With Europe being the confirmed center of the art world and steeped in artistic tradition, most American artists journeyed there, specifically to Paris, to study. Seeking more opportunity, freedom, and expertise, many of those artists chose to remain abroad. Prior to there being any structured training in America, some artists, such as Benjamin West, had no other choices to establish themselves than to go and stay overseas. By the late nineteenth century, several of the world's most influential painters were American expatriates. Although not living there permanently, we will look at Samuel Morse - who diligently went to the Louvre every day for over two years to document his choice of masterpieces, and then focus on some of the nineteenth century artists who made their careers and stayed abroad. Among those covered, we will look at James McNeil Whistler, Henry Ossawa Turner, John Singer Sargent and Mary Cassatt. 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 and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.