Jefferson Humanists

This month we will explore the question: What is Art?

Most people agree that art is subjective. What appeals to one person doesn't appeal to another. Some think they have good taste and others think that taste is tacky, or a waste of space. Some people devote their entire lives to art and culture, while others are simply looking to put something cute on the bathroom wall.

We will look at how people determine what is art, what is good, what is bad, and what influences trends.

Join us in-person on Sunday, August 3rd from 2-4 pm to discuss this question. Those who join our meeting agree to adhere to the discussion ground rules listed below.

We are located on the back patio. If it rains, we will move inside.

PLEASE BE SURE TO RSVP on Meetup or email Salon@jeffersonhumanists.org so we are sure we set up enough seats and have enough refreshments.

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Since our JH Salon discussion topics can be controversial with many differing, strong opinions and viewpoints, we ask all attendees to adhere to the following discussion ground rules:

• Respect others and their opinions.
• Don't come with a personal axe to grind
• Criticize ideas, not individuals.
• Don't make personal attacks.
• Allow everyone the chance to speak.
• Don't take things personally.
• Listen actively and with an ear to understanding others' views.

The JH Salon will be held on the first Monday of every month.
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"THE AIM OF ARGUMENT, OR OF DISCUSSION, SHOULD NOT BE VICTORY, BUT PROGRESS." ~ Joseph Joubert

ABOUT THE JH SALON

Much like the salons of France during the Enlightenment, we will discuss a variety of topics and lubricate the discussion with a few libations. Topics will be worded as questions and can be related to science, sociology, politics, philosophy, history, ethics and more. Attendees are not required to read anything in particular before the discussion, but it certainly helps to do some study before the discussion to be able to make a coherent argument and back it up.

Join FROG, the Free thinkers Reading Opportunity Group, for the Saturday August 9 book group meeting from 2-3:30 PM.

In August we'll be discussing Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.

Adapted from Goodreads:
Trevor Noah’s unlikely path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show began with a criminal act: his birth. Trevor was born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother at a time when such a union was punishable by five years in prison. Living proof of his parents’ indiscretion, Trevor was kept mostly indoors for the earliest years of his life, bound by the extreme and often absurd measures his mother took to hide him from a government that could, at any moment, steal him away. Finally liberated by the end of South Africa’s tyrannical white rule, Trevor and his mother set forth on a grand adventure, living openly and freely and embracing the opportunities won by a centuries-long struggle.

Location: We are meeting at the Mills Building. The Mills Building is a separate building behind the Jefferson Unitarian Church (no affiliation), at 14350 W. 32nd Ave. Enter the parking lot and head to the back left (southeast) corner of the lot. Use the walkway between the church and the Mills Bldg to enter the Mills Bldg (on your left), and walk straight down the hallway to our room.

RSVP to this Meetup or email frog@jeffersonhumanists.org.

This book group is sponsored by the Jefferson Humanists. (Find friends. Share Ideas. Do Good!) For more information about humanism see https://www.jeffersonhumanists.org. JH provides snacks, please bring your own beverage of choice to enjoy.

Upcoming Book Discussions:
Saturday September 13 - The Random Factor: How Chance and Luck Profoundly Shape our Lives and the World Around Us by Mark Robert Rank
Saturday October 11 - The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks

The entire 2025 schedule is posted on The Jefferson Humanists' website at https://www.jeffersonhumanists.org/jh-frog-book-group/.

Join us each month on second Wednesdays for a leisurely walk at your own pace, followed by nourishment and conversation. Conversation may be whatever comes to mind, or a topic related to Humanism and nature. For inspiration, visit https://jeffersonhumanists.org/ or https://americanhumanist.org/what-is-humanism/definition-of-humanism/.

In August we'll escape the heat to visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS.org) and enjoy a special exhibit: "Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through time to discover the untold story of Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia. Over 120 intricate carvings, sacred sculptures and ancient relics – many never before seen outside Cambodia – reveal a story that has baffled scientists for years." We'll regroup at the museum’s T.Rex Cafe at 11:00. BYO or purchase from museum concessions. OPTIONAL: Continue exploring the museum after nourishment. Visit dmns.org for information.

Museum Admission: $25.95 General, $22.95 Seniors (includes the Angkor exhibit).** Please purchase tickets well in advance (online or by phone) as they are limited. https://www.dmns.org/visit/pricing-and-discounts/#pricing. *Free admission all year with a membership (starting at $65). If cost is a barrier, please send a private message to Marsea in Meetup.

OPTIONAL CARPOOL: If you can offer a ride or if you need one, please post a COMMENT in Meetup. We’ll meet at 8:45 at the Federal Center RTD parking lot across the street from St. Anthony Hospital on 2nd Ave and Union Blvd. https://maps.app.goo.gl/BZoWmnVeNf7gFp7W7 . We’ll depart at 9:00.

To attend this event, please RSVP on Meetup.com or email your host at ASC@jeffersonhumanists.org.

Don't forget; check the MeetUp.com "COMMENTS" for updates and suggestions.