Lifelong Learning

The group leaders of the program are experts who plan and facilitate short seminars. Participation is limited to promote active involvement and discussion. It is hoped that participants can attend most, if not all, of the classes in a series.

Individuals may sign up for these programs online using the Calendar or by calling the library. Signup is handled on a first come, first served basis.

All materials and activities in Lifelong Learning are free of charge to participants. Books, films, and readings are available for check-out at the library.

Made possible with the support of the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust.

• Gelli Printing Lab with Kimberly Stoney

  

  The Gelli Printing Lab is a monthly gathering specifically designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Each month a unique project is introduced, guiding participants as they explore and experiment with Gelli printing techniques. Whether a seasoned printer or just starting out, all are invited to join for an evening of innovation and creative expression!

  This group facilitated by artist and designer Kimberly Stoney.

  Participants should bring their own materials including:

  • Brayer

  • Gelli plate

  • Paints (includes craft paints etc)

  • Paper to print on

  • Apron

  • Baby wipes (optional)

  • Latex gloves (optional)

  • Masking tape

  • Paper towel roll

  • Pencil

  • Scissors

  • Small water bottle

  Made possible by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust.

• Dynamic Drawing with Jill Pottle

  

  Local artist and talented educator, Jill Pottle, returns to GPL! Jill will teach a series of classes on beginning painting in a small group setting.

  This is a great class for those coming back to being creative or for people who want to learn a new skills. In this class we will be learning the basics of using pencil and charcoal, drawing a variety of subject matter, ie. still life, landscape and portrait. Students will learn how to draw with the line, value, shape, form using still life, landscape, and portrai

  t. The class will use a variety of materials, including pencil, charcoal, and ink. Students will learn how to use the tools and create, value, perspective, line, design with some delightful subject matter.

  Priority given to Groton residents.

  No class November 15 or 22. Please commit to attending the entire series when signing up.

  Made possible by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust.

• Learning and Loving Painting with Jill Pottle

  

  Local artist and talented educator, Jill Pottle, returns to GPL! Jill will teach a series of classes on beginning painting in a small group setting.

  This course is for beginning and returning painters who want to acquire fundamental painting skills and new approaches to painting with either oils or acrylics. Whether picking up a brush for the first time or the hundredth, students emerge from this course with greater confidence and a renewed passion for painting. We will use a variety of subject matter: still life, landscape and portrait. Basic drawing skills preferred. A materials list will be provided prior to the class.

  Priority given to Groton residents. Please commit to attending the entire series when signing up. No class November 15 or 22.

  September 27
  

  October 4, 11, 18, 25
  

  November 1, 8, 29
  

  December 6
  

  Made possible by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust.

• Asian Art Series

  Starting September 2023

  	September 10 - Art Across Asia: Masterpieces from the Asian Art Museum with Steve Zilles What constitutes a “masterpiece?” Why are some objects considered masterworks while others are relegated to lesser positions? Explore some answers as illustrated by a few of the very best treasures of the Asian Art Museum. These are masterworks from the vast and varied regions we collectively call Asia, which stretches from the Mediterranean to the Pacific. Fabulous statues, ancient bronzes, mystic jade, delicate ceramics, and evocative paintings – let them engulf you in their amazing beauty and workmanship.
  	October 8 - Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art with Linda Lei Bats, gourds, peaches, ribbons, and monkeys on horses. These images, and many others, are frequently – and artistically – depicted in Chinese art, but what do they mean? Using selected objects from the fabulous collections at the Asian Art Museum discover some of the fascinating and fun meanings and messages hidden in Chinese art. As the Chinese language is an exquisite conduit for rebuses (visual puns) and symbolism, motifs that appear in Chinese art often represent wishes for good fortune and auspicious messages. Join us as we decipher hidden meanings of prosperity, health, and happiness found in traditional Chinese art. Presented by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco Community Speakers Program.
  	November 12 - Japanese Aesthetics: Exploring Japan's Artistic Sensibilities with Mary Mead Kimono, netsuke, swords, lacquerware, screens, and scrolls. Come explore the variety, complexity and beauty of Japanese art. For the Japanese the functionality of an object was not enough; it also had to be aesthetically pleasing and display the skill of the artisan, the taste of the patron, and the values of the culture. Luxuriate in this fascinating program highlighting some of the exquisite objects in the Japanese collection of the Asian Art Museum.
  	December 10 - When the Tiger Smoked a Pipe: The Art of Korea with Ginny Meyer Korean stories of long ago begin “When the tiger smoked a pipe…” Explore the varied and fascinating art that Koreans have produced for thousands of years. Renowned throughout Asia for their ceramics and textiles, Korea also has created, adapted, and refined a broad spectrum of art forms. Today Korea is one of the leaders in contemporary art production.
  	January 14 - Timeless Traditions: Expressions of the Divine in Indian Art with Mary Mead Explore the vast panoply of South Asian art through the prism of four belief systems founded there: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Discover how for thousands of years the artists of India and its neighbors have beautifully depicted their impressions of their deities, and reflected their cultures.
  	February 11 - The Lunar New Year Welcome in the lunar new year by learning about the traditions and symbolism which enrich this celebration each year.
  	March 10 - The Goddess: Images of Power Explore various cultural and religious manifestations of female deities.
  	April 14 - Persia: Crossroads for Art and Culture Uncover the unique artistic elements of ancient Middle Eastern art, and its influence on art across Asia and Europe.

• Spanish Conversation Group (year-round)

  

  Venga y practica su espanol!

  Group leader, Veronica Mazzu, is a native Spanish speaker from Chile and a public school Spanish teacher in Southborough. The Spanish Conversation Group meets twice monthly on Tuesdays (usually the first and third), 7:00 - 8:00pm. Runs year round.

  
  September 5, 19
  

  October 3, 17

  November 7, 28

  December 5, 19

  January 9, 23

  February 6, 20

  March 5, 19

  April 2, 16

  May 7, 21

  June 4, 18

  July 2, 16

  August 6, 20

  This group meets via Zoom. Please check the Calendar for individual dates and details.

  Generously supported by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust.

• Great Decisions

  

  For the past several years, the library has participated in America's largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book and meeting in a weekly discussion group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. The Foreign Policy Associations' Annual Briefing Book comes out each January and are provided to participants thanks to the generosity of the GPL Endowment Trust.

  The next Library Great Decisions Discussion Series will begin in 2024.