Rochester Oasis Classes

Scroll below to view upcoming classes!

  • RECORDED
    September 28 – October 5
    Monday
    11:00 AM → 12:00 PM
    Sessions: 2
    Instructor: David Woodruff
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    Swan versus the Boar. The crown of the King of England moved around over eight different heads in the fifteenth century. But it wasn’t just two sides fighting over the royal seat. These were cousins. Blood relatives. And none of them had any problem shedding that blood to get what they wanted. A place at the front of the line. The top of the hill. But the...
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    Swan versus the Boar. The crown of the King of England moved around over eight different heads in the fifteenth century. But it wasn’t just two sides fighting over the royal seat. These were cousins. Blood relatives. And none of them had any problem shedding that blood to get what they wanted. A place at the front of the line. The top of the hill. But the view from up there was nothing more than a horde of people rushing up the slopes to pull you down. Or drown you in a vat of wine. Shakespeare loved this stuff. Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via in person only.  
  • RECORDED
    September 28 – October 5
    Monday
    11:00 AM → 12:00 PM
    Sessions: 2
    Instructor: David Woodruff
    Locations: Zoom
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    A Swan versus the Boar. The crown of the King of England moved around over eight different heads in the fifteenth century. But it wasn’t just two sides fighting over the royal seat. These were cousins. Blood relatives. And none of them had any problem shedding that blood to get what they wanted. A place at the front of the line. The top of the hill. But...
    read more

    A Swan versus the Boar. The crown of the King of England moved around over eight different heads in the fifteenth century. But it wasn’t just two sides fighting over the royal seat. These were cousins. Blood relatives. And none of them had any problem shedding that blood to get what they wanted. A place at the front of the line. The top of the hill. But the view from up there was nothing more than a horde of people rushing up the slopes to pull you down. Or drown you in a vat of wine. Shakespeare loved this stuff. Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via Zoom only.  You must have access to a computer/tablet/phone with audio and video capability.

  • RECORDED
    October 12 – October 26
    No Class: 10/19
    Monday
    11:00 AM → 12:00 PM
    Sessions: 2
    Instructor: David Woodruff
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    The Misunderstood King. In 1763, America loved this guy. We put up a statue of him in New York City. He was the twelfth English king to lay claim to this part of North America. And by 1776, we hated his guts… and told him so in our Declaration of Independence. Now, 250 years after that eventful day, it might be worth a minute to see who this person was....
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    The Misunderstood King. In 1763, America loved this guy. We put up a statue of him in New York City. He was the twelfth English king to lay claim to this part of North America. And by 1776, we hated his guts… and told him so in our Declaration of Independence. Now, 250 years after that eventful day, it might be worth a minute to see who this person was. The man who went from beloved to hated in so brief a time span. Before he died, he was tortured by his own people. A man who never once claimed to be the King of America. Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via in person only.  
  • RECORDED
    October 12 – October 26
    No Class: 10/19
    Monday
    11:00 AM → 12:00 PM
    Sessions: 2
    Instructor: David Woodruff
    Locations: Zoom
    The Misunderstood King. In 1763, America loved this guy. We put up a statue of him in New York City. He was the twelfth English king to lay claim to this part of North America. And by 1776, we hated his guts… and told him so in our Declaration of Independence. Now, 250 years after that eventful day, it might be worth a minute to see who this person was....
    read more

    The Misunderstood King. In 1763, America loved this guy. We put up a statue of him in New York City. He was the twelfth English king to lay claim to this part of North America. And by 1776, we hated his guts… and told him so in our Declaration of Independence. Now, 250 years after that eventful day, it might be worth a minute to see who this person was. The man who went from beloved to hated in so brief a time span. Before he died, he was tortured by his own people. A man who never once claimed to be the King of America. Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via Zoom only.  

  • October 12 – November 2
    Monday
    1:00 PM → 2:30 PM
    Sessions: 4
    Instructor: Monk Rowe, Fillius Jazz Archive Director
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    Monk Rowe, the Director of the Fillius Jazz Archive at Hamilton College, follows up his first successful Oasis course with a new program of jazz oral history excerpts. Since 1995, Monk has conducted over 500 video interviews with jazz artists that cover the breadth and lore of the music’s storied history. With Romy Britell, Monk co-authored the book, Jazz...
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    Monk Rowe, the Director of the Fillius Jazz Archive at Hamilton College, follows up his first successful Oasis course with a new program of jazz oral history excerpts. Since 1995, Monk has conducted over 500 video interviews with jazz artists that cover the breadth and lore of the music’s storied history. With Romy Britell, Monk co-authored the book, Jazz Tales from Jazz Legends and he currently hosts the podcast, Jazz Backstory. Recorded and live music examples will complement these jazz tales. Participants will see and hear the history of this unique American art form, straight from the artists who lived it.
  • October 19
    Monday
    10:00 AM → 11:00 AM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Matt Kennel, AFC Vacations
    Locations: Zoom
    Learn all about these upcoming trips.  Great Canadian Cities is scheduled to begin on June 16th, 2027 and Highlights of England, Scotland and Wales on November 3, 2027. In this online meeting with host AFC Vacations and interested participants from Oasis Rochester, as well as Syracuse and Washington Metro centers, you will be able to get all your questions...
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    Learn all about these upcoming trips.  Great Canadian Cities is scheduled to begin on June 16th, 2027 and Highlights of England, Scotland and Wales on November 3, 2027. In this online meeting with host AFC Vacations and interested participants from Oasis Rochester, as well as Syracuse and Washington Metro centers, you will be able to get all your questions answered about this amazing vacations. This webinar will be recorded, so please let us know if you are interested but cannot make this date.
  • October 19
    Monday
    10:00 AM → 11:00 AM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Matt Kennel, AFC Vacations
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    Learn all about these upcoming trips.  Great Canadian Cities is scheduled to begin on June 16th, 2027 and Highlights of England, Scotland and Wales on November 3, 2027. In this online meeting with host AFC Vacations and interested participants from Oasis Rochester, as well as Syracuse and Washington Metro centers, you will be able to get all your questions...
    read more
    Learn all about these upcoming trips.  Great Canadian Cities is scheduled to begin on June 16th, 2027 and Highlights of England, Scotland and Wales on November 3, 2027. In this online meeting with host AFC Vacations and interested participants from Oasis Rochester, as well as Syracuse and Washington Metro centers, you will be able to get all your questions answered about this amazing vacations. This webinar will be recorded, so please let us know if you are interested but cannot make this date. Register for this class if you would prefer to view the webinar at Oasis Rochester.
  • October 26
    Monday
    1:00 PM → 2:30 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Bruce Smoller, Sommelier
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    In this class, we will explore wines from Lebanon and Israel, along with several other regions.  While not well known, the quality of the wines from this region is greatly improving as the worldwide availability increases.  Approximately 5 wines from the region will be presented, along with a discussion of their production methods and qualities. These...
    read more
    In this class, we will explore wines from Lebanon and Israel, along with several other regions.  While not well known, the quality of the wines from this region is greatly improving as the worldwide availability increases.  Approximately 5 wines from the region will be presented, along with a discussion of their production methods and qualities. These wines are now readily available and worth paying attention to, especially given the value!  RSVP by 9/8 at noon.
  • RECORDED
    November 2 – November 9
    Monday
    11:00 AM → 12:00 PM
    Sessions: 2
    Instructor: David Woodruff
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    The Modern Knight of the Battlefield.  Anyone who has used a website can tell you all about technology gone horribly wrong. But there is a science fiction-like element to the invention of the tank. And a whole new level of wrong that deserves its own category. We’ll blow apart some myths about the invention of the armored vehicle. And look at some truly...
    read more
    The Modern Knight of the Battlefield.  Anyone who has used a website can tell you all about technology gone horribly wrong. But there is a science fiction-like element to the invention of the tank. And a whole new level of wrong that deserves its own category. We’ll blow apart some myths about the invention of the armored vehicle. And look at some truly ridiculous ideas. Some of which made it off the drawing board. We examine how a truly wild bunch walked the tightrope between speed, protection, and firepower.  And what failed. Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via in person only.  
  • RECORDED
    November 2 – November 9
    Monday
    11:00 AM → 12:00 PM
    Sessions: 2
    Instructor: David Woodruff
    Locations: Zoom
    The Modern Knight of the Battlefield.  Anyone who has used a website can tell you all about technology gone horribly wrong. But there is a science fiction-like element to the invention of the tank. And a whole new level of wrong that deserves its own category. We’ll blow apart some myths about the invention of the armored vehicle. And look at some truly...
    read more

    The Modern Knight of the Battlefield.  Anyone who has used a website can tell you all about technology gone horribly wrong. But there is a science fiction-like element to the invention of the tank. And a whole new level of wrong that deserves its own category. We’ll blow apart some myths about the invention of the armored vehicle. And look at some truly ridiculous ideas. Some of which made it off the drawing board. We examine how a truly wild bunch walked the tightrope between speed, protection, and firepower. And what failed. Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via Zoom only.  

  • November 9
    Monday
    1:00 PM → 2:30 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Bruce Smoller, Sommelier
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    Good wine does not have to cost a fortune.  In this class, I will present a strategy that will enable participants to choose wines that provide good value, as well as high quality.  In effect, this class addresses a tiny view of the micro-economics of producing, marketing and selling wines.  A series of 5 such wines will be presented as examples.  RSVP...
    read more
    Good wine does not have to cost a fortune.  In this class, I will present a strategy that will enable participants to choose wines that provide good value, as well as high quality.  In effect, this class addresses a tiny view of the micro-economics of producing, marketing and selling wines.  A series of 5 such wines will be presented as examples.  RSVP by 11/2 at noon.
  • Out of stock
    November 16
    Monday
    1:00 PM → 3:00 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Susan Carmen-Duffy
    Locations: Central Creatives
    Flowers are more than petals and stems. They are landscapes of color, shape, and mystery waiting to be discovered. Inspired by the work of artist Georgia O'Keeffe, this workshop invites participants to slow down and look deeply at the natural world. Through guided watercolor exercises and creative exploration, we will study flowers up close, noticing their...
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    Flowers are more than petals and stems. They are landscapes of color, shape, and mystery waiting to be discovered. Inspired by the work of artist Georgia O'Keeffe, this workshop invites participants to slow down and look deeply at the natural world. Through guided watercolor exercises and creative exploration, we will study flowers up close, noticing their curves, patterns, colors, and hidden details. Using watercolor and colored pencil participants will create expressive floral paintings that move beyond simple representation and capture the feeling and essence of their subject. Along the way, we'll explore color mixing, layering techniques, composition, and ways to bring personal meaning into our artwork. We will celebrate Georgia in the month of her birth!
  • September 22 – December 1
    Tuesday
    9:45 AM → 10:45 AM
    Sessions: 11
    Instructor: Anne Wilcox, Associate Professor, U of R
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    Want to learn how to make a dance?  Come join Moving Memories, a collaborative choreography class designed for older adults and students from the University of Rochester.  Weekly classes held with UR students to learn about the art of choreography, culminating with a performance with lights, costumes, and music!  Each class we focus on different...
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    Want to learn how to make a dance?  Come join Moving Memories, a collaborative choreography class designed for older adults and students from the University of Rochester.  Weekly classes held with UR students to learn about the art of choreography, culminating with a performance with lights, costumes, and music!  Each class we focus on different dance-making skills.  Classes are free and open to all levels of ability.  You can be in your dance or choose other dancers to perform your choreography.  The last three classes will be held at the UofR (details to come). Culminates in a performance the weekend of December 5th (date to be determined) at the University of Rochester.
  • September 22 – November 10
    Tuesday
    1:00 PM → 1:45 PM
    Sessions: 8
    Instructor: Julie Ferreira
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    Learn or polish basic belly dance moves with a focus on technique, traveling steps and exploring different styles of Middle Eastern dance. Suitable for all levels from beginner to...
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    Learn or polish basic belly dance moves with a focus on technique, traveling steps and exploring different styles of Middle Eastern dance. Suitable for all levels from beginner to experienced.
  • September 29
    Tuesday
    1:00 PM → 3:00 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Susan Carmen-Duffy
    Locations: Central Creatives
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    Create a beautiful accordion-fold book using watercolor, collage, and ink! An accordion book is one of the most satisfying things you can make with your hands. One long strip of paper, folded into a small landscape of color and image, that opens up to reveal something unexpected. In this workshop we will paint watercolor washes, layer collage papers...
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    Create a beautiful accordion-fold book using watercolor, collage, and ink! An accordion book is one of the most satisfying things you can make with your hands. One long strip of paper, folded into a small landscape of color and image, that opens up to reveal something unexpected. In this workshop we will paint watercolor washes, layer collage papers and inked images, and fold our finished pages into a completed accordion book you can stand on a shelf, tuck into a pocket, or give to someone you love.
  • Out of stock
    October 6
    Tuesday
    1:00 PM → 3:00 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Lisa Robinson, Central Creatives
    Locations: Central Creatives
    Looking for a class that introduces you to a unique and interesting medium? Lisa Robinson will show you the beauty of walnut ink to sketch or paint with. Enjoy drawing sepia lines and textures with crow quill pens. Blend beautiful washes to create your own special art piece.  Materials are...
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    Looking for a class that introduces you to a unique and interesting medium? Lisa Robinson will show you the beauty of walnut ink to sketch or paint with. Enjoy drawing sepia lines and textures with crow quill pens. Blend beautiful washes to create your own special art piece.  Materials are included.
     
     
     
  • October 6 – November 3
    Tuesday
    1:00 PM → 2:30 PM
    Sessions: 5
    Instructor: James Kraus, retired English teacher, Rochester City School District
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    This course will examine the great baseball decade of the 1950's: post WWII faded and emerging stars, the influence of black and Latino players, two pieces of the Yankee dynasty, and the stirrings of change. A season by season chronology will be peppered with anecdotes, facts, and trivia from participants and the manager. Jim is a retired teacher who saw...
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    This course will examine the great baseball decade of the 1950's: post WWII faded and emerging stars, the influence of black and Latino players, two pieces of the Yankee dynasty, and the stirrings of change. A season by season chronology will be peppered with anecdotes, facts, and trivia from participants and the manager. Jim is a retired teacher who saw his first MLB game at Yankee Stadium in 1959 and 40th MLB park in September 2025.  
  • October 6 – October 27
    Tuesday
    7:00 PM → 8:30 PM
    Sessions: 4
    Instructor: Jennifer Case
    Locations: Zoom
    Have a story—or many stories— to tell, but don’t know how to put the words down on paper?  In these sessions we’ll explore both memoir and fiction through a variety of activities. Participants will read and discuss short pieces of literature, respond to writing prompts, and have the opportunity to share their efforts in a safe and friendly workshop...
    read more
    Have a story—or many stories— to tell, but don’t know how to put the words down on paper?  In these sessions we’ll explore both memoir and fiction through a variety of activities. Participants will read and discuss short pieces of literature, respond to writing prompts, and have the opportunity to share their efforts in a safe and friendly workshop setting.  All levels of experience are welcome.  This class is given via Zoom only.
  • November 3
    Tuesday
    1:00 PM → 3:00 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Lisa Robinson, Central Creatives
    Locations: Central Creatives
    Painting heirloom recipe cards is a lovely way to preserve family culinary traditions. Hand paint elements or ingredients from the recipe to make decorative borders. Practice painting fruits and veggies, utensils and baked goods. These fun skills will allow you to begin your own recipe journal or a special art piece to frame for our home kitchen....
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    Painting heirloom recipe cards is a lovely way to preserve family culinary traditions. Hand paint elements or ingredients from the recipe to make decorative borders. Practice painting fruits and veggies, utensils and baked goods. These fun skills will allow you to begin your own recipe journal or a special art piece to frame for our home kitchen. Materials are included.
     
     
     
  • October 7 – October 28
    Wednesday
    1:00 PM → 4:00 PM
    Sessions: 4
    Instructor: Otto Bruno, author 'Barney Miller and the Files of the Ol' One-Two’
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    Before Sinatra, Elvis, and the Beatles there was Bing, the first crooner. His ascent to superstardom was unprecedented. He not only succeeded on stage and film but he enjoyed incredible success on radio and was one of the most popular entertainers around the globe during WWII. His keen intelligence and discipline also led him to successes in business and...
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    Before Sinatra, Elvis, and the Beatles there was Bing, the first crooner. His ascent to superstardom was unprecedented. He not only succeeded on stage and film but he enjoyed incredible success on radio and was one of the most popular entertainers around the globe during WWII. His keen intelligence and discipline also led him to successes in business and the world of sports. Join the fun with us in this initial exploration of the renaissance man of show business that was Bing Crosby.
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