For readers who do not have the time for longer fiction, the short story provides the same exhilaration and joy of reading as any other literary genre – particularly in a discussion setting. This one-hour course offers reading enthusiasts an alternative to the standard book group. We include authors from the Western Canon (e.g., Joyce, Hemingway, Wharton) as well as foreign and contemporary authors. Each story, which is usually less than ten pages, will be emailed the week before class, allowing participants to absorb the content and fully engage in the discussion. While we explore the various literary devices of the story (e.g., theme, plot, characters), the primary element for discussion will be our personal and diverse opinions of the story. Always new stories!

Zentangle is a fun, easy-to-learn, mindful drawing practice. In the guided drawing classes, students learn to create structured patterns with simple lines and curves. Coupled with meditative principles, students learn to enhance their creativity, confidence and calm. No art background needed. Supplies needed: Paper, fine tip black pen, sharp pencil, rolled paper smudge or Q-tip.

• The Basics - Explore the steps of the Zentangle method and create artworks using structured patterns, “tangles.” Discover how simple strokes become three-dimensional magic in no time.
• Exploring contrast: Explore pattern types, organic grid border tangles, and discover how juxtaposing contrasts make the art pop!
• String Thing: Discover the comfort in small divided sections of the “string.“ Working in small areas, find an endless variety of opportunities inside and outside the lines.
• Shading technique: Explore how simple strokes of the pencil and rolled paper smudger create surprising dimension, depth, and emphasis, where 2-D will become 3-D in a few strokes.