Courtesy Cantata Adult Life Services

Cantata Adult Life Services in Brookfield has partnered with Triton College’s School of Continuing Education in River Grove to offer a special series of courses that celebrate the diverse cultures that make up the surrounding local communities.

The new courses, titled the Cultural Heritage Series, provide individuals with the opportunity to explore another culture or learn about their own through art, music and dance.

Cantata’s Director of Lifelong Learning George Columbus says the courses provide an opportunity for individuals to not only challenge their brain but also connect with one another in a classroom setting, thus promoting mental and emotional health. “We believe it can bring communities closer together when cultures learn about each other’s heritages,” she said. “We are thrilled that Triton College shares our vision.”

“Understanding where we came from can help us understand where we are going,” said Paul Jensen, Dean of the School of Continuing Education. “We are very happy to work with a strong partner like Cantata on this opportunity to serve our district residents.”

The following classes will be available starting in February 2013:

Mexican Arts

Mexican arts have many layers, colors and facets that reflect the combination of ancient and modern times. Create colorful Oaxacan animals, inspired self-portraits, and small murals in the style of the big three Muralists. Explore Mexican music through vocals, independence music, and traditional folk music like Mariachi and Norteno. The class may include a field trip to the Mexican Fine Arts Museum on the near southwest side of Chicago. Materials required for class: a sketchbook and a notebook.
Cost: $99
Meets: Wednesdays, February 6 – March 27, 2013, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Woodlands Maple Room, Cantata Adult Life Services, 8700 W. 31st St., Brookfield, IL

Italian Arts

Italian arts have influenced Western culture in countless ways. Create a beautiful Venetian mask like the ones worn at the annual Carnival of Venice. Study Roman mosaics and create a small mosaic of your own. Learn why Italian music has long held an important place in society and politics, and gain an appreciation of the integral role that Opera plays in Italian culture.
Cost: $99
Meets: Saturdays, February 2 – March 16, 9-11:05 a.m.
Location: Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, IL

Polish Arts

Polish arts combine Polish influence with aspects of other nearby European cultures and periods in European history. Learn to create wycinanki, a popular paper folk craft originating from the mid-1800s, and pisanki, an ornate style of decorating Easter eggs dating back to the 10th century. Appreciate Polish dance music, such as the Polonaise and the Mazurka, popularized by famous composer and Polish national Frederick Chopin, as well as traditional folk music. The class may include a field trip to the Polish Heritage Museum in Chicago.
Cost: $99
Meets: Saturdays, February 2 – March 16, 9-11:05 a.m.
Location: Triton College

To register, call Cantata Customer Relations at 708-485-1155 or go to www.cantata.org.