Sheldon Museum of Art presents 4 public lectures in September

Lincoln, Neb., August 27th, 2009 —

As one element in Sheldon Museum of Art's outreach to a variety of audiences, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln museum will present four free public lectures in September. Speakers include Jun Kaneko, the Omaha artist whose large ceramic sculptures have been exhibition worldwide. The schedule:

* Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m. -- Willard Spiegelman, Hughes professor of English at Southern Methodist University and editor of Southwest Review since 1984, presents "The Pleasure of Looking." Spiegelman is author of "Seven Pleasures," published in April, which examines seven activities that lead naturally and easily to a sense of well-being. These include dancing, reading, walking, looking, listening, swimming and writing. He is a regular contributor to the Arts and Leisure pages of the Wall Street Journal.

* Sept. 15, 5:30 p.m. -- Sheldon Director J. Daniel Veneciano will discuss the current exhibition "Play's the Thing: The Paintings and Objects of Jun Kaneko." On view through Oct. 11, the exhibition explores the relationships between the artist's large ceramic sculptures and his paintings and works on paper.

* Sept. 20, 2 p.m. -- Wendy Katz, an associate professor of art and art history at UNL, will discuss the prints of James McNeill Whistler. An exhibition, which closes on this date, presents approximately 40 etchings and lithographs by the renowned 19th-century artist. Numerous works in "James McNeill Whistler: 40 Years of Printmaking" were gifts to the Sheldon permanent collection by James A. and Ann K. Rawley and the F. M. Hall bequest. The exhibition is sponsored by James and Rhonda Seacrest.

* Sept. 22, 5:30 p.m. -- Kaneko will present a lecture about his work. His large-scale, abstract ceramic sculptures have gained international acclaim during the past 40 years. His exhibition on view at the Sheldon includes paintings, sculpture, opera set and costume design, and prints.

These public programs are made possible by the continuing support of the Sheldon Art Association, the dedicated support group for the Museum.

Sheldon Museum of Art houses a permanent collection of more than 12,000 objects focusing on American art. Sheldon, 12th and R Streets on the UNL City Campus, is open free to the public during regular hours. The museum's hours are: Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays. For information or to arrange a tour, call (402) 472-4524. Additional information is also available on the Sheldon Web site, www.sheldon.unl.edu