Join us to read Jean Toomer’s Cane (1923) with Off the Shelf: The Wharton Esherick Museum Book Club. Off the Shelf is an Esherick-like twist on the classic book club, and provides the opportunity for bookworms, Esherick fans, and local-community members alike to explore Wharton Esherick’s legacy through the artist’s own richly stocked bookshelves as well as recently published books that illuminate Esherick’s artistic network and enduring legacy.
Each meeting takes place in Esherick’s 1956 Workshop and features a look into WEM’s special collections and archives to explore materials related to the month’s book. Discussions will be moderated by friend of the museum, WEM board member, and Director of West Chester University Special Collections, Ron McColl and will feature occasional guest specialists. Meetings will be held the second Wednesday evening of every month beginning in April, 2024. For each meeting we will gather in the 1956 Workshop to discuss a select text and enjoy light fare, refreshments, and community!
The Wharton Esherick Museum is partnering with Reads & Company bookstore in Phoenixville, PA, who is graciously stocking our book club picks. Off the Shelf participants will receive 20% off their purchase of our monthly pick. Promo code for discount will be included in confirmation email after you register to attend a book club meeting.
How Do I Join?
To join the Off the Shelf, just register below for each book club meeting you’d like to attend.
Admission Details:
$30 per session
$20 for WEM members – Join or renew today to purchase your ticket at this special price!
Meeting Details:
Wednesday, August 14th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Book- Jean Toomer, Cane (1923).
» Purchase Cane here
Additional Meeting Dates & Book Titles:
Wednesday, April 10th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Book- Sherwood Anderson, Winesburg, Ohio (1919).
» Register for Winesburg, Ohio book club meeting here
Wednesday, May 8th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Book- Theodore Dreiser, Sister Carrie (1900).
» Register for Sister Carrie book club meeting here
Wednesday, June 12th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Book- Wendy Lesser, You Say to Brick: The Life of Louis Kahn (2017).
» Register for You Say to Brick: The Life of Louis Kahn book club meeting here
Wednesday, July 10th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Book- Katherine Mansfield, The Collected Stories (1945).
» Register for The Collected Stories book club meeting here
Wednesday, August 14th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Book- Jean Toomer, Cane (1923).
» Register for Cane book club meeting here