Art History Classes in Los Angeles, CA

Ever wanted to chat up your host about Van Gogh? Maybe impress your boss with Lichtenstein? Converse with your crush about Picasso? This is the course for you. No prior experience required. Bring an open mind and your curiosity. Lectures will include slide shows and provocative discussions. Materials Fee: N/A

Often described as the “Architect to the Stars,” Paul Williams--first African-American member and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects--had a prolific career that spanned almost 60 years. He was equally comfortable working with Southern California historical styles and modern design, and became known for designs that were stylized and...

Valued not only for their courage and fidelity, but also as status symbols, the depiction of dogs in art often symbolized the social standing and personality traits of their owners. Representations of dogs--symbols of faithfulness and dedication--became more elaborate as individual breeds evolved and the relationships between human and canine developed....

Inspired by modern events filtered through historical references, architects and designers of the Art Deco period interpreted the 1920s and 1930s in exuberant, stylized geometric and floral elements, infusing modern design--in architectural design, interior decor, furniture, and decorative objects--with an elegant style of cool sophistication, chic...

Explore the rich aesthetics of Asian design within the cultural histories in which they were created. Through lecture and slide illustrations, find out about the decorative arts of China, Japan, India, and Korea, and the richness and variety of materials and techniques utilized by the artists and craftspeople. We’ll also examine how the beauty and...

Los Angeles is a city of architectural delights reflecting our myriad cultures and displaying our unique historical and social landscape.  Explore the abundance of building and interior styles found in the City of Angels from the romantic haciendas and missions of our early heritage through the eclectic mixture of our contemporary structures...

From worshipped gods in Ancient Egypt through their precarious place in medieval times to their pampered place in modern times, our feline companions have been subjects of both reverence and revulsion. The relationship between cats and humans has been depicted in art primarily through metaphorical meanings, sometimes symbolic of cunning and contrariness,...

Explore the elegant and often surprising interiors and furniture designs of such luminaries as Elsie de Wolfe, Syrie Maugham, Eileen Gray, Dorothy Draper, William Haines, Tony Duquette, and others. Examine the lives and inspirations of these legendary designers who left their marks on modern design against the backdrop of the social changes that presented...

From feathers to scales, from beasts of burden to pampered pets, animals in painting and sculpture represent a plethora of symbolism and multilayered meaning. The portrayals of animals in art often depict social status, cultural associations, dramatic events, and sociopolitical issues. We'll explore the natural beauty and majestic power of animals...