June 8, 2026—A Fledgling Republic’s Art

LECTURE & DISCUSSION


As we look towards the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, we too look backwards with this lecture exploring the foundations of American art. From the rich visual traditions of the Indigenous cultures through the colonial era and finally the Revolutionary War, we will examine how a nation defines itself through its artwork. Native American craftsmanship, colonial portraiture, political prints, and early patriotic imagery, the presentation highlights how art reflected identity, conflict, faith, and the emergence of a distinctly American voice. As the United States approached independence, artists helped shape the symbols and ideals of a new nation during one of the most transformative periods in American history.

June 22, 2026—The Art of Industry, Identity, and the Modern America

LECTURE & DISCUSSION

Continuing towards the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, we continue to look at the artists and the artworks which shaped this nation. Beginning in the aftermath of the Civil War and continuing into the early twentieth century, this lecture examines how American art evolved alongside industrialization, immigration, urban growth, and cultural change. From the realism of the Gilded Age and the landscapes of westward expansion to the innovations of the Ashcan School and early modernism, the presentation explores how artists captured both the promise and tensions of a rapidly changing nation. Framed through the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the lecture considers how art documented the country’s transformation into the 20th and 21st centuries.

Art in Focus is an exploration of the arts through film, lecture and thoughtful dialogue for adult learners of all ages who are interested in the arts and its impact on the world. Founded in 1996 by Rita M. Ray, South Shore Arts continues this series annually with a variety of topics and guest speakers. Several lectures will coincide with upcoming Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra concerts and South Shore Arts exhibits. An important aspect of the program is the thoughtful dialogue between the program facilitator, the guest speakers and the attendees to broaden views of the arts and individuals in our world. Our goal parallels that of the U.S. Department of Education, “Learning Never Ends.” Art in Focus is open to the public and, thanks to generous support from Community Healthcare System, it is always free.

2nd & 4th Monday EVERY Month

10–11:30am
The Center for Visual & Performing Arts

Sponsored by