June 2007
In this Issue:

1. Foto: Modernity in Central Europe, 1918–1945

2. Summer Film Series: Central Europe

3. Centenary of Paul Mellon's Birth

4. Jazz in the Garden

5. Symposium: History and the New Photography

6. Desiderio da Settignano: Sculptor of Renaissance Florence

7. June Calendar of Events

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1. Foto: Modernity in Central Europe, 1918–1945

June 10–September 3, 2007, West Building, Main Floor. The story of photography's phenomenal success in Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Austria during a time of tremendous social and political upheaval is presented in the first survey ever done on the subject. The exhibition is unprecedented in its focus and scope, with approximately 150 photographs, books, and illustrated magazines that explore such topics as photomontage and war, gender identity, life and leisure in the modern metropolis, and the spread of surrealism.
http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/fotoinfo.htm

2. Summer Film Series: Central Europe

Complementing the Foto exhibition are six interrelated film series that include many works from central Europe never before seen in the United States: Czech Modernism 1920–1940, New Romany Cinema from Hungary, New City Symphonies, Lech Majewski, New Austrian Experimental Cinema, and Modernity and Tradition: Film in Interwar Central Europe (a special series of 32 films that travels with the exhibition). These programs showcase the diverse cinematic language of the region, old and new. Films are shown in original format.
http://www.nga.gov/programs/film.htm

3. Centenary of Paul Mellon's Birth

In celebration of the birth of the National Gallery of Art's visionary and founding benefactor Paul Mellon, the Gallery is presenting a variety of programs throughout 2007.

Paul Mellon: In His Own Words
A new hour-long documentary about Paul Mellon premieres on June 9 at 1 p.m., with additional screenings on June 10 at 5 p.m. and August 22 and 29 at 12:30 p.m. in the East Building auditorium. The film, which may also be downloaded free-of-charge on Apple iTunes starting June 11, includes rarely seen images and footage from the Gallery and Mellon family archives, and narration drawn from his speeches, autobiography, and writings. Spanning his lifetime, the documentary delves into Mellon's childhood and family life, his experiences as the driving force behind the Gallery and its expansion, his years collecting art, and his love of horses and horse racing.

Benny Goodman–Style Jazz Concert
The Gallery is presenting a special jazz concert by Eddie Daniels and Ensemble, in honor of Mellon's enjoyment of Benny Goodman's music, on Sunday, June 10, at 3:00 p.m., in the East Building atrium.
http://www.nga.gov/programs/music.htm#jun10

Paul Mellon and the National Gallery of Art
Paul Mellon's leadership and generosity set the bar for international philanthropy. After overseeing the construction of the West Building of the National Gallery of Art—his father's gift to the nation—Paul Mellon went on to shape and guide the Gallery, serving as a trustee for more than 40 years and donating more than 1,000 works of art. His extraordinary contribution is presented in an installation of archival photographs and documents, on view through December 31, 2007, in the West Building Information Room.
http://www.nga.gov/mellon/

4. Jazz in the Garden

The free and popular Jazz in the Garden concert series continues in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, every Friday, 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. through August 31, with top local and regional artists performing in front of the Pavilion Cafe, next to the grand fountain and reflecting pool. Enjoy delicious food and drinks from a seasonal light-fare menu either inside the cafe or outside. Top performers in June include the Rick Whitehead Jazz Trio, the Frank LoCrasto Group (pictured), Nasar Abadey and Supernova, the Jessica Settles Group, and Thad Wilson's Ugetzu.
http://www.nga.gov/programs/jazz.htm

5. Symposium: History and the New Photography

June 23, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., East Building auditorium. Illustrated lectures by noted scholars, including Monika Faber, Olivier Lugon, Steven Mansbach, Douglas Nickel, Melanie Ventilla, and Peter Zusi, are followed by a panel discussion moderated by Matthew Witkovsky. The symposium is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come basis. Registration is not required.
http://www.nga.gov/programs/lecture.htm#symposia

6. Desiderio da Settignano: Sculptor of Renaissance Florence

Opening in July: The work of Desiderio da Settignano (c. 1429–1464), who is regarded as one of the greatest sculptors of the Italian Renaissance, inspired contemporaries to declare that he brought cold marble to life. Trained in Florence in the mid-15th century, Desiderio is believed to have studied under Donatello. Due to Desiderio's premature death, very few works by the artist exist. This exhibition features 25 works from around the world, including the artist's tender busts of children, his extraordinary low reliefs, his groups of the Virgin and Child, and his delicate portraits of women.
http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/settignanoinfo.htm

7. June Calendar of Events

Plan your visit to the Gallery with the help of the June Calendar of Events. Schedules of films, lectures, gallery talks, family activities, guided tours, foreign language tours, and concerts are listed along with detailed information about each event.
http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/calendar.htm