While we are in this period of physical distancing and cannot host programs at SUUS or travel together, the SEA (Social Events and Activities) Committee is going to share some viewing and online experiences each week. If you would like to suggest an activity for this weekly list, please email Kathy Helmrich, kahelmrich@yahoo.com
************************************************************************
Drama and Art Activity
One of the highlights in the collection of the Yale Center for British Art is the painting “Zebra” by George Stubbs. We recommend Toby Armour’s short one-woman play about this famous painting. Toby is the scriptwriter of “Susan B”, which was performed at SUUS in February.
An activity for all ages is a coloring template of “Zebra” available for download from the Center for British Art’s website
https://britishart.yale.edu/education/color-our-collections
*************************************************************************************
Opera
Earlier this year the Metropolitan Opera performed “The Mother of Us All”, which chronicles the life of Susan B. Anthony in fanciful style. It brings together characters, fictional and non-fictional, from different periods of American history to tell the story of the women’s suffrage movement. The performance can be viewed on YouTube.
************************************************************************************
Art Museum Visit
Connecticut has a variety of art galleries and museums to visit. A couple of years ago the SEA Committee organized a SUUS field trip to the New Britain Museum of American Art. Though we can’t do a return visit in person, the museum has greatly expanded its digital offerings. You can visit the permanent collection and special exhibitions, attend curatorial chats, do art activities and take art lessons. Links to all of this can be found at:
***********************************************************************************
Documentary Viewing
“Jiro Dreams of Sushi” is a documentary about the 85 year old Japanese chef who is claimed to be “the world’s greatest sushi maker” and whose Tokyo restaurant with 10-seat capacity has been given the Michelin 3-star rating. The film can be found on various online platforms.
**************************************************************************
Wildlife Web Cams
Perhaps you’ve seen videos of wild animals returning to urban areas during this time of reduced human activity. If you’d like to see wildlife in their natural surroundings or sanctuaries, this site links to dozens of locations around the world. You can watch owls nesting in Montana, elephants coming for water in South Africa, and bears fishing in Alaska to name just a few.
************************************************************************************
Kid Learning at Home
National Geographic Society has a variety of activities for families to enjoy. Check them out at:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/at-home-education-resources/
************************************************************************************
Lifetime Learning
There are dozens of free online courses available on the Coursera.org website. Click Explore in the blue box in the upper left corner of the home page to see a directory of the subject areas available.