The Baroque art style in Italy emerges as part of the Catholic Counter-Reformation's effort to reinspire the faithful back to the Church. Understanding the power of art, the Church began to commission grand scale works of art to communicate directly with the public. Dramatic and theatrical, these works strove to entertain and inspire while also engaging the viewer. Three of the most distinct artists of this time and region are Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Michelangelo Caravaggio and Artemisia Gentileschi. Along with some other contemporaries, this class will give an overview of the development of their distinctive style.

Katherine E. Zoraster, M.A., is an Art Historian and a Professor of Art History at several local colleges specializing in Western art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. She graduated with a double major in English Literature and Art History from the University of California, Los Angeles. Following her undergraduate degree, she received a Master’s Degree with Distinction in Art History from the California State University at Northridge.
In addition to the courses Katherine teaches for other lifelong learning programs, she also works as an Adjunct Professor of Art History at Moorpark College and an Art History Instructor for the full-time program at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Arts. Katherine also serves as a commissioner for the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and volunteers at the Burbank Animal Shelter. In her free time Katherine is an avid runner and travels extensively.

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.