Locations
2021 ONLINE CLASSES
FROM OUR LIVING ROOM TO YOURS
Now you can use your lunchtime to learn something new and stay connected to your community. All classes begin at noon.
Your registration fees help to fund these programs and Commonpoint Queens’ Services to the community.
ART HISTORY: FROM CAVE PAINTINGS TO CATHEDRALS
From cave paintings to Roman frescoes to towering cathedrals, this crash course, with art historian Harry Weil, introduces you to some of the earliest works of art and why they were crafted.
6 Wed., 12:00-1:00 p.m.
2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31
$60 member / $72 non-member
Click HERE to register
Harry Weil has a PhD in Art History from Stony Brook University and is currently the Director of Public Programs and Special Projects at Green-Wood Cemetery. Be prepared for fun, lively discussions and an opportunity to understand some of the great modern masterpieces!
ART HISTORY: REBELS AND REVOLUTIONARY ARTISTS PART 2
This class focuses on the artists who literally broke the mold. From grand Renaissance altar pieces to modern masterpieces, you will discover the personalities behind history’s greatest treasures, including Rembrandt, Francisco Goya, and Marc Chagall, with art historian Harry Weil. Be prepared for fun, lively discussions and an opportunity to understand some of the great masterpieces!
6 Wed., 12:00-1:00 p.m.
4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26
$60 member / $72 non-member
Click HERE to register
FILM DISCUSSION GROUP with FILM CRITIC MATTHEW L. WEISS
Join Matthew in exploring how great movies use the power of cinema to rewire our consciousness and defy our expectations – of narrative, character, and identification. Filmmaker Matthew L. Weiss chooses unique and exceptional films that deepen our experience of the world and challenge us to expand our powers of perception. Watch each movie at your convenience and then come together for an always entertaining and often inspiring discussion of some of the greatest films of the last century.
8 Tues., 12:00-1:30 p.m.
4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15
$80 member / $96 non-member
Click HERE to register
Matthew L. Weiss has done everything on a film set from acting and producing to directing. As an editor his films have played festivals such as Sundance and Tribeca and he is the regular “Film Guy” correspondent on Sam Seder’s The Majority Report podcast.
ETHICS OF THE FATHERS (PIRKEI AVOT)
Pirkei Avot is the most popular Rabbinic text because the words of these sages – outlining the basic ethical parameters of living the “good” life – speak to every age. All of the famous Jewish thinkers, from medieval to contemporary times, have added their commentaries, thus keeping the text constantly up to date. Join Rabbi Irwin Goldenberg as we study the sayings of our ancestors and reflect on their relevance for us today.
8 Thurs., 12:00-1:30 p.m.
4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/10, 6/17
$80 member / $96 non-member
Click HERE to register
Rabbi Irwin Goldenberg is a retired Reform Rabbi who, after serving several congregations, has taught at Commonpoint Queens for many years and at Gettysburg College and York College of Pennsylvania.
To register, click HERE. For more information, you can contact us at [email protected].
Click here for Virtual Cultural Arts Events
Ongoing Winter 2021 Classes – space is still available to join at a prorated cost
ART HISTORY: REBELS AND REVOLUTIONARY ARTISTS
This class focuses on the artists who literally broke the mold. From Gothic cathedrals to Renaissance masterpieces to abstraction, you will discover the personalities behind history’s greatest treasures with art historian Harry Weil.
6 Wed., 12:00-1:00 p.m.
1/6, 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17
FILM DISCUSSION GROUP with FILM CRITIC MATTHEW WEISS
See Spring program for description.
10 Tues., 12:00-1:30 p.m.
1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23
STRANGE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
Why does the Bible include a book of erotic literature (The Song of Songs)? Why does it include another book which questions God’s justice (The Book of Job)? The Hebrew Bible is a compilation of books that Jewish religious leaders considered to be holy. They chose from a number of possible books, but some of their choices seem strange. In this class, we will explore with Rabbi Irwin Goldenberg the possible reasons for these curious choices and examine the many themes which make these books genuinely traditional as well as relevant for us today.
8 Thurs., 12:00-1:30 p.m.
1/14, 1/21, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18
Classes are ongoing. If you would like to join at a prorated cost, please contact [email protected].
Book Discussion Group:
Come find out why this book group has such a devoted following! Thoughtful, lively, provocative discussions focus on the best new and classic literature and non-fiction. Moderated discussions dig into the books to get the most from them, yet we also have a lot of fun. New participants are always welcome. Book club meets the first Thursday of every other month.
- Thursday, April 8, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Edward P. Jones, The Known World
An ambitious, courageous, luminously written masterwork by an African-American writer, The Known World seamlessly weaves the lives of the freed and the enslaved ― and allows all of us a deeper understanding of the enduring impact of slavery. The Known World heralds the publication of a remarkable contribution to the canon of American classic literature. An astonishing storyteller, Jones captures the reader from the outset. You can almost hear him tell the story.
FREE, but advance registration strongly suggested. Contact Peggy Kurtz at [email protected].
Volunteer Opportunities Currently On Hold:
ENGLISH TUTORING FOR IMMIGRANTS
This program is on hold until the health emergency is over. Please be in touch if you are interested in tutoring.
Our extremely successful tutoring program continues! Do you have skills to offer which could help immigrants in exchange for the personal rewards of helping people get a positive start in the U.S.? One day a week, volunteers tutor women at the Women for Afghan Women Center in Fresh Meadows. We have received wonderful feedback from tutors and students, both of whom find these programs enormously rewarding.
Van provided from Commonpoint Queens’ Central Queens, leaving at 10:45 a.m. and returning by 1:15 p.m. Space is limited and advance registration is required!
Click here for Virtual Cultural Arts Events
For more information, email [email protected].