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As far as countries go, the United States is fairly young. Nevertheless, it has indeed made its own contributions to religion and spirituality. In this two-part lecture, we’ll examine what particular religious movements have developed in the United States, and we’ll see how those movements have affected the religious landscape in general. We’ll discuss William Miller and the beginning of the Adventists, we’ll consider Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism, and we’ll explore the Restoration movement and the two Great Awakenings. In all of these things, we will develop a stronger context for American religious life, and most importantly, better understand our own country.

This two-part lecture can be attended either in-person at the Thousand Oaks campus or virtually via Zoom. Walk-ins are not permitted.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

Innovative and controversial, James Abbott McNeill Whistler was a figure of paradoxes. Born in the small town of Lowell, Massachusetts, he will become one of the most influential expatriate artists of the late 19th century, splitting his time between London and Paris and traveling the world. Although dedicated to realism and painting the world he knew, he will become a leading figure in the Aesthetic Movement and have a lasting impact on modernism. This lecture will chart Whistler's career and his revolutionary emphasis on art just to be enjoyed just to be enjoyed for its aesthetic appeal.

This lecture can be attended either in-person at the Thousand Oaks campus or virtually via Zoom. Walk-ins are not permitted.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

A talk by Neal Graffy

Wednesday, April 8

Two opportunities!
11:00 AM TICKETS
5:30 PM TICKETS

In early December, 1846, “The Pathfinder,” Lt. Col. John C. Frémont, and his recently assembled California Battalion were encamped some 20 miles below Mission San Juan Bautista. Their goal? Head south and liberate Santa Barbara and then Los Angeles from the forces of General José María Flores and claim California for the United States. To do so, for the next twenty-five days Frémont and his men would embark on an historic march of 230 miles culminating in a Christmas Day descent from the Santa Ynez mountains in a torrential rainstorm. According to legend, Benjamin Foxen warned Frémont of a trap at Gaviota Pass and then led Frémont and the battalion safely over the “San Marcos Pass.”

Get Tickets!
https://www.sbhistorical.org/events/

A talk about the Californios

Thursday, March 26
5:30 pm-7:00 pm
Ticketed Event

Join historian Damian Bacich as he shares the story of the Californios: the individuals and families that formed California's unique culture, from early Spanish explorations to the era of the ranchos and beyond.
The first families that settled Alta California in the 18th century came with a thirst to start a new and better life for themselves and their children. In time, soldiers, settlers, and their descendants developed a unique connection to the land of Alta California, and a culture defined by hospitality, family, and self-reliance. They came to call themselves Californios, or hijos del país (sons of the land).

Tickets are HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/californias-spanish-mexican-roots-tickets-1982321681512?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

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In the SXSW, Grierson, and British Independent Film Award-winning Grand Theft Hamlet (2024), actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen find themselves out of work when theaters shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncertain about their futures, they turn to the virtual space of Grand Theft Auto Online, embarking on the improbable project of casting and producing a live staging of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet within the game’s chaotic landscape. Directed by Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls, the documentary is comprised entirely of in-game footage, with all of the subjects depicted by their online avatars. The film chronicles the challenges of mounting theater in an unconventional space—from scouting locations and coordinating auditions with players around the globe to navigating rehearsal conflicts—while also capturing unexpected moments of connection during a period of global isolation. Both a celebration of the creative possibilities shared by theater, video games, and cinema, and a poignant reflection on the artistic process, Grand Theft Hamlet explores the enduring human need for connection through art.

Please note: This event will not feature a screening of the documentary. The format for this event will be a live discussion between filmmakers Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls, and moderator Miguel Penabella (Carsey-Wolf Center, UCSB). They will discuss the making of Grand Theft Hamlet, and the process of casting, producing, rehearsing, and staging a live production of Hamlet in Grand Theft Auto Online. Patrons may choose to watch the film in advance of this discussion via MUBI, which offers a special sixty day student membership trial (and a seven day non-student membership trial), but advance viewing of the film will not be necessary to appreciate the discussion.

This event is presented in conjunction with the UCSB Library exhibition Infinite Variety: The Many Lives of Shakespeare’s Texts.

Image Description: Image containing 4 people (2 standing on top of a limosine, and 2 standing on the grass in front of the car), as well as one alien floating in the air

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Director Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet (2025) revolves around Agnes (Jessie Buckley), a singular woman sensitive to the natural world around her. She finds a home and starts a family with William (Paul Mescal), a local tutor and aspiring playwright, before tragedy transforms their lives. Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel of the same name, Hamnet reimagines the life of William Shakespeare and the writing of Hamlet through the lens of the loss of a child. Widely acclaimed upon release, the film earned numerous accolades including acting awards for Jessie Buckley from the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, SAG-AFTRA, and BAFTA, and was nominated for a total of eight Academy Awards.

The Carsey-Wolf Center is delighted to present a screening of Hamnet in conjunction with the UCSB Library exhibition Infinite Variety: The Many Lives of Shakespeare’s Texts. Jean Feerick (English, John Carroll University) will join moderator Jim Kearney (English, UCSB) for pre- and post-screening discussions of Hamnet and its relationship to Shakespeare’s life and work.

Image Description: Image of brunette girl in medieval dress looking sad and concerned

Working on a creative project that’s not quite done? Finish it up and cross it off your resolutions list! the Join other makers and spread out on our big tables, use our tools and dig through our upcycled materials to finalize your masterpiece. Get expert tips as we cheer you on to success. Ages 13+.

AVAILABLE: *LASER CUTTER *CRICUT *SEWING MACHINES *SERGER *BASIC HAND TOOLS *GLUE GUNS
*TRACING TABLE *SOLDERING IRON *BLOCK PRINTING TOOLS

Join us for Saturday morning art adventures in the EE Makerspace above Art from Scrap.
All materials provided - just bring your imagination!
Kids 5+ (adults must stay in the Makerspace with their child).
Projects may use hot glue guns - safety first!

Join us at the Sewing and Mending Club to learn how to repair old favorites or create something new! Discover the joy of creating and repairing with our welcoming community at the EE Makerspace.

Bring your unfinished projects, sewing challenges, or mending needs to our evening or afternoon session.

Our supportive staff and volunteers will be there to offer tips and guidance.

$15 | Ages 13+

Pre-registration is required, secure your spot today.

We can’t wait to see what you create in the EE Makerspace!