Fun and Free Summer Events at the Williams College Museum of Art
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – The Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA) is pleased to announce a summer extravaganza of free activities that promises something for everyone. This range of complimentary events includes informative gallery talks, exclusive behind the scenes tours, exhibition-themed opening receptions, and a family festival on the museum’s front lawn. The variety of free activities makes WCMA an exciting place to explore for visitors of all ages, whether you are a family on vacation or if you live nearby and are taking a “stay-cation.”On view at the museum beginning Saturday, July 18, “Prendergast in Italy” is the first exhibition devoted exclusively to the Italian watercolors, monotypes, and oil paintings of Maurice Prendergast. The museum’s opening party celebrates “Prendergast in Italy” with “Evening in Venice,” a Venetian-inspired cocktail reception on Friday, July 17 at 5:30 pm. Inspired dress is encouraged. The event is free, but reservations should be made by calling (413) 597-4545.
Then on Saturday, July 18, to help families paint their own path through Italy, WCMA presents a free “Prendergast in Italy” family festival on the museum’s front lawn beginning at 1:00 pm. The whole family is invited to participate in various activities that include watercolor painting, origami gondola-making and other gallery projects. Italian-themed refreshments will be available. Tours will be given by the curators of the exhibition at 1:00 and 3:00 pm.
On Friday, August 14 at 1:00 pm you’ll have a chance to test your own painting skills in a watercolor slam. Following talks about Maurice Prendergast’s watercolor techniques, visitors will be invited to paint outside the museum, attend demonstrations, and test their watercolor skills in quick contests. Novices, dabblers, and experts are welcome to attend this fun, painting event.
WCMA also offers free summer gallery talks, as well as behind the scenes tours, beginning on Tuesday, July 21. The series of gallery talks take place in the exhibition galleries and covers a range of topics including fashion, photography, Venice, and writing about nature and art. These talks are held every Tuesday at 2:00 pm through August 18. The behind the scenes tours allow the visitor to experience the museum like a Williams student by giving an insider’s glimpse into artworks in the museum’s collection. These tours take place in the Rose Study Gallery every Thursday at 2:00 pm through August 20. Seating for these tours will be limited, so please arrive early.
A complete program schedule follows.
Special Events: All events are free and open to the public. RSVP where requested.
Evening in Venice: “Prendergast in Italy” Opening Reception
Friday, July 17
5:30 pm
An Italian-themed cocktail reception heralds the opening of Prendergast in Italy. Inspired dress is encouraged. This event is free, however, RSVP to (413) 597-4545.
“Prendergast in Italy” Family Festival
Join us for an Italian-themed family festival on the museum’s front lawn!
Saturday, July 18, 1:00–4:00 pm
Gallery talks with exhibition curators Nancy Mowll Mathews and Elizabeth Kennedy at 1:00 and 3:00 pm. Project activities include watercolor painting, an origami gondola project, and gallery activities. Italian refreshments will be available.
Summer Gallery Talk Series
“Edward Steichen: Art, Photography, and the American Way”
Tuesday, July 21 at 2:00 pm
John Stomberg, Deputy Director/Chief Curator and Lecturer in Art
Behind the Scenes: “Up Close and Personal with Prendergast”
Thursday, July 23 at 2:00 pm
Nancy Mowll Mathews, Eugénie Prendergast Senior Curator of 19th and 20th Century Art, and Lecturer in Art
Summer Gallery Talk Series
“Ralph Lieberman: Photographs”
Tuesday, July 28 at 2:00 pm
Artist Ralph Lieberman
Behind the Scenes:“Chill Clarity–How to Look in Switzerland”
Thursday, July 30 at 2:00 pm
George Philip LeBourdais MA ’08, Curatorial Assistant
Summer Gallery Talk Series
“Views of Venice”
Tuesday, August 4 at 2:00 pm
Kathryn Price, Interim Associate Curator
Behind the Scenes: “The Art of Illustration: Pauline Baynes and The Chronicles of Narnia”
Thursday, August 6 at 2:00 pm
Joann Harnden, Coordinator of Education Programs
Summer Gallery Talk Series
“Fashion of the Times: Style and Stylishness in Steichen and Prendergast”
Tuesday, August 11 at 2:00 pm
Deborah Brothers, Costume Director and Lecturer in Theatre, with curators John Stomberg and Nancy Mowll Mathews
Behind the Scenes: “Highlights of the Collection”
Thursday, August 13 at 2:00 pm
Jamie Sanecki, Graduate Student in the History of Art, Class of 2009
Watercolor Slam
Friday, August 14 1:00–4:00 pm
Following talks about Prendergast’s watercolor technique, you are invited to paint outside the museum, attend demonstrations, and test your own skills in quick contests. Novices, dabblers, and experts are welcome.
Summer Gallery Talk Series
“Art & Writing: Steichen’s Views of Walden Pond”
An optional writing workshop follows.
Tuesday, August 18 at 2:00 pm
Cynthia Way, Director of Education and Visitor Experience
Behind the Scenes: “Highlights of the Collection”
Thursday, August 20 at 2:00 pm
Matthew Lincoln, Education Intern
Williams College Museum of Art
The Williams College Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. Admission is free and the museum is wheelchair accessible. Publicity images for this and other current exhibitions are available for use by the press. Contact: Suzanne Silitch, Director of Communications and Strategy, 413.597.3178; wcma@williams.edu; www.wcma.org.
