In the 19th century in Europe and America, a reaction against the Enlightenment emphasis on reason led to interest in the mysterious, the macabre, and the awesome. Archaeological discoveries encouraged interest in classical antiquity. By mid-century artists began to turn from sentiment and nostalgia for a past golden age to examine the modern world and the issues current conditions raised.

August 1:  Art for Propaganda Napoleon understood the power of art to shape how he was regarded. He favored classically-inspired art, as emperors and dictators often do, because it recalls the grandeur of the Roman Empire. His downfall inspired propaganda against him and a new nationalism in his former empire.
August 8:  The Flowering of Romanticism Interest in the classical past led to a sentimental approach to classical art which widened into nostalgia for times long ago and places far away. Sentiment legitimizing feelings encouraged a new idea - art as self-expression.
August 15: The Rise of Realism  A reaction against romanticizing the distant or imaginary, as well as against the academic focus on history and classical idealism, led some artists and writers to want instead to explore the modern world, ordinary people, and social injustice.

Information and registration for any or all classes at 248 644-5832 or on line
Fee $40 for a single class, $110 for series
(Fee helps support the educational mission of the Community House)

This continues a series that looks at the best art to be seen in public places and museums in cities around the world.   You will enjoy the images presented whether you are looking for ideas for a future visit, want to remember past joys, or just wish to sample the best art the world has to offer.
VIENNA is as great for art lovers as for music lovers. We'll explore its architectural highlights and visit museums including the world-renowned Kunsthistoriches Museum, the Albertina for its unparalleled collection of prints and drawings, the Leopold Museum for Austrian art and design, and more.

Open to anyone 55+
Registration not required. Fee $5
Information at http://www.jccdet.org/adults/active-life/ 
or contact Rosa Chessler at 248 432-5467 or rchessler@jccdet.org

Information at 248 625-8231 or www.indetwp.com
Fee $5 for members, $7 non member

A historical look at a selection of monarchs from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II with plenty of pictures and stories that cover royal objects and events from births to burnt cakes, crowns to christenings, marriages to mistresses, and palaces to privies. Bring your coronets and pearls! 

Open to anyone 55+
Registration not required. Fee $5
Information at http://www.jccdet.org/adults/active-life/ 
or contact Rosa Chessler at 248 432-5467 or rchessler@jccdet.org

Each illustrated talk explores important works in one of the great art museums in the world. Hopefully the images presented will bring back fond memories of artworks familiar to you and give ideas of what to look for in future visits to these museums.

26 September: Art Institute of Chicago - An easy trip from Detroit, The Art Institute of Chicago houses some of the best-loved paintings in America. It is celebrated for its Impressionist art but also for the range of its collections.
7 November: Museo del Prado, Madrid - The Prado, with the Spanish royal collection at its core, has the world's finest collection of Spanish art and also has one of the best collections of other European art from the 12th to the early 19th century.
5 December: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna - The fine art museum in Vienna is famous for its stellar European painting collection mostly assembled by the imperial family in the 17th century. It also has rare objects from the treasure rooms and cabinets of curiosities of the Hapsburgs as well as art from Egypt and the ancient Middle East.

Information and registration for any or all classes at 248 644-5832 or on line
Fee $40 for a single class, $110 for series of 3
(Fee helps support the educational mission of the Community House)

Saarinen House at Cranbrook exemplifies Eliel Saarinen's belief that an architect's mission is total design from the building and its setting to the spoon on the table inside. He believed in including his talented family in design as well.  This class will focus on Eliel Saarinen's buildings at Cranbrook, but will begin with his work in his native Finland and branch out to include designs by Lola, Pipa, and Eero Saarinen.

Dine and Discover Program
Open to adults 50 and better
Non-residents welcome for same $10 lunch fee if they pay $20 annual fee
Information call 248 473-1830
Registration required

I am scheduled to talk also to the following private groups over this period:- ALI (Adult Learning Institute), All Seasons of Birmingham, All Seasons of West Bloomfield, Birmingham Women's Club, Detroit Institute of Arts IPV Peer to Peer Enrichment, Farmington Hills Country Club, Franklin Hills Country Club Cultural Evening, Fox Run YOU group, Garden Buds, and the Questors of Birmingham. If you belong to one of these groups do come!

I give talks in private homes. If you are interested in a talk for a private or public group contact me.

To receive regular e-mail updates listing currently-scheduled lectures, tours, and other offerings contact wendyevans@art-talks.org

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