WHAT: The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is hosting a Symposium on The Inspiration of Florida to complement the latest exhibition Eugene Savage: The Seminole Paintings. Guest speakers will discuss topics relevant to art and imagery, as well as Seminole culture and Savage’s work.
How does imagery tell a story, influencing thought and behavior? How and why do we create visual representation to explain our reality? These are questions we will explore in this one-day symposium which includes presentations by Cummer Curator Holly Keris, University of North Florida Assistant Professor of Art History Dr. Elizabeth B. Heuer, Florida State University Associate Professor of History Dr. Andrew K. Frank, Florida Historian and author Dana Ste. Claire and Seminole Tribe of Florida member and Tribal Historian Willie Johns.
The exhibition, on view through January 8, 2011, features 42 paintings and watercolors inspired by Savage’s trips to the Everglades. Around the time of his visit, there was an ongoing debate raging between environmentalists, who wanted total protection of the Everglades, and advocates who defended Seminole culture. The Seminole Indians and their plight intrigued Savage. In his work, he used bold colors with shifting perspectives and rhythmic lines and patterns to create stylized scenes that conveyed the simplicity of the Seminoles’ lives.
WHO: 1 to 1:30 p.m. Holly Keris
The Cummer Collection. The Art of Florida including the acquisition of the Savage paintings. Introduction of the historical component of Savage.
1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Professor Dr. Elizabeth B. Heuer
Eugene Savage: The Seminole Paintings. Savage’s interpretation and representation of the Seminole people and landscape of Florida.
2:30 to 3 p.m. Holly & Elizabeth
Q&A and audience discussion in the gallery.
3:15 to 4:15 Dana Ste. Claire
The Florida Cracker.
4:30 to 6 p.m. Professor Dr. Andrew K. Frank and Willie Johns
The history of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 1 to 6 p.m.
WHERE: The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
829 Riverside Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32204
COST: FREE Admission
For more information, please call Art Connections at (904) 355-0630.
Funding for this program was provided through grants from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the Florida Humanities Council or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
