Harriet F. Senie, one of the leading authorities on public art, will share her insights, ideas and opinions on the public’s role in public art when she speaks at ArtsWestchester in White Plains tonight, from 6:30-8:30pm. For more information, visit: bit.ly/HarrietSenieTalk.
“This is an opportunity to explore a complicated issue where there is no clear right or wrong,” explains ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam. “Few people object when children, seniors or community members are involved with producing public art, such as a mural to enliven a dull wall in an urban environment. When a municipality aspires to commission a signature work of art—a work that may become an icon for the city—the project may become more contentious.”
Ms. Senie is not delivering a formal lecture. Instead, ArtsWestchester invited her to deliver remarks that will stimulate conversation. To spur the discussion, several public officials are serving as responders: Mayor William R. Hanauer of Ossining, Mayor Thomas Roach of White Plains, Westchester County Legislator John Testa, and Wilson Kimball, Commissioner of Planning, City of Yonkers.
“Many municipalities in Westchester are interested in public art. Our goal in inviting Professor Senie here,” says Langsam “is to encourage public officials and community members to talk about some of the issues surrounding public art, so community members are informed and prepared to consider various points of view.”
Harriet Senie is the author of ‘The Tilted Arc’ Controversy: Dangerous Precedent, Contemporary Public Sculpture, numerous articles and essays on public art, and co-editor of Critical Issues in Public Art. She is director of museum studies and professor of art history at City College and at the CUNY Graduate Center. Ms. Senie is available for interviews.
