Art & Art History   

A champion of ‘art for art’s sake,’ James McNeil Whistler transformed the industrial shore of the Thames into subtle harmonies of muted color. His Symphony in White prompted derision at the Salon des Refusés, but the French government purchased the portrait of his mother years later. The beauty, balance, and exquisiteness of his compositions (associated with music and Japanese prints) belie his personal volatility. Headstrong and arrogant, Whistler enraged the patron of the Peacock Room and sued the leading English critic for defamation. The complexity of his life and work will be our focus.

A champion of ‘art for art’s sake,’ James McNeil Whistler transformed the industrial shore of the Thames into subtle harmonies of muted color. His Symphony in White prompted derision at the Salon des Refusés, but the French government purchased the portrait of his mother years later. The beauty, balance, and exquisiteness of his compositions (associated with music and Japanese prints) belie his personal volatility. Headstrong and arrogant, Whistler enraged the patron of the Peacock Room and sued the leading English critic for defamation. The complexity of his life and work will be our focus.

This course will explore the origins of classical architecture in ancient Greece and Rome by first examining the classical orders (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian), the Parthenon in Athens, and the Pantheon in Rome. We will then explore the long and varied influence of classicism on American architecture, from Mount Vernon to Gilded Age mansions to Washington, D.C. (and even Penn State’s campus).

Pennsylvania is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater, which is listed as a World Heritage Site. Stories abound about this icon of American architecture, but there is so much more to know about Wright’s influence on architecture and the influences that helped shape Wright’s philosophy and approach to design. Of particular significance is the development of the Arts and Crafts Movement in the late nineteenth century, which not only influenced the development of a young architect but also subsequent directions in artistic expression that still reverberate today.

Pennsylvania is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater, which is listed as a World Heritage Site. Stories abound about this icon of American architecture, but there is so much more to know about Wright’s influence on architecture and the influences that helped shape Wright’s philosophy and approach to design. Of particular significance is the development of the Arts and Crafts Movement in the late nineteenth century, which not only influenced the development of a young architect but also subsequent directions in artistic expression that still reverberate today.

Douglas Rost is not an artist. What he does have is a love of art as well as a love of American history. Some of the history is violent, some is unfair. Much is beautiful and touches on the human spirit, which is in each of us. His goal is to celebrate the diverse and fascinating culture of Native Americans. Through art done by both Natives and Non-natives, participants will look at these First Americans. Douglas will draw extensively from two sources: a Denver, Colorado, art gallery and a coffee table book with great art. There will be a handout for participants for notes and source information.

Join us in midtown Harrisburg for a tour of the Susquehanna Art Museum. A private guide will provide an informational tour of exhibits to OLLI members, focusing on works by local artists from south central Pennsylvania as well as national artists. Explore the special exhibit, "American Identity: Restoring the Susquehanna River’s Artistic Legacy"—an exhibit on the importance of the Susquehanna river for early American landscape painters. The 20,000-square-foot museum is striking, located in a renovated 1924 bank with 27-foot gold leaf ceilings and highlighting the former Keystone Trust's original vault.

Thanks to the generosity of an OLLI member, the museum admission fee is fully covered for all enrolled. We’re grateful for this thoughtful contribution, which ensures broader access and participation.

Come along on part two of our virtual road trip as we discover amazing treasures of modern and contemporary art, sometimes in the most unexpected places! We will continue to drive to places near and far (Canada, United States, and Europe) in search of great modern art. And, the best part of this road trip? You can come along from the comfort of your OLLI armchair!

Using basic drawing supplies—such as a ruler, a compass, markers, and colored pencils—participants will complete an abstract piece of modern art. A brief overview of abstract art and artists as well as color technique will be presented. This is a simple and fun project. Drawing experience is not necessary.

Course fee includes $5 for supplies.

The bucolic splendor of Buck’s County and its proximity to Philadelphia drew painters to an impressionist art colony at New Hope at the turn of the century. What characterized Pennsylvania impressionism was not one unified style, however, but the emergence of many mature, distinctive voices: William L. Lathrop's evocative Bucks County vistas; Edward Redfield’s vibrant naturalism; Daniel Garber's luminous renditions of the Delaware River; Fern Coppedge's colorful village scenes; and Robert Spencer's lyrical views of mills and tenements. This will be the focus of a three-session course.

The bucolic splendor of Buck’s County and its proximity to Philadelphia drew painters to an impressionist art colony at New Hope at the turn of the century. What characterized Pennsylvania impressionism was not one unified style, however, but the emergence of many mature, distinctive voices: William L. Lathrop's evocative Bucks County vistas; Edward Redfield’s vibrant naturalism; Daniel Garber's luminous renditions of the Delaware River; Fern Coppedge's colorful village scenes; and Robert Spencer's lyrical views of mills and tenements. This will be the focus of a three-session course.

The German-American modern architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) was a pioneer in creating minimalist glass and steel architecture of great perfection and beauty, epitomized by his exquisite 1929 Barcelona Pavilion. Mies was a key figure in the development of the International Style in Europe and the last director of the Bauhaus, before it was closed by the Nazis. Mies immigrated to Chicago, where he became a major influence in the acceptance of modern architecture in America and the world, from skyscrapers to college campuses to houses.