Beautiful Bargello Needlepoint

Choose to make either a set of four coasters/ornaments or an eyeglass case using the Bargello/Florentine technique. Bargello patterns are stitched over several canvas threads in a special sequence to obtain an interesting repeat pattern. We will use a combination of metallic and shimmery ribbon fibers.

Instructor: Joan Green is an award-winning needle artist, author, and teacher. She was initially involved in the needlework industry as a retailer and teacher, then as a designer, book publisher, and kit manufacturer.

4 Fridays: October 7–28; 9–10:15 a.m.
Format: In-person
Location: Knolls of Oxford, Clubhouse
Supply fee: $15.00, payable on first day of class

Art in Our Midst: OCAC Behind the Scenes

Through a weekly series of lectures and conversations, learn about the many facets of our region’s historical and cultural gem, the Oxford Community Arts Center (OCAC), whose origin dates back to 1849 as the Oxford Female Institute. Guest speakers include historians, OCAC staff and volunteers, and artists who will discuss the facility’s history, mission, programs, upcoming events, exhibits, opportunities, and future development.

October 7 – The History and Legacy of “Ox College” – Valerie Elliott, former manager, Smith Library of Regional History, Steve Gordon, Administrator, McGuffey House and Museum

October 14 – The OCAC Mission and its Partners – Dr. Elizabeth “Like” Lokon, Opening Minds through Art (OMA); Ashley Marcum, Flowing Grace School of Dance; Dr. Rebecca Howard, Oxford Area Community Theater (OxACT); Alan deCourcy, the Art Shop

October 21 – OCAC Community Engagement & Programs – Heidi Schiller and Donna Stevens, OCAC; Rosalyn Benson, OCAC Program Chair; Jeff MacDonald, OCAC Development Co-Chair

October 28 – Meet the Artists – Elizabeth Brice, painter; Alan deCourcy, photographer; Robert Mullenix, painter

November 4 – Meet the Artists – Howard Krauss, painter; Marcia Waller, painter; Sante Matteo, writer

Coordinator: Heidi Schiller is the Executive Director for Oxford Community Arts Center and an arts administration professional with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit operations.

5 Fridays: October 7–November 4; 10:45 a.m.–noon
Format: In-person
Location: Oxford Community Arts Center

Let it Go: Declutter to Downsize

Whether downsizing to a more manageable home or decluttering to age in place safely, the process can be emotionally trying. If you're looking for help with downsizing or have questions about decluttering your home without losing your cool, you're in the right place. This class will walk you through the basics and leave you with tips, tricks, and strategies to consider.

Instructor: Marion Schloemer, Senior & Specialty Move Manager®, assists older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation and/or “aging in place.” After 25 years in the corporate world on both coasts, Marion returned to Oxford in 2021 and founded Lyn's Daughter™ - Senior Move Management. She is a fierce proponent of helping people age vibrantly, safely, and on their own terms.

1 Friday: October 7; 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Format: In-person
Location: Oxford, Boyd Hall, Room 132

A Senior Rides the Rails

Learn a bit about our U.S. train system from my experience as I share my travels by Amtrak through New Orleans, San Antonio, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Chicago. I will discuss my time riding the Sunset Limited, the Texas Eagle, the Coast Starlight, and the California Zephyr, what I learned, and some suggestions should you be interested in such travels.

Instructors: Richard Daniels served as President/CEO of McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital for over 28 years before retiring in 2008. He has enjoyed volunteering for a number of organizations in Oxford and Southwest Ohio over the past 10 years.

1 Friday: October 28; 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Format: In-person
Location: Oxford, Boyd Hall, Room 217

Art Quilting for Everyone!

This hands-on whimsical art quilting class is for everyone—no experience needed. Let quilt artist Linda Kramer guide you through this playful art quilting experience, using an ordinary log cabin block pattern to create a small, extraordinary, whimsical, mini art quilt. You do not need any quilting, art, or design experience. All you need is a willingness to try something new, an open mind for a new way of thinking about quilting, and a sewing machine that you know how to use. Carts will be provided to assist with moving your sewing machine and supplies.

Supplies: A supply list will be emailed upon registration.

Instructor: Linda Kramer, artist, quilter, teacher. Linda studied art at M.U. and was an art teacher before becoming the Director of Communications at the College of Engineering & Computing, and is now retired. Her art quits have been in regional, national, and international juried shows and invitational exhibits.

5 Fridays: October 7–November 4; 12:30–2 p.m.
Format: In-person
Location: Hamilton, Berkeley Square, Haith Dining Room

Illustration Processes in the West

How were illustrated books printed? How do those illustration processes differ from those for maps, photographs, or even posters? Join us as we explore illustration processes through the rich collections of Miami University’s Walter Havighurst Special Collections and University Archives. We will examine the physical process of making the illustrated works as well as their impact on society, focusing on those produced in Europe and North America.

Instructors: Rachel Makarowski is the Special Collections Librarian at Miami University. Her research interests center on instruction and outreach with special collections, as well as the codicology and paleography of medieval manuscripts and the history of the book in East Asia. William Modrow is head of the Special Collections and Archives at Miami University.

5 Fridays: October 7–November 4; 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Format: In-person
Location: Oxford, King Library 320

Beginner’s Origami: How Paper Talks

This course is an introduction to the art of origami. Learn basic folds and techniques used to create a variety of shapes and forms, such as sailboats, boxes, dollar bow ties, cranes, and more.

Instructor: Beverley Thompson is a self-taught origami artist who learned the art of folding through books of diagrams. She is currently working from a studio at Oxford Community Arts Center.

5 Fridays: October 7–November 4; 2:15–3:30 p.m.
Format: In-person
Location: Oxford, Police Services Center, Room 130
Supply fee: $5.00, payable at the first class

Friday Matinees: What is Art? Why is Art?

Are you in the “I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like” camp, or do you know quite a bit about art but aren’t sure what you like? Is art something we’re supposed to know and understand or something just to experience and to like or dislike? What purpose does it serve? Why do we make art, pay attention to it, preserve it, study it, argue about it, sometimes find it in garbage bins, and sometimes spend fortunes to acquire it? We will discuss movies about art and artists—specifically, for this term, painting and painters—to explore why we produce art and what good it does us. Movies should be watched before class meetings.

October 7 – Girl with a Pearl Earring (dir. Peter Webber, 2003), 1h 40m, with Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth: A young peasant maid working in the house of painter Johannes Vermeer becomes his talented assistant and the model for one of his most famous works.

October 14 – Lust for Life (dir. Vincente Minnelli & George Cukor, 1956), 2h 2m, with Kirk Douglas, Anthony Quinn: The life of brilliant but tortured artist Vincent van Gogh.

October 21 – Frida (dir. Julie Taymor, 2002), 2h 3m, with Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina: A biography of artist Frida Kahlo, who channeled the pain of a crippling injury and her tempestuous marriage into her work.

October 28 – Basquiat (dir. Julian Schnabel, 1996), 1h 47m, with Jeffrey Wright, Claire Forlani, Benicio del Toro, Dennis Hopper, David Bowie: The brief life of Jean Michel Basquiat, a world-renowned New York street artist struggling with fame, drugs, and his identity.

November 4 – The Painting (Le Tableau) (dir. Jean-Francois Laguionie, 2011), 1h 20m, animated, dubbed in English: Three characters of different social classes escape their unfinished painting in search of the painter, hoping he will complete it.

Instructor: Sante Matteo, Professor Emeritus of Italian Studies, has enjoyed taking many courses from ILR's rich curriculum and has taught courses on film and literature.

5 Fridays: October 7–November 4; 2:15–3:30 p.m.
Format: Virtual
Location: Online