Heroines of HopeStories of Beauty and Courage From France
A four week series of salons celebrating the hidden stories of the women who inspired the paintings of Renoir, Degas and Toulouse Lautrec, the music of Ravel and Faure and the Troubadours ad the glories of the Gothic Cathedrals Online class available here |
Episode Two: The Muse of Montmartre: Suzanne Valadon Erik Satie's only love, Manual Utrillo's mother and only art teacher, Suzanne was an incredibly plucky, determined heroine whose face and body inspired some of the best loved works of Degas, Toulouse Lautrec, Renoir, Pue de Chavannes and more before she became the first woman painter exhibited at the Beaux Arts . You have seen her face a thousand times-- and you, too, will fall in love with her after you learn about her astonishing life and spirit. |
Episode Three:
The Lavender Princess: Winaretta Singer The heiress of the American sewing machine company was a formidable painter and musician in her own right, and with her beloved homosexual husband, became the greatest patron of Faure, Ravel, Satie, Strainsky, Da Falla. and more Her unconventional (but happy) marriage and commitment to beauty and generosity profoundly shaped the culture of Paris. We will celebrate some of the dozens of works dedicated to her, including Ravel's gorgeous Pavane. |
Myths and Mysteries of the Middle Ages
Now available online! The Middle Ages were truly both the best and worst of times: amidst war and the horror of crusades arose astonishing beauty and wisdom. From the ashes of catastrophe, Chartres Cathedral emerged as a beacon of light and hope, drawing together the wisdom of many different traditions and re-igniting the flame of inspiration from the Ancient Greek world. In this four episode telecourse, we illuminate the myths and mysteries behind Chartres Cathedral in a story and visual feast that gives hope and meaning to our own dark times. CLICK HERE to learn more and register |