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ART

Leonardo da Vinci and the Italian Renaissance:  From the secrets of flight to the mystery of the Mona Lisa's smile, explore the intriguing world of this Renaissance genius.

Monet and the Impressionists:  Would you like to spend time in Monet's garden?  Discover how inspiration from nature and experiments with light and color led to the beauty of Impressionist painting.

Florence - Michelangelo and the Medici:  The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence was known for artistic geniuses, colorful characters, and dramatic palace intrigue.

Vincent van Gogh:  The artistic genius who sold only one painting during his lifetime, but who said that one day people would know his work was worth more than the cost of the paint.  Learn the story of the man who painted "The Starry Starry Night.”

Roman Architecture:  It's no wonder that Rome is called "the Eternal City"-- the ancient Romans seemed to build with eternity in mind.  From the Colosseum to the Pantheon to the palaces of the Caesars, explore marvels of ancient architecture.

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Historic American Artists

A whirlwind tour through some of the highlights of American art history!  Featuring the seascapes of Winslow Homer, the swashbucklers of N.C. Wyeth, the wonder of Maxfield Parrish, the family warmth of Mary Cassatt, and the whimsy of Norman Rockwell.

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The Hudson River School Artists

If you are from the northeast, these paintings will bring back memories! Join a virtual "wilderness trek" as we see how nineteenth-century American artists were inspired by nature.  Mountain vistas, peaceful forests, and beautiful waterways are featured in the paintings of the "Hudson River School."  

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Hero Stories in Art

See how artists have portrayed beloved characters like Robin Hood, King Arthur, Sherlock Holmes, and the colorful cast of Robert Louis Stevenson's novels.  This is art that brings your favorite stories to life!

 

HISTORY
Florence and the Medici:  The wealthy and flamboyant Medici family were patrons to some of the greatest artists in history, all while trying to survive in a world of assassination attempts and poison rings.

Ancient Rome:  From Imperial palaces to Italian countryside villas to the lost city of Pompeii, travel back in time to the ancient Roman world.

Alexander the Great:  In his short life, Alexander tried to conquer the world, and he almost did it.  Learn about his brilliant tactics and strategies, his earthshaking battles, his extraordinary and dangerous personality, and his effect on world history.

Ancient Britain:  From the building of Stonehenge to the arrival of Caesar and his fleet, from the mineral springs of Bath to the rise of London as a great city, from Hadrian's wall to lost treasure troves, learn the secrets of Britain in ancient times.

Castles and Cathedrals: The World of the Middle Ages.  Explore famous landmarks like the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, and Notre Dame, as well as little-known gems like the ingenious cathedral of Wells in the English countryside.  Learn about the colorful tapestries and illuminated manuscripts that would have been found in banquet halls and libraries of castles.

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Elizabethan Drama:  Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and William Shakespeare.  Discover the family drama and palace intrigue of Tudor England.  Learn how storms and fireships defeated the Spanish Armada,  and how the Bard captured the spirit of these exciting times.

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X Marks the Spot: Treasures of Archaeology

From the Inca gold and lost cities of the high Andes to the emeralds, silver, and doubloons of the shipwrecked galleons right here on the Treasure Coast, this virtual treasure hunt brings archaeology to life.

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Palaces and Gardens: A Journey Through China

Explore the splendor of the Forbidden City and the beauty of traditional gardens.  From the terra cotta army of ancient times to the miniature works of art (best viewed through a magnifying glass) from the last of the dynasties, you will be amazed.  We will also explore the  mountain landscapes and the detailed bird-and-flower scenes of Chinese painting.

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TRAVEL / CITIES
Venice:  City of Waters.  With its 100 islands and 400 bridges, Venice is a unique and beautiful destination.  Explore the history, architecture and culture of La Serenissima.

Rome: the Eternal City.  From the palaces of the Caesars to the masterpieces of Michelangelo, from the extravagance of the Baroque Age to the life and culture of neighborhoods and restaurants, this is Rome!

Paris: The City of Lights.  From marvels of historic architecture like Notre Dame to the beauty of French Impressionism, explore the history, culture, and cafe society of this renowned city.

The Vatican: The Sistine Chapel Ceiling and Beyond.  Explore the masterpieces of Michelangelo and other treasures of the Vatican Museum.

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London: 500 B.C. to 1900.  London's rise in ancient times, the dynastic struggles of the Middle Ages and the building of the Tower, the splendor of the monarchy, and the flowering of art and literature in the Victorian Age will all be chronicled in this virtual trip to one of the world's great cities.

Edinburgh:  Explore an elegant palace, a mighty castle on a mountaintop, and the six-storey medieval skyscrapers of the      Royal Mile.  Learn about eccentric characters from Robert the Bruce to Mary, Queen of Scots to Robert Louis Stevenson.

Other cities available include Beijing, Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Dublin, Kyoto  .  .  .  Please inquire.

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WINE

Wine presentations can be combined with wine tastings!  Recommended wine lists are available for each of these topics.

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Mediterranean Wine Tour:   An adventure in the world's most ancient wine countries.  Learn about the history of winemaking and the classic regions in the Mediterranean world.  Discover the great wines of Italy and Spain.

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New World Wine Tour:   Learn about the great wines of California, South America, Australia and New Zealand-- all considered "New World" wine regions  compared to the "Old World" wines of Europe.  Learn the stories behind favorite varieties like cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, and shiraz.

 

The World of Wine:  Can't decide between "Old World" wines and "New World" wines?  Join us for a whirlwind tour of wine regions across the planet, including locales in Italy, France, Spain, the United States, Australia, and South America.

After-Dinner Treats: Port, Sherry, Cognac, and Brandy.  This look at comforting fortified wines will introduce you to the major varieties and the differences between them.  We will also look at the colorful characters who have enjoyed these beverages, both in literature (Sherlock Holmes) and real life (Sir Winston Churchill). 
 

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NATURE
Birds of the Treasure Coast:  From colorful roseate spoonbills to elegant herons, from acrobatic terns to exotic ibises, the Treasure Coast is a birdwatcher's paradise.  Learn how to identify common birds in our area, and learn fun facts about them.  It's a great introduction to birdwatching!

John James Audubon, Nature Artist:  If you know the name of one nature artist, it's probably John James Audubon.  Learn why is artwork is so beloved and how it can enhance your appreciation for the birds you see everyday.  You will also learn about the life and adventures of Audubon himself-- a very interesting character.

Florida's Nature Artists:  An English country squire turned adventurer; a Pennsylvania Quaker who traveled south and canoed across a lake of alligators; and an aristocratic Frenchman who called himself "the American Woodsman."  Mark Catesby, William Bartram, and John James Audubon were great nature artists who explored Florida.  These are their stories.

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UPDATE--  new courses added!

Food and Wine in Art

Perfect for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and art fans alike!  How does food and wine relate to art history?  We will look at paintings of royal banquets as well as appetizing still-lifes.  We will also learn about artists who were gourmets or wine enthusiasts themselves, including geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci and Claude Monet.  

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The History of Your Favorite Color

Take a poll of your group and choose a favorite color.  Then, learn the amazing story of that color in art and history.  How did they find the pigment to use for paintings?  From royal purple to lapis blue to cochineal red, the history of your favorite color might be full of palace intrigue!

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American Icons

Did you know that Buffalo Bill met Queen Victoria, and that the "Deadwood Stagecoach" featured in the Wild West Show once held four kings and the Prince of Wales?  Did you know that Pony Express lasted less than two years?  Did you know that Casey Jones was a real engineer, and a real hero? Throw in characters like Doc Holliday, Diamond Jim Brady, and Wrong-Way Corrigan, and we have an entertaining look at surprises in American history.

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