Back to School for Grownups Too

Now September can mean “back-to-school” for adults too. Empty Nest Events is bringing outstanding university professors to our area to offer grown-ups the fascinating lectures they deliver to the younger set at first class universities. Empty Nest has partnered with Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook to present a series of educational events on music, art and film that you can enjoy close to home at a very reasonable cost.

On Sunday September 4, Tina Rivers of Columbia University will present The Five Paintings Every Art Lover Should See, from 9:30 am to noon at the Doral Arrowwood Conference Resort.

One of the five paintings to be discussed is Claude Monet's 1872 painting Impression Sunrise - can you guess the others? Tina Rivers, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Art History and Archaeology at Columbia University, will look at five exemplary works (from different times, places, and genres) that provide insight into the possibilities of painting - that is, into the ways in which the medium of painting has been used meaningfully, from its inception up until the present day.

On Sunday September 25, Marc Lapadula who teaches at Yale University’s Film Studies Program will discuss Ten Films that Changed America, reviewing ten movies that for better or worse, made their mark. While most movies are mass-produced entertainment and escapism, there are some that have had a profound impact on culture. Whether intentionally or not, some films have brought social issues to light, affected laws, forwarded ideologies both good and bad, and generally changed the course of history through their impact on society.

Lapadula has also taught at Columbia University’s Graduate Film School, Johns Hopkins and the University of Pennsylvania. He has lectured at The Smithsonian Institution and many other venues. Former students have written: (500) DAYS OF SUMMER, THE HANGOVER, THE BREAK UP, BRIDE WARS as well as several other highly successful films.

According to Scarsdale native Steve Schragis who runs Empty Nest Events, “this life stage is not confined to the early-bird special; it can be sophisticated, cultured, and fun. We're like a health club for the mind!”

The full price for each event is $89, but you can register for half price (just $44) by using coupon code "10583." To sign up, visit www.Emptynestevents.com, or call 800-300-3438. Use coupon code 10583 and attend for half price.