In cahoots with Cambium Gallery
A Three-Part Philosophy Series for People Who Make Art
Free. No sign-up required. Drop in when you can.
If you think "aesthetic" just means your personal style or vibe, you're not alone. Most artists use the word that way. But in philosophy, aesthetics is the study of art, beauty, and meaning—and it tackles questions artists actually face.
This three part series explores aesthetics from different angles. Attend one section or all three. Each stands alone, but together they build a comprehensive understanding of how philosophy approaches art.
Part 1: Aesthetic Questions
Mondays, 10:30am-12pm | October 20 - December 15, 02025
Astoria Artists Collective, 1010 Duane St
Historic building, accessible by stairs only
What makes something art? Does it need to be original? Can art be understood, or judged? Must art have form—could there be soundless music? What's the role of authenticity? What is art even for?
This 8-week section tackles the fundamental questions that come up when you actually make and encounter art. We'll explore different answers philosophers have offered and see how those frameworks apply to your practice.
Part 2: Aesthetic Traditions
Mid-January 02026 | 9-12 weeks | Location TBD
How do different philosophical traditions think about art and beauty? This section explores aesthetic concepts from Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Classical Greek, Medieval European, Islamic, Feminist philosophical traditions, and others.
We'll compare how different cultures have approached questions about what makes something beautiful, meaningful, or artistically valuable. This is where the comparative philosophy becomes most pronounced—seeing how diverse traditions offer different frameworks for thinking about art.
Part 3: Aesthetic Thinkers
Spring 02026 | 9-12 weeks | Location TBD
This section focuses on specific philosophers who've shaped how we think about art: John Dewey, Immanuel Kant, Abinavagupta, Friedrich Nietzsche, Susanne Langer, Martin Heidegger, and others from both Western and non-Western traditions.
We'll look at what each thinker contributed to aesthetic philosophy and how their ideas connect to making and experiencing art today.
Who This Is For
Visual artists, musicians, writers, performers, quilters, gardeners, sculptors, woodworkers, photographers, costumers, designers, even gamers—anyone who makes things and wonders about the deeper questions. No philosophy background needed. We'll share and discuss your work in class.
Questions? Call us! 503-741-9030