USA 250-Year Visual Journey: American Art Through 25 Icons, Victoria Hall, Oakham, Rutland.
The History of American Art in 25 iconic works.
Where: Victoria Hall, Oakham
When: Thursday 27 November 2025, 11:00 AM (Coffee from 10:30 AM)
As America prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, the story of the nation's identity can be vividly traced through the development of its art. On Thursday, November 27, 2025, residents of Oakham have a unique opportunity to explore this rich visual history at Victoria Hall, as renowned art historian Marie-Ann Mancio presents a captivating lecture: "The History of American Art in 25 iconic works."
Marie-Ann Mancio, whose impressive lecturing credits include the Tate Modern, the V&A, and the Dulwich Picture Gallery, will guide attendees through a curated selection of 25 masterpieces that together map the evolution of American culture, politics, and society.
The lecture promises to move beyond simple chronology, instead using these landmark pieces as windows into the American experience—from the foundational years of the Republic to the complexities of the 20th century.
The curated list of works Mancio will discuss features some of the most recognisable images in the world, each a powerful commentary on the American dream, landscape, and people:
Grant Wood's American Gothic: A defining image of Midwestern fortitude and the enduring spirit of rural America.
Dorothea Lange's Migrant Mother: The poignant, unforgettable portrait that captured the suffering and resilience of the Great Depression.
Edward Hopper's Nighthawks: An exploration of urban isolation and the quiet drama found in the glow of a late-night diner (as featured in the event illustration).
By examining works like these, attendees will gain an appreciation for how American artists forged a unique aesthetic, moving away from European traditions to create a visual language distinctly their own.
This cultural event is a must-attend for anyone interested in art history, American studies, or the power of an image to tell a story.
Lecture Time: 11:00 AM
Coffee Service: From 10:30 AM
Location: Victoria Hall, Oakham
Guests Welcome: Non-members are warmly welcomed for a fee of £7.
Contact: To secure your spot or for more details, please contact oakham@theartssociety.org.
https://theartssocietyoakham.org.uk/lectures%202021.html
