Learn to Think Out of the Box

Learn to think out of the box over the next three Wednesday evenings at the Barrington library.

Roberta Segal, now a glass artist in Warren, will lead the 7 pm workshops beginning tonight, Oct. 10, and continuing on Oct. 17 and Oct. 24. It’s an interactive series titled: “CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING: Thinking Out of the Box.”

Segal describes her course this way:

“Do creative thinkers follow a pattern, or are they just individualists? Do they often go against the tide? As have limitations and losses, can we approach problem solving with what has been tried and true?

“In this course, we will suspend deductive thinking and encourage lateral thought. We learn a process that gives us the skills to think creatively. As we explore the creative process in others, the myths surrounding our own creativity disappear. We look at innovative minds and approaches in many disciplines. Are there commonalities in thought between Charlie Chaplin and Thomas Edison? Da Vinci and Einstein? Then, we pose a situation and, using the methodology we are developing, as a group discuss possible solutions. We will have a great deal of fun while we develop comfort with this thinking process and establish confidence in the application of this thinking to personal decision-making.”

Workshop members will have the opportunity to suggest topics to be included, and they may be asked to present and/or lead a creative problem-solving group.

Segal has taught this course at Building a Community of Learning in Retirement – an independent, not for profit, peer-run organization in Rhode Island -- for several semesters. Here is a profile from her website:

"Roberta Segal lives and works in Warren, Rhode Island.

The owner of a successful creative agency for two decades, her background is in graphic design and painting. Several years ago, a close friend introduced her to the world of kiln-formed glass. Always fascinated with the properties of glass, the medium became her passion.

A graduate of Simmons College in a program with the Boston Museum of Fine Arts School, she has studied at the Pilchuck Glass School founded by Dale Chihuly, as well as with noted glass artists Avery Anderson and Brock Craig."

This workshop will be held in the the library auditorium. It’s a free program and open to anyone.