIC BUILDING BLOCKS of Western ART history.
What you need to know to enrich your life through the JOY of ART!
Designed to be completed in one year, ART BLOCKS 2025 begins in January, exploring the ART of the Ancient world, Medieval times, and the Renaissance. We continue in the Spring to experience Mannerism, Baroque, Neo-Classicism, Romanticism, and beyond. We break for the summer and gear up in September to roll through the Early Modern “isms” to complete the series with Modern and Contemporary conversations.
This chronological survey class of Western ART History is broken into five six-week BLOCKS, you may start at the beginning, or enter at any point. The final class will be held at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in the galleries.
Please invite your friends (or book club, bridge club, golf or tennis group, etc.) to this recreational series designed to enrich your life though discovery and lively conversation!
No art history knowledge necessary.
ART BLOCKS 2025
Ancient through Contemporary
Immerse yourself in an entire year of discovery. Become comfortable with ART history. Enrich your appreciation. Enrich your conversations. Enrich your traveling. Meet like-minded life learners to journey along with you. See how your life changes! (And don't forget to bring a friend)
Block A:
The Ancient World
The Venus of Willendorf kicks off this series which sheds light on the ART of Ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Experience how ART reflects the time and place in which it was made. Learn about Ancient civilizations while pondering their monumental, exquisite ART.
Block B:
Medieval through Renaissance
Early Christian ART connects the Ancient World to what becomes Coptic, Celtic, Carolingian, Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic ART; all predecessors of The Renaissance, or rebirth of the classical past. Proto, Early, High, Venetian and Northern Renaissance ART is highlighted.
Block C:
Mannerism through Realism
Tough series, but you’ll be glad you took it! (Remember, there are no tests.) 400 years of European ART that bridge The Renaissance to Modern ART. “Rock stars” include El Greco, Caravaggio, Bernini, Fragonard, David, Ingres, Friedrich, Gericault, Delacroix, Corot, Courbet, Millet, to name a few.
Block D:
Impressionism through Surrealism
The People’s Choice series! Who doesn’t love Monet, Renoir, Cassatt, Degas, Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Dali, Kahlo, just to name-drop a bit? See how artists responded to rejection, personal demons, wars, revolutions, technology, psychology, beauty and joy! Discover how closely art mirrors the culture of the times.
Block E:
Modern and Contemporary
Mid-20th Century Modern ART is championed by an American, home-grown movement: Abstract Expressionism. The pendulum swings wildly from AE to Pop ART, Minimalism, Post-Modernism, to Contemporary ART. Join in the discussion as we critique the latest and greatest living artists. Will they withstand the test of time?
PLEASE CHECK OUT:
Additional six-week ART BLOCKS Classes
Let me know if you'd like ART BLOCKS to repeat any of these recurring classes. We can make it happen!
Going to Italy? The Art you need to know before you go!
This fun, conversational art history class will empower you to delight in the greatest art in Italy--Florence, Rome and surrounding areas. Discover the stories behind Renaissance and Baroque art, artists and patrons: Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo, the Medici, Caravaggio, Bernini, to name a few. Anticipate the highlights of the Uffizi, Vatican and Borghese galleries, the piazzas, public sculpture, cathedrals, back alleys and the best Apéritivo and gelato. Learn about the processes that were used to create the masterpieces.
Christian Art:
2000 Years of Inspiration
Developed with a personal passion, this series is divided into five topics: Christian Art - To Be or Not to Be, The Face of God, Two Turtle Doves and Other Christian Symbols, Saints and Angels, and Sacred Spaces. We will follow the historical chronology of Christian images and the breaking of images: Iconoclasm. Learn the differences between sacred, secular, didactic, doctrinal, dogmatic, spiritual, contemplative, narrative art. Relish in the sumptuous creations of some of the most brilliant artists af all times!
American Art:
Colonial to Contemporary
Join us for this fast-paced energetic introduction to great American Art. We will discover how American artists have reflected of the history of The United States through their work, from the 17th through 20th centuries: Colonial Times, our New Nation, Self-Discovery, at Home and Abroad, Early Modernism, between the World Wars, and culminating with International Presence.
Discover that ART truly does reflect the time and place in which it was made. What a great way to learn history, through ART! (And the other way around!)