A Smorgasbord of Learning

Written By: Lorna Alexander | Issue: 2016/08 - August

We kick off August with “Art Under the Dictators,” where you’ll discover the relationship between art and power in 1930s Europe under the dictatorships of Hitler and Stalin. Join traveler and artist Freddie Flynt when you enroll in our “Travel Sketching and Travel Journal Workshop.”  “Watercolor Painting in the Style of Andrew Wyeth and Winslow Homer” shows experienced watercolorists how to break into a new style.

We have some great Culinary offerings for August. JT Fields focuses on the regions and varieties of the countries of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay making world-class wines as he heads up our South American Wines course.  

 Back by popular demand, The Saucy Sisters are back in town and will inspire you on everything bubbly in “Saucy Champagne.”

Finally, CLE has teamed up with the Atlanta Wine School to offer “A Hot Night in Havana!”

Our Current Affairs offerings cover everything from the Middle East hot topics, Canadian and U.S. Relations, volatility and influence of oil markets, to a discussion about the water dispute between Florida and Georgia.

What did the Brits think of Americans at the start of World War I?  Find out in “British Attitudes Toward Americans at the Start of the Great War.”  CLE’s History offerings examine Napoleon’s Influence on European Culture, the Panama Canal and our lecture “Long Live the Queen” promises to reveal some secrets of the House of Windsor.

Flowers bring joy to a home and our hands-on “Flower Arrangements from Your Garden” class will introduce you to the ease with which you can create beautiful flower arrangements for your home. 

Our Literature and Language offerings this month begin with “Embracing Cuba.” Presenter is author Byron Motley, who will share the tales of his Cuba travels.  

Join us for “Rock and Roll in the 50’s and 60’s: Evolutions, Reactions, and Identities” and get ready to shake your booty.  Another music offering for August focuses on “Carnival in the Americas: Trinidad, Brazil and New Orleans.” 

We find ourselves consistently pondering the “whys and what ifs” with the many topics we cover for Philosophy and Religion and August does just that here at CLE with “The Truth behind Science and Religion,” which examines ways to look toward the answers to existence and enlightenment.  

Science holds the answers to so many things we question and August is filled with some great classes and workshops from “Biochemistry of Human Nutrition,” “Human Mission to Mars,” and “Renewable Power” to the “Future of Humanoid Robots.”

Finally, CLE has some great trips planned, some local, national and international.  Our Oregon Willamette Valley Wine Trip is now filled but we are accepting reservations for our delicious tour of Mexico this fall with our unique travel program, “Chocolate & Orchids.”  Space is limited to 20 travelers, so call CLE and reserve your space now.

For more information on our courses or membership benefits, please call the Center for Life Enrichment at (828) 526-8811 or by visiting clehighlands.com.  We are located at 348 South Fifth Street in the Peggy Crosby Center in Highlands.