TU Osher News & Notes

The sum of its parts

Several weeks ago, I told you about my new-to-me dog, Kojak. This alleged 3-year-old doggy is not in fact three years old. It turns out he is seven years old, but don’t worry, even though we were sold a bill of goods regarding his age, he is definitely a keeper. We were also told that he is a bichon, which of course, I had to look up because I know nothing about fancy dog breeds, and it sounded pretty fancy. Like the age thing, the whole pedigree thing may also be untrue. That’s preferable to me as I have always liked a good mutt, a Heinz 57. We haven’t done DNA testing on Kojak yet, but I suspect that if we did, we would find out that in addition to having bichon ancestry, he is also part poodle. Upon closer inspection, he may not just be a mixed breed, he may be a mixed species. Perhaps he was assembled in an exquisite corpse type fashion with each contributor adding a distinctly different part. His paws splay out from his short little legs and scream “platypus”. Under certain light, I swear he is a lamb that I could shear to make a tiny sweater or a mitten. His long torso indicates that he may have some dachshund or sea serpent in his background. When I walk him, he sniffs along his path, grunting as if he is a pig searching for truffles in the forest. His tail curls, and while it is somewhat porcine, it also has hints of opossum. Kojak is a stocky little guy and all told, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is also part teapot as in “I’m a little teapot, short and stout...” Taken all together, he’s adorable and the apple of my eye. That being the case, I am relatively certain that he is not part edible fruit. No matter what amalgamation he might be, he is mine and I can’t get enough of him.

Stay safe and healthy,

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Tracy Jacobs

SPARK YOUR CURIOSITY WITH ONE OF THESE AMAZING EVENING COURSES THIS SPRING!

SPARK is the perfect opportunity for curious minds, empty nesters, and retirees to explore topics in a relaxed environment. SPARK runs April 24–June 5 and is divided into three courses. Each course meets once per week on TU’s campus for a total of six sessions per course.

Pricing is $145/non-members, $110/Osher members, including parking.

The Birth of Social Activism in America

Instructor: Robert Baer

Discover uniquely American endeavors that helped lay the foundation for many of our democratic traditions.

Wakandans, Amazons, and Robotmen: Representation and Culture in Comics

Instructor: Scott West

Learn how comics have expressed and evolved representation and culture over the last 80 years.

The Fitzgeralds and The Lost Generation

Instructor: Jack Burkert

Dive into the writings of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and examine the personalities of the ‘lost generation.’

Osher Day Trip to Philadelphia

The National Liberty Museum and the Barnes Museum

Monday, May 8, 2023
$85/per person

Come to Philadelphia to view art exhibits at the National Liberty Museum and the Barnes Museum. We will start at the National Liberty Museum which boasts a wonderful collection of glass art. Osher instructor and glass art expert, Howard Cohen, will be on the trip to give insights into the work on view. Then we head to the Barnes Museum which houses over 150 Renoir paintings, Picassos, and more. There is a special exhibit of two acclaimed contemporary South African artists, Sue Williamson and Lebohang Kganye. Lunch is on your own at either the Garden Restaurant (reservations suggested) or the Reflections Cafe in the Barnes. This trip is open to Osher members and others.

Departure from 7400 York Road rear parking lot at 8:30 a.m. Return at approximately 5:30 p.m.

ARCHIVAL SILENT NOISE CONFERENCE

William Still

Towson University’s Co-Lab Presents

Archival Silent Noise Conference

April 13 – April 15, 2023
Towson University

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Dr. Ashley Minner Jones

Thursday, April 13, 6–8 p.m.
Van Bokkelen Hall 204

Archival Silent Noise considers the invisible, ignored and silenced areas of our artistic disciplines. By exploring approaches to re-visibilizing and reimagining the archives of our disciplines in the field and in the classroom, the Archival Silent Noise conference will create a space to honor and generate joyful noise and good trouble.

This event is free and open to the public!

Organized by Dr. Kalima Young (EMF) and Ada Pinkston (Art Education) for Towson University's Co-Lab

View schedule and reserve your space

In Memoriam

candles

In this section of our newsletter, we remember Osher members that have passed away recently. While we work hard to provide accurate updates, please let us know if you are aware of an Osher friend’s passing by contacting osher@towson.edu.

Give to Osher at Towson University

Support Osher at Towson University. Your tax-deductible contribution helps to provide a rich experience for our members and a vibrant, affordable program for years to come.

Donate online through the link below. If you prefer to donate by check, please make check payable to “Towson University Foundation, Inc.” and note Osher fund in the memo line. Mail to: Towson University Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 17165, Baltimore, MD 21297-0219.

If you would like to honor a friend or loved one with a donation in their memory, please consider supporting Osher at Towson University with a gift to the Osher Excellence Fund.

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