DIRECTOR’s talk
(Adult Lecture Program)
Esphyr Slobodkina (Age 38)
This talk and mini-exhibition takes a special look at the life and art of Esphyr Slobodkina presented by her close friend and business associate Ann Marie Mulhearn Sayer.
It is an inspiring and intimate account of the hardships Slobodkina faced as a displaced war victim, her immigration to the United States at age 19, endurance through two world wars and the Great Depression, and her steady rise from poverty to major success as an artist, author and illustrator. The presentation offers a glimpse of Slobodkina’s witty, creative genius, and the woman behind the art.
Esphyr Slobodkina was a multifaceted artist who applied her singular creative vision to a variety of pursuits, including textile and clothing design. It’s no coincidence that the abstract shapes in her paintings echo those of dress patterns: sewing, millinery, and fabric design were constant activities from her childhood and throughout her adult life.
Likewise, many of Slobodkina’s textile designs reflect her modernist aesthetic, with bold swaths of color and geometric patterning.
During the 90-minute lecture attendees watch a PowerPoint production, which includes photographs of Esphyr Slobodkina and her art dating from 1919 to 2001. The presentation features a small number of paintings, collages, illustrations, assemblages, textiles and dolls created by the artist over eight decades will be displayed and discussed. Guests are encouraged to ask questions during the presentation.
Program Time: 90 minutes (can be modified) with a 15 minute break in the middle.
Program Participation: Up to 100 participants.
Program Features: Exhibition of paintings, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, and dolls, Slideshow presentation, and handouts and materials
Program fees are: $500/single program, $900/2 programs, $1200/3 programs (same week/same building).
About the Artist and Author
Ann Marie Mulhearn Sayer met Esphyr Slobodkina in 1996, when she was hired to write musical narratives for Caps for Sale, The Wonderful Feast and other Slobodkina books. Slobodkina and Sayer became close friends. Sayer has administered and exhibited Esphyr Slobodkina’s works for over eighteen years.
In the year 2000, Esphyr Slobodkina formed the Slobodkina Foundation. Ann Marie Mulhearn Sayer serves as president of the Slobodkina Foundation and has been administrating, cataloging, and exhibiting Slobodkina’s fine art, children’s books, textiles, and publications for over eighteen years. It was Slobodkina’s wish that after her death, Sayer continue her work and keep Slobodkina’s art, books, and illustrations in the public eye for future generations to enjoy.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Slobodkina Foundation
P.O. Box 68, Northport, NY 11768
Tel: (516) 532-7040
