If you have an interest in the arts and would like to learn more, please go along to one of The Arts Society Dukeries’ lecture-style meetings. You will be very welcome. They meet monthly on the first Wednesday of the month (except for summer and winter breaks) and have two extra special interest days. They also have trips out to places of interest, a magazine and a holiday for members.
The next lecture, on Wednesday 4th March, is about the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera, who both have iconic status in Mexico. The speaker is Chloe Sayer. Rivera’s intricate visual narratives, rich with allegory and symbolism, adorn the walls of many public buildings. Inspired by early Italian fresco painting, his vast murals combine social criticism with faith in human progress. Kahlo’s work, unlike Rivera’s, is small in format. Arguably Mexico’s most original painter, she made herself the principal theme for her art, reflecting her own experiences and dreams. This lecture surveys the work of both artists; it also chronicles their turbulent marriage and Mexico’s history after the 1910 revolution.
Their next lecture, on Wednesday 1st April, is about John Ruskin’s passion for art, craft and social justice. The speaker is Simon Seligman.
The society meet at the Civic Centre, Long Lane, Carlton-in-Lindrick S81 9AP. Coffee is served from 10.00am and the lecture is from 11.00am to 12.00pm approximately. Visitors are very welcome to the meetings, at a cost of £6.00 per lecture. Free car parking is available.
They have a special interest day coming up on Thursday 26th March, on ‘18th and 19th Century Theatre’. The speaker is Giles Ramsey.
On these days, members and guests listen to three lectures, giving the speaker the opportunity to explain the subject matter in a lot more detail. This series of talks takes them on a journey from the Restoration drama of Charles II and the emergence of the first English actresses, through the rise of great actor-managers such as David Garrick in the 1700s, up to the perfection of the English comedy of manners with Oscar Wilde’s ‘The importance of being Ernest’ in 1895.
They meet at 10.30am, with the first lecture starting at 11.00am and finishing around 3.00pm. Tickets are £28.00. Lunch is not included.
For further details on the lecture programme, the study/special interest days or the society, please call Suzanne on 01909 290488 or Gill on 01909 540506 or visit www.theartssociety.org/dukeries.