(Davenport, IA) - Thursdays at the Figge is back for another season of fun, food, music and art talks. The season opener on February 2 celebrates the exhibition Fins and Feathers: Children's Book Illustrations from The Eric Carle Museum of Art. Populated by an array of dazzling animals both real and imaginary, Fins and Feathers introduces viewers of all ages to memorable creatures from children's literature. The community is invited to an exhibition reception with complimentary appetizers and a cash bar at 6pm in the Figge Reading Room. Rima Girnius, Figge associate curator, will lead an art talk about the exhibition at 7 pm.
Each Thursdays at the Figge in February will feature a 7pm art talk on a different subject. On Thursday, February 9, Western Illinois University professor Jo-Ann Morgan will present the talk "Illustrating Uncle Tom, Topsy, and Little Eva: How Children Learned About 'Race' and 'Place.'" Professor Morgan will review illustrations of the main characters in Uncle Tom's Cabin, and will take a look at other children's books in which black children and white children interact, in order to consider how these portrayals may have impacted young reader's understanding of racial relations in the nineteenth century and since. This art talk is offered in conjunction with Black History Month.
Myriam Stangherlin will present a program on Italy on Thursday, February 16 at 7pm. Myriam's program, "Italian: The Language of Love," will use pictures of Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples and other "art" cities in Italy to introduce visitors to the beautiful language. This program is an introduction to the five-week Italian language course Myriam will teach at the Figge beginning Wednesday, March 7.
"The Life and Times of Edward M. Catich" will be the topic of the art talk on Thursday, February 23. Father Catich has an international reputation as a calligrapher and scholar. In addition to being an artist in various media, Catich was also an accomplished musician. The presenter, Paul Herrera, was a student, apprentice and friend of Father Catich, and he also worked with him at St Ambrose University. This talk is offered in conjunction with the many calligraphy workshops offered at the Figge this winter and spring.
Thursdays at the Figge programming in February also include live music by Lewis Knudson. The café and bar open at 5 pm for dinner and drinks and the museum is open until 9 pm. All programs, including the exhibition reception, are included with admission to the museum and all seniors receive free admission the first Thursday of each month.
-end-
