Each year, Southeastern faculty come together to educate and emphasize the importance of art and art history.
Starting Wednesday, Feb. 26, the "Let's Talk Art" series will begin at 5 p.m. at the Hammond Regional Art Center with the artists of Mexico's Silver Renaissance lecture leading to feminism and technology in art on March 26 and finishing with the connection between Charles Dickens and the visual arts on April 9.
"The 'Let's Talk Art' series began five years ago when Dr. Irene Nero and Dr. Amy Morris of the Visual Arts Department approached me to see if the library would be interested in hosting three or four art lectures a year," said Eric Johnson, coordinator of the series.
The first speaker of the series will be foreign language instructor Marianna Kunow. Kunow's interest in Mexican art was sparked by treasures brought home by her mother. She will be discussing Mexico's 20th Century Silver Renaissance.
"I will be talking about three outstanding jewelry designers and business women," said Kunow. "All three lived in Taxco, Mexico, and they worked in a time and place where it was mostly men who did this kind of thing. I think that these designers deserve a bit more recognition. Their work is beautiful. It has stood the test of time, and is highly collectible. My mother had silver jewelry that she bought in Mexico a long time ago, and I always loved it. As an adult, Mexico became my research area. My first degree was in visual art, and I did Latin American art history as a minor field in graduate school. I really enjoy exploring the incredible wealth of hand-crafted things from Mexico."
The aspects surrounding the culture's art and feminism involved is the main focal point of her presentation.
"I think that the personal journeys of the three women I will talk about are pretty interesting, and I do not think you have to be an art major to relate to their stories," said Kunow. "I hope that the audience will enjoy seeing the creations of the women who were working in silver during the heyday of the craft in Taxco. It wasn't all just a boys' club."
The series is meant to touch more than just visual arts students; it is meant for all students of various majors.
"All of the presentations will appeal to non-art majors and minors," explained Johnson. "They are a balanced mix of scholarship and general interest, and I can honestly say that every one has been fascinating."
For more information, call the Sims International Library at 985-549-3962.