Summer Programs and Events at the Williams College Museum of Art
Williamstown — This summer, the Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA) invites the public to experience the museum like a Williams College student. Have you ever examined a Rembrandt etching through a magnifying glass? Ever held an Egyptian amulet? A new trio of gallery talks will provide just this opportunity, as WCMA opens its Rose Study Gallery to the public.The Rose Study gallery is a classroom in the museum designed for intimate encounters with art objects. Three sessions will be held: “Visions of the Past: Antiquities at the Williams College Museum of Art,” “The Political Landscape in Contemporary Art, and “Drawing Out the Story: Literary Connections.” These talks will take place at the museum at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 24; Tuesday, July 29; and Thursday, July 31. Visitors may attend one or all of the talks. Space is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Families will enjoy the museum's Season Opening party on Friday, July 4, when actors from the Williamstown Theatre Festival read the Declaration of Independence and the British Reply. This annual Williamstown tradition will take place at WCMA this year, as the Founding Documents of the United States of America are currently on view in the exhibition Manifestos: American Dreams and Their Founding Documents. Celebrate Independence Day at this free, public event, immediately following the Williamstown parade. Refreshing treats will be served.
Teens, ages 13 through 18, are invited to explore the art and technique of printmaking in a hands-on workshop called "Making a Mark in the World," July 21 through July 25 and July 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. This printmaking workshop is a collaboration with Northern Berkshire Creative Arts and is inspired by the works currently on display in William Kentridge Prints. Reservations are required. Please call NBCA to register at (413) 663-8338.
During the months of July and August, WCMA will also offer free Summer Gallery Talks at 2 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Curators, educators, and artists will lead an array of talks that focus on all aspects of the museum, from its permanent collection and current exhibitions, to what happens behind the scenes. These tours will last approximately 30 minutes. Reservations are not required. A full schedule follows.
Summer Gallery Talk Series
Tuesday, July 15 at 2:00 pm
“Founding Fathers and Their Model American Sons”
Nancy Mowll Mathews, Eugenie Prendergast Senior Curator of 19th and 20th Century Art and Lecturer in Art
Thursday, July 17 at 2:00 pm
“Julie Mehretu: City Sitings and William Kentridge Prints”
Lisa Corrin, Class of 1956 Director
Tuesday, July 22 at 2:00 pm
“Laser Show: Resonance and Chaos in Art”
Nick Zammuto, Artist
This summer’s regional artist Nick Zammuto discusses his new light and sound installation, Six Perspectives on a Chaotic Resonator.
Tuesday, August 5 at 2:00 pm
“The Long Night and the New Day: The Lithographs of Benton Spruance”
John Stomberg, Deputy Director and Lecturer in Art
Thursday, August 7 at 2:00 pm
“Highlights of the Collection”
Eve Streicker and Madeline Berky, Education Summer Interns
Tuesday, August 12 at 2:00 pm
“The Collection of a Teaching Museum: A Behind the Scenes View”
Vivian Patterson, Curator of Collections
Thursday, August 14 at 2:00 pm
“William Morris Hunt and the French Tradition”
Kathryn Price, Interim Associate Curator
The Williams College Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free and the museum is wheelchair accessible. Contact: Suzanne Silitch, Director of Public Relations and External Affairs 413-597-3178; WCMA@williams.edu www.wcma.org
