Please join us for a day-long critical exploration of visual culture's vital role as marker, reflector, and interpreter of American society. Drawing from the Addison's exceptional collection, eight renowned art historians will present talks that consider the ways in which art serves to uphold, challenge, and even reshape assumptions about American culture. From the manner in which the aftermath of war was put to canvas by artists like Childe Hassam, to the artistic consideration of early twentieth century modes of spectacle and leisurely diversion, to the visual upheaval initiated by artists such as Arthur Dove and Georgia O'Keeffe, the talks will offer innovative interpretations of American art and the Addison's collection in particular.

The following participants will present talks at the symposium:

William C. Agee, Evelyn Kranes Kossak Professor of Art History, Hunter College

Erika Doss, Professor of Art History, University of Colorado

Patricia Hills, Professor of Art History, Boston University

David Lubin, Charlotte C. Weber Professor of Art, Wake Forest University

Karal Ann Marling, Professor of Art History and American Studies, University of Minnesota

Angela Miller, Professor of Art History, Washington University in St. Louis

Alexander Nemerov, Professor of the History of Art, Yale University

Jennifer Roberts, Assistant Professor of History of Art and Architecture, Harvard University

Click here for the speakers' titles and topics.

Click here to download a printable version of the titles and topics.

Click here for the schedule of events.

The Symposium is being organized in conjunction with the exhibition, Coming of Age: American Art, 1850s to 1950s, on view at the Addison from September 9, 2006 through January 7, 2007. The exhibition features works from the Addison's collection that reflect the dramatic changes to the physical and social landscape of the United States during the rise of modernity. William Agee, Evelyn Kranes Kossak Professor of Art History at Hunter College, New York, and Susan Faxon, Associate Director and Curator at the Addison Gallery, curated the exhibition and have written the accompanying catalogue, which will be available in August.

The symposium is free and open to the public and will take place in Kemper Auditorium, Elson Arts Center, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA - directly adjacent to the Addison Gallery of American Art.

Click here for area hotel information and directions to the event.