February 23, 2026—Ways of Seeing: Part One by John Berger 

DOCUMENTARY & DISCUSSION

Join Art in Focus for a presentation of John Berger’s highly influential BBC documentary series, “Ways of Seeing – Part one.” The first part "questions the assumptions usually made about the tradition of European paintings" The first episode in the series draws on Walter Benjamin's The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, and the idea that the reproduction of art such as paintings separates the piece's modern context from the context of which the piece was created.

March 9, 2026—Water Lilies—Monet’s Later Years

LECTURE & DISCUSSION

Join us for a presentation on the later years of Claude Monet’s life. Claude Monet is often criticized for being overexposed, too easy, too obvious, or worse, a chocolate box artist. His last works, the enormous water lily canvasses are among the most popular art works in the world. Yet there is nothing tame, traditionalist, or cozy about these last paintings. These are his most radical works of all. They turn the world upside down with their strange, disorientating and immersive vision. Monet’s water lilies have come to be viewed as simply an aesthetic interpretation of the garden that obsessed him. But they are so much more.

Art in Focus is an exploration of the arts through film, lecture and thoughtful dialogue for adult learners of all ages who are interested in the arts and its impact on the world. Founded in 1996 by Rita M. Ray, South Shore Arts continues this series annually with a variety of topics and guest speakers. Several lectures will coincide with upcoming Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra concerts and South Shore Arts exhibits. An important aspect of the program is the thoughtful dialogue between the program facilitator, the guest speakers and the attendees to broaden views of the arts and individuals in our world. Our goal parallels that of the U.S. Department of Education, “Learning Never Ends.” Art in Focus is open to the public and, thanks to generous support from Community Healthcare System, it is always free.

2nd & 4th Monday EVERY Month

10–11:30am
The Center for Visual & Performing Arts

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