Programs

Located just 15 miles outside Washington, the Great Falls of the Potomac is the most magnificent natural landmark in the metropolitan area. Rise early on an fall morning, avoid the crowds, and enjoy a small-group hiking experience with naturalist Keith Tomlinson. Examine the natural history of the area’s forest, observe a variety of birds, and learn about the effect of local land-use patterns on conservation efforts along the Potomac.

The churches of Italy are renowned for their artistic treasures, from Giotto’s 14th-century frescoes in Florence, Padua, and Assisi to Giacomo Manzu’s great 20th-century bronze doors for St. Peter’s in Rome. In a splendidly illustrated seminar, art historian Sophia D’Addio of Columbia University explores churches that represent some of Italy’s greatest repositories of sacred art. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1 credit)

Learn how to use a well-designed secondary camera app to assist iPhone cameras in creating and capturing more sophisticated images.

Learn the secrets of plein air landscape oil painting working in the beautiful surroundings of Rock Creek Park. Students learn how to capture the spirit and essence of a fall landscape while developing strong observational painting techniques on location.

One of America's most innovative architects, Frank Lloyd Wright experimented with new ways to design homes and integrate them into nature. Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, and the houses at Polymath Park offer prime examples of his organic architecture. Visit all three locations during an overnight tour to Pennsylvania’s scenic Laurel Highlands. Tour leader Bill Keene, a writer and lecturer on architecture, urban history, and city planning, has a special interest in Wright.

Learn how to use a well-designed secondary camera app to assist iPhone cameras in creating and capturing more sophisticated images.

Everyone—regardless of the size of their space—can help restore nature. Join journalist and author Isabella Tree and her husband, conservationist Charlie Burrell, to learn practical steps to rewild everything from rivers and ponds to public spaces and community gardens to urban parks and window boxes.

In the mid-20th century, America overtook Europe as the world’s foremost designer and producer of costume jewelry. What uniquely American social and historic trends propelled the demand for and design of mass-produced, affordable jewelry? Phyllis Gerstell, a decorative arts historian and costume jewelry expert and collector, joins curator Elizabeth Lay to explore the beauty and history of a now largely vanished American art form. This program is part of a fall Lunchtime with a Curator series. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Washington is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, and theater is set to be especially exciting in the 2023–2024 season. Join Amy Austin, president and CEO of Theatre Washington, and a panel of experts as they explore why D.C. is considered one of the best theater towns in the country. This robust conversation offers particular insights on women in DC-area theater, new work, underrepresented communities, and the highlights that are in store on local stages large and small.

Join geologist Kirt Kempter as he explores the geology of Western National Parks over the course of 2023, with an in-depth look at one location every month. This program spotlights Glacier National Park as part of a fall series, focused on parks in Montana and Utah.