Photograph: Ratno Sardi/Griffith University |
|
If for any reason you find yourself on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, climb up a particular dusty, meandering track on the edge of a steep hillside. Scramble around the rocky outcrops close to the top, negotiate a bamboo ladder, and step into a cave system that was once underwater as part of an ancient coral reef. Welcome to the world’s oldest art gallery.
Look above your head. In the rough, uneven surface of limestone rock, splintered with age and masked by mineral deposits [affectionately known as ‘popcorn’ by geologists], you will see the faint lines of a painting created at least 40,000 years ago. To date, this is the oldest known painting of figurative art anywhere in the world. There are many paintings in this cave, and many more still in similar locations nearby, all thought to be around a similar age.
Some depict simple human outlines, carrying what appear to be hunting tools, others show distinct animal forms, and still others show the silhouetted shapes of human hands, presumably belonging to the artists themselves. Their relative simplicity takes away none of the thrill of knowing they are the earliest examples of creative art made by humans.
Whatever the reason they were painted—to glorify a hunt, to express spiritual or early religious sensibilities, or made just for fun like an archaic graffiti—it’s compelling they were not made out of necessity but for the sake of creativity itself, using imagination to tell a story.
These paintings are an extraordinary snapshot of our distant past, demonstrating that creativity and artistic expression have been part of what it means to be human for a lot longer than we previously realized. We humans have been making tools for around 2 million years, which itself is an expression of creativity ... and perhaps proof the artistic expression that drives us to create art today is equally old.
We may never know exactly when our creative flame was lit, but the next time you start a new painting, sketch out ideas for that new bathroom, or even dream up a recipe for ‘omelet ice cream,’ remember: we’ve been doing this kind of thing a very long time.
|
|
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT CLASSES |
|
|
Beginning September 2
Songwriting Like a Pro
With Cheryl Kain
Four Wednesdays from 10-11:30am
Whether you're a T. Swift prolific songwriter or simply want to write your song, you’ll develop your skills as you explore the basic principles of songwriting in various genres, deconstruct favorite songs to see what makes them great, outline (and play) popular song chord progressions, respond to creative writing prompts, and focus on structure, chords, and improvisation. This class will provide a safe space in which to hone your skills, share your work, and jam! All levels welcome.
$80 Members, $90 Non-Members
|
|
Beginning September 3
Vocal Empowerment
With Cheryl Kain
Four Thursdays from 10-11:30am
Learn to sing with ease! This class will focus on strong-but-simple breathing techniques, hacks for higher notes, and ways to calm nerves while developing stage presence. Students will become more comfortable singing in public (or private) and learn to find joy in the experience as they get to know (and expand) their vocal range/tone, discover their unique voice and style, practice breathing and mindfulness, and perform! Everyone from newcomers and pros are welcome.
$80 Members, $90 Non-Members
|
|
Beginning September 8
Hip Hop Dance
With Victoria Ariel
Six Tuesdays from 6-7pm
This beginner-friendly class will begin with a warm up, basic moves, and hip hop dance vocabulary, while learning basic hip hop dance vocabulary, across the floor combinations, and choreography. Dance movement is mixed with hip hop, old school hip hop, and West African dance. Students are encouraged to feel the music while having a good time and feeling good about themselves.
$90 Members, $100 Non-Members
Socially Distanced - Mask Required
|
|
Ongoing Private Lessons
Introduction to Guitar
With Tyler Wilschut
This class will be custom tailored for the needs of students, both beginners and refreshers, who want to learn basic music theory and develop/improve their skills. Classes will include instruction on chords, tabs, beginner soloing, and various other techniques. The goal is for a student to be able to play a song of his/her choice by the end of the class. For adults and kids of all levels.
$30 Members, $35 Non-Members
|
|
See yourself at the Cultural Center!
Becoming a member tells us that you want to help ensure the future of the Cultural Center and that you look forward to high-quality performances, exhibitions, and classes produced for the benefit of seniors, adults, teens, and children.
Benefits:
- Knowing you are supporting the programs of the Center
- Subscription to our newsletter
- Discounts on most classes and programs
- Inclusion in our annual Members’ Exhibition
|
|
Every Saturday Afternoon
Italian Class with Guido Farina
Advanced Italian from 12:30-2pm
Beginning Italian from 2-3:30pm
Italian is an incredibly beautiful and intricate language. The good news is, learning Italian is quite easy for English speakers, or speakers of other Romance languages. It is also proven that studying a foreign language stimulates the brain and improves memory.
This class is FREE for Cultural Center Members. Participants are required to purchase "Learning Italian With or Without a Teacher," by Guido Farina, available in our gift shop or from Amazon for $19.95.
|
|
Beginning September 9
Writing as a Way of Healing
With Kathleen Budreski
Four Wednesdays from 10am-11:30am
This class invites students to join in a supportive non-judgmental group of others who enjoy journaling and writing. NO experience necessary. Through a process of simple pertinent prompts, participants will share what they have been experiencing individually and collectively during the pandemic and will learn that writing, as a way of healing, has great value. Students will share their stories, as comfortable, in the virtual classroom. The results will reflect wisdom and values and will serve as a legacy keepsake to share with offspring and pass down to future generations. This class is intended to be rewarding, educational, and fun.
$85 Members, $100 Non-Members
|
|
Beginning September 1
Simply by Hand
With Holly Heaslip
Four Tuesdays from 9-11am
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.
$110 Members, $125 Non-Members
|
|
Beginning September 2
Knitting for Beginners: Scandinavian Methods
With Kirsten West
Four Weds. from 10am-noon
You’ll be amazed at how simple it easy to learn to knit! 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.
$85 Members, $100 Non-Members
|
|
Beginning September 8
Pastel Painting
With Betsy Payne Cook
Four Tuesdays from 2-4:30pm
Join Betsy to learn various techniques with soft pastel (no oil pastels) such as types of linear mark making, ways to achieve the look of blending, fun special effects. They will also learn ways to identify the value of a color and how to use this in a painting. Betsy Payne Cook will instruct, prepare students for independent engagement following the class, and provide feedback on student work. This class is for beginners, refreshers, and intermediate students. The theme for Betsy's September lessons will include tips on painting sunset and twilight scenes.
$100 Members, $110 Non-Members
|
|
Beginning September 10
Introduction to Drawing
With Craig Caldwell
Six Thursdays from 6-8pm
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.
$125 Members, $150 Non-Members
|
|
Beginning September 11
Acrylic Studio
With Odin Smith
Six Fridays from 2-4pm
Find out why acrylic is one of the hottest trends in making art. Become familiar with the techniques to best use this exciting medium. Learn to use stronger values, better composition, and more dynamic color to give work strength, depth, and interest. Beginners to intermediates will learn to use this expressive medium to bring light and life to their paintings and a sense of self to their work. Our on line acrylic class will start off with a quick critique of any work that students need help with or a discussion of how to approach and begin work on a new project, so please be prepared for that. We will then work in a typical classroom fashion with each student getting individual attention as they work.
$125 Members, $150 Non-Members
|
|
|
HOT PICK UP! - August 26
Gourmet Take Out with Chef Joe
pick up HOT between 4:30-5:30PM
Come in HOT for beach bucket night!
- Wedge salad with blue cheese and pancetta
- Hot fried 1/2 chicken
- Boston baked beans, potato salad, and corn bread
- Fruit cobbler
$35 Members, $40 Non-Members
|
|
August 28
Gourmet Take Out with Chef Joe
Curbside pick up between 4:30-5:30PM
Tonight enjoy a Local, Local dinner!
- Local corn and lobster chowder
- Seared local scallops with a Maine peekytoe crab sauce
- Assorted cheeses from Chatham Cheese Company with poached local fruits.
$35 Members, $40 Non-Members
|
|
Sunday, September 13 at 3pm
The Art Ensemble of Cape Cod
The Art Ensemble of Cape Cod is rooted in improvisational performance and a variety of styles that reflect the fusion of traditional music from a diverse world. In addition, its repertoire is influenced by each member and includes selections from the Great American Song Book as well as many Cape-based originals. The ensemble’s goal is to allow the audience to experience the “musical” conversation so they both hear and feel what’s conveyed. Featuring four seasoned musicians: Wayne Naus on piano, Gary Gross on guitar, Rick Cain on bass, and John DiSanto on drums. The Art Ensemble of Cape Cod has been together since 2014 and has performed at numerous venues throughout the Cape.
$20 per person
Socially Distanced - Mask Required
|
|
|
Sunday, September 20 at 3pm
Joe Mongelli and the Cape Jazz Crew Play Sinatra!
|
|
Sunday, September 27 at 3pm
The Clayton/Restaino Project
|
|
Open House on Saturday, August 29, from 2-5 pm.
The ART of Social Distancing - where we keep our distance while staying connected. We welcome you to join us outside on the Cultural Center porch for homemade cookies paired with lemonade or ice tea before heading into the gallery to enjoy our new exhibitions.
|
|
Unbound- fiber art exhibition by the Art Cloth Network, in the Constantinidis Great Hall
Fins and Feathers, acrylics and colored pencil by Sharon Riebold, in the Saben Board Room Gallery
Colorforms, paintings by Deborah Greenwood, in the Blue Room
je veux le droit - paintings and mixed media by Nate Olin, in the Owl Hall
Uplifting Art - elevator installations
|
|
|
The sales tax holiday for 2020 will occur on August 29 and 30. Retail items (including art) of up to $2,500, purchased in Massachusetts for personal use on these two days, will be exempt from sales tax.
Great way to support artists and save a bit of money!
|
|
Beginning September 5
Basic But Beautiful Landscape Design
With Priscilla Husband
Four Saturdays from 1-3pm
This 4-week course provides an opportunity for students to learn the basics of landscape design and installation through a new and simple approach, using intuitive tools and techniques for achieving successful, healthy, and colorful gardens and personalized landscape plans.
$125 Members, $135 Non-Members
|
|
|
The winning artwork will be featured on the cover of FROM THE FARTHER SHORE: DISCOVERING CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS THROUGH POETRY, a poetry anthology to be published and distributed by Bass River Press. In addition, the artist will also receive a cash prize of $200, along with two complimentary copies of the publication upon release in 2021.
|
|
307 Old Main Street
South Yarmouth, MA 02664
Tel. 508-394-7100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
