The Update | ‘Washington’ Exhibition Goes Beyond Myths; ‘Till’ Co-writer to Take Part in Screening
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – “Washington: The Myths and the Man,” an exhibition of 13 paintings by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863-1930) of Philadelphia, will open Sunday, Feb. 18, at The Butler Institute of American Art and run through May 12.
An opening reception will take place Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
The exhibition includes 17 historical documents that reveal facts about George Washington. These letters, surveys, maps and farm records reintroduce the actual man.
“Washington” is a traveling exhibition created by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond, Va.
Following his death in 1799, Washington seemed “above the clouds,” to paraphrase the general’s most popular biographer, Mason Locke Weems.
The glorification of Washington continued for more than a century, culminating in the romanticized and popular history paintings of Ferris. These canvases present an appealing and virtuous figure but contain limited information.
By focusing on Washington’s private life at Mount Vernon, the exhibition attempts to reveal what motivated him to become a public servant.
Louis A. Zona, executive director and chief curator of The Butler, had long wanted to put together an exhibition focused on Washington. But obtaining the portraits of the president on a temporary basis proved to be cost prohibitive, according to Susan Carfano, administrative assistant at the museum.
When Zona learned of this traveling exhibition, he jumped at the opportunity to secure it. The exhibition will be in the Finnegan/Hynes Gallery.
Like many landholders in 18th-century Virginia, Washington had slaves at his plantation, and some of the paintings in the exhibition depict them performing tasks such as serving lunch.
To address this aspect, as well as other depictions of the life of Washington, The Butler exhibition will include the opportunity for visitors to share their thoughts, as well as information about themselves. Audio, video and email messages can be sent to [email protected].
The exhibition will also be accompanied by “Founding Father: George Washington Tactile Images.” This exhibit consists of 10 tactile displays and 10 framed prints.
Tactile images deliver accessible images to the blind, disabled and sight impaired. Each includes information that can be accessed by Braille signage and touch buttons to explain sections of each “painting.”
The Butler, 524 Wick Ave., is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
‘Till’ Co-writer to Take Part in Screening at YSU
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The 2022 film “Till” will be screened at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 in the auditorium of the Williamson College of Business Administration, 20 W. Wood St., at Youngstown State University.
Keith Beauchamp, a co-writer and co-producer of the film, will be present and will take part in a question-and-answer session after the film.
The event is sponsored by Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past. Those attending can park in the Rayen Early College parking lot.
“Till” tells the story of the 1955 lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till in Mississippi, and his mother’s subsequent battle for justice.
Beauchamp’s research led to the reopening of the case in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required; call 330 207 4467.
Beauchamp will also speak at Chaney High School and East High School earlier that day.
Hiring Blitz for Cedar Point Jobs
SANDUSKY, Ohio – Cedar Point will have a weeklong hiring blitz Feb. 17-24 online and at the Cedar Point Recruiting Center to fill 7,000 seasonal positions for the 2024 season, which begins in May.
Positions include:
- Ride operators.
- Food and beverage.
- Lifeguards and aquatics.
- Security.
- Hotels.
- Maintenance.
- Behind-the-scenes roles.
Hourly pay ranges from $13 to $17 (for those who are age 16 or older) based on experience, prior service and position. Cedar Point offers benefits, along with many perks for its associates, including discounts, reward and recognition programs, exclusive associate-only events, ride nights, on-site housing for those who qualify and free admission to any Cedar Fair amusement park.
Cedar Point will host in-person job fairs throughout the week at its Recruiting Center, 2210 First St. in Sandusky from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Candidates will have the ability to apply, interview and get hired on the same day. For details, go to cedarpoint.com/jobs.
NFL Star, Sportscaster Cris Carter at YSU
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Cris Carter, a former star wide receiver in the National Football League and game analyst for televised broadcasts of NFL games, will speak at Stambaugh Auditorium at 7 p.m. April 17.
Admission is free, but tickets must be obtained in advance.
Tickets can be acquired beginning March 4 at stambaughauditorium.com and at the DeYor box office, 260 W. Federal St., downtown.
Carter was a star at The Ohio State University. After his NFL career ended, he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
He is also the author of “Going Deep,” which analyzes the wide receiver position.
A sought-after public speaker, Carter talks about leadership, teamwork and overcoming adversity, including his own struggle with addiction.
His appearance is part of Youngstown State University’s Skeggs Lecture Series.
Pictured at top: “Under My Own Vine and Fig Tree,” by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1798), is part of the exhibition on George Washington that opens Sunday at The Butler Institute of American Art.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
