This autumn, art historian Jane Oneail’s Culturally Curious Art Lecture Fall Series brings engaging, deep-dive art history topics to the Litchfield Community Center.
Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking to broaden your creative horizons, these lectures offer an accessible and rich exploration into pivotal movements, artistic techniques, and grand landscapes.
Upcoming Fall Schedule
All lectures take place on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM at the Litchfield Community Center. Admission is free, though donations are warmly welcomed.
1. Creating Hope: The New Deal and WPA Art
- Date: Wednesday, October 7 | 3:00 PM
- About the Talk: Step back into one of the most ambitious cultural experiments in American history. During the Great Depression, federal programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Farm Security Administration (FSA) employed thousands of artists, muralists, and photographers. Discover how artists like Dorothea Lange—creator of the iconic Migrant Mother—and scores of lesser-known talent captured American resilience, transformed ordinary citizens into subject matter, and laid the foundation for modern public art patronage.
2. The Power of Pigment: Understanding Color in Art
- Date: Wednesday, November 4 | 3:00 PM
- About the Talk: From rare purple dyes extracted from sea snails to ultramarine blue once worth more than gold, the history of color is filled with fascination and intrigue. Learn how master artists strategically utilize color to create depth, direct viewer attention, and orchestrate emotional resonance. This session will transform how you look at paintings—shifting your perspective from seeing flat images to experiencing dynamic color symphonies.
3. Wide Open Spaces: Great Landscapes in Art
- Date: Wednesday, December 2 | 3:00 PM
- About the Talk: Trace the transformation of landscape painting from simple background decoration into one of art’s most expressive genres. Journey through centuries of art history—from the serene classical scenes of Claude Lorrain and dramatic Dutch Golden Age skies to Impressionist plein air techniques and the grand wilderness of the Hudson River School. Explore how capturing the natural world serves as a meditation on place, memory, and our connection to the earth.
About the Presenter
Jane Oneail is the founder of Culturally Curious, an organization dedicated to making art history engaging, educational, and fun. With a passion for storytelling, Jane breaks down complex artistic traditions into dynamic, enjoyable presentations for audiences of all backgrounds.
Event Details & How to Attend
- Where: Litchfield Community Center
- When: Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2 at 3:00
- Cost: Free / Donations Welcome
- Registration: Pre-registration is encouraged. Visit thecommunitycenter.org or scan the QR code at the community center to save your spot!
