Clark Art Screens 'Manhatta' and 'Rien Que Les Heures'

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — On Thursday, May 2, the Clark Art Institute screens the second entry in its film series exploring lyrical depictions of cities in films that resonate with the "Paper Cities exhibition."
 
The Clark shows the short film double bill "Manhatta" and "Rien que les heures" at 6 pm in its auditorium, located in the Manton Research Center.
 
According to a press release:
 
A "city symphony" directed by painter Charles Sheeler and photographer Paul Strand, Manhatta is considered the first American avant-garde film. Inspired by Walt Whitman's poem "Mannahatta," the film portrays life in New York City in sixty-five shots from extreme camera angles that capture the dynamic new metropolis. Rien que les heures was Alberto Cavalcanti's first film as a director. It documents the life of Paris from dawn until dusk, including the beautiful and the ragged, the rich and the poor. (Manhatta run time: 10 minutes, Rien que les heures run time: 45 minutes)
 
On view in the Eugene V. Thaw Gallery for Works on Paper, located in the Manton Research Center, Paper Cities examines representations of cities in works on paper created from the late fifteenth to the early twentieth century. The exhibition asks the following questions: Which cities or sections of cities are these artists presenting? Are they emphasizing specific architectural or social elements, and if so, what motivates these choices? What roles do the cities play in advancing the narratives of the overall artworks?
 
Free. Accessible seats available; for information, call 413 549 0524. 
 

Tags: Clark Art,   

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Author Talk at the Milne Library

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Thomas E. Johnson, Jr., author of "Common Place: The Public Library, Civil Society and Early American Values" will speak at the Milne Library in Williamstown on Saturday, May 11, at 2:00 p.m. 
 
Part of the library's 150th anniversary celebration, the topic of this free lecture is: Massachusetts Libraries, Past and Future. 
 
In addition to covering the history of libraries in western Massachusetts and the future of public libraries in general, Johnson will also discuss the Milne's new strategic plan.
 
 According to a press release:
 
Johnson's book tells the stories behind early libraries in America – where they are located, who created them and why. Vignettes of sixteen public libraries located in New England focus on smaller localities where the presence of a library can have a significant impact. He examines the future of the public library by comparing the current historical period with the Progressive Era. He also explores the relationship between libraries and community wellbeing, as well as the potential role of the institution in lifelong learning as American's economy evolves and the population ages. 
 
Johnson served 25 years as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer in countries around the world. Since retiring in 2012 he and his wife have made their home in Western Massachusetts. There will be a book signing following the talk.
 
The events and programs of the Williamstown Library's 150th anniversary are made possible through generous funding by lead sponsor MountainOne, your local Berkshires bank.
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