THE GREEN SYMPOSIUM is back
Entitled “Georgia in Our Times: Modern Design and Contempo- rary Lens,” the 11th symposium highlights the connection between the contemporary and the historical, with a focus on connections between modern design and social thought. Dale Couch, our now emeritus curator of decorative arts, agreed to help organize the sym- posium despite being retired for the second time. He writes, “Col- lecting decorative art as we know it is a 20th-century activity guided by 20th-century values and perceptions. Although many observers see collecting Georgia decorative art from an earlier period as nos- talgic, motivated by ‘colonial revivalist’ notions, it is also true that Americana as art was a modernist discovery. Traditional craft and design are expressions of our contemporary times, not relics.” Couch says that Georgia material studies have been hindered by an absence of diverse voices and that he believes it is innately benefi - cial to have the voices of scholars from different backgrounds at the table. This year’s slate of speakers reflects that concern, and they come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Torren Gatson , assistant professor in the department of history, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, will deliver the keynote speech, “The Power of Black Hands: Honoring Black Craftspeople of the Southern Landscape.” Gatson is a trained public historian and a scholar of 19th- and 20th century southern history with an empha- sis on the African American built environment. He guest edited the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts Journal’s special edition on African American material culture. In the public realm, he works with communities to build lasting public products that reflect the dynamic and difficult aspects of African American history. Alongside founder Tiffany Momon, he codirects the Black Craftspeople Digital Archive, which can be found online at https://blackcraftspeople.org/. After a few months’ delay due to COVID surges and health concerns, the 11th installment of the museum’s Henry D. Green Symposium of the Decorative Arts will be held August 5 and 6, 2022 at University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel.
Ed Moulthrop (American, 1916 – 2003), bowl, 1983. Tulip poplar. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Gift of Dr. Milton Mazo and Mr. Billy K. Poole. Restored by Philip Moulthrop 2021. GMOA 2006.106.
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