Talks and Screenings

Select Thursdays, October 24, November 21, December 19, 6-7 PM, Free
Exhibition: Eerie Selections From the Collection

Once a month, on select Thursdays, join us in an artistic setting, for an intimate chat between curatorial department members, educational department members, our Director/CEO, and guest artists for what we call an Artside Chat. This intimate format allows for deeper discussion about studio processes, the intent behind an artwork, and the broader social and cultural implications of works of art. These chats are intended as a safe space to facilitate wide ranging dialogues on contemporary issues, and respect and represent a broad range of diverse creative practices. Sometimes, we invite the opportunity to learn and understand something about the thinking that goes into what we do here at Plains Art Museum. We do not shy away from tough, thorny topics; also, we can do deep dives on topics when necessary in order to respect and represent a broad range of diverse creative practices.

Select Thursdays, October 24, November 21, December 19, 6-7 PM, Free
Exhibition: Convergence: Health and Creativity: New Works by Anne Labovitz

Once a month, on select Thursdays, join us in an artistic setting, for an intimate chat between curatorial department members, educational department members, our Director/CEO, and guest artists for what we call an Artside Chat. This intimate format allows for deeper discussion about studio processes, the intent behind an artwork, and the broader social and cultural implications of works of art. These chats are intended as a safe space to facilitate wide ranging dialogues on contemporary issues, and respect and represent a broad range of diverse creative practices. Sometimes, we invite the opportunity to learn and understand something about the thinking that goes into what we do here at Plains Art Museum. We do not shy away from tough, thorny topics; also, we can do deep dives on topics when necessary in order to respect and represent a broad range of diverse creative practices.

Select Thursdays, 6:30-8 PM, Free

• September 12: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
• October 10: Palace of the Peacock by Wilson Harris
• November 14: The Autobiography of my Mother by Jamaica Kincaid
• December 12: Parable of Sower by Octavia Butler

Plains Art Museum’s announces its sixth iteration of Critical Grooves Book Lab. Ages 16+ are welcomed, FREE.

For our sixth (6th) session (Fall–Winter ’24), we will read four lesser-known writers who will productively intersect with the museum’s scheduled exhibitions during Fall – Winter 2024. We begin with Ocean Vuong’s award-winning novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, to intersect with the Thomas-Suwall collection on exhibition in Full Disclosure. From there, we move on to Wilson Harris’s Palace of the Peacock to discuss aspects of the novel’s convergence with A Little Grey for Color. Then, Jamaica Kincaid’s The Autobiography of My Mother provides important context for a robust discussion of several past and upcoming exhibitions in our Starion Gallery. Finally, Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower (a speculative fiction novel set in 2024) captures the perils of climate change, the disparities within human rights, and the struggle for sovereignty—issues found in the upcoming exhibition, Water Talks.

If this assemblage of lesser-known writers sounds compelling, then please join us at Plains Art Museum on the select dates below. We offer an array of hot teas and hot chocolate. However, feel free to bring your own beverages/snacks, as well.

To encourage broad participation, you may acquire the selected texts through convenient means, as per your situation. Also note: Critical Grooves Book Lab selections will also be available for purchase from The Store at Plains Art Museum.

For more information and/or participation contact Dr. Kelvin Monroe kmonroe@plainsart.org.

Select Thursdays, October 3, November 7, December 5, 6-6:45 PM
Exhibition: Convergence: Health and Creativity: New Works by Anne Labovitz

Have you ever wanted to explore further certain themes or concepts related to our exhibitions? If so, then join a member of our curatorial staff select Thursdays for a themed-tour about an aspect of the art, the artist(s), an exhibition, or our permanent collection. Also, these tours can be designed and tailored to fit special requests, with six-weeks advanced notice, please. Free.

Select Tuesdays, October 8, November 12, December 10, 1-1:45 PM, Free
Exhibition: Gigawaabimin

Looking for a good place to start your museum visit? Join a knowledgeable guide from the museum for a tour of our current exhibitions with a deeper look at key objects on display from our current exhibitions. During this participatory and collective experience. You’ll also have a chance to connect and share your ideas with fellow visitors. Most tours are about 45 minutes.