Join celebrated cultural historian Kayleen Asbo, Ph.D for a three week Summer Academy of Myth, Music and Art exploring the theme of Men Behaving Badly. Come for the morning session on Mozart's opera, enjoy lunch in charming downtown Petaluma and then savor the visual delights of an afternoon series on Rodin's sculptures, Scandals and Scoundrels in Opera Monday Mornings 10:30 - 12:00 The three Mozart-Da Ponte Operas are considered masterpieces of operatic literature; witty, fully human, with marvelous characters and unforgettable melodies. The "behind-the-scenes-" story of their creation is every bit as dramatic as the action on stage--including a consultation with Casanova himself! June 5: Marriage of Figaro, June 12: Cosi fan Tutte, June 19: Don Giovanni Musical guests Amy White, Bonnie Brooks and Jason Byer will bring Mozart's magnificent arias and duets to life Rodin: Scandals in Stone Afternoons: 1:30-3:00 To celebrate Rodin ‘s centenary, we'll explore the dramatic story of his life. Born in poverty, Rodin struggled well into midlife and his life was marked by continual love scandals. His style--raw and emotionally real-- flew in the face of the quest for surface prettiness of his time and are now hailed as a turning point in 20th century art. We'll trace the profound impact of both Dante and Michelangelo on shaping the imagination of the mature Rodin as he sought to sculpt in stone works that gave expression to the depth of human passion and despair. June 5: Rodin’s Early Years & Michelangelo's Influence June 12: Love, Lust and The Gates of Hell June 19: Sacrifice & Surrender: The Burghers of Calais Drop-in single classes (morning or afternoon) available on a limited basis, $30 per class