By Kathryn Fletcher

Special To The Bulletin

ATLANTA--Life-long learning has become a welcomed theme at Marist School this spring as adult students master the art of pottery making, learn to browse the Internet, begin to understand the theories and beauty of art, and make their first Roman chain necklaces.

"Michael Biezes' art appreciation class is something I have always wanted to take," said Sally Dunn, a former Marist parent who takes the class along with her husband, Jim. Since work never permitted Dunn to attend the class during the day, she was "thrilled to take it at night."

The continuing education program, called "Monday Nights at Marist," was started by Bruce Hoff of Marist's religion department. Marist School faculty members teach the evening classes. According to its mission statement, the program strives to focus on "individual, intellectual interests, social interaction and personal enrichment" seeking to fulfill the goal of bringing "together adults interested in exploring a variety of subjects in a community-based setting."

Offered to those associated with Marist and to the community at large, it was originally begun in 1983 and, with parents' recent interest, has reached a more permanent status in 2000. According to Hoff, parents had long been approaching him saying they would like to take classes he was teaching but that they were unable to because of their work schedules. He realized offering enriching classes one evening a week to adults was the answer.

"Adults work during the day with their head a lot and they want to do something different at night. They want to be challenged in terms of creation," according to Hoff.

Creative, hands-on classes are popular among those who attend, especially Hands in Clay and metalworking. The program also offers such classes as Prayer and Meditation and Into the Internet. From the practical to the inspiring, the curriculum suits a variety of interests.

Classes are offered during two sessions, beginning in early January and lasting until the end of the month. The program, which costs $75 for a couple and $35 per individual, starts up after a brief break on February 7.

"Monday Nights at Marist" provides what Hoff believes to be a good social opportunity as well.

"The social element is really important too," said Hoff. "I wanted to get folks together on something other than a class meeting."

Dunn affirmed this important social element saying, "It's nice to come back and see the parents of kids my children went to school with."

Hoff finds everyone takes their classes quite seriously with a great amount of concentration and intensity, but also with many smiles.

"They are really enjoying themselves," said Hoff.

Along with the help of Kathleen Powers, a teacher in the religion department, plans are being considered to offer classes for one term each year, with basically the same curriculum. Requests have been made for more computer classes. Hoff will have to consider the needs of the community. He wants to gain more interest in those classes with low enrollment and hopes to receive some funding from the Marist budget.

For now, adults gather to expand their knowledge in a classroom environment the workplace cannot provide.

"Mondays Nights at Marist" is a program solely designed for the benefit of the community. The unique educational experience provides opportunities to those who know that education can continue far past graduation.

For more information about the program, call Marist School at (770) 457-7201.