by Susan Burgess
Here we are in a new decade of the 21st century in a world that has so much to offer and so little time to take it all in. So, why wait to try out something new? The time is now and we’ve been cooking up more than Tom Licciardello’s Minestrone Soup and May Danberg’s Peppernut Cookies. Here’s what we’ve come up with—so far: And the year is still young!

Starting on January 22, a new—and ongoing—group called The Writing Connection will meet on a regular basis.  This is a creative writing group that will use a catalyst—in this case an object—to generate the writing process, As Bruce Chandler, Program Assistant, puts it, “Simply stated, this will be an exploration and dialogue between our selves and the object of attention.”

On Friday, January 22 we began a six-session weekly course based on Betty Edwards’ seminal workbook entitled: Drawing On The Right Side of the Brain: Guided Practice in the Five Basic Skills of Drawing. However, rather than a drawing program, this will be primarily a brain-fitness program, in which participants will also learn how to draw as a secondary benefit!  Step-by-step exercises will switch our brains from our linear thinking mode to a spatial, intuitive mode. At the same time, we will learn the methods that contribute to achieving the first of five basic skills of drawing: The Perception of Edges. Each week builds upon skills learned in the previous session. As the facilitator for this course, all I can say is: “If you can not draw a straight line, all the more power to you!”

Another ongoing group also started at the end of January— The Photography Group—for anyone with an interest in photography. The group will share critical reviews of professional and individual work, offer creative and technical support to the picture-taking process, learn more about photography from resources and speakers and participate in group or individual shows of photography. Much will be shared by those who know with those who would like to know more! Working with Resident photographers, the group will be facilitated by Sandy Burkhardt, Program Assistant.

In addition to these new groups, we have already embarked upon one new DVD course, The Darwinian Revolution, on some Thursday afternoons, and will look forward to a literature course entitled Life Lessons from the Great Books in a few weeks when Masterpieces of Art from the National Gallery comes to a conclusion. So, sit back and enjoy the winter semester! The weather may be cold outside, but we’re really cooking here at Cadbury Commons!