There’s a whole lot of learning going on in the community thanks to the Emeritus program, presented by Santa Monica College. The curriculum currently being offered in Malibu includes a variety of classes for adults who are eager to continue to learn new skills.
Fall semester classes include writing, poetry, computer/Internet, acting, painting and drawing.
A crowd gathered to watch the acting class of Malibu residents who recently performed a vignette from John Steinbeck’s novel “Grapes of Wrath” at the Malibu Public Library. A work in progress, Chuck Green, coordinator of the Malibu Emeritus program, joined other men and women to perform a skit, which was written and adapted by drama coach and instructor Paul Zeigler.
“Santa Monica College is hoping to expand their program here in the future if they see enough interest,” Green said. “In the past they had a very rich program going here in Malibu. With a good turnout in this fall semester, we plan to continue in the tradition of the Emeritus’ successful history.”
Emeritus classes are free of charge, except for the cost of supplies. Instructors include former professors, and teachers from various academic institutions across Southern California.
Santa Monica College established the Emeritus College program 27 years ago. Classroom facilities have been housed in 13 different buildings in its lengthy history.
Thanks to a unanimous vote on June 3 by the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees (SMC), the Emeritus College is looking forward to moving into a permanent site located at 1227 Second Street, Santa Monica. The new campus is located near the main business district in Santa Monica. It is also convenient to public transportation and includes a parking ramp.
Remodeling of this spacious four-story building that sits between Wilshire Boulevard and Arizona Street has been estimated at a cost of $8.65 million. The 24,000-square-foot glass structure includes a 725-square-foot art gallery, a large lobby, conference facilities for hosting large lecture and technology programs, a multi-purpose room and outdoor patios.
The college will continue to provide opportunities for learning in the neighborhood. Winter class registrations are presently being accepted for Malibu residents. All course instruction is scheduled during the day.
In addition to performing from John Steinbeck’s novels, at a weekend session of individual student readings, the Creative Writing and Contemporary Poetry classes gave voice to poetry written by the author. A celebration of the famous novelist’s life has been the focus of various events at the public library this past month.
“Yes, Steinbeck wrote poetry,” explained Ann, an Emeritus student active in painting and writing. “Ellen (Reich, class instructor) was able to acquire seven unpublished pieces of poetry through Stanford University. Steinbeck penned them early in his life. Our project was to ‘rewrite’ them using different breaks in the lines, give it our own take, then prepare them for readings aloud.”
Reich’s class, Creative Writing, meets at Malibu Methodist Church, 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays. William Robertson also teaches Contemporary Poetry, which meets at the library, 10a.m. – noon, every Wednesday.
Feel like expressing yourself through drawing or painting a colorful scene with watercolors? Try sitting in on the Painting and Drawing class that meets at the Malibu Bluffs Park building on Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. President of the Malibu Art Association Jean Stephenson shares her love of painting with students.
“Many artists are inhibited when they paint,” Stephenson commented. “I like to encourage students to open up, and act like a child.”
She explains how to free their energy-to paint with broad strokes and release the color across the canvas.
“It does not have to look like anything. Just put some paint on there and decide where you want warm hues and dark shadows on the back side of the light in the painting.”
Whether you are a new artist, or seasoned like Stephenson, whether you like to work with acrylic or oils instead of watercolors, there is still time to join the class this fall. The alternate choice for painting is taught by Kathryn James. Her class meets on location throughout Malibu to paint by inspiration thanks to Mother Nature.
Even computer savvy senior citizens are presented a challenge and can learn new skills to assist them in surfing the Web through Internet and computer classes. Students of all levels are welcome to enroll. Point Dume Elementary School teacher Kenneth Harris enjoys sharing his knowledge with people of all ages. They meet on Mondays between 3:30 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. at the elementary school.
The idea of the Emeritus College is to stimulate seniors to become part of a lifelong learning concept. With plenty of room to grow in their new location, they encourage any community members who have ideas on how the new home of Emeritus College in Santa Monica should be utilized, contact them through Maggie Hall, the director’s office.