Join us to read Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God 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 through September. 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 us at Off the Shelf, just register for each book club meeting you’d like to attend.
Admission Details:
$25 per session
$15 for WEM members – Join or renew today to purchase your ticket at this special price!
Off the Shelf Season 2025 Pass: You can now purchase tickets for the whole season (6 meetings) of Off the Shelf at once for $125!
Members can purchase their season pass for a reduced price of $75. Not a member? Become one today!
Meeting Details:
Wednesday, March 12th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Book: Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God
Arguably one of the most significant pieces of literature to come out of the Harlem Renaissance, Zora Nealse Hurston’s 1937 novel Their Eyes Were Watching God follows Janie Crawford’s coming of age and adult life in early 20th century Florida. Hurston’s novel explores how Janie journeys to define her blackness and femininity free from issues of race, gender, and patriarchy. We’re led to believe that Esherick saw Zora Neale Hurston speak on two separate occasions and likely met her both times due to her signature appearing on the inside of texts on Esherick’s bookshelves. What drew Esherick to be interested in this writer and anthropologist?
» Purchase from Reads & Company Here