WELCOME

Welcome to the Urban Culture course at Avila University created by Susan Lawlor and Dotty Hamilton.  We travel with our students to great cities to explore art museums, engage with the architecture, study the local film and music venues, and experience the ethnic enclaves as a way to learn about the culture of urban spaces and the interaction of art and environment.  It's a fun, intense learning environment.  

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Streets Came Alive

After we left the museum we were delighted to discover a lively street scene with musical performances, acrobatics, street theatre, and even a parade of Snow Whites.

Musee d'Art Comtempoirain

We began Friday morning with a tour of the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Unfortunately, no photos are allowed in the museum.  Our tour guide, Tracy, gave us a memorable tour that began with the history of abstract art in Canada.  Garrett aptly named a particularly monochromatic painting, Heinz 57.  These pieces challenged our notions of art and even posed the question whether a painting without paint is still a painting.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

An evening at the Cinematheque Quebecoise

Tonight, a series of animated short films at the Cinematheque Quebecoise.  Amazing, considering the films dated from 50 years ago or so.  Themes of lost love, military might, the conflict of difference, the power of music and kindness, and the loss of the soul.

Touring Old Montreal

After a nice lunch in Old Montreal, we took a guided tour of the old town with Annie.  She was great.  Learned alot about the architecture and history - a bit chilly, but we survived.

Museum of Fine arts

Touring the Museum of Fine Arts - and some of the outdoor art.  This is an installation in the street that you can wan on

Waiting for the Metro

First Day in Montreal and we're catching the train to our first destination

Morning in Montreal

Down the street from our hotel

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Waiting at KCI

For the first leg of our flight

Monday, May 13, 2013

Today is the Day - Leaving for Montreal

Looks like cool weather - the high sixties in Montreal.  That will be fine, especially if there is no rain.  A long plane trip awaits, leaving this afternoon with 16 students.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Off to Montreal

The Urban Culture Course goes international this year - with a trip to Montreal, Canada.  We'll still focus on  art, architecture, music, film, and theatre of the urban environment.  Added to that, an experience in a French speaking city, should provide a unique learning opportunity for our students.  We'll be staying at the Hotel Le Saint-Andre.