Art Bites, the half-hour mini-lectures the Nevada Museum of Art sponsors in conjunction with ongoing exhibits, are intimate affairs. Usually no more than eight or ten interested art lovers appear in the appropriate gallery for a brief, lunch-hour discussion on some aspect of a current show.
However, much to the delight of Colin Robertson, Curator of Education, who plans the Art Bites, some 140 enthusiastic listeners turned up for our most recent noon-time event, necessitating moving the crowd to the auditorium. The occasion was a fascinating presentation on Renaissance clothing and textiles by Jan Loverin, Curator of The Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Research Center at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City.
Pictured above, Colin Robertson, Curator of Education and Jan
Loverin, Curator of The Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile
Research Center at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City
wearing a stole woven in Venice.
Inspired by the gown worn by La Velata in the Raphael painting now on display in the E. L. Wiegand Gallery, Jan enchanted the crowd with comments on silks and linens, ancient weaving techniques, and speculation on the artist’s choice of costume for his model.
Did you know that Renaissance women wore three garments? But our lady with the veil has only two -- she is missing her under dress, which was a fairly substantial garment worn over the chemise but beneath the lavish outer dress with its sumptuous sleeves. And have you heard of the sumptuary laws of the time that regulated the minutie of dress for all classes, even the depth of the neckline that could be displayed? No cleavage there, since the chemise could be no lower than two inches below the collar bone. It seems, too, that the lady with the veil is missing the laces that should be clasping the dress over her bosom.
Whether these effects are intended to be erotic, or merely the choice of the artist for the visual effect he sought, we’ll never know. But learning a bit more about her finery from Jan’s talk adds a another layer of mystery to the stunning model in Raphael’s painting.
News & Updates
ART + ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE Begins September 29th through October 1st. Be sure to register early or contact Rosalind for a volunteer’s view of this event.
Second Saturdays are Free. Thanks to the Nightingale Family Foundation, admission to the Museum is FREE every second Saturday throughout 2011.
First Thursday Enjoy a cool beverage 5 to 7 PM while listening to the Whitney Myer Band, August 4th and Max Yasgur’s Band, September 1st. Free valet parking for your bike, courtesy of Reno Bike Project. Admission $10/ Members FREE
Talk and Tasting: Tom Young, Jazz Aldrich, Ancient Egyptian Homebrew and Dr. Church’s Living Room Lager Enjoy an original brew and learn the process of recreating an authentic Egyptian beer in honor of Museum founder, James E. Church. Thursday, August 11th, 6 - 7 PM. $12/ $8 Members. Fee includes one beer, additional beer available for purchase.
Wander through the wilderness one last time. Don’t miss the imagery of Ansel Adams Distance and Detail. Exhibit ends August 14th.
Sunday Jazz Brunch 11 AM to 1 PM, welcomes Dickie Mills Group, Sunday, August 21st. On September 18th, enjoy the music of the Jackie Landrum Trio. Admission is FREE. A la carte brunch menu provided by Café Musée. Brunch menu $5-$15.
Join local bands, Very Pretty Pigeon and Memory Motel rooftop for an Indie Rock Night Thursday, August 18th. 6 - 7:30 PM. Admission is $3.
A Special Exhibition Art, Science and the Arc of Inquiry The Evolution of the Nevada Museum of Art, comprised of archival materials, including photographs, newspaper articles and artworks, from the Museum’s Collection and the University of Nevada, Reno Special Collections. August 27th-29th. FREE with admission fee.
Art Break Bring a friend and peek “behind the scenes” with fellow Museum volunteers Thursday, September 8th. Lecture begins at 5 PM followed by Museum tour.
The Altered Landscape: Photographs of a Changing Environment opens Saturday, September 24th commemorating the Museum’s 80th anniversary of the institution’s signature photography collection examining human interaction and intervention with the environment.
Museum Hours
GALLERY & STORE
Wednesday – Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
Thursdays 10 AM to 8 PM
Closed Monday, Tuesday and National Holidays
LIBRARY
Wednesday – Sunday 11 AM to 2 PM
1st Thursday 5 to 7 PM
CAFÉ MUSÉE
Wednesday – Sunday 11 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed Monday & Tuesday
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Tuesday – Friday 9AM - 5PM
Volunteers Needed
Are you interested in serving on the volunteer board? Have you always wanted to explore being a docent? We are currently looking for help in these areas as well as the Annual Arts and Flowers Luncheon, support for planning volunteer recognition events and administration work. For more information, please contact Rosalind Bedell at rosalind.bedell@nevadaart.org.