Anth 204, examines diverse views of art and art making across cultures and time. The close relationships between art, religion, magic, politics, and even economics, will help focus and illuminate our studies. As we explore art, we will also be reflecting on our own individual experiences. In this sense, the class is also about each of us as creators -artists- who's medium is life.  I am playfully passionate about this topic.  Art is a direct line to the conceptual and aesthetic riches of culture,  and we will be diving in deep. If you are interested in either art or culture/society, this course will offer a treasure trove of insights and new perspectives.
The class is based on an experiential approach to education. It is designed to create holistic learning opportunities through student engagement in challenging and rewarding hands on activities that explore the course materials.  We will not merely talk about art, we will make it in order to more thoroughly consider and integrate the course ideas.  Absolutely no experience is necessary. The goal is not to make "beautiful" things, but to learn through the process of making. If you already know yourself to be an artist, this course will provide ample new ways to think about and inspire your work. Students will engage in a series of participatory projects that deal with major ideas in understanding art across cultures. The class meets every other week in order to provide sufficient time to complete the projects and attend to the course material. Our studies will involve lecture, discussion, sharing projects, viewing art and videos, listening to audio, as well as reading and writing.
	Your Professor: I earned my Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Colorado, Boulder. My current interests focus on art and music as cultural vehicles for personal growth, education, and community building. As a musician, performer, and visual artist, the topics addressed in this course, as well as Anth 217: Drums Cultural and New World Rhythmatism, combine my studies in anthropology with a lifetime of creative activity. I continue to regularly play music in various live professional contexts. My award winning visual art has been featured in a range of settings from private collections to galleries in LA and Las Vegas.