Arts & Leisure

Great Art Wednesdays are back

WHO WAS THE woman behind the bright colors, the big brows, and the floral crowns? Take a journey through the life of a true icon, discover her art, and uncover the truth behind her often turbulent life on January 13.

One of the most popular series at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater has been Great Art Wednesdays, which features filmed tours of major art exhibitions from around the world.
The pandemic has put a temporary halt to any events inside of the theater, but THT has put together a new round films for the spring season, this time available to be streamed directly into homes.
“This series has been a really enjoyable part of our educational mission,” said THT artistic director Douglas Anderson. “The films are absolutely gorgeous, and the camera moves in to give you close-up views of the art, the kind of thing you’d never get in a crowded museum.”
The films have screened at THT on Wednesday mornings, but each of the new films will be available for 48 hours. The cost is $10 per film. The season includes:
FRIDA KAHLO
Streaming from 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13
Who was Frida Kahlo? Everyone knows her, but who was the woman behind the bright colors, the big brows, and the floral crowns? Take a journey through the life of a true icon, discover her art, and uncover the truth behind her often turbulent life.
RAPHAEL REVEALED
Streaming from 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17
Exactly 500 years after the artist’s death, this landmark exhibition at Rome’s Scuderie del Quirinale takes a fresh look at Raphael’s paintings and drawings, as well as his work in architecture, poetry and design. This once-in-a-lifetime show brings together more than 200 masterpieces from across the globe.
EASTER IN ART
Streaming from 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 31
Some of western civilization’s greatest artworks focus on the pivotal moments of the Easter story. Shot on location in Jerusalem, United States and throughout Europe, the film explores the different ways artists have depicted these biblical events. Town Hall Theater is able to offer this magnificent film during Easter week.
“I’m so proud of this series,” said THT executive director Lisa Mitchell. “Of course we’re not able to show these films in the theater just now, but until things improve this is the next best thing.”
Anderson and Mitchell miss the social aspect of the Great Art Wednesday series. Originally screening at the unusual hour of 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, the series drew a large and faithful audience.
“It became a real social event,” said Anderson. “People would buy tickets to the show and then have lunch downtown with friends. We were proud of drawing so many people downtown midday to show what Middlebury has to offer.”
In keeping with that tradition, THT’s team is offering “Lunch with Doug and Lisa!” following the initial screening of each film. Those who view the films at the traditional time of 11 a.m. on Wednesday will be invited to stay on for a Zoom lunch with THT’s leaders.
“It’s a crazy idea but I love it,” said Mitchell. “We’re all feeling a little isolated, and this is a way we can get in touch with each other again. We can talk about the film, or anything else we feel like talking about. It’s lunch!”
To purchase a ticket, visit townhalltheater.org. Lunch with Doug and Lisa! Will be limited to 20 people, who can sign up by sending an email to [email protected].

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