Mary Edmonia Lewis c. 1870, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
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MARY EDMONIA LEWIS
“I have a strong sympathy for all women who have struggled and suffered.”
Mary Edmonia Lewis—even against the backdrop of the American civil war—became a highly acclaimed sculptor, successful despite the difficulties her gender and color presented to a conservative America. Faced with physical abuse and racial prejudice, she persisted, becoming one of the most important artists of the nineteenth century.
Born in 1844 in Greenbush, New York, and orphaned by the age of five, Lewis studied art at Ohio’s Oberlin College, one of the first to accept women and mixed ethnicities. Regardless, she and other women were given a different curriculum and exposed to daily discrimination. Before she was able to graduate, Lewis left Oberlin following unsubstantiated accusations of poisoning and theft.
In 1864, she moved to Boston and, working under the direction of Edward Augustus Brackett, began her career as a sculptor, enjoying her first solo exhibition the same year. Two years later, she moved to Rome—then the epicenter for classical sculpture—joining a circle of expatriate women artists working in the city.
In Rome, Lewis enjoyed a social, spiritual, and artistic freedom that was impossible for a woman—let alone a black woman—in America at that time. The enormous difficulties she overcame to achieve her great success cannot be underestimated.
“Sometimes the times were dark and the outlook was lonesome, but where there is a will, there is a way. I pitched in and dug at my work until now I am where I am. It was hard work though, but with color and sex against me, I have achieved success.”
Inspired and influenced by her surroundings, Lewis sculpted in marble, working in a neoclassical style, often focusing on themes relating to black and indigenous people. Although unhappy about her homeland—telling The New York Times in 1878, that the “land of liberty had no room for a colored sculptor”—her roots and heritage pervaded her work.
By the 1870s, Lewis’s career was thriving and her work selling well. She was commissioned to sculpt marble busts of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant, and for the Centennial International Exposition of 1876 she created the monumental The Death of Cleopatra, described at the time as “the most remarkable piece of sculpture in the American section.” The work is now in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Mary Edmonia Lewis, who died in London in 1907, was the first African American sculptor to gain international success. Today, her work enjoys continued acclaim and continues to influence artists and art lovers alike.
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Mary Edmonia Lewis and her 1876 work The Death of Cleopatra
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Three Thursdays
Introduction to Drawing
With Craig Caldwell
Beginning April 1 from 6-9pm
This class is designed for the beginning drawer who appreciates art and has always wanted to learn to draw as well as for those looking for a refresher course. Instruction will cover the fundamentals of free-hand drawing: line, perspective, composition, understanding light and form, as well as creating illusions of depth, contrast, and texture. Different drawing material, techniques, and methods will be explored. Open to all levels of experience.
$95 – Member, $115 – Non-member
Socially distanced – mask required
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Three Saturdays beginning April 3
Painting Ocean Waves
With Livia Mosanu
From 1-3pm
(No class on 4/17)
Have you ever wondered how someone produces such realistic ocean waves in their paintings? In this class, you will learn how to capture lifelike ocean waves using oil paints. Photo references will be provided, or you can bring your own. This is the perfect opportunity to practice oil painting techniques such as glazes and impasto while learning how to paint water and foam. We will start the class by talking about the “anatomy” of a wave.
$80 – Member, $90 – Non-member
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Three Saturdays beginning April 3
Intro to Portrait Drawing & Painting
With Livia Mosanu
From 10am-noon
(No class on 4/17)
Learn to paint realistic portraits from photo references. These references will be provided in digital format (both photo and Old Master Copy) to use for the duration of the course as you paint in the comfort of your home studio. Alternatively, you may use your own photo reference, as approved by the instructor. We will start the class by drawing and carefully observing proportions, the anatomy of the face and skull, along with light and shadow patterns. Time will be spent drawing and learning the structure of each individual feature - ears, nose, eyes, mouth.
$80 – Member, $90 – Non-member
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Five Wednesdays beginning April 7
Kitchen Table Clay
With Holly Heaslip
From 10-11:30am
Yes, you can do pottery at home on your kitchen table or really anywhere! With just a few inexpensive everyday items and your own two hands as your primary tools, you will make a mug, bowl, and other simple pottery pieces and have plenty of fun doing it. Any tools you don’t already have in your home or garage are easy to find at a craft or hardware store. Clay really isn’t very messy and will wash off of any surface easily! Safe pickup of your clay at the Cultural Center will be from 12-5pm on the Tuesday before your first Wednesday morning class. Please note that in order to have the clay prepared, registration will close at noon on the Sunday prior to the start of class.
$105 – Member, $125 – Non–member
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Six Wednesdays beginning April 7
The Potter's Wheel for Beginners
With Holly Heaslip
From 1:30-4pm
Have you ever been mesmerized while watching a pot being made on the wheel? Want to give it a try? All that’s needed is a playful attitude and patience! In this class we will cover the basics of making pottery on the wheel: wedging, trimming, glazing, and firing. You will gain an understanding of the process, equipment involved, and the magical material called “clay.” Come start a new chapter in your creative life! Demonstrations, individualized instruction and plenty of hands on time round out our class. Books, handouts and examples of pottery will be available to reinforce lessons. All tools, materials, and & firings are provided.
$210 – Member, $250 – Non-member
Socially distanced – mask required
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Four Tuesdays beginning April 6
Fooling Around with the Masters – Pastel Painting
With Betsy Payne Cook
From 2-4:30pm
The Masters of Art History gave us beautiful work to experience … and great inspiration for work of our own. Have you ever looked at an old master painting and envisioned it in a more contemporary setting? Do you think it would be a fun challenge to replicate that image? Maybe alter the color palette or merge multiple paintings? This class will begin with ways to jumpstart creative options. Once a master painting is chosen, we will look at ways to merge your vision with the original master’s work. This class is not intended as a lesson in forgery but a way to be inspired, intrigued and engaged in new, exciting ways. Come have fun and see if you can fool the viewer with your copy or your reinvented masterpiece!
$100 – Member, $110 – Non-member
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Friday, April 9
From 10am-4pm
The Art Journal Workshop
With Lenore Lyons
This class will provide an overview of art journaling and the many ways to document life. Students will socialize safely while playing with all sorts of art supplies, some familiar and some that are new and fun, to discover things they really like. We will look at lettering of various sizes and styles to convey a message, including secret writing (sometimes you need that kind of thing) … and we’ll create backgrounds with color and texture and learn interesting and easy ways to add images. It is freeing and fun to experiment with color and layering; any "mistake" can be altered or covered. Everyone will keep a record of their projects so they can recreate the activities at home. No art experience or drawing ability is necessary at all! New skills and techniques will be added in easy progression.
$150 – Member, $160 – Non-member
Socially distanced – mask required
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Six Fridays beginning April 9
Acrylic Jump Starter
With Odin Smith
From 2-4pm
Have fun with a series of exercises designed to increase creativity and help students add emotional content to your acrylic work. There should be no limits to your imagination. Be prepared to do different painting exercises that will stretch your imagination and thought process to raise you to new levels of achievement. If you have been feeling like you need a jump start to get back to painting, this is the class for you! Have your supplies ready so we can jump in right away, starting with a critique of any work you need advice about before next steps.
$150 – Member, $180 – Non-member
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Six Saturdays beginning April 10
Simply By Hand
With Holly Heaslip
From 9:30-11:30am
All levels of students will be accommodated according to their skill levels. Students will learn coil, slab, and pinch methods to make every day functional ware for the table, home, and garden. Beginners will learn basic techniques, while more advanced students will use them as a stepping point from which to progress into new territory. All tools, materials, and firings are included.
$170 – Member, $185 – Non-member
Socially distanced – mask required
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Saturday, March 27 at 7pm
From The Beatles to Stevie Wonder
With Guitarist Gregg Sullivan
Don’t miss this chance to hear versatile guitarist and veteran sideman Gregg Sullivan performing this solo concert of music by great artists including The Beatles, Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Jerry Reed, and many more!
He has toured throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe playing at legendary venues including The Hollywood Bowl, Birdland and B.B. King's in NYC, The Fillmore in San Francisco, and The Toronto Jazz Festival.
The performance is free, but donations are encouraged and will benefit the musicians and the Cultural Center's ongoing programming that promotes live music in our community.
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Wednesday, March 24
From 6-7:30pm
Boomer Gardens Lecture
With Priscilla Husband
Gardens for an Aging Generation. Has your enthusiasm for gardening been discouraged by physical limitations? As we age, our gardens become harder to maintain. Let’s find a way to enjoy our gardens again with a new perspective and reality. We’ll talk about downsizing our garden properties for the future, plus tips and ideas for simpler gardens for our health and enjoyment. Please bring a notebook and pen to take notes.
$25 – Member, $30 – Non-Member
Socially distanced, mask required for on-site participants.
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Wednesday, March 31
From 6–7:30pm
Gardening 101 Lecture
With Priscilla Husband
It may still be cold outside, but getting ready for spring warms the heart and the hands … and lays the groundwork (literally) for a great garden. This presentation by master gardener Priscilla Husband is the latest in a series of condensed and comprehensive conversations on all aspects of landscape gardening. Topics will include planting, pruning, design, and maintenance: everything the aspiring gardener needs to hit the ground running.
$25 – Member, $30 – Non-member
Socially distanced, mask required for on-site participants.
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Five Fridays beginning April 2
Aran Style Knitting
With Kirsten West
From 10am-noon
Beautifully patterned Aran Knitting, named after the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland from County Galway and County Clare, is often found in socks, hats, vests, scarves, mittens, afghans, pillow covers, and, most commonly, sweaters. In this class, students will learn how to knit various Aran patterns, including Seed Stitch, Moss Stitch, Various Cables, Large Bobble Rib, Hourglass Cable and Bobbles, Honeycomb, Trinity Stitch or Blackberry Stitch, Traveling Lines and Twisted Stitches and Openwork Patterns. Students will also create 12” squares that can be sewn together into an Aran Sampler Afghan. Come learn to create wearable heirlooms rooted in the traditions of the Emerald Isle!
$105 – Member, $125 – Non-member
Socially distanced – mask required
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Four Tuesdays beginning April 6
Great Gardening! A Series of Presentations
With Master Gardener Priscilla Husband
From 10am-noon
Spring has sprung, so carpe diem! Join Priscilla from home for this four-part series of essential elements of gardening.
- APRIL 6: “Gardening 101” - a comprehensive overview of gardening including the basics of garden design and installation, planting, pruning, and general overall garden maintenance.
- APRIL 13: “Beautify Your Yard with Ornamental Trees” - chock full of information about how to identify existing trees on your property, new trees for landscape value, best planting practices, maintenance, and a list of trees available for their beauty and benefits to wildlife.
- APRIL 20: “The 411 on Shrubs” - introducing a variety of flowering shrubs and exploring how to include shrubs in landscape designs and how to plant and maintain them.
- APRIL 27: “Now and Forever” - a focused approach to the art of gardening with both perennials and annuals, including instruction on how to achieve continuous flowers throughout the seasons, best planting practices, and maintenance.
$105 – Member, $125 – Non-member
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Four Wednesdays beginning April 7
Knitting for Beginners: Continental / Scandinavian Methods
With Kirsten West
From 10am-noon
You’ll be amazed at how simple it easy to learn to knit Continental/Scandinavian Style. Students will learn to cast on the Scandinavian way, all while learning various stitches, ribs, and basic techniques. We will read patterns and learn about various fibers that are suitable for hand knitting, and how to care for hand knitted items. Knowing continental knitting will make advanced techniques easier to learn and master. This class is for beginners and refreshers.
$85 – Member, $100 – Non-member
Socially distanced – mask required
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Six Thursdays beginning April 8
Woodturning: Mastering the Basics
With Dave Arnone
From 1-3pm
Have you ever seen wooden bowls and wanted to create your own designs for your home or as gifts? Maybe you’ve acquired a lathe and aren’t sure how to use it … or you’re a bit rusty and need a refresher. This class will provide instruction on using the wood lathe, lathe safety, turning tools, project design, and turning wooden bowls from both green and dried wood blanks. The instruction and demonstration portion of this course will be provided virtually, allowing participants to join the sessions from the comfort of their own homes. To aid participants in applying the skills they learn, a “hands on” portion of the course will be provided via one-on-one virtual mentoring for participants who have access to a wood lathe, or via small group, in-person work sessions using the lathes in the Center’s Maker Studio.
$135.00 - Online / Member
$175.00 - In person / Member
$155.00 - Online / Non-member
$200.00 - In person / Non-member
Socially distanced, mask required for on-site participants.
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Six Thursdays beginning April 8
Tai Chi for Health-Sun Style/Part Two, The Extension Movements
With Holly Heaslip
From 10-11am
This class will be a continuation of new movements added to the original Core Movements, further extending the practice of Sun Style Tai Chi. These movements are called the Extension Movements. Students should be comfortable with the Core Movements from Part One before taking this class. By the end of the six weeks, students will have a full practice and be well on their way to enjoying the many health benefits of practicing Tai Chi. Instructor Holly Heaslip is certified in this program developed by Dr. Paul Lam. Please wear comfortable clothing, appropriate foot wear and bring a water bottle.
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Every Friday from 8:30–9:30am
Yoga for Wise Warriors!
With Lees Yunits
Bringing to mind that yoga is a process that everyone is capable of, Lees teaches yoga to beginners and advanced, to the stressed and to the curious, to retirees, young mothers and fathers, artists, businesswomen and men. Everyone benefits from stretching, breathing and meditating. Joy is the byproduct.
Beginners will be taught basics; more experienced will deepen their knowledge, and all will learn varied ways to enhance their knowing. Lees’s background includes many assorted styles of yoga, including hatha, viniyoga, yin and kundalini. Just as important are the invaluable techniques of breath work. Always there will be some form of meditation, as well, whether simple stillness, or transcendental, counting, mantra singing, or guided. The whole of a yoga session depends on joining body work, breath work, and meditation. Not to mention some humor here and there! Whether fast, or slow, all of Lees’s yoga classes intend to move you forward on your Journey to Joy.
$15.00 – drop-in, $75.00 – 6 weeks
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CURRENT & UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS |
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We invite you to join us and visit our new exhibitions for March 2021.
Socially distanced – mask required
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Take a deeper dive into CAPE COD SOLITUDE with artist Rachel Jones |
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Take a deeper dive into OCEAN COMPOSITIONS with artist Livia Mosanu |
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