Lifelong Learning Academy Launches
“Academy Adventures”
A New Educational Travel Program
Lifelong Learning Academy is taking lifelong learning beyond the classroom, starting with two cultural tours of the art and architecture of Cuba. Future trips include the Middle East and Paris, and a third, ballet-themed journey to Cuba
(Sarasota-Manatee) Lifelong Learning Academy (LLA) announces the launch of “Academy Adventures,” its new travel education program. The program’s inaugural journeys are: “Visual Arts in Cuba: A Panoramic View” (January 2-9, 2016); and “Art, People and Architecture in Havana” (March 19-26, 2016). These eight-day excursions take participants on in-depth explorations of the history, art, architecture and culture of a country on the verge of dramatic change. The cost is $3,800, double occupancy (for single occupancy, add $300). Reservation deadline for both tours is October 15. To register and for detailed information, visit www.jimbuart.com or call Dr. Pedro Schuck at 978-998-0039. For more information about Lifelong Learning Academy and Academy Adventures, visit www.lla-sm.org.
“We’re thrilled to launch Academy Adventures with these two remarkable opportunities to explore Cuba’s rich cultural history,” says Janna Overstreet, executive director of Lifelong Learning Academy. “Studies show that activities associated with travel have positive mental, physical, and social benefits for older adults. This program was a logical next step for us.”
The first trip, “Visual Arts in Cuba: A Panoramic View” (January 2-9, 2016), offers a comprehensive, up-close look at Cuba’s vibrant visual arts scene—both past and present. The eight-day tour includes a conference on contemporary art in Cuba and tours to museums, galleries and artists’ studios, as well as excursions to Piner del Rio and Valley of Viñales for a sampling of the art and life of rural Cuba.
The second tour, “Art, People and Architecture in Havana” (March 19-26, 2016), includes a conference on the colonial and republican periods of Havana’s architecture and visits to the plazas, churches, museums, palaces, fortresses and communities that make up Havana’s treasure trove of architectural styles spanning over 450 years.
Both tours depart from Tampa and will be led by Dr. Pedro Schuck, a graduate of Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Harvard and Boston University. He is professor emeritus of education, art in education and applied social sciences at Cambridge College, Massachusetts. Schuck was also the coordinator for the Cambridge College Study Abroad Programs and facilitated the approval of Cuba travel licenses for Cambridge College, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston and Marcos Carvajal Art Galleries.
“These two adventures are just the beginning,” says Overstreet. “We’re planning more enriching trips to fascinating locales. I encourage interested lifelong learners to visit our webpage often for updates, and to register early. These trips are going to fill up fast!”
Lifelong Learning Academy offers four course terms per year on the USFSM campus, at 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Most courses last six to eight weeks and classes meet for one hour and 20 minutes each week. This workshop is another component of LLA course offerings, but in a day-long format. For more information about the Lifelong Learning Academy, call 941-359-4296 or visit www.lla-sm.org.
