CLL: Special Topics

All Special Topics classes are open to both CLL members and non-members!

July 2024

Improv

Tuesdays, July 9–August 13
1:00–2:30 p.m. (In-person)
Cost: $50 for CLL Members, $65 for non-members

Are you looking for a way to shake up the brain cells a bit? Well, good news! We are offering an improv class that is designed to get you moving and engaging your neural pathways as you learn to let go of your self-consciousness, communicate in new ways, and create interesting characters with your classmates. No prior experience needed.

Film Series

2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month
2:00–4:00 p.m. (in-person)
Cost: FREE for CLL Members

Join us to enjoy a current film! Check back later for the list of upcoming movies.

Portraiture
Wednesdays, July 10–24
3:00–5:00 p.m. (Hybrid)
Cost: $60 for CLL Members, $80 for nonmembers

Faces, like everything else, are a series of planes, light and shadow that come together as a whole. In this three-session summer portrait class we will investigate the face…the portrayal of a person as a series of planes, lights and darks.

You can work with whatever material, style and size you would like; graphic, charcoal, color pencil, ink, pastel. Also, working off a photograph, postcard or other portrait image you would like to reproduce is recommended since we will not be able to work from a model. We will look at shadow, form and shape. All levels are welcome.

Pauline Kochanski is a Chicago area exhibiting and teaching artist, a graduate of Columbia College Chicago and DePaul University. Pauline produces artwork using a variety of materials though she loves graphite, color pencils, and more pencils. She brings a broad spectrum of teaching experiences to CLL and is thrilled to be able to support her students in their creative growth.

Supreme Court Decisions

Thursdays, July 11–August 8
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
In person (6 sessions)

Cost: $45 for CLL Members; $60 for non-members

The current Supreme Court has been the subject of either heated criticism or praise by politicians, the press, editorial writers, and in millions of conversations at breakfasts, lunches, coffee breaks, and dinners. Whether they applaud or criticize the Court, almost everyone is convinced that the “conservative” majority makes decisions motivated by political or religious agendas.
This course will not discuss whether these decisions are socially right or wrong, moral or immoral, conservative or liberal, politically good or bad, or motivated by a political or religious doctrine. Rather, it will focus on understanding the logic and reasoning articulated by the Court in reaching its decisions, and whether this logic and reasoning is consistent with the role given to the Court by the Constitution.

Henry Krasnow became interested in the recent rulings of the current Supreme Court by his frustration over how the media, politicians, and opinion writers described the Court’s rulings in a manner designed to emphasize controversy while ignoring the logic articulated by the Court in explaining those rulings. In addition to his 55 yr. career as a Chicago business lawyer, Henry was an adjunct law professor, had a book published, and authored over 20 magazine articles on a wide range of legal subjects. He holds a B.A. (Economics) from the University of Michigan, a C.P.A. from the University of Illinois, and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.

Grief Café

Fridays, June 21 and 28
July 12, 19, and 26
August 16 and 23

11:30 a.m.–1:00 pm (In Person)
Cost: Donations accepted

Join death doula and educator Jean Buchband for a workshop that will provide a safe space and container for people to share their grief without judgment. We will also share information about the stages of grief and the different ways people mourn. We will examine grief rituals that people use to process their bereavement and what to do when we get stuck.

Art Day

Thursday, July 25
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (In person)
Cost: Free for CLL Members and Nonmembers

The class is free and all are welcome. Materials provided; just bring your imagination and creativity!

Registration required

Thursday, July 25
Encore Centerpieces
Encore is the CLL’s annual fundraiser (Saturday, August 24) and in keeping with this year’s theme of “The Art of Aging Well,” you are invited to come to Fourth Church to create a small canvas piece to be displayed as part of the centerpieces at the event.

Dance for Hunger

Wednesday, July 31
1:00–2:00 p.m. (In Person)
Cost: Free for CLL Members with two canned goods

Join Anne Burnell for a fit and fun dance class while helping the Fourth Presbyterian Church Social Services Center!

August 2024

August Lunch Meet Up

Friday, August 2
12:00 p.m.

Join us for lunch at Gemini Grill (748 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60654)! Gemini Grill is modeled after, Gemini in Lincoln Park, one of Chicago's most beloved restaurants and a trusted staple in the community since 2009. Guests will enjoy delicious meals and cocktails, including the restaurant's signature Squirtsky!

Bolero and Piano Concerto no. 5

Wednesday, August 7
2:00–3:00 (In-person)
Cost: Free for CLL Members and Nonmembers

The CLL welcomes Thomas Bowling, a docent with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and a former violinist with the Denver Orchestra, who will present on Bolero by Maurice Ravel and the Piano Concerto no. 5 (The Egyptian) by Camille Saint-Saens. This interactive lecture will include an audio-visual presentation with interviews, historical facts, and numerous performance examples.

We will also discuss common practices of orchestras, conductors, instrumentation, humorous anecdotes, and, of course, the music itself.
Registration

Art Day: Neurographic Art

Thursday, August 8
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (In Person)

Annette Mileski, director of the CLL, will be facilitating this class. Neurographic Art was developed in 2015 by a Russian psychologist. This art practice strengthens neural pathways and allows you to focus your attention and intentions.

All materials are provided – just bring you (and maybe a friend)!

Ice Cream Social

Friday, August 16
2:00–3:00 pm (In Person)
Cost: Free for CLL Members

We had such a great turnout in 2023 that we’re doing it again! Yes, we will be enjoying some cool treats as we chat... and who knows what else we will do?

In the case of inclement weather, we will be inside, because August is a great time for ice cream!

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