May 14, 2010

Dr. Albert C. Barnes started the Barnes Foundation, one of the world’s foremost collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, as an educational institution. His collections of Van Gogh, Cézanne, Monet and Degas are unrivalled, but due to Mr. Barnes antipathy to Philadelphia, his collection was to be left in perpetuity in suburban Merion per instructions in his will. Over the last decade, a struggle ensued as many powerful Philadelphia enthusiasts wanted the Barnes to move to Philadelphia, arguing that the city can use the collection to reach many more people than would be served by Merion Township.  After years of legal and political battles, ground has been broken and the Barnes is moving to Philadelphia where it will join Philadelphia’s illustrious art museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  The Art of the Steal is a first-rate documentary that tells the story of this controversy. Please join us  for a free screening of the film on Wednesday, May 19th at 7 PM in the Bossone Auditorium.  

Following the screening there will be a discussion with Drexel faculty experts Professor Cecelia Fitzgibbon, Arts Administration Program Director and Department Head of Performing Arts; Professor D. B. Jones, Dean of the Pennoni Honors College and a documentary filmmaker; and Robert Zaller, History and Politics and Barnes Foundation neighbor. The event will be moderated by Professor Charles Morscheck, Art and Art History.

Event Facts:
What: The Art of the Steal film screening and discussion
Where: Bossone’s Mitchell Auditorium, 3128 Market Street
When: Wednesday, May 19; 7 PM
Cost: Free and open to the public, Free Popcorn
More information: 215-895-102

What: The Art of the Steal film screening and discussion
Where: Bossone’s Mitchell Auditorium, 3128 Market Street
When: Wednesday, May 19; 7 PM
Cost: Free and open to the public, Free Popcorn
More information: 215-895-1029