Join us for an exciting lecture exploring the influence of modern dance on Esherick’s life and work! Led by WEM’s Director of Interpretation and Associate Curator of Special Collections Holly Gore, we’ll be exploring the themes of our spring exhibition, Movement is Life, which deepens our understanding of dance as a context for Esherick’s emergent art and early experimentation in wood. In the early 1920s, Esherick underwent an extraordinary transformation: he went from being an underappreciated impressionist painter to a woodcarver whose dynamic forms would carry him through an illustrious career. With his carving tools, he fashioned swirling lines and rhythmic patterns to depict a natural world that was more than scenic, alive. During the talk, we’ll also explore the iconic Esherick furniture and sculptural works alongside Eurythmist Sea-Anna Vasilas, who offers a unique read on the movement and gestures imbued in Esherick’s work. 

The talk will be held in the 1956 Workshop beginning at 3:00 PM. Enjoy an open house of the Studio and get a look at the exhibition in our visitor center in the half-hour before the lecture begins. 

Schedule:

2:15-3:00 PM Studio Open House

3:00-4:00 PM Exhibition Talk

Tickets:

$20 per person

$15 for WEM members – Join or renew today to purchase your ticket at this special price!

This exhibition talk is the conclusion of a two-part program, Dancing with Esherick, which begins with an introductory eurythmy workshop led by Sea-Anna Vasilas and includes a break with light fare, refreshments, and a Studio open house. The Dancing with Esherick program is a chance to deepen your understanding of Esherick’s practice by exploring the movements and natural rhythms that resonated throughout his creative life. If you are interested in joining us for the entire event including the eurythmy workshop, learn more and register or below!

Pictured above:
Library Ladder, Wharton Esherick, 1969, walnut. Photo by Eoin O’Neill.
Two sketches of dancing figures, Wharton Esherick, circa 1929