Fall 2025 OLLI Digital Catalog 

Delaware Arts Scene: The 2025-2026 Season (CA331)

CA – Performing Arts Appreciation

The opportunities for cultural enrichment available in Delaware far exceed what one might expect in one of the nation’s smallest states. Centered in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, the Delaware professional arts scene encompasses a wide range of cultural opportunities from world-class museums and galleries to every segment of the performing arts world. Learn about Delaware’s statewide professional companies and the opportunities to experience the fine arts in this six-week course.

This offering meets for a total of 5 session(s).

INSTRUCTORS: Robert Violette, Arlene Bowman, Thomas Powderly

VIOLETTE, ROBERT — Has enjoyed a life of singing the leading roles in the operas of Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Strauss and Wagner, as well as some contemporary composers. Each composer taught him how to listen, understand and appreciate their own language. (CA327, CA328, CA330, CA331)

BOWMAN, ARLENE — B.A., Boston State Teachers College, English; M.A., Widener University. Retired English/drama teacher, drama department chair, and theatre teaching artist/mentor for Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education. Avid theatregoer. Proud of former students performing professionally. (CA331, CP267, CP286)

POWDERLY, THOMAS — B.S., Niagara University, M.P.S., New School for Social Research, C.T.C., The Travel Institute. Native New Yorker, circumnavigator, lifelong theatre enthusiast. Numerous travel industry leadership positions, awards and honors including Honorary Captain of the QE2. (CA329, CA331, D270, D283, D284)

Back to Full Course Listing