In the past decades, art historians have finally researched, praised, and exhibited the contributions of women artists to the world. The majority of these artists have been painters. Yet, a wonderful dimension of the contributions of women artists lay not on the two-dimensional canvas, but rather in the third-dimensional art of sculpture. In our sessions, we will examine the lives and art of the women who challenged the masculine arts by taking up the chisel, bending metal, and carving wood. Their artworks produced new themes and forms of sculpture instigated by the touch of the female hand. Do we view art differently depending on the sex of the creator? Do the social and economic experiences of women influence their artwork? Are there male and female associations with the materials used in sculpting? Let’s join together and engage with individual sculptures for a deeper understanding of their meanings and their creators. Christine Maasdam, M.A., holds a Master in Humanities and a B.A. in Cultural Geography. Her art studies include The Courtauld Institute of Art in London, The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center in D.C. and Post Graduate studies in Antiquities Trafficking and Art Crime at the University of Glasgow. She is a graduate of the Art Crime Investigation Seminar led by Robert Wittman, founder of the FBI's National Art Crime Team. Christine is a member of the International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection and holds a certificate from Trident Manor on Protection of Cultural Venues. Christine received Sotheby’s certification on Determining Value: An Appraiser’s Perspective. She has spent over a decade as a LACMA docent and is an active volunteer at the City of David archaeological dig in Israel. 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.