The Smithsonian American Art Museum has organized a wide variety of programs to complement the exhibition "Earl Cunningham's America," which features 50 paintings by one of the foremost folk artists of the 20th century.
This retrospective, on view from Aug. 10 through Nov. 4, presents the artist as a folk modernist who used flat space and brilliant color to create sophisticated compositions with complex meanings about the nature of American life. Cunningham's imaginary landscapes are marvels of the unexpected and the unlikely: pink flamingos dot the shoreline of the Maine coast; New England cottages sit at the edge of Florida swamps; Viking ships float in harbors with schooners; and Seminole Indians wear feathered headdresses.
"SAAM I Am" – Family Program, Saturday, Aug. 18, 1 to 4 p.m.
Listen to a reading of "Sail Away, Little Boat" by Janet Buell and Jui Ishida (Carolrhoda Books, 2005); construct your own ship in a bottle during a kid-friendly craft workshop with an expert model ship instructor; and enjoy sea chanteys in the exhibition galleries.
"The Dragon of St. George Street", Wednesday, Sept. 5 and Thursday, Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m.
This documentary, produced by WMFE-TV, recounts the life of visionary American artist Earl Cunningham, his adventures as a wanderer and mariner, and the history of his studio and gallery.
(60 minutes)
"Contemporary Folk Art in America"Roundtable Symposium, Thursday, Sept. 6, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Join us for an informed discussion on folk art with distinguished panelists Bernard Herman (University of Delaware), Jane Kallir (Galerie St. Etienne) and Carolyn Weekley (Colonial Williamsburg Foundation). This discussion is moderated by Lynda Roscoe Hartigan (Peabody Essex Museum) and Wendell Garrett (Sotheby's).
Fiber Bird Sculpture Workshop, Wednesday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 6, 1 to 6 p.m.
Fiber sculpture artist, Maria Simonsson, guides you through the process of making unique bird sculptures. There is a $25 materials fee and advance registration is required.
"Sea and Surf En Plein Air", Sunday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m.
Marine artist Deborah Chapin discusses painting on location in Brittany, France, and comments on clips from a documentary about her experience.
Gallery Talk with Senior Curator Virginia Mecklenburg, Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.
Curious to know more about the Fork Over Gallery, its owner, Earl Cunningham, and his paintings? Join us for an enlightening talk by Virginia Mecklenburg in the exhibition galleries. -- www.si.edu
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