Virtual Cultural Arts & Jewish Heritage Classes
Overview
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.
Smithsonian American Art Museum FREE Classes:
Join Commonpoint Queens in partnership with the Smithsonian American Art Museum for 3 amazing FREE classes during the month of March.
Classes will be held virtually and zoom links will be sent after registration – please register here.
Space is limited for each class. All classes will be run by a Smithsonian American Art Museum Docent.
- African American ArtistsMonday, March 4th at 11AM
The lives of African American artists lend insight into the context of their works. Learn about the diverse body of artwork created by African American artists and the historical, social, and cultural events, as well as the life experiences, that inspired their work. - American Indians
Monday, March 11th at 11AM
American Indians are part of the past, present, and future of the United States. Explore histories and cultures of some American Indians as captured by both Native and non-Native artists. Discuss the influence of geography, tradition, and tribal affiliation on contemporary Indian artists. - Latino Art & Culture
Monday, March 18th at 11AM
The concept of a collective Latino identity began to emerge in the United States in the mid-20th century. Explore how Latino artists shaped the artistic movements of their day, often using their work to communicate with a larger public about social justice and themes of diversity, identity, and community
For more information, please contact Sivan Ben-Aderet at sbenaderet@commonpointqueens.org or 718-423-6111.
2024 Classes:
FILM DISCUSSION GROUP with FILMMAKER MATTHEW L. WEISS
Join us in exploring how great movies use the power of cinema to rewire our consciousness and defy our expectations.
10 Tues. beg. January 30
12:00-2:00 p.m.
$100 member / $120 non-member
Matthew L. Weiss has done everything in the world of film from craft service to editing, acting, producing, and directing. As an editor, his films have played in festivals such as Sundance, South By Southwest and Tribeca, and he is the regular “Film Guy” movie correspondent on Sam Seder’s The Majority Report podcast.
ART HISTORY WITH HARRY WEIL – ART IN OUR TIME
10 Wednesdays beg. February 7
12:00-1:00 p.m.
$100 member / $120 non-member
How do artists respond to what’s happening in the world around them? Can something beautiful also be political? This class explores how modern contemporary art (made after 1860 – today) processes, critiques and questions what is making news in the headlines, including hot button topics: military conflict, feminism, LGBTQ rights, mass shootings, acts of terrorism, and much more! Our focus won’t be on choosing who is right, or who is wrong, but rather exploring art’s role in helping us to make up our own minds. We will be looking at painting, sculpture, photography, and performance.
Harry Weil is the Director of Public Programs at the Green-Wood Cemetery where he curates tours, concerts, performances, and art installations. His projects have been features in The New York Times and New Yorker, among other publications. Harry has a PhD in art history from Stony Brook University.
EXPLORING THE BOOK OF PSALMS
Thursdays
12:00-1:00 p.m.
$80 member / $96 non-member
Can the Book of Psalms, written thousands of years ago, be meaningful to the modern reader? Both Edward Feld and Martin S Cohen seek to prove that these poems can speak to us today. For one, we share with the book moments of joy, despair and of hope. For the other, the intent is to enable the readers to “use these poems to deepen their spirituality and religious sensitivity.” Through our exploration of these poems, and with the help of these authors, I hope that we may find intellectual stimulation and spiritual inspiration as Jews and Christians have done for centuries.
Rabbi Irwin Goldenberg is a retired Reform Rabbi who has served congregations in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico and has taught at Gettysburg College and York College of Pennsylvania.
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.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
The Brothers Karamazov
Thursday, April 4, 2024 – 12:00pm
Dostoevsky’s final, greatest novel, The Brothers Karamazov, paints a complex and richly detailed portrait of a family tormented by its extraordinarily cruel patriarch, Fyodor Pavlovich, whose callous decisions slowly decimate the lives of his sons—the eponymous brothers Karamazov—and lead to his violent murder. In the aftermath of the killing, the brothers contend with dilemmas of honor, faith, and reason as the community closes in on the murderer in their midst. A murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and a portrait of Russian life at a turning point in Russian history.
Please register through our online system here:
Did you know?
Our wide variety of programs are available throughout the New York City Metropolitan Area! Browse our list of facilities to learn more about our core locations and program sites.