Blog Archives

LLI’s Origin Story

by Sara Hardman with Felice Gelman

Sara Hardman was LLI’s first president.
Introduction

Planning for the creation of LLI began in the winter of 2000. The idea had developed in a book group at the Red Hook Library when Sara Hardman and several other women expressed their frustration at the long waiting list at Marist’s Center for Lifetime Study.

Read more ›



Studio Art Tour Class Shines

by Mary McClellan

Introduction

Billed in the LLI catalog as studio discussions with six working artists who live in our hyperlocal area, “Deep Dive into Abstract Art“ emerged as a bright star in our fall semester galaxy that contained several stars. Produced by L. Walker and curated by abstract artist Jean Feinberg,

Read more ›



“Parler,” Let’s Talk

by Barb Renfro
Introduction

You arrive early for a performance at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. You stroll around and walk over a short bridge, as well as through an archway of criss-crossing, interlaced stainless steel rods. Maybe you don’t even realize this is an art installation—you just want to walk and sit,

Read more ›



Fall Semester Reviews

by Deborah Lanser
Introduction

The fall courses were generally a hit. There were 253 responses to the evaluation form, which confirms a high rate of involvement. The course content was widely praised; 89% of respondents rated it 4 or 5. Presenters were likewise appreciated, with 94% being rated 4 or 5.

Read more ›



Locavores, Rejoice!

Introduction

On the northern edge of Bard’s campus lies a 1.24-acre farm that harvests more than 20,0000 pounds of organic produce for the Bard community every year. And some of that produce is sold to local consumers at their farm stand on Thursdays throughout the summer and early fall. The stand is well worth a visit for anyone who relishes fresh local foods.

Read more ›



Blithewood Garden

Introduction

Blithewood Garden is a handsome, classical Italianate formal garden that overlooks the Hudson River with the Catskill Mountains as a backdrop. At the beginning of the 20th century, Francis L. V. Hoppin designed both the current mansion and its formal garden set in the hillside, over 100 feet above the river.

Read more ›



New Survey for 2023

Introduction

This month members will receive the 2023 Bard LLI Annual Membership Survey. Although LLI has been sending out annual surveys for a long time, this one is different. For the first time, we are requesting demographic information, which will be completely confidential. There is no way that anyone can trace answers back to an individual.

Read more ›



A Course is Born!

Introduction

Receiving the LLI catalog and registering for courses this Spring semester probably reminds us how fortunate we are to have the chance to learn together. But how do these courses magically appear? Have you ever had a great idea for a course? Or thought you could teach one yourself but didn’t know how to get on the class schedule?

Read more ›



Some Thoughts From New Members

Introduction

In the recent new member survey, 31 of the 63 members of the LLI class of 2021 shared their thoughts about their first semester at Bard LLI. Many were grateful for the welcome they received and they rated the quality of their courses highly. Others had some reservations and offered suggestions for improvement.

Read more ›



Hybrid Learning Comes to Bard

Introduction

We know all too well how the world of education has been turned upside down. Zoom has replaced the classroom presenter sharing thoughts with an LLI audience eager to learn, enjoy, and relish each other’s company. But surprise of surprises, some of us actually like remote learning.

We like seeing faces along with names,

Read more ›



Top