Cornell Fine Arts Museum

In this episode of “Art Encounters,” Guest Curators Dr. Mackenzie Moon Ryan, associate professor of Art History at Rollins, and two of her students Morgan Snoap ’20 and Cristina Toppin ’21, discuss the new exhibit, “African Apparel: Threaded Transformations across the 20th Century.” Over two years in the making–and a first in Central Florida–the exhibition features 71 pieces of African textiles, jewelry, headwear, accessories, and clothing that share a story of resilience, artistry, and creativity. We encourage you to listen, to learn more, and to experience it for yourself at the museum this season.

A special three part presentation of the Major Scale with Cornell Fine Arts Museum’s exhibit, African-American Art in the 20th Century, on loan from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. With a bounty of bold and brilliant masterworks from the likes of Romare Bearden, Lois Mailou Jones, Jacob Lawrence, and more, we're going to tie together the exhibit's themes of Jazz, the Blues, social commentary and civil rights with a look into the music of the era with the show’s curator, Virginia Mecklenburg. Episode 1 - African-American Art in the 20th Century - Roots, Harlem Renaissance, and Bebop. The early days of the 20th century were a harsh reality for African-Americans, but change was underfoot–it could be found in the art and music of the day. We'll go from the crossroads of the early blues, to the avenues of the Harlem Renaissance, right down to the starting line of bebop. We spin Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Bird and Diz and more.

A special three part presentation of the Major Scale with Cornell Fine Arts Museum’s exhibit, African-American Art in the 20th Century, on loan from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. With a bounty of bold and brilliant masterworks from the likes of Romare Bearden, Lois Mailou Jones, Jacob Lawrence, and more, we're going to tie together the exhibit's themes of Jazz, the Blues, social commentary and civil rights with a look into the music of the era with the show’s curator, Virginia Mecklenburg. Episode 2 - African-American Art in the 20th Century - Civil Rights, the African-American Experience, and Rallying Cry. In the post World War II era, the pace of the Civil Rights Movement picked up rapidly. African-American life was in flux, with the demand for change and equality suddenly everywhere. Tragedy is concurrent with hope, as leaders and legislation attempt to move the country forward. The music moves right along with it and the arts come into their own. In this episode, we'll hear from uncompromising talents like Bo Diddley, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Amiri Baraka, and countless others who began to make their voices heard.

A special three part presentation of the Major Scale with Cornell Fine Arts Museum’s exhibit, African-American Art in the 20th Century, on loan from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. With a bounty of bold and brilliant masterworks from the likes of Romare Bearden, Lois Mailou Jones, Jacob Lawrence, and more, we're going to tie together the exhibit's themes of Jazz, the Blues, social commentary and civil rights with a look into the music of the era with the show’s curator, Virginia Mecklenburg. Episode 3 - African-American Art in the 20th Century in the Sunshine State. Among the many amazing artists in the exhibit, African-American Art in the 20th Century, is Purvis Young, a native to Florida. Since both Cornell Fine Arts Museum and the Major Scale are based in Central Florida, we thought we'd explore some regional Floridian roots. Young, the term "Outsider Artist," and the legendary Highwaymen are on the table for conversation as well as some of the Sunshine State's musical finest; including Slim Gaillard, Fats Navarro, Charles Tolliver, Gigi Gryce, Pee-Wee Ellis, Archie Shepp, and more.

How does one start working at a museum? What is a teaching museum anyway? Aren’t all museums in the practice or in the business of teaching? The Cornell Fine Arts Museum’s Director, Ena Heller; Curator, Gisela Carbonell; and Education Coordinator Louise Buyo discuss their personal paths to working at Rollins College's Cornell Fine Arts Museum and share insights on the museum’s mission, programs, and exhibitions currently on view for all through December 29.