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Event—Adult Education

Canceled - Chance and Art-Making

Mar 17, 2020

From Ellsworth Kelly casting dice to determine the colors of his paintings to John Cage using the I Ching to compose his music, chance has often been a catalyst for creative activity. In this seminar, we discuss “aleatoric” art, or art created with some element of chance or randomness (the word derives from the Latin word for dice).

Out of an abundance of caution in response to the spread of COVID-19, we have canceled all remaining seminars in the Winter/Spring 2020 term. Please visit www.newberry.org/covid19 for further updates.

Please email seminars@newberry.org with any questions.

Seminar Description

From Ellsworth Kelly casting dice to determine the colors of his paintings to John Cage using the I Ching to compose his music, chance has often been a catalyst for creative activity. In this seminar, we discuss “aleatoric” art, or art created with some element of chance or randomness (the word derives from the Latin word for dice). Following André Breton’s surrealist strategies, participants will also attempt to sketch out a blueprint for living a more aleatoric life, injected with chance, chaos, and randomness.

One session. E – $56, R – $61.6

Harrison Sherrod manages a film production company by day and teaches seminars at the Newberry by night. He has led courses on everything from metaphysical detectives and con games to Star Wars and Marxism.

Materials List

Required:

  • The Drunkard's Walk. Leonard Mlodinow. Vintage, 2009. ISBN: 978-0307275172

  • A selection of shorter materials distributed by the instructor.

First Reading:

  • Please read all of The Drunkard's Walk, as well as the additional excerpts sent by the instructor via email.

Registration Information

  • Online registration opens at 9 am (CST) on Tuesday, January 7.
  • Phone registration opens at 12 pm (CST) on Wednesday, January 8.

Early registration (E) prices are in effect from January 7 at 9 am through January 24 at 4 pm. Regular registration (R) prices are in effect January 24 at 4 pm through the end of the term.

We offer a 10% discount to members, seniors, and students.

Need Help? Please email seminars@newberry.org.

This seminar is part of the Newberry’s Seminars Program. Learn more about registering for a seminar, program policies and procedures, or teaching a seminar.