From the “creative corners” found in postwar suburban ranch homes to the proliferation of children’s art exhibitions in public schools and libraries, Secessionist notions of child creativity burned brightly in postwar America. 

Join art historian Megan Brandow-Faller (CUNY Kingsborough and CUNY Grad Center, Center for Jewish Studies) for an introduction to her newly published book which examines the intellectual and cultural roots of notions around children’s creativity born in Secessionist Vienna through the lens of three innovative educators: Franz Cižek, often called the “patriarch” of progressive art education and one of the first art educators to allow children to draw from their imaginations; Emmy Zweybrück, who ran a successful craft school for girls and commercial workshops emphasizing traditionally feminine media and solid handcraft knowledge; and Viktor Lowenfeld, a Cižek pupil widely considered the most influential figure in twentieth-century American art education.

This program will be held on Zoom. Please register to receive the access link. Brought to you in partnership with Merritt Bookstore.