Saturday, October 13

9 a.m.: Registration
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Symposium
Lunch on own. 

This symposium brings together exhibition curators and catalogue authors for a stimulating discourse on the impact of decorative arts at the World’s Fairs. Featuring individual talks and a panel discussion moderated by World’s Fairs historian Robert W. Rydell (Michael P. Malone Professor of History, Montana State University), the program will also provide an opportunity for curator, author, and visitor discussion in the galleries. 

Presentations include:

“Modern Renaissance”: Revival and Progression in Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs, Exhibition co-curator Jason Busch, Curatorial Chair for Collections and The Alan G. and Jane A. Lehman Curator of Decorative Arts and Design, Carnegie Museum of Art
“The Federation of Mankind”: Cross-Cultural Influences in Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs, Exhibition co-curator Catherine L. Futter, The Helen Jane and R. Hugh “Pat” Uhlmann Curator of Decorative Arts, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
From Progress to Modernity: Invention and Innovation at the World’s Fairs, Regina Lee Blaszczyk, adjunct professor, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Modernity Revealed: The World’s Fairs from 1900 to 1925, Stephen Harrison, Curator of Decorative Art and Design, Cleveland Museum of Art
Kings, Peasants, Dragons, and Flowers: National Symbolism in Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs, Ethan Robey, assistant professor and associate director, MA Program, History of Decorative Arts and Design, Parsons The New School for Design, New York
Style through Science: Modern Industrial Design and the World’s Fairs of the 1930s, Kevin W. Tucker, The Margot B. Perot Curator of Decorative Arts and Design, Dallas Museum of Art

Reception and book signing follow; galleries open until 6 p.m.

Symposium sponsored by:   

This exhibition was co-organized by Carnegie Museum of Art and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Generous national support for this exhibition was provided by Wells Fargo, the Windgate Charitable Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Lead support for the Pittsburgh presentation was provided by Ritchie Scaife. 

Major support for the Pittsburgh presentation was provided by the Richard C. von Hess Foundation, The Bessie F. Anathan Charitable Foundation at the request of Ellen Lehman and Charles Kennel, William E. and Janet Hunt, The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, PPG Industries Foundation, and the Barrie A. and Deedee Wigmore Foundation.