Expand Your Horizons   

**Unless otherwise specified, to be eligible for a free class during our Open House, you may only register for a class with an instructor you have not taken before.** Exception: This class is open to everyone, regardless of whether you've taken classes with the instructor before. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

The festive topic of brewing and beer in the Middle Ages has an unexpected source: the monasteries. In this lecture, we will look at the medieval process of brewing, the social aspects of beer, and the adroit monks and nuns who took charge of an unlikely industry--even to this very day. For students who would like to pre-purchase and sample some medieval-style beers, here is a list of the brews that fall into the categories discussed in this lecture.

Dr. Christine Axen will be teaching the following classes this fall:

• HHH: History’s Graffiti (ZOOM), Wed, 9/30
• HHH:  Death by Medieval Oddity, Wed, 10/28
• HHH: Tarot–Games & Fortunes from the Renaissance to Today, Wed, 11/18
• HHH: Fake or Fortune? Relic-Related Miracles, Forgeries, and Thefts, Wed, 12/16

ChatGPT and other generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools are becoming household names. But what exactly are they, and what are they used for? Did you know these chatbots can create images from word prompts, write letters, explain complex topics, write jokes, and much more? How do you access and use these powerful tools? For many, AI can be intimidating. However, it can also be an extremely useful tool. This workshop is designed to be beginner-friendly and will cover how generative AI works and the basics of ChatGPT and other AI tools. It will also provide practical examples of how you might use AI in your daily life.

Discover a fun and creative approach to fluid acrylic art using the “smash balloon” technique. A partially inflated balloon is gently pressed into wet paint and lifted away to spread and blend the colors, creating beautiful petal-like shapes, organic textures, and one-of-a-kind abstract designs. Experiment with color combinations, layering, and movement as you create unique works of art inspired by flowers and nature.

A rare, firsthand look inside real mass‑fatality operations, drawn from direct experience with the World Trade Center recovery, the American Airlines Flight 587 plane crash, and the COVID‑19 pandemic response. This session offers a clear, respectful overview of how large‑scale identification efforts are organized, how agencies coordinate under extreme pressure, and how science and compassion guide the work when communities face profound loss.

Using a round foam disk with cords and beads, students will create a necklace or bracelet with this Japanese braiding technique. Kumihimo can take on a variety of different looks depending on the beads. Learn the technique, explore the variations, then let your imagination and creativity run wild! This class is for all levels. No experience required.

Take a look at some pictures from Marianne Olbermann's past classes here.

This instructor will be offering a FREE class at our Open House on September 14.  To be eligible for a free class during our Open House, you may only register for a class with an instructor you have not taken before.  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Click here for more info and to register.