Hamilton House offers a wide variety of stimulating, enriching classes, lectures and programs. Many of our classes are given by volunteer teachers and supported by grant funding. Here is a brief overview of our offerings.
LITERATURE
Have you dreamt of writing the great American novel? Perhaps your biography to leave your family. We offer workshops to guide in the creation of your legacy. Discussion groups The Humanities.
Literature
Literature
Have you dreamt of writing the great American novel? Perhaps your biography to leave your family. We offer workshops to guide in the creation of your legacy. Discussion groups The Humanities.
Reading & Discussion – Weekly on Wednesdays at 11 am
Join a lively group of thoughtful, civil, and variously opinionated Hamilton House members as we discuss an essay or short story. Articles are chosen by rotating members of the group who volunteer each week. The relatively brief non-fiction readings cover a variety of timely topics, both serious and whimsical. Look for upcoming articles announced in the weekly E-bulletin, find copies in a folder next to the office, or get in touch via e-mail for links to articles, and join us any time you feel like it for a one-hour opportunity for good conversation and a chance to exercise a few grey cells!
Coordinators: Gwenyth Edwards: gwenythedwards@yahoo.com &
John Stevenson: jstevenson@uri.edu
ZOOM American Short Stories – Weekly Series with John Lord – Fridays at 10 am
Join us every week for discussions of classic American short stories. Using The Oxford Book of American Short Stories, we will read and react to a new story each week. The plan is for this class to run for 10-12 weeks and follow a format similar to Poetry and Readings & Discussions. Open to all; no long term commitment. Come when you can.
The book is available at Amazon ($13-15 used) or at Abebooks.com ($4.40 w/ free shipping).
ZOOM Play Reading: Page to Stage with Michael Walczak – Six Week Series – Tuesdays from 1 pm – 2:30 pm – March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27
The joy of drama is to take the words from the page and breath life into them for the stage. Our task will be to read a couple short plays (a modern comedy and classic drama) as a group while we begin learning about some of these transformational skills. Text analysis, physical and emotional characterization, and the visuals of costume and set design to name a few. If you love a good play, and always wanted to be Romeo /Juliet then this is the class for you.
I’d check out Amazon for paperback and kindle of the selected readings:
“The Dining Room“ by A.R. Gurney $10:00
“Our Town“ By Thornton Wilder $8:45
“Angels In America—Part 1” by Tony Kushner —prices vary due to used copies
All the plays deal with different perspectives on American culture.
Dining Room is the comedy. Our town and angels are the dramas. Angels will be considered as a supportive piece. Class Limit: 8 Please email Hamilton House to register.
Michael Walczak is a high energy and upbeat performing and visual artist living in Providence. Michael spent 25 years of his career working at a number of independent schools heading numerous theatre programs while teaching theatre studies and directing a number of plays. In addition Michael worked as a class facilitator in text studies for Shakespeare and Company of Lenox, Massachusetts. For the past five years Michael taught collage and figure drawing at Castle Hill in Truro, Massachusetts and collage at Hamilton House last fall.
ZOOM Memoir Writing with Tammy Bolotow – Wednesdays at 10 am – April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” – Mae West
The pandemic’s siege of our lives has, possibly, been a time for deeper contemplation, reflection, nostalgia: memories – ready to be put to paper in the form of the memoir. In these sessions, you will read excerpts from memoirs, discuss the elements of memoir writing (as opposed to the autobiography), and write your own memoir to keep to yourself, pass on to your family (or not!). Maybe you will want to write your “fantasy” memoir, or a future memoir as you look back on this period in your life. The blank page is waiting for your memories.
ZOOM HH Monthly Book Club – Monday, May 24 at 1 pm
“The Only Woman in the Room” by Marie Benedict
The incredible true story of a brilliant woman scientist only remembered for her beauty. Hedy Lamar, screen star, kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or marriage that she was a scientist. And she had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis and revolutionize modern communication…if anyone would listen to her.
ZOOM HH Monthly Book Club – Monday, June 28 at 1 pm
“The Lions of Fifth Avenue” by Fiona Davis
A literary mystery that delves into the history of the New York Library. Part family saga, part high stakes heist, and part love story where two generations of strong-willed women pick up the pieces from a series of book thefts.
History
Great Decisions: Eight Pertinent Global Issues
Lectures on Amercian/ Ancient History
Contemporary Issues in Politics and Events
Great Courses
History
History
Great Decisions: Eight Pertinent Global Issues
Lectures on Amercian/ Ancient History
Contemporary Issues in Politics and Events
Great Courses
ZOOM Great Decisions with Michael Mageau – Monday, March 8 at 1 pm – Global Supply Chains and National Security: by Jonathan Chanis
The shutdown of global supply chains due to the Covid-19 pandemic brought to the fore an issue with the high level of global economic interdependence: what happens when one country is the main source for an item, say face masks, and then can no longer supply the item? Countries suddenly unable to meet the demand for certain supplies are faced with growing calls for economic nationalism. What are some of the lasting effects that the pandemic could have on global supply chains and trade? How would this affect national security?
ZOOM Iran: In Search of Connections with Howard & Susan Rotblat-Walker – Wednesday, March 10 at 1 pm
Iran: In Search of Connections is a view of the country arising from Howard and Susan Rotblat-Walker’s travels there in 2018 and thoughts from Howard’s previous residence, 1968-70. Howard and Susan wanted to experience today’s Iran while delving into and connecting with its historic past. The presentation particularly focuses on the historic connections to the development of Western culture, as well as the many enjoyable aspects of traveling to Iran.
Howard Rotblat-Walker grew up in Chicago and has lived in Rhode Island since 1978. He resided and conducted research in Iran from 1968-1970 and received a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago for his study of an Iranian provincial bazaar. He has maintained an active interest in Iran since then. In “retirement,” Howard pursues his interest in fine art photography. His work can be seen on his website hrwfineartphoto.com. Susan Rotblat-Walker loves traveling, history and the arts. She speaks several languages including Japanese, having spent a year living and teaching English in Tokyo. She has a BA from Middlebury College where she majored in East Asian History and graduate degrees in education and cross-cultural studies from Bank Street College and Brown.
ZOOM Great Decisions with Michael Mageau – Monday, April 12 at 1 pm – The Future of Persian Gulf Security: by Lawrence Potter
Is using military force a viable foreign policy option for 2021 and beyond? The Persian Gulf remains tense as the rivalry between the regional powers of Saudi Arabia and Iran continues. Tensions escalated in early 2020 as the United States began to intervene in the Gulf, launching an airstrike that killed two Iranian military commanders. What are the historical influences that have led to these tensions? What role, if any, should the United States play? Is using military force a viable foreign policy option for 2021 and beyond?
ZOOM Roger Williams with Park Ranger John McNiff – Wednesday, May 26 at 1 pm
Roger Williams and his ideas were considered dangerous in the 1600s. Not insightful, not enlightened—outright dangerous. Join National Park Ranger John McNiff as he explores why and to whom Williams’s ideas were considered dangerous.
John McNiff is a Rhode Island native. Raised in Warwick, he attended Rhode Island College and received his BA in History with a minor in Anthropology in 1979. After studying archaeology in England and working on numerous archaeological projects throughout New England, he received his MA in Anthropology, specializing in archaeology, in 1990 from SUNY Binghamton. In 1996 John began working with the National Park Service and in 1997 was stationed as a Park Ranger at the Roger Williams National Memorial on North Main Street in Providence.
Poetry
One of the first classes established at Hamilton House. English,American, Modern and Classic poetry are part of an enthusiastic discussion among members.
Poetry
Poetry
One of the first classes established at Hamilton House. English, American, Modern and Classic poetry are part of an enthusiastic discussion among members.
ZOOM Poetry with Pat Trodson – Tuesdays at 10:30 am
ZOOM A Regathering of Poets with Jon Berenson – Mini Series – Thursdays at 9 am – March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15
In this five session Regathering of Poets, Jon invites us to come together to share with each other by bringing a favorite poem (your own or someone else’s), and to read it and share what the poem means to you in your life. Dr. Jon Berenson is a clinical psychologist in solo private practice in Providence, Rhode Island. He has been a senior leader of the Opening the Heart workshop for 37 years at Kripalu Institute for Yoga and Health. Jon has loved what he calls sacred, or divine poetry for a very long time, sometimes called ‘Mindfulness Poetry.’ Class Limit: 8 Email Hamilton House to register.
LECTURE
Hamilton House Lectures.
Lectures
ZOOM Philosophy Discussion Group with Ian Steller – Fridays at 1 pm
It has been said by some that thinking is the most important form of doing. In this discussion group, we will think – a lot. The guiding principle of our enterprise will be philia sophia, which from Greek can be taken to mean “the love of wisdom”. This curious attitude is fundamental to the nature of philosophical examination.
Philosophy is not like other disciplines. It is not a subject whose issues are sufficiently put to rest with some programmatic catalogue of “yeses” and “nos”. Instead, philosophy is an activity. It is elicited and practiced more than it is taught and learned. It is, in its most honest manifestation, a way of living. Aristotle would say that philosophy is a distinct kind of “science”, concerning itself with independent things, the study of “being as being”. The questions raised during this process are ostensibly simple; complication arises as we attempt to answer them. The occasional murkiness conjured by this endeavor does not, however, prevent it from being edifying. And so, our goal will be to harness and fine-tune the philosophical disposition that exists within all of us. Our focus will involve two things: The work of past thinkers, and the open articulation of our own interpretations of the questions at hand.
Class limit: 10 Please email Hamilton House to register.
ZOOM Container Gardening with Vivian Shaull – Monday, April 19 at 1 pm
No room to put in a garden? Gardening in containers is for you! In this talk we will learn what containers to use, what container plants need, how to blend your own soilless mix, watering and fertilizer needs and how to grow lush vegetables right in your own small space.
Vivian Shaull is a lifelong gardener starting very young with her father. She has been a Master Gardener since 2014 and has logged over 800 volunteer hours. She has worked in community gardens, done soil testing and kiosk events and works on the Hotline. She is currently the Educational Service Co-coordinator for the Master Gardener Program in charge of the Hotline and Soil Testing for the state.
ZOOM Car Doctor with John Paul from AAA – Wednesday, May 5 at 1 pm
John Paul, the AAA “Car Doctor,” is a certified mechanic who will review basic car maintenance, answer questions or discuss options for those in the market for a new car.
ZOOM Burbage Theatre Presents with Jessica Winward – Wednesday, June 9 at 1 pm
Managing a Play from Start to Finish
More details to come.
ZOOM Book Reading and Discussion Dr. Michael Fine – Monday, June 21 at 1 pm
Fiction at the Barricades: Stories to Defend Democracy is a lecture discussion about how the imagination sustains American Democracy. When we imagine the inner lives of other citizens and residents, we develop the relationships we need to function as one people, indivisible after all. The talk will be accompanied by a reading from The Bull and Other Stories by Michael Fine.
Michael Fine is a writer, community organizer, family physician, public health official and author of Health Care Revolt: How to Organize, Build a Health Care System, and Resuscitate Democracy – All at the Same Time and Abundance, a romantic thriller set in Rhode Island and in Liberia in the aftermath of the Liberian Civil Wars of 1989-2020. His new book The Bull and Other Stories is out now.
ZOOM Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council with Sara Canuel and Naya Black – Wednesday, June 23 at 1 pm
Understanding Watersheds with WRWC: The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) is an environmental non-profit working to create positive environmental, social and economic change by revitalizing the Woonasquatucket River, its Greenway and its communities. In this presentation, we will be discussing the history of the Woonasquatucket, past and present pollution impacting the river, and ways we can protect and care for the river for the future.
Sara Canuel is WRWC’s Education Director, has worked with the organization for four years coordinating and facilitating all K-12 Education Programs as part of in-school and afterschool programs, and adult resiliency programs. She also runs our Urban Fish Community Monitoring Project. She graduated from Eckerd College in January 2017 with a BA in Environmental Science and Sociology, and her favorite tree is a Black Cherry (Prunus serotina).
Naya Black is serving with WRWC through Americorps, and is the Youth Engagement Coordinator. She has been serving with the organization for eight months, and loves all things related to herpetology!
LANGUAGE
Traveling to another country? Brushing up on your language skills? Currently we offer German and Spanish. We are also pursuing other classes in French and Italian
Language
Language
Traveling to another country? Brushing up on your language skills? Currently we offer German and Spanish. We are also pursuing other classes in French and Italian
ZOOM Spanish – Intermediate Conversation and Reading – Tuesdays at 2:30 pm
Intermediate conversational Spanish with fellow members. Led by Alicia Elwin, who taught Spanish for 25 years in the public school system, and she welcomes new students.
ZOOM Beginner Spanish – Wednesdays at 2:30 pm
Join instructor Alicia Elwin for beginner Spanish. She plans to use the book (Amazon or ABE books): SPANISH MADE SIMPLE, Revised and Updated, by Judith Nemethy, (February 10, 2004). ISBN: 9780767915410. If interested in E-Book version, ISBN: 9780307434593.
Please register by emailing Hamilton House: hamiltonhouse276@gmail.com
ZOOM German – Thursdays at 10 am
“Komm und Lerne!” So many English words have a German origin. New teacher and class description to be announced.
TECHNOLOGY
The terms: Texting, IM, JPEG, Upload, Browser are terms that we hear every day but so often don’t know how to integrate into our daily lives. Learn how to make the most of your computer and handheld device. Schedule a private session with one of our Brown University students and learn at your own pace.
Technology
Technology
The terms: Texting, IM, JPEG, Upload, Browser are terms that we hear every day but so often don’t know how to integrate into our daily lives. Learn how to make the most of your computer and handheld device. Schedule a private session with one of our Brown University students and learn at your own pace.
ZOOM One-on-One Computer Lessons with Vanessa Lombardi or Ian Steller – March Availability
MUSIC
-History and Culture of Music Lectures
-Opera Appreciation
-Concerts
-Multi-cultural music series
-“Hamiltones” chorus group – The Chateaus
Music
Music
– History and Culture of Music Lectures
– Opera Appreciation
– Concerts
– Multi-cultural music series
– “Hamiltones” chorus group
– The Chateaus
ZOOM Tribute to Aretha Franklin with Kim Trusty – Thursday, March 25 at 1 pm
Aretha Franklin was born on March 25th 1942. So continue from where we left off from the last lecture and move from her roots as a gospel singer to her becoming one of the most versatile female musicians throughout history. To celebrate Women’s History Month. I will also discuss the many women, like Mahalia and Sister Rosetta who influenced Aretha along the way in her career. Happy Birthday Aretha!
ZOOM Latin Percussion with Charles Kalajian – 4 Week Series – Thursdays at 1 pm – April 15, 22, 29, May 6
This series of Latin drumming presented online to members at Hamilton House in April and the beginning of May will be taught by Charles Kalajian. Participants will be able to demonstrate and improve competence in their percussive ability as it relates to the Latin drumming rhythms of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Columbia. Not only will class members develop strategies to identify and increase their accuracy in the following grooves: Bossa nova, Samba, baião, tango, Cha cha, Salsa, Bolero, Son, Mambo, and Songo but also, participating in musical training enhances verbal memory, spatial reasoning, and literacy skills.
This class will prepare participants to interact with the Latin online groove mixer to record, evaluate, and improve performance. (an example of the groove mixer: https://www.musical-u.com/learn/open-your-ears-to-traditional-latin-music/). Techniques taught and methods used will foster self-reliance, independence, and confidence in participants’ Latin percussion performance ability. Participants will use household items while in class and for practicing when not in class.
Percussionist and educator Charles Z. Kalajian (b. 1988) uses his wide-ranging talents to adapt comfortably to a variety of environments. As a performing artist, he has performed and given master classes and clinics throughout the Southern New England area. As an educator Charles is currently teaching Percussion at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School and is on the music faculty of Rhode Island College, Community College of Rhode Island, and Bishop Hendricken High School. Charles teaches with passion and compassion and carries that into his teaching. Charles’ students see how enthusiastic he is about what he does, and it fuels their eagerness to learn. “The power to help my students make the world a better place through music is my calling and inspiration.” With that knowledge comes the urge to use his skills as a music teacher, to improve the lives of his students; it is not just an ability that he has, but a responsibility that he feels he must live up to.
ZOOM Music Lecture with Lacie Eades – Eight Week Series – Thursdays at 1 pm – May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1
SOCIAL
FUNCTIONS
Wine tasting, Film & Feast, Pub Night, Potluck Suppers, Lunch n’Learn , Food for Thought, Special themed concerts and Holiday Events.
Social Functions
Social Functions
Wine tasting, Film & Feast, Pub Night, Potluck Suppers, Lunch n’Learn , Food for Thought, Special themed concerts and Holiday Events.
MIND-BODY-SOUL
Yoga, TaiChi, Meditation, Strength building exercise, Walking Group, Classes focusing of Issues of Aging, Support Groups
Health & Wellness
Mind-Body-Soul
Yoga, TaiChi, Meditation, Strength building exercise, Walking Group, Classes focusing of Issues of Aging, Support Groups, Mind Enhancement through Games
Weekly Games for Mind Enhancement!
Mahjongg – Beginners Welcomed – Join this fascinating game of tiles!
Bridge Substitute – Call if you’d like to be a substitute!
Scrabble – New players welcomed – Brush up on challenging yourself with connecting words!
Backgammon – With early versions dating back over 3,000 years, backgammon has certainly stood the test of time. This challenging game takes 5 minutes to learn… and a lifetime to master! Beginner? Come and learn how to play others or help those who are new to the game. If you own a set, bring it in.
Many participants attest to the fact that Jodie’s sessions have had a positive impact on their fitness. She is a great teacher and can adapt any exercise to the participant’s individual needs. The atmosphere is upbeat and non-judgmental.
A low impact class for active older adults. The class consists of a combination of upper and lower body exercises which help seniors with balance and strength. This class can also help preserve bone density, vitality, and independence with age. Achy joints can actually benefit from exercise classes for older adults.
ZOOM – Yang Snake Style Tai Chi – Tuesdays at 10:30 am; Fee: $5 members $10 non-members
The Yang Snake Style is a dynamic tai chi method that mobilizes the spine while stretching and strengthening the core body muscles. Practicing this ancient martial art increases strength, balance, flexibility, vitality, peace of mind, and martial skill. Snake Style tai chi uses core body strength to initiate movement. Through discussion and practice, students will learn the principles of snake style movement and learn stretching exercises to help create the strength and flexibility needed for this movement. Please wear loose clothing and flat shoes. Presented by: Ida Schmulowitz a certified Snake Style instructor. Fee payable directly to Ida.
ZOOM – Chair Yoga – Fridays at 9:30 am
Offered by Lisa from Body-Soul. Please bring water, a yoga block and yoga strap to class.
ZOOM Meditation Circle with Lee Clasper-Torch – Eight Week Series – Wednesdays at 9:30 am – April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26
Enjoy a time of centering silence, meditation and mindful reflection. The Circle is a simple and welcoming time of listening to the silence, sinking into our hearts, and gently practicing the art of being still. Open to all – experienced or brand new to meditation – we are invited to hold space with one another to help deepen our inner awareness and develop our individual practice. As in past Circles, we will continue to share in a quality time of sitting silence, meditate on various poems and passages and share open, honest and mindful conversation with one another. Class Limit: 15 Please email Hamilton House to register.
ZOOM Movement for Small Spaces with Wendy Oliver – Four Week Series – Tuesdays at 2 pm – June 8, 15, 22, 29
Come dance on Zoom with us! This age-appropriate class will include simple dance warm ups, gentle stretches, and old-fashioned jazz dance moves from the 1920s-40s. These vernacular steps were invented by the African American community and include moves such as the Charleston, Raise the Roof, Gaze the Fog, Shim Sham, and many more. At the end of each class, we’ll put some of our moves together into a short dance to a variety of popular music of the 1930’s-80s. All are welcome, regardless of dance background.
Wendy Oliver teaches dance at Providence College, and is a member of the Village Common. She has been teaching dance for many years in person, and since Covid, has also been teaching online. Wendy has an MFA from Temple University in performance & choreography, and an EdD from Columbia University in dance education. She also directs the Providence College Dance Company, and the Children’s Dance Program at PC.
GIVING & RECEIVING
Hamilton House is supported by volunteers – whether being a receptionist, a teacher or serving on a committee. It is a great way to meet others. We appreciate your time and skills.
Office Assistance, Social events, Teaching, Committees, or Participating in Intergenerational classes in local elementary, high school and colleges. Mentoring students with tutoring.
Giving & Receiving
Giving & Receiving
Hamilton House is supported by volunteers – whether being a receptionist, a teacher or serving on a committee. It is a great way to meet others. We appreciate your time and skills.
Office Assistance, Social events, Teaching, Committees, or Participating in Intergenerational classes in local elementary, high school and colleges. Mentoring students with tutoring.
THE ARTS
Art Appreciation lectures
Demonstrations by RI Local Artists / Conversation with the Artist / Hamilton House Gallery
Hands–on Workshops, such as Kite building, origami, paper making, floral design,
Water-Soluable Acrylics, Water color, Pastel, Photography, Museum Trips.
The Arts
The Arts
Art Appreciation lectures
Demonstrations by RI Local Artists / Conversation with the Artist / Hamilton House Gallery
Hands–on Workshops, such as Kite building, origami, paper making, floral design,
Water-Soluable Acrylics, Water color, Pastel, Photography, Museum Trips
ZOOM Talking about Movies with Jerry DeSchepper – Mondays at 12 pm, February 1, 8, 15, 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22; April 5, 12, 19
A new ongoing film discussion group. Each week participants will choose a movie, which they will view on their own, in time for the group’s next meeting. Do you have a favorite you’d like to share? Old or New? American or International? Comedy or Tragedy? Join us and we will discuss it together. Led by Jerry DeSchepper. Class limit: 15 Please email Hamilton House to register.
Painting for All Levels – Fridays at 10 am – March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 9, 16, 23, 30
Nothing can compare to an in person class, but zoom painting classes are a good alternative! I can see student work and comment on it as the class progresses, and other students can see each other’s work, and have a dialogue as the class goes on. After each class, students email me a photo of their work that I put together in an email and send around to the members of the class. The photos can show more color and texture than holding up the piece on zoom since everyone has different lighting in their rooms. I present an assignment for students to work on, or if a student has a particular project that they would like to work on, that is also something I can help with. Fee: $48 per month – Payable directly to Ida Schmulowitz. Register by emailing Hamilton House.
ZOOM Beginning Watercolor with Anne Werk – Mondays from 11am – 1pm – Beginning March 1
Have you always felt that watercolors were too hard? Tried them before, but felt frustrated?
Leave those worries behind! This beginner watercolor class is designed for everyone. It is fun and relaxing, and doesn’t take much time to get a painting you’ll love. We will start by getting comfortable with the materials, and start learning different techniques, including washes, wet on wet, dry brush, etc. We will also touch on the basics of painting, including color, value, and composition. Each class will focus on a project as we build up our skills. I will show you how to correct mistakes, or use them to your advantage!
I will cover:
Best practices for getting watercolors to do what you want them to do
The importance of composition and making a value study
How to effectively use reference images, and work on our observation skills
How to fix or incorporate mistakes to make your painting better
Pour yourself a cup of tea, grab your watercolor materials, and let’s get painting!
Email: hamiltonhouse276@gmail.com to register. Class limit: 10
ZOOM Needlework Circle – Tuesdays from 1pm – 3pm – March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6, 13, 20, 27
Do you have a needlework (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery, sewing) project that has been abandoned, neglected, forgotten? Or would you like to start a piece of needlework? Please join the Needlework Circle which gets together to help each other and share good conversation. Email Hamilton House to register.
ZOOM “Italian Masterpieces” with Dr. Rocky Ruggiero – Six Part Series – Alternate Fridays at 11 am (Dates provided below)
Friday 4/9: Lecture 1 The Competition that Sparked the Renaissance – Lorenzo Ghiberi vs. Filippo Brunelleschi
The competition of 1401 for the contract for a set of bronze doors for Florence Baptistery is generally considered the event that kicked off the Renaissance. This lecture will explore how each artist brought his own unique vision and style to his work, and why sometimes losing actually means winning.
Friday 4/23: Lecture 2 – Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise
Often described as the most beautiful and famous doors on the planet, the Gates of Paradise took nearly a full generation for their artist, Lorenzo Ghiberti, to complete. The ten richly- decorated-gilded-bronze panels depict Old Testament subject matter like pages from a picture book.
Friday 5/7: Lecture 3 – Donatello’s bronze David
Donatello’s bronze David was the first free-standing nude statue to be made since ancient Roman times. In addition to restoring sculpture to its place alongside architecture, and not simply as ornamentation for it, Donatello also caused quite a ripple in traditional Christian iconography. The eroticism of the sculpture is palpable. Combined with anomalous details such as boots and a hat (for which my students have appropriately nicknamed the statue the Puss in Boots David) the true meaning of the sculpture has eluded people in my business for many years.
Friday 5/21: Lecture 4 – Alessandro Botticelli’s Primavera and Birth of Venus
When Botticelli painted the Primavera in the 1470s, he opened up a veritable Pandora’s Box. No longer would Renaissance artists be limited to simply dressing Christian saints in togas and sandals, they could now gradually introduce the very literature, philosophy and religion of the ancient Greco-Roman world into their own art. This lecture will unpack Botticelli’s great allegorical painting by identifying its characters and their meaning; but it will also explore how the first Renaissance painting to ever depict a pagan subject was still loaded with Christianity.
Friday 6/4: Lecture 5 – Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper
Leonardo’s great masterpiece was painted in 1495 on a wall of the refectory of a Dominican convent in Milan, Italy, and is celebrated as the first work of the High Renaissance. Few people realize that Leonardo’s painting of the subject was the culmination of nearly 1000 years of iconographic tradition. Moreover, his depiction of Jesus and twelve (soon to be eleven) of his closest followers sharing their last meal together was one of dozens of Last Supper paintings to adorn refectory – or “dining hall” – walls in Italy. This lecture will explore the evolution of the subject of the Last Supper in Italian art, as well as explain why Leonardo’s Last Supper is perhaps the most perfect expression of form and content in Renaissance painting.
Friday 6/18: Lecture 6 – Michelangelo’s Pietà
The Pietà was Michelangelo’s first “number one hit”. At the ripe old age of 23 years, he had produced one of the greatest statues of all time. The innocence, sensitivity and stillness of this particular early work would never be achieved again in Michelangelo’s 72-year career. This lecture will explore the meaning and tradition of the “Pietà” subject in art and also address why Michelangelo’s is the most famous interpretation.
Floral Design with Sally Gruber – Tuesday, April 20 – Spring Beginnings
Welcome spring with a spectacular fresh floral arrangement! Each participant will receive a natural woven basket with an abundance of flowers, including daisy pom, miniature carnation and waxflower. Students will create a seasonal floral piece as they learn the elements of design. Please join this special celebration of spring!
Email Hamilton House to sign up. Fee: $20.00 per participant paid directly to Sally. Delivery times will be pre-arranged with students.
ZOOM Painting for All Levels with Ida Schmulowitz – Fridays at 10 am – May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4, 11, 18, 25
May and June painting classes will be part zoom and part on location in the landscape. Whenever the weather permits, we will be painting outside at various locations, with social distance and mask wearing required. Other days the class will take place on zoom, with students setting up still lives according to a specific assignment that will be given. All levels are welcome. Beginners can opt to gain some experience by focusing on drawing instead of painting. Join us in the tradition of plein air painting or drawing. Experimentation and expression are encouraged!
Students must bring their own supplies. Email Ida for a list of paints or drawing supplies. (idahs@cox.net) When outdoors, students are also responsible for bringing a portable chair, and easel or table to work on, as well as a tray for their supplies. Ida Schmulowitz has been a professional artist for over 45 years and holds a BFA in painting from RISD. Her work has been exhibited locally and nationally and is in corporate and private collections including the RISD Museum and Newport Art Museum. Her website is idaschmulowitz.com. Fee: $48 per month – Payable directly to Ida Schmulowitz. Register by emailing Hamilton House.
Floral Design with Sally Gruber – Tuesday, May 18 – Garden Party
When the days are warm and the flowers are in bloom, it’s the perfect time for a garden party! Reflecting Katherine Mansfield’s short story, “Garden Party,” we will create the setting for our own botanical gala. Participants will receive decorative pots and a wide selection of fresh plant materials, including blue delphinium, fuchsia carnation, and Italian ruscus. All participants will enjoy garden snacks as we celebrate one of America’s favorite outdoor pastimes.
I have a plan that presents a floral design program using personal delivery of materials to each student, along with an instruction sheet to guide you in creating your arrangement. I will call each participant to arrange a time for the doorstep drop-off of the materials at your home. Please email Hamilton House if you are interested. Fee: $20.00 per participant paid directly to Sally.
ZOOM “Collecting Folk Art: My Pastime, Passion or Obsession?” with George M. Goodwin, Ph.D. – Wednesday, June 2 at 1 pm
A native of Los Angeles, George studied art history at Lake Forest College and earned graduate degrees at Columbia and Stanford. He taught art history for many years and conducted extensive oral history interviews with artists, collectors, and museum officials. More recently, he coedited The Jews of Rhode Island, which was published by Brandeis University Press in 2004, and has edited Rhode Island Jewish Historical Notes for 18 years. He has also written for this journal and many others.
George and his wife, Betsey, while living on the East Side for 33 years, have continued to build their huge collection of folk art from many parts of the world. The largest portion consists of terra cotta and wooden sculptures from Mexico, but they also have Inuit soapstone carvings, prints, and wall hangings from Canada; paintings, papier-mâché masks, and metal cut-outs from Haiti and Jamaica; Hmong embroideries; and carpets from Afghanistan, India Iran, Morocco, and Turkey.
By showing dozens of photos from the Goodwin family collection, George will try to answer a simple but perplexing question, “When is enough enough?”
Floral Design with Sally Gruber – Tuesday, June 22 – June is Busting Out All Over
It’s June! Let’s celebrate this favorite month with a favorite flower: the daisy. Symbol of June, this lovely blossom represents innocence and is often used in seasonal wedding ceremonies. Today we will use this traditional flower to create a cheerful daisy basket. Participants will finish their arrangements with a festive floral accent. You won’t want to miss this!
Email Hamilton House to sign up. Fee: $20.00 per participant paid directly to Sally. Delivery times will be pre-arranged with students.
No refunds for cancellations of Art Classes.
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Our Travel committee organizes day trips, over night and international excursions. Many of our trips include cultural and educational themes.
Travel & Leisure
Travel & Leisure
Our Travel committee organizes day trips, over night and international excursions. Many of our trips include cultural and educational themes.
SPECIAL EVENTS
We hold events for fundraising and friendship such as the 70th Anniversary of the Ending of WWII, themed concerts, The Sixties, Sock hop, Oktoberfest and Holiday Buffets.
Special Events
Special Events
We hold events for fundraising and friendship such as the 70th Anniversary of the Ending of WWII, themed concerts, The Sixties, Sock hop, Oktoberfest and Holiday Buffets.
Intergenerational Opportunities
Hamilton House is a community outreach to students in elementary, high school and universities. Experience classes, workshops and mentoring. We offer internship teaching positions.
Intergenerational Opportunities
Intergeneratiional Opportunities
Hamilton House is a community outreach to students in elementary, high school and universities. Experience classes, workshops and mentoring. We offer internship teaching positions.
Writing From Life: A Creative Writing Class
A creative writing class for adults to share stories about themselves or the women in their lives. Marriages, childhood, affairs, death–this is what lives are made of. How do we write about relationships? In this workshop, participants will read and write, learning how to craft your own memories or experiences (or those of others) into a work of creative nonfiction.
Adults | Online | 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. | February 25 – April 2nd (Thursday)
Drawing Explorations
In this online drawing class, students will explore both wet and dry media, from abstract mark-making to observational representation, and embracing messes and mysteries in between. Exercises will focus on opening up creatively while strengthening the connection between hand and eye movement as one complete, joyful tactile thought.
Projects will be driven by what is meaningful to the student as we find inspiration in what’s around us – our homes, ourselves, and in the materials we are using.
Whether you are an absolute beginner, have professional experience, or want to draw in a community, you are welcome.
Adults | Online | 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. | March 2nd – April 6th (Tuesday)
Sign up: https://forms.gle/
Longevity Explorers
The Providence Longevity Explorers is a collaborative program of Hamilton
House and the Providence Village. Launched in March 2018, the group meets
monthly to explore issues related to the unmet needs of aging adults. Find more information about the
Providence circle and the Longevity Explorers programs at
techenhancedlife.com.
Longevity Explorers
Longevity Explorers
The Providence Longevity Explorers is a collaborative program of Hamilton House and the Providence Village. Launched in March 2018, the group meets monthly to explore issues related to the unmet needs of aging adults – in products, services and information. Find more information about the Providence circle and the Longevity Explorers programs at techenhancedlife.com.
Longevity Explorers meets the third Wednesday of the Month
ZOOM “The World of Biologics” – Wednesday, March 17 at 1 pm
Presenters will be Pharm D Students under the direction of:
Noemi Ramos-DeSimone, PhD; Pharm D
Coordinator of the Pharmacy Outreach Program
Department of Pharmacy Practice
URI College of Pharmacy
ZOOM Beware! Fraudsters and Identity Thieves Are Coming For You – Wednesday, April 21 at 1 pm
We’re overloaded with information on consumer fraud, scams and identity theft. Yet the fraudsters and thieves use different techniques and current issues like the pandemic to target us in cyber, phone, mail, credit card, insurance, social security, tax and many other fraudulent schemes.
Don’t be a victim! Share your experiences! Learn about current frauds and scams happening in Rhode Island and required prevention strategies!
Presenter:
Martha Crippen, Director Consumer Protection Unit
RI Attorney General’s Office