Calendar of Events

Balthus (1908–2001) is one of the most controversial European painters of the twentieth century. Little known during the 1930s, his status as a leading modern artist advanced with the Wadsworth’s crucial help. Join curator Oliver Tostmann as he explores the fascinating story behind the artist’s career and his reception on both sides of the Atlantic. Keep an eye on your inbox for an email invitation and registration link. 

Ease into the new year with a slow art afternoon. Take a stroll through the museum and practice close looking with your favorite artwork. Learn about Mohegan culture and history through storytelling and tribal artifacts in a presentation by specialists from The Tantaquidgeon Museum. Use a variety of mixed materials to design a happiness scrapbook and document the moments that bring you joy. Admission is free from noon-2pm.

Lino Tagliapietra is one of the greatest glassblowers in history. Bridging the divide between Italian and American glassblowing, Tagliapietra‘s career has crossed continents and inspired a new generation of glassblowers. Now in his eighties, he is a mentor, motivator, and visionary who continues to push the boundaries of the medium. Don’t miss Tagliapietra’s work on view in Fired Up: Glass Today. $9; $7 seniors and students with ID; $6 members and Wadsworth Welcome. Museum admission not included. 

Lino Tagliapietra is one of the greatest glassblowers in history. Bridging the divide between Italian and American glassblowing, Tagliapietra‘s career has crossed continents and inspired a new generation of glassblowers. Now in his eighties, he is a mentor, motivator, and visionary who continues to push the boundaries of the medium. Don’t miss Tagliapietra’s work on view in Fired Up: Glass Today. $9; $7 seniors and students with ID; $6 members and Wadsworth Welcome. Museum admission not included. This screening is preceded by a 1pm tour of Fired Up: Glass Today. Docent tour is free with registration.

Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through art making, performances, and tours for all ages. Explore The Amistad Center for Art & Culture’s exhibition Art and Activism at Tougaloo College during its final day in Hartford and learn how art can catalyze social justice. Free admission all day.   

ART MAKING
Work alongside the Public Art for Racial Justice Education team in a portable mural highlighting national leaders of the civil rights movement.
Join muralists from RiseUp for Arts and add your mark to their “Piecing It Back Together” artwork.
Conversation Starters: Demonstrate the power of your voice and create a sign that showcases your unique opinion.
Soar Together: Did you know that the dove symbolizes peace? Use a variety of colors, shapes, and textures to decorate a dove ornament that carries your hopeful vision for the future.

PERFORMANCES
Enjoy a performance by singer Elizabeth Lyra Ross in The Amistad Center for Art & Culture. 1pm
A special recital by Dejavé Dance Company reveals collaborative choreography at work and inspires everyone to move. 2:30pm
Listen to an uplifting presentation by the Voices of Hartford vocal ensemble. 3:15pm

FAMILY TOUR Eyes on Art | 12:15 pm, meet in the Main Street lobby

Presented in partnership with The Amistad Center for Art & Culture. Generously supported by Talcott Resolution. 

Since 1971, the Pilchuck Glass School has pushed the limits of glass, a medium that can last centuries or shatter in an instant. Through the story of this small but highly influential school in the Pacific Northwest, Pilchuck: A Dance with Fire reveals the remarkable convergence of visionary individuals like Dale Chihuly, regional culture, and good timing to explain how and why Pilchuck and the studio glass movement blossomed. Tour Fired Up: Glass Today before the film. $9; $7 seniors and students with ID; $6 members and Wadsworth Welcome. Museum admission not included. Docent tour is free with advance registration. 

Since 1971, the Pilchuck Glass School has pushed the limits of glass, a medium that can last centuries or shatter in an instant. Through the story of this small but highly influential school in the Pacific Northwest, Pilchuck: A Dance with Fire reveals the remarkable convergence of visionary individuals like Dale Chihuly, regional culture, and good timing to explain how and why Pilchuck and the studio glass movement blossomed. Tour Fired Up: Glass Today before the film. $9; $7 seniors and students with ID; $6 members and Wadsworth Welcome. Museum admission not included. Docent tour is free with advance registration. 

In celebration of Black History Month, pay tribute to African American artists’ contributions, triumphs, and creativity. Design a portrait highlighting Black and Brown voices with artist Marsh and delight in a performance by bassist Conway Campbell Jr. Presented in partnership with The Amistad Center for Art & Culture. Admission is free noon–2pm.

Get an inside look at the Wadsworth’s newest Spotlight exhibition featuring Alexander Calder textiles from the collection, the first project formed by the Art Bridges Cohort Program. During this virtual program exhibition cocurators Erin Monroe and Laura Leonard discuss how these rarely seen textiles expand the story of modern design and reveal a range of influences on Calder’s materials and motifs, from early New England textiles to Latin and South American designs.

Keep an eye on your inbox for an email invitation and Zoom registration link. Not a member? Join today!

Image: Inge Morath, Calder Painting Gouaches, Roxbury (detail), 1964. Photograph. Gift of the Estate of Inge Morath, 2002.12.1

Discover how MATRIX artist Matt Paweski mixes elements of architecture, furniture, and interior design in his work. Assemble a unique keepsake box with inspiration from the tabletop sculptures on view in the exhibition, and join our friends from ConnLUG and contribute to life-size furniture made entirely from LEGO pieces! Admission is free noon–2pm.