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Chester County Press

Brandywine River Museum look at the art of Kent and Wyeth

08/21/2013 09:18AM ● By Acl

Informative gallery talks and tours, the screening of a film about Rockwell Kent and a discussion with Jamie Wyeth will deepen visitors' appreciation and understanding of “Jamie Wyeth, Rockwell Kent and Monhegan,” an exhibit on view through Nov. 17 at the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford.

The special events include:

Curator's tour (Sept. 18, 2 p.m.). Join associate curator Amanda C. Burdan for an in-depth tour of the exhibition. She will explain the process of mounting this exhibition, from developing the theme (in conjunction with co-curator Michael Komanecky of the Farnsworth Museum), to the selection of works, to creating the exhibition installation design. Burdan will discuss the impact of Monhegan Island on the evolution of each artist, emphasizing specific aspects of the setting that inspired each of them. She will also provide details on several of the paintings and will be available for questions.

“A Conversation with Jamie Wyeth” (Oct. 4, 6 to 8:30 p.m.). Enjoy an informal conversation with Jamie Wyeth led by museum director Thomas Padon and associate curator Amanda C. Burdan, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cash bar with hors d' hœuvres available. The galleries will remain open until 9 p.m., and the museum shop will be open until 7:30 p.m.

This event benefits the School Access program, which supports visits for school and community groups. Tickets are $50 per person. Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Call Rebecca Bucci at 610-388-8112 for tickets, which will be available beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 3.

“Rockwell Kent: A Documentary” (Oct. 12, 1 p.m., with guided gallery tour at noon).

This acclaimed documentary on artist and social activist Rockwell Kent includes on-location footage of his journeys and interviews with Kent's family, interspersed with images of his works of art created over seven decades. The director, Frederick Lewis, will introduce the film. Lewis is an associate professor in the School of Media Arts & Studies at Ohio University and has traveled the world researching and filming this project over a ten-year period. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for members and students, and may be purchased at the museum admissions desk, online at www.brandywinemuseum.org or by phone at 610-388-2700.

Gallery talk, "Rockwell Kent: Notes on Roofing" (Oct. 16, 2 p.m.).

In addition to painting stunning views of Monhegan's rocky shores, Rockwell Kent consciously integrated himself into island living by working as a lobsterman and a builder. This gallery talk, led by associate curator Amanda C. Burdan, will explore the relationship between Kent's broader experiences on Monhegan and the evolution of his paintings. Free with museum admission.

Gallery talk, "Jamie Wyeth: Back to the Sea" (Nov. 13, 2 p.m.).

Unlike many artists who come to the island of Monhegan, Wyeth has noted that he paints there with his "back to the sea," concentrating his attention on the people and man-made landmarks of the island rather than the epic seascapes. This gallery talk, led by associate curator Amanda C. Burdan, will focus on Wyeth's unconventional choice of subject matter on Monhegan. Free with museum admission.

The Brandywine River Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 65 and older, $6 for children ages 6 and older, and free for children 5 and younger and Brandywine Conservancy members. Museum admission is free on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. until noon. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visitwww.brandywinemuseum.org.