The Artistic Role of the Audience (OLLI)

“Art often does not yield up its secrets to the casual look…the art in art must be looked for.” ~ David Perkins
As audience members, we rarely consider our role in the artistic process; we appreciate works of art, but we are not participants. Yet what does it mean to appreciate a work of art? In this class, we learn the skills of aesthetic engagement — including careful observation, inquiry, perspective-taking, and reflection — and discuss the role of the audience member and the artist-viewer dynamic. Using examples from multiple art forms, students learn to approach unfamiliar works with confidence and gain a deeper appreciation for more well-known works. This class is participatory in nature and involves discussion and activities.