On Sunday, May 15, Kyra Swanson, assistant curator of UMW Galleries will present a lecture on American decorative arts styles from 1680 through 1850. Style in the decorative arts often describes “a specific set of visual characteristics”. The ability to recognize a style requires the careful study and the development of a visual vocabulary upon which to draw for reference. This talk will cover the key elements to look for when examining an object in order to determine its stylistic category: line, proportion, volume, ornamentation, texture, material, color, scale. In addition, it will include discussion on the relationship of objects to the culture and society and how it affects the development stylistic elements.
Ridderhof Martin Gallery, College Avenue at Seacobeck Street; 2 p.m.; free, registration required; (540) 654-1013
About Brynn Boyer