British art critic and publisher Derek Guthrie will deliver a free public lecture, “Performing Monkeys and the Goose That Laid the Golden Egg,” at East Tennessee State University on Monday, April 9, at 4:30 p.m. in the Ball Hall auditorium (Room 127).
In addition to his work with The New Art Examiner from 1973-96, Guthrie and his wife, Jane Addams Allen, nurtured and brought to view a new generation of art critics, including Eleanor Heartney, Jerry Saltz, Robert Storr, Grant Kester, Suzi Gablik, Howard Risatti and Alice Thorson. Guthrie is currently a resident of the United Kingdom, having lived in Cornwall for the last 12 years. A book on his influence on the art world is forthcoming.
His lecture is part of a three-day visit (April 9-11) to the Department of Art and Design in ETSU’s College of Arts and Sciences. He will give student critiques, speak to art classes and serve as juror for the department’s upcoming Student Honor Show at Slocumb Galleries in Ball Hall.
Guthrie’s speaking tour in this country includes visits to Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Maryland at College Park, the John David Mooney Foundation in Chicago, Clemson University, University of Georgia, Western Carolina University, and Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla.
“During (Guthrie’s) first visit his ‘Socratic gadfly’ approach to talking with our students forced them to think about their work and why they were making it,” said Kevin Dean, director of Selby Galleries at the Ringling School. “After his visit was over they felt they had benefited from Derek’s knowledge of art and the realities of the art world they were preparing to enter. The encouragement he gave our students after seeing their work also left a lasting impression.”
For more information contact Val Lyle at 439-5712 or lylev@etsu.edu.

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