Andrew Wyeth at 100: A Conversation with Henry Adams and Michael Komanecky

In 1977 when the art historian Robert Rosenblum was asked to name the most over-rated and most under-rated American artist, he replied: “I nominate Andrew Wyeth for both categories.”  How can we explain the amazing degree to which Andrew Wyeth’s work has been subjected to both praise and abuse and what can we expect to be the future of his critical reputation?  Andrew Wyeth’s 100^th birthday seems an appropriate time to take a careful look at the changing status of his critical fortunes, and what it reveals about our society and the American art world.

Michael Komanceky is chief curator at the Farnsworth Art Museum. Henry Adams holds a Ph.D. in Art History from Yale University and is Professor of American Art at Case Western Reserve University. He has also worked as a curator and museum director at institutions such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kemper Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. He has spoken extensively at museums and colleges around the country and has written numerous books and articles, most recently, Tom and Jack. In 2010, Adams gave the annual Wyeth Day lecture entitled Andrew Wyeth, King Vidor, and The Big Parade.

For advance registrations, your name will be held at will-call. Check-in begins in the main lobby a half-hour prior to the event start-time. Please note that 5 minutes prior to sold-out programs, any unclaimed seats will be released.

Lead Exhibition Sponsors for Andrew Wyeth at 100: Camden National Bank, Mrs. F. Eugene Dixon, Kathy and Paul Anderson, and Down East magazine.

Other sponsors include: Mr. Richard Gilder and Ms. Lois Chiles, Anne and John Surovek, Mr. Katsushige Susaki, Mr. and Mrs. George Twigg III, 250 Main Hotel, Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, Inc., Allen Insurance and Financial, Hampton Inn & Suites – Thomaston/Rockland, The Grasshopper Shop of Rockland, The Cote Corporation Crane-Rigging, Camden Riverhouse Hotel, Distinctive Tile & Design, Monhegan Boat Line.

Media sponsor: MPBN

Andrew Wyeth at 100 is funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent agency supported by the National Endowment for the Art