Exploring the Early Life Experiences
In the autumn of 1927, Lehigh University took a significant stride forward in its cultural journey, as it established a fine art department. This move was spearheaded by Garth A. Howland, a distinguished alumnus of Harvard University, who joined Lehigh as an assistant professor. Howland's tenure at Lehigh was noteworthy, as he later ascended to the position of head of the fine arts department.
Simultaneously, in 1936, Francis J. Quirk joined Lehigh University as a professor. Quirk's influence on Lehigh's artistic landscape would prove to be profound, shaping the long-term direction of the university's art galleries and collections.
Quirk's contributions were manifold. He negotiated additional art acquisitions for Lehigh University, acquiring pieces that would become the cornerstone of the university's permanent collection. Quirk also created the first records of the university's art collection, meticulously documenting each acquisition.
One of the most significant acquisitions during this period was the original painting, "Maple Sugar" by Horatio Walker. This Canadian masterpiece, depicting scenes of rural Canadian life, was the most expensive piece in the first exhibition held by Lehigh's art galleries. The program from this exhibition, which showcased selected works from the 1926 Winter Exhibition of the National Academy of Design on loan from the American Federation of Arts, offered "Maple Sugar" for sale at a price of $3,000 in 1926. Adjusted for inflation, this sum equates to over $50,000 today.
The first exhibition also featured works by major modernist painters, such as Arthur Davies, Mary Cassatt, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Lehigh's art galleries continued to showcase a diverse array of art forms in the years that followed, including prints, photography, American paintings, old European Masters, and French Impressionism.
Notably, by 1926, Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) began exhibiting art from old masters to modern artists, including Gustave Courbet, Pablo Picasso, and Margaret Bourke-White. Garth Howland played a crucial role in securing loans with prestigious institutions such as the Library of Congress, Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, and Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Quirk's responsibilities extended beyond directing Lehigh's galleries and exhibitions. He was also tasked with curating the permanent collection, developing long-term collections and exhibition policies, and nurturing a culture of artistic appreciation within the university. His efforts have left an indelible mark on Lehigh University, transforming it into a beacon of artistic excellence in the heart of Pennsylvania.
In 1950, upon Garth Howland's demise, Quirk was appointed as an associate professor and head of the fine arts department. His legacy continues to inspire and enrich the artistic landscape of Lehigh University to this day.
Read also:
- Conducting Extensive Investigative Work at the Local Level for Political Elections
- Political Divide and the Employment of Technology in Electoral Strategies
- CDU South Thuringia is likely to be designated by Maas
- Application solicitations for PhD in Law at DAU School of Law for the academic year 2025-26 are now open
