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NEWS | | EVENTS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

THOMAS TISCHER VISITOR CENTER NOW OPEN! Director’s Note

Welcome!

Over the past three years, supporters of the State Council on the Arts, expressed “Arts and culture play a critical, crucial role Museum have generously that this is a “transformative project, not in the vitality of our community,” Faheem committed more than $4.5 million to our just for the city but for the region,” that “will Masood, president and chief executive officer Transforming Our Visitors’ Experience usher in a new era” for the Eastman Museum, of ESL Federal Credit Union, said at our campaign. Its first phase has culminated in “one of New York State’s cultural anchors.” ribbon-cutting ceremony. “They breathe life the opening of the Thomas Tischer Visitor After attending the opening, Harold Samloff, into our neighborhoods and into our lives.” Center and presentation of our new Colorama. a trustee of the Louis S. and Molly B. Wolk The Eastman Museum and all of the donors Foundation, reported to his fellow trustees to this project manifestly agree. The visitor center is the most important that the “sensational transformation of the advance in our guests’ experience since George Because of his reverence for George Eastman visiting experience” is a project that will Eastman’s historic mansion was restored thirty and passion for , Thomas Tischer, enhance our community. years ago. The ESL Federal Credit Union Pavilion the lead donor to the project, has focused his provides a convenient and easily accessible All of the supporters of this major project philanthropy primarily on our institution. The entrance at the center of the museum complex. share a common objective: enabling one other major supporters of this project have The Wolk Concourse is a broad thoroughfare of Rochester’s leading cultural institutions each made significant contributions to other that leads to the multipurpose hall, the new to better serve the community, as well as leading cultural institutions in Rochester. café and store, George Eastman’s historic our visitors from around the world. In their We are grateful to the individuals and private mansion and the Schuyler C. Townson Terrace commitment to improving the quality of foundations, corporate sponsors, the State Garden, and the museum’s exhibition galleries. life for Rochesterians through cultural and of New York, and Monroe County who have educational institutions, our benefactors generously supported the Eastman Museum’s In her remarks at the grand opening, follow the example of George Eastman. ambitious capital project. Mara Manus, the executive director of the

2 Opposite: The October 8 ribbon cutting THANK YOU TO OUR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER PROGRAM SUPPORTERS for the new Thomas Tischer Visitor Center. Pictured, left to right: For information on how you or your business can be a part of all that the George Eastman Museum offers, James Smith, Deputy Mayor, City of Rochester contact Lisa Ann Seischab at (585) 327-4942 or [email protected]. Adam Bello, Monroe County Executive Faheem Masood, President and CEO, ESL Federal Credit Union Bruce Barnes, Ron and Donna Fielding Director, George Eastman Museum Thomas Tischer, Lead Donor Mara Manus, Executive Director, NYSCA Kevin Gavagan, Chair, Board of Trustees, George Eastman Museum Harold Samloff, Trustee, Louis S. and Molly B. Wolk Foundation

We are committed to strengthening our institution’s mission of serving the Rochester community. Our new multipurpose hall and a forthcoming community gallery will each enhance the Eastman Museum’s ability to serve a broader and more diverse audience. Next year, our main exhibition galleries will present a retrospective of the of , a longtime Rochester resident, and an early career survey of the works of Joshua Rashaad McFadden, a Rochester native. Charina Endowment Fund The Rohauer Collection Foundation Jacques and Dawn Lipson Visiting Rubens Family Foundation Despite the thrill of the new, our museum is Artist Fund Save America’s Treasures grant program, experiencing financial challenges in our day- The Louis B. Mayer Foundation funded by the Historic Preservation Fund as administered by the , to-day operations because the ongoing health New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Department of the Interior crisis has reduced attendance. Having carefully The Packard Humanities Institute Thomas N. Tischer, PhD implemented appropriate measures to protect Susan and Nathan Robfogel the health of our guests and staff, we hope that you will don your masks and visit the museum soon. We are currently presenting three excellent and varied photography exhibitions, which will all close on January 3, 2021. Beginning on November 6, we will continue our annual holiday traditions—including the Sweet Creations gingerbread display (arranged to make it safer and easier to enjoy while social distancing).

We expect that you will find your experience of visiting the George Eastman Museum transformed. We even paved the parking lot.

The George Eastman Museum is supported with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the County of Monroe, and with private contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Thank you.

Bruce Barnes, PhD Ron and Donna Fielding Director ON THE COVER Following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 8, the new Thomas Tischer Visitor Center opened to the public on October 10, with a special preview day for members on October 9.

The George Eastman Museum bulletin is published six times a year. © 2020 George Eastman Museum. 900 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607-2298. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. ISSN: 1055-3886. Please direct comments to [email protected]. 3 Tischer Visitor Center

NOW OPEN Thomas Tischer Visitor Center

The George Eastman Museum officially cut the ribbon to open our new Thomas Tischer Visitor Center on Thursday, October 8. The following pages feature a glimpse of the new spaces and some of the individuals and representatives who joined us for the ribbon cutting and made the project possible.

The transformative project, costing more than $5 million, was made possible by funding from a combination of philanthropy from individuals and private foundations, local corporate support, and a grant from the State of New York. (See page 9 for a list of major donors to the project.) The visitor center was designed by Flynn Battaglia Architects of Buffalo, and the general contractor was the Pike Company.

The Thomas Tischer Visitor Center has created a convenient, welcoming, and accessible new entrance and features improved amenities. We hope to see you soon as we embark on this new era for the George Eastman Museum.

Thomas N. Tischer, PhD

Faheem Masood, President & CEO, When you visit the museum, you will now be welcomed through the ESL Federal Credit Union Pavilion, a new ESL Federal Credit Union glass-and-steel structure that has preserved the historic façade of George Eastman’s garage within its interior.

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The Wolk Concourse connects the ESL Federal Credit Union Pavilion to the rest of the museum and Bruce Barnes with Harold Samloff, representing features an educational and interpretive introduction to the museum and George Eastman. This broad the Louis S. and Molly B. Wolk Foundation thoroughfare leads to the multipurpose hall, café and shop, exhibition galleries, and historic mansion.

Daniel and Michele Potter, representing the Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation, supporter of the Colorama structure and installation in memory of Waldo B. (Pete) Potter, the visionary Vice President of Eastman Company who imagined and realized the series of Colorama images that were installed in Grand Central Terminal in New York City from 1950 to 1964. Mara Manus, Executive Director, New York State Council on the Arts

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Eastman Museum Trustee Deborah Wilson, representing Eastman Museum Trustee Kevin Glazer Longtime museum patron Dawn Lipson at the Dawn and the Elaine P. and Richard U. Wilson Foundation in the Kevin and Rachel Glazer Foyer Jacques Lipson Welcome Center

Nannette Nocon of Nocon & Associates The Eastman Museum Shop, sponsored by Nocon & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services Inc., offers an array of mission-focused gifts.

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The new Eastman Museum Café menu will feature specialty beverages, goods from local partners, The new café offers Palm House seating with views distinctive soups and sandwiches, and vegetarian and vegan options. of the Schuyler C. Townson Terrace Garden.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello Eastman Museum Council Co-Presidents Nick Perlet and Mary Ann Giglio with past Co-Presidents Bonnie Garner and Lisa Roland

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LEAD VISITOR CENTER PROJECT DONOR Thomas N. Tischer, PhD

Thomas Tischer has been a generous supporter slides. He has amassed a library of more than About four years ago, Tischer expressed his of the George Eastman Museum since 150,000 images, capturing his travels and desire to make a meaningful contribution to becoming a member in 1981. Throughout documenting modes of transport, from street advancing the Eastman Museum during his the 1990s, he sponsored a series of talks on cars to cruise ships. lifetime. His highest priority was to make photography tips and techniques. In 1999, the museum more welcoming and easily Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tischer he provided funds to establish the George accessible. Tischer donated $100,000 toward received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees Eastman Legacy Archive and Study Center. paying architects and participated in the in chemistry from Marquette University and Two years later, he was instrumental in design development for the museum’s new his PhD in chemistry from the University launching the Wish You Were Here lecture entrance and visitor center. He then committed of Wisconsin–Madison. In 1961, he moved series, which for two decades has welcomed to contribute $1 million in matching funds if to Rochester to work for Eastman Kodak acclaimed photographers, including Steve the museum was awarded a $1 million grant Company as a research chemist, and he was McCurry, Sally Mann, and Alec Soth. from the New York State Council on the Arts. involved substantially with patents until his In December 2017, the museum received this An intrepid globetrotter, Tischer has visited retirement in 1992. Tischer is a longtime grant, and Tischer fulfilled his commitment. all fifty states and dozens of countries. resident of Greece, New York. As the project became more costly, Tischer A lover of all forms of travel, he has taken The origins of the Visitor Center Project came committed several hundred thousand dollars 162 cruises and photographed them all. in fall 2012, when Tischer was introduced to more to ensure the creation of the new Since 1975, he has served as a consultant Bruce Barnes in the museum’s café. Tischer multipurpose hall. to VIP Travel Services in Rochester. pointed at the exterior door to the café In recognition of his vision and exemplary His love of photography began while he and asked, “Don’t you think that the main benevolence, we gratefully dedicate the worked in a store in high school. Over entrance to the museum should be there?” Thomas Tischer Visitor Center. the decades, he has photographed exclusively The museum’s director heartily agreed. in 35mm black-and-white and

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The George Eastman Museum is grateful to the visionary donors who generously supported the Thomas Tischer Visitor Center.

Thomas N. Tischer, PhD

ESL Federal Credit Union New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

Louis S. & Molly B. Wolk Foundation

Elaine P. & Richard U. Wilson Foundation William & Sheila Konar Foundation Nocon & Associates A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services Inc.

Kevin and Rachel Glazer Dawn F. and Jacques M. Lipson Harcourt M. & Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation

Norma Andzer in memory of Arnold L. Andzer

Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation

Eastman Museum Council

In honor of Paolo Cherchi Usai

In honor of Jack Garner

In honor of Daniel M. Meyers Exhibition

Gathering Clouds ARTISTS SPEAK ABOUT THEIR WORKS

One of the benefits of exhibiting SHARON HARPER contemporary work is getting to hear Moonfall (As Imagined by the Off-Duty Ferryman from the artists themselves. In Gathering Charon in Flight over the River Styx) is an Clouds: Photographs from the Nineteenth installation of clouds photographed from airplane Century and Today, several artists windows. . . . Energy remains constant within a have contributed to our audio tour. system, though its form continually shifts. It’s The following are just a few excerpts. possible to imagine that the spirit is neither See the exhibition in person, and listen created nor destroyed, but cycles through life and to all of the artist commentary (with death. Charon is a mythological figure who moves transcripts) at eastman.oncell.com. For freely between the world of the living and the another opportunity to hear from the dead, ushering souls through a permanently twilit artists, attend our Gathering Clouds Panel space from this world to the next. Discussion—live online November 19 at The process of making these photographs 6 p.m. (see p. 18 for details.) embodies this phenomenon of transformation. The The audio tour and panel discussion images begin as black-and-white photographs that have been made possible in part by the are toned. The image is developed, disintegrates, National Endowment for the Humanities: and then is conjured again as it’s being colored. NEH CARES. The exhibition is generously The installation mirrors this process to create a sponsored by Midtown Athletic Club. meditative, self-enclosed, and changing system.

10 WILL WILSON Auto Immune Response is about autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects Native communities, but it’s also about our response—it’s, how do we survive this, reclaim agency, and move forward? Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect Native communities worldwide, and they’ve been associated with sudden changes in climate, foodways, and economy.

In this image, clouds are harbingers of the apocalypse. Apocalypse is both past, present, and future. A nuclear explosion from the Nevada test site has been superimposed into the storm that’s on the horizon and our protagonist is witnessing this event. So the work is really about stewardship, and how it’s important for us to think about how we take care of the earth. Thank you for witnessing.

JOSHUA RASHAAD McFADDEN It’s interesting to think about how clouds impact our daily lives. I think about cloud watching when I was a child, laying on the grass and staring at the sky. I also think about how we’re usually disappointed when there’s a very cloudy day and there’s no sun.

Here in this piece, I meditated on the thought of emergence from the clouds. The process of coming into being or becoming a prominent figure—being that light that breaks through the clouds or things that may keep us from reaching our true potential.

Opposite: Sharon Harper (American, b. 1966), Moonfall (As Imagined by the Off-Duty Ferryman Charon in Flight over the River Styx), details, 2001, gelatin silver prints © Sharon Harper; Above: Will Wilson (American, Navajo, b. 1969), AIR 1, 2004, from Auto Immune Response, inkjet print 11 © Will Wilson; Joshua Rashaad McFadden (American, b. 1990), A. W., 2016, from Selfhood, inkjet print and charcoal © Joshua Rashaad McFadden Exhibition

James Welling: Choreograph

The current exhibition in the Project Gallery special challenge: not only is the technology approximate the striking and unusual offers many ways to engage with artist James for mixing separate audio inputs while that exist in Welling’s Choreograph pictures. Welling’s work, including an exciting partnership livestreaming still largely unavailable (due The volume contains an essay by Lisa Hostetler, with local musicians, a new publication, and to the expense and technical requirements), who curated the Eastman Museum exhibition, even a photographic print to take home. but also, the musicians could not rehearse in and a conversation between the artist and the same space without risking one another’s editor Lesley Martin about his ideas With its dynamic combination of imagery, health. Happily, video and audio engineer Marc and inspirations for the series. deep engagement with photographic materials Webster offered to create videos for each of and processes, and luminous colors, the Welling has also created a limited edition the five compositions. These videos will debut photographs that artist James Welling created that will be for sale exclusively in at an online event on Saturday, November 14, for his series Choreograph are infused with a the Museum Shop. The image (depicted above) at 1 p.m. The virtual program will include visceral sense of bodies moving rhythmically is distinctly Choreograph, but the print is smaller a conversation among the composers, the through space. The association suggested a in size and affordable—the perfect holiday gift! musicians, and James Welling; see page 18 for natural collaboration with fivebyfive, a quintet details and register at eastman.org/welling. of Rochester musicians who commissioned James Welling: Choreograph is on view through five composers to create scores inspired The exhibition also coincides with the release January 3, 2021. For related videos, audio, and by Welling’s work. The original plan was of a corresponding Aperture publication, James a virtual 360 tour, visit eastman.org/welling. to premiere the results in a live musical Welling: Choreograph. A special edition with The exhibition is generously supported by the performance in the Dryden Theatre. The a limited print run, the book features images Rubens Family Foundation. COVID-19 pandemic, however, introduced a reproduced with inks specifically created to

James Welling (American, b. 1951), 9911, 2020, Lucinda Childs Dance Company, courtesy the artist 12 © James Welling Preservation & Access

The Archive Speaks: Silver Voices Oral History Project

Archivists often say that it is their job to “make the records speak,” that it is the archivists’ mission to help researchers “hear” what primary source materials “say” about the activities they record and the times in which they occurred. In most instances, this “speaking” is only a metaphor, but there are historical documents that can literally speak for themselves. Audio and audiovisual recordings—whether they be oral histories given by eyewitnesses to history or simply recordings of bygone events or proceedings— offer researchers immediate, first-person accounts of the past.

Thanks to the foresight of staff and resident researchers, the George Eastman Museum has amassed its own impressive collection of recordings. Some are accounts of the histories of photography and moving images told by the very people who made those histories happen. Others tell the story of the museum itself, and the work of curating and preserving some of our greatest treasures.

Preserving our crucial audio and audiovisual recordings—and broadening access by making them freely available—is a priority of the Eastman Museum. In 2019, the museum received a generous grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services the world’s leading institutions; and “The from Art Bridges and the National Endowment (IMLS) to digitize four of our most important Symposiums, Conferences, and Workshops for the Humanities NEH CARES program, recorded collections. The project, titled Silver Collection,” encompassing recordings of many the museum will be offering a preview of Voices: A Photography and Cinema Oral significant events organized by the museum. eighteen of these historic interviews, along Histories Digitization Project and spearheaded with audio introductions specially recorded Once transferred from the original by the museum’s Richard and Ronay Menschel by museum staff. This preview will be made electromagnetic tapes to digital files, these Library, comprises “The Photography Oral accessible to the public beginning this historic recordings will be enriched with History Project,” including interviews with November, at eastman.org/silvervoices. contextual information and made freely photographers , Lisette Model, available through the museum’s website. The Silver Voices will pave the way for additional and André Kertész; “The George Pratt Oral site will also feature an innovative transcription AV initiatives, thus enabling the museum’s Histories,” given by such silent-film luminaries feature that will make the recordings many other archival recordings to find their as Harold Lloyd, , , accessible by the deaf and hard-of-hearing. voices and, once again, speak for themselves. and Buster Keaton; “The Oral History of Photographic Conservation,” featuring video The project is scheduled for completion in Ken Fox recordings of conservators from some of late 2021, but thanks to generous support Head of Library and Archives

George Hurrell (American, 1904–1992), Buster Keaton, ca. 1930, gelatin silver print, printed ca. 2000, George Eastman Museum, gift of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Archival Foundation’s 13 Margaret Herrick Library. Seasonal Events

Visit the Eastman Museum for Favorite Holiday Traditions

We’re so excited to welcome you to the museum this holiday season. Although some of our traditions may be a little different in 2020, the Eastman Museum is still bringing you many opportunities to celebrate. Our annual seasonal displays will fill the museum with familiar cheer, and some new protocols will help ensure the health and safety of all our guests. We invite you to join us in person and online throughout November and December. Read on for all the festive details and some important updates for this year’s festivities.

14 SEASONAL DISPLAYS TIMED TICKETING GIVE THE GIFT OF GEM To reduce crowds for health and safety, SWEET CREATIONS Eastman Museum members know that we’re implementing timed ticketing for Beginning Friday, November 6, and running membership means more. Share the great nonmembers this year. Nonmembers should through Sunday, December 13, dozens of benefits of being a GEM member—including reserve tickets in advance (required) at cleverly designed and deliciously decorated a full year of free museum admission, free or eastman.org/tickets. Members and others gingerbread houses fill the mansion. This year, discounted tickets to events, discounts in the receiving free admission (active-duty military, we’ve limited the show to 45 submissions and Museum Shop, and more—with your family, SNAP/EBT cardholders) do not need to we’re placing many of the creations in display friends, or colleagues. reserve timed tickets. cases to make it safer and easier for visitors To purchase a gift membership, or to join to enjoy them while social distancing. This VIRTUAL 360 TOUR or renew, visit eastman.org/join, ask at beloved holiday tradition provides a visual Can’t make it to the museum in person? the Lipson Welcome Center, or call the and aromatic treat for visitors of all ages. Enjoy the mansion in festive splendor and Membership Department at (585) 327-4861. Sweet Creations is sponsored in part by Tops. see the seasonal displays from home with our virtual 360-degree tour. HANDCRAFTED WREATHS On view Wednesday, November 4, through FIND MORE INFO ONLINE Sunday, November 29, beautiful wreaths CHECK OFF YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT LIST designed by local florists and garden clubs IN THE NEW MUSEUM SHOP Go to eastman.org/holidays for line the museum’s Potter Peristyle. all the up-to-date information Visit our new Museum Shop for books, you need to plan your TABLETOP TREES CDs recorded in the historic mansion, holiday visits to the From Wednesday, November 18, through and much more! museum this year. Wednesday, December 16, tabletop trees Members get 20% off in the shop decorated by local organizations complement December 1–6 (open during the beautiful holiday decor throughout the museum hours, including till historic mansion. 8 p.m. on Dec. 3). Just show All of the gingerbread creations, wreaths, your member card to receive and trees are available in a silent auction— this special discount. new this year, we’re offering the auctions exclusively online (see below for details).

NEW FOR 2020 OPEN THURSDAY EVENINGS Instead of the one-night Holiday Homecoming event this year, we’re staying open late on Thursdays during Sweet Creations. Join us after-hours from 5 to 8 p.m., on November 12 and 19 and December 3 and 10. (The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day.)

ONLINE AUCTION See the gingerbread, wreaths, and trees in person and place your bids online! Use your own device at the museum or log on after your visit. As a reminder, winning bidders must pick up gingerbread, wreaths, and trees from the museum in person— we unfortunately cannot ship these items.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Castle, a 2019 creation by Betsi and Cameron Johnson On View

DON’T MISS Gathering Clouds: Photographs from the Nineteenth Century and Today

Exhibition closes January 3

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS AT THE EASTMAN MUSEUM

Gathering Clouds: Photographs from architecture, and landscape in layers of One Hundred Years Ago: the Nineteenth Century and Today distinctive, luminous color. The works prompt George Eastman in 1920 Through January 3, 2021, Main Galleries associations with bodies in motion, eliciting Through January 3, 2021, Sitting Room Gathering Clouds traces the complex history sensations of momentum, force, and rhythm. This display explores aspects of Eastman’s of photography’s relationship with clouds Generously supported by the Rubens Family life through artifacts such as an album of from the medium’s invention to Alfred Foundation. photographs, newspaper articles, the first Stieglitz’s Equivalents. With Equivalents issues of Kodak Magazine, and souvenirs Gallery serving as a connection between past from his trip to Japan. Sponsored in part by ESL Federal Credit Union. and present, the exhibition also features Through March 2021 From the contemporary works that forge new aesthetic The current installation of photographs to the Revolutionary Kodak paths while responding in various ways to commemorates the centennial of the 19th Second floor, Mansion the history of cloud photography. Generously Amendment’s ratification. The display Making Photographs: The First 50 Years sponsored by Midtown Athletic Club. examines how photography has portrayed, describes , wet plate, and dry James Welling: Choreograph and fundamentally shaped, perceptions of plate photography, and The Revolutionary Through January 3, 2021, Project Gallery women and feminist movements since the Kodak traces the early years of this James Welling’s Choreographs are large mid-1800s. important camera. Please note the camera inkjet prints combining images of dance, obscura is closed as a safety measure.

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FALL 2020 WISH YOU WERE HERE VIRTUAL LECTURE SERIES

Laylah Amatullah Barrayn: We Are Present

Wednesday, November 4, 6 p.m. Registration details below.

WEBINARS & ONLINE PROGRAMS Generous support for this demonstration published in Vogue, National Geographic, provided by Art Bridges. This demonstration the Washington Post, The Nation, and other The following are virtual events, and registration has been made possible in part by the National major publications. She is the co-author of is required. Unless noted, registration is free. Endowment for the Humanities: NEH CARES. MFON: of the African Visit eastman.org/webinars to register. Diaspora, the first anthology in nearly thirty WISH YOU WERE HERE TALK HISTORIC PROCESS DEMONSTRATION years that highlights photography produced by Laylah Amatullah Barrayn, We Are Present Mark Osterman, Early Silver Processes women of African descent. Nonmembers: $5; Wednesday, November 4, 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 1 p.m. eastman.org/tickets. Free to members; member Laylah Amatullah Barrayn is an award- Experiments in silver chloride date to the registration information will be shared with winning documentary photographer whose eighteenth century, but the chemistry was not current members via e-mail. Please contact work functions as a tool for activism, fighting fully understood until William Henry Fox Talbot [email protected] if you are a member oppression, and liberation. Born and based in conducted tests in the 1830s. In this talk, and are interested in registering. Generously Brooklyn, Barrayn is a frequent contributor Process Historian Mark Osterman will share sponsored by Thomas N. Tischer, PhD. to the New York Times and has been what Talbot built upon and then perfected. Continues p. 18

Laylah Amatullah Barrayn (American, b. 1970s), Tanika and her daughter Svaha, March 2020, from The City’s Most Creative Masks and Face Coverings, digital, courtesy Laylah Amatullah Barrayn for Vogue.com 17 Programs

WEBINARS & ONLINE PROGRAMS, CONT’D. composers to create new music in response by Art Bridges. This demonstration has to Welling’s photographs. Through physical been made possible in part by the National The following programs, continued from distancing, they then worked with Webster Endowment for the Humanities: NEH CARES. p. 17, are virtual events, and registration is to create music videos for each piece. This required. Unless noted, registration is free. WISH YOU WERE HERE TALK virtual program is the world premiere of the Visit eastman.org/webinars to register. Will Wilson’s AIR: A Conversation with the music videos and includes a conversation Artist, Janet Berlo, and Heather A. Shannon FOCUS 45 TALK with the musicians, composers, and Welling. Wednesday, December 2, 6 p.m. Mark Osterman, A Photographic Truth Generously sponsored by RIT, supported by Will Wilson’s series Auto Immune Response Friday, November 13, 1 p.m. New Music USA, and made possible with follows a Navajo (Diné) man as he wanders At first glance, photographs seem like funds from the Decentralization Program, through a postapocalyptic landscape. At this records that don’t lie. In this informative a regrant program of the New York State talk, Wilson will be joined by University of and humorous lecture in conjunction Council on the Arts with the support of Rochester professor Janet Berlo and associate with the exhibition Gathering Clouds: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New curator Heather A. Shannon to discuss the Photographs from the Nineteenth Century York State Legislature and administered by cultural and social implications of uranium and Today, process historian Mark Osterman Genesee Valley Council on the Arts. mining on the Navajo reservation and the way demonstrates that, starting in the nineteenth PANEL DISCUSSION Wilson’s environmental concerns continue to century, photography has always had a Gathering Clouds, Part 2 inform his artistic production. Nonmembers: challenging relationship with “the truth.” He Thursday, November 19, 6 p.m. $5; eastman.org/tickets. Free to members; will examine the methods and techniques The second of a two-part panel discussion member registration information will be by which photographers manipulated the with associate curator Heather A. Shannon shared with current members via e-mail. photographic record to resolve or mask this and artists whose work is featured in the Please contact [email protected] if dilemma. This talk has been made possible exhibition Gathering Clouds: Photographs you are a current member and are interested in part by the National Endowment for the from the Nineteenth Century and Today. in registering. Generously sponsored by Humanities: NEH CARES. For this second panel, Sharon Harper, Nick Thomas N. Tischer, PhD. VIRTUAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE Marshall, Penelope Umbrico, and Byron Wolfe FOCUS 45 TALK It Can’t Not Be Dance Music: New Music will discuss how clouds have informed their Erin Fisher, Not Just Inspired by the Art of James Welling thinking about the nature of photography. Friday, December 4, 1 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 1 p.m. For details, visit eastman.org/clouds. The Eastman Museum’s technology collection The Eastman Museum, the quintet fivebyfive, A recording of Gathering Clouds Panel holds more than 17,000 objects from the and audio/video engineer Marc Webster Discussion Part 1 with Alejandro Cartagena, earliest days of photography to today’s explore the intersection of art and music Sean McFarland, and Will Wilson will digital devices. While the collection is well in this program inspired by James Welling: be available after November 5 at known for its French and American cameras, Choreograph. Fivebyfive commissioned youtube.com/GeorgeEastmanMuseum. These the collection is also home to rare papers, panels have been made possible in part by film, packaging supplies, manuals, and early the National Endowment for the Humanities: objects related to developing and printing. NEH CARES. PLEASE NOTE Collection Manager Erin Fisher will discuss We do our best to provide a complete HISTORIC PROCESS DEMONSTRATION some of the hidden gems of the collection. and accurate listing of our programs in Mark Osterman, Nineteenth‑Century This talk has been made possible in part by these pages. However, in an effort to Retouching Techniques the National Endowment for the Humanities: be responsive to shifting circumstances Tuesday, December 1, 1 p.m. NEH CARES. and health and safety guidelines, we The limited sensitivity of nineteenth-century CURATOR’S GALLERY TALK may need to make changes after the photographic materialsw gave rise to a Todd Gustavson bulletin is printed. number of curious but effective techniques Friday, December 11, 1 p.m. to make photographs appear more natural. Please check the website and sign up Technology Curator Todd Gustavson will take In this presentation, Process Historian for e-news for up-to-date information. attendees on a virtual tour through some of Mark Osterman will show examples of early Program dates and times are subject the cameras and equipment in the collection. retouching and then demonstrate to change, and new programs This talk has been made possible in part by some of these rare techniques. Generous may be added. Thank you for your the National Endowment for the Humanities: support for this demonstration provided understanding and continued support. NEH CARES.

18 Programs

ONLINE PANEL DISCUSSION

Gathering Clouds, Part 2

With artists Sharon Harper, Nick Marshall, Penelope Umbrico, and Byron Wolfe

Thursday, November 19, 6 p.m. Register at eastman.org/clouds

IN-PERSON EVENTS Tabletop Tree Display & Auction LIVE MUSIC Wednesday, Nov. 18–Wednesday, Dec. 16, Handcrafted Wreath Display & Auction PERFORMANCES IN THE MANSION Mansion Wednesday, Nov. 4–Sunday, Nov. 29, Aeolian Pipe Organ Concerts, Sundays, 3 p.m. Trees decorated by local organizations Potter Peristyle Free to members, incl. w/museum admission. complement the beautiful holiday decor Wreaths designed by local florists and garden throughout the historic mansion. Auction is Nov. 1 & Dec. 13, Steve Kelly clubs line the museum’s Potter Peristyle. online only: eastman.org/holidays. Nov. 8 & 29, Dec. 6 & 20, Joe Blackburn Auction is online only: eastman.org/holidays. Nov. 15, Alden Wright Open Holiday Evenings Sweet Creations Gingerbread Nov. 22 & Dec. 27, organists to be announced Thursdays, November 12 & 19, Display & Auction December 3 & 10, 5–8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6–Sunday, Dec. 13, Mansion We’re staying open late on Thursdays during PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS Dozens of deliciously decorated gingerbread Sweet Creations. Join us after hours on creations fill the mansion. This beloved Please visit eastman.org/workshops these select evenings to see the mansion holiday tradition provides a visual and for updates. in full holiday splendor. Please note: aromatic treat for visitors of all ages. Auction Nonmembers must reserve tickets in advance is online only: eastman.org/holidays. Sweet at eastman.org/tickets. Members do not need Creations is sponsored in part by Tops. to reserve timed tickets.

Nick Marshall (American, b. 1984), Screen/Time (6), 2019, gelatin silver print, courtesy of the artist © Nick Marshall 19 Dryden Theatre

In the Meantime, at the Dryden . . .

While the Dryden Theatre remains closed due Each print is requested from the vault. The to the pandemic, our staff has been working films are held at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and diligently behind the scenes to ensure that 30 percent relative humidity. Thus, each print when we do receive approval to open, all new must acclimate for at least 24 hours, bringing policies and procedures will be in place to it slowly to room temperature to avoid bring you back to the place we all love. condensation that can damage both the base and the emulsion. That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped programming, however. What you see projected is the Once the film has acclimated, I’ll look at final product of a months-long endeavor to each reel on an inspection bench. You can dimensional changes, such as shrinkage bring a moving image artifact to the screen. tell a lot about the print and how it’s going to or warping. When this odor is present, There are over 25,000 titles in the museum look when it’s projected based on this tactile I perform a litmus test on each reel to get collection, and I will never see all of them. experience, using most of your senses. If an an indication of how much off-gassing the But for the titles we do decide to project, acetate-based film has an odor similar to print is producing. we take them through a rigorous process to vinegar, it indicates that the base has started ensure that they are projectable. to decompose and that I need to look out for

20 I wind through each reel, carefully guiding previous lap, and a warped print will make VIRTUAL OFFERINGS the film by its edges in between my fingers. a particular noise pattern as it passes over DRYDEN VIRTUAL CINEMA In this way, I can become aware of edge the plate. Curated titles for you to rent online damage or torn perforations that need to be When the inspection is complete and help to provide crucial income for the repaired. If the damage is severe enough, it necessary repairs have been made, I can Dryden while we are closed. can greatly diminish the cinema experience take the print to a flatbed viewer. Much eastman.org/dryden or even disqualify a print from projection. gentler on the film than a standard projector, The last thing we want to do is cause more DRYDEN THEATRE RECOMMENDS this machine allows me to view the film damage to the print by exhibiting it. When watching a movie at home, you while stopping to make notes on condition can enjoy a Dryden-style introduction, At the same time, I am looking at the film and content. In this way, I can ensure that as well as interviews with filmmakers frames themselves. A color-faded print is the reels are in the proper order, that the and subject experts. instantly recognizable. Scratches on the film plays complete, and that the image and youtube.com/GeorgeEastmanMuseum image will become apparent in reflected sound are of good enough quality to project. light. I will look at both the base side This is the only time during the inspection DIGITIZED FILMS ONLINE and the emulsion side of the film, as process that we get to hear the soundtrack, Selections from the museum’s preserved the scratches on each side will present so it’s an important step. I’ll also get a better films in the moving image collection differently. A base scratch will often appear sense of the damage that existed in previous include documentaries, actualities, black, as the light is being refracted away generations of this particular title. If the animation, and screen tests that you from the film; an emulsion scratch removes film comes from a nitrate preservation, it won’t find anywhere else. the image on the film itself, showing up as may have nitrate decomposition printed-in. eastman.org/digitizedfilms white in a black‑and-white print, or green As the image is duplicated, making copies or yellow in a color print. from copies, it may lose detail in both the highlights and the shadows. Assessing all BECOME A MEMBER I stop frequently during inspection, testing of these factors is important to creating a Becoming a member of the Eastman every splice for strength, and to ensure wonderful cinematic experience. Museum is a great way to support the that it is in frame. I take this opportunity Dryden Theatre while we remain closed. to look at the image through a loupe to As I investigate titles in the museum You’ll always get the latest news for get a sense of how well it was printed and collection, each print goes through this the Dryden and the museum, as well as what kind of image quality we can expect process. Some of my favorite work memories exclusive benefits, members-only online from an exhibition. I will look for subtitles are of inspecting rare or unique prints, such programs, and more. if the film was released in a language other as Cabin in the Sky (Vincente Minnelli, eastman.org/membership than English. I also test the shrinkage of 1943), Apocalypse Now Redux (Francis each reel at least three times. Shrinkage as Ford Coppola, 1979/2001), and a cobbled- low as 1 percent can cause problems in the together print of Spartacus (Stanley Kubrick, STAY CONNECTED projector, and requires curatorial approval 1960) that came from several sources, Join the conversation on Twitter, for projection. including a version with Czech subtitles. The Facebook, and Instagram for quick Dryden Theatre and our staff pride ourselves The film travels through a specialized counter facts and reminders about our online on giving you the best possible cinematic that measures the length of each individual programming. And be sure you’re event, highlighting the original experience of reel. Using these totals, we can calculate the signed up for Dryden e-news at seeing film projected in a theatrical setting. running time of each print and compare it eastman.org/enews. The work we’re doing now will pay great to the original release, giving us a sense of dividends when we welcome you back to the whether the print is complete or not. The film theater. We can’t wait to see you all again! makes sound as it travels from one plate to the other, going through the counter, as well Jared Case as against the plates themselves. If there is Curator of Film Exhibitions excess adhesive on the reels due to splices or repair, you can hear it separate from the

21 Ask GEM

ASK A CURATOR How many acres was George Eastman’s estate?

The short answer is, according to Eastman Eastman hired architect J. Foster Warner the property and demolished the house, himself, his urban farm was ten acres. and landscape architect Alling DeForest. The adding another 1.29 acres to his estate. He However, with many changes to the existing Marvin Culver home was demolished, hired Claude Bragdon to design a sunken property over the years—during and after though Eastman saved some of the foundation garden on this newly acquired land. From his Eastman’s lifetime—the answer is a little bricks to be used in other buildings on his bedroom, Eastman could look out onto this more complicated. Here, Legacy Curator property. DeForest retained as many trees as garden and see the seasonal changes. Kathy Connor provides the background: he could on the property, but also had giant After Eastman’s death, his property was elm trees brought from Buffalo by barge on Early in 1902, a 48-year-old George Eastman used as the residence for the University of the . American elms already lined began looking for property to build his dream Rochester presidents and eventually when the all of East Avenue at the time, creating a house. He had looked at property on Lake site became a museum more land was added beautiful shady canopy over the street. Avenue, which would have been closer to the for visitor parking, mechanical equipment, Kodak corporate office on State Street and his In addition to the fifty-room Colonial Revival storage for garden and grounds equipment. manufacturing plant at Kodak Park; however, residence, Warner and DeForest designed an Today, the museum campus totals 10.5 acres. these properties were not large enough for the estate that included a cow barn, a chicken urban farm Eastman hoped to create. When coop, a horse stable, a vegetable garden, an asked by a friend why he needed to move he orchard, greenhouses, flower gardens, and a ASK US! replied “I had to have more room for my cows.” long grassy vista that ran from East Avenue Curious about a collection object? to University Avenue. Have a question about George Eastman? In June 1902, Eastman purchased the eight- Want to know more about a restoration and-a-half acre parcel known as the Culver To the west sat the large home owned by project? Post on social media with property for $100,000. He called it “the last Lewis Ross, a local shoe manufacturer. #AskGEM or e-mail [email protected]. farm within city limits.” When Ross died in 1916, Eastman bought

Unidentified photographer, aerial view of estate looking from East Avenue toward University Avenue, ca. 1926, 22 gelatin silver print, George Eastman Museum, gift of the . Closing Shot

The Eastman Museum has received two grant awards, of $35,000 each, from Art Bridges through the Bridge Ahead Initiative—a nearly $6 million commitment to assist its partner museums adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of these grants is supporting the Eastman Museum’s development and implementation of online engagement.

Here, in a video supported by the grant, Chief Object Preparator Emily Phoenix reads The Bluest of Blues: Anna Atkins and the First Book of Photographs by Fiona Robinson. Enjoy the book with Emily and then make your own inspired by Anna Atkins with our tutorial. Find both videos at eastman.org/kids. Generous support for this project provided by Art Bridges. This video made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: NEH CARES.

Information

(585) 327-4800 | eastman.org Hours & Admission Health & Safety All info subject to change. To plan your visit, go to eastman.org/visit. • All visitors ages 2+ and staff members are required to The George Eastman Museum is accredited by the Special Holiday Hours Nov. 6–Dec. 13 wear face masks. American Alliance of Museums and is a member (with timed ticketing in effect for nonmembers): • Coatroom and lockers are closed; please leave personal of the Association of Art Museum Directors and tue, wed, fri, sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m., thu 10 a.m.–8 p.m., belongings, backpacks, and bulky items at home. the International Federation of Film Archives. sun 11 a.m.–5 p.m. • Hand sanitizing stations are provided. Regular Hours resume Dec. 14: • Social distancing is required between different parties. wed–sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m., sun 11 a.m.–5 p.m. • Please stay home if you or anyone in your party are Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Visit eastman.org/welcome-back for more information. As of press time, the Dryden Theatre is closed. Membership Accessibility & Interpretation Purchase tickets online in advance (required for The Eastman Museum and Dryden Theatre are Subscription to this publication is a benefit of museum nonmembers) at eastman.org/tickets. accessible. Some areas of the historic mansion membership. Other benefits include free museum admission, Museum Admission: Members always free. New rates and gardens have limited accessibility. discounted film tickets, members‑only events, and more. To as of October 10, 2020: $18 adults, $16 seniors (65+), Sign language interpretation for events is join or for more information, visit eastman.org/membership $7 ages 5–17 and students (w/ID). Always free for available with one week’s notice; contact or call Member Services at (585) 327-4861. children 4 & under, for EBT or SNAP cardholders & their (585) 327-4838 or [email protected]. families, and for active-duty military personnel & their Join Us Online families. Advance tickets not required for members, Facility Rentals Eastman Museum at Home: eastman.org/home active-duty military, or EBT/SNAP cardholders. #EastmanMuseum Host your private event or wedding ceremony at facebook.com/georgeeastmanmuseum Public Transportation the Eastman Museum. Call (585) 327-4888. Instagram & Twitter: @eastmanmuseum RTS East Ave. route 57, University Ave. route 48, youtube.com/georgeeastmanmuseum and Park Ave. route 31

23 900 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-2298 eastman.org

VISIT THE EASTMAN MUSEUM THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Sweet Creations returns November 6–December 13 See inside for more info on all the holiday festivities this year.