America 250 Talk: Max Grinnell, “Back to the Past: Public Art Since 1976” at the Swampscott Public Library

Hosted by the Nahant Public Library and the Swampscott Public Library

Wednesday 6/17 at 6pm, at the Swampscott Public Library
61 Burrill St, Swampscott, MA 01907

Fifty years ago, public art in the United States was at a crossroads. The era of bronze sculptures dedicated primarily to long-passed heroes was over. A new world was emerging, complete with abstract figures, complex ideologies, and at times, the unbridled love of country that defines the American experience.

This presentation will take interested parties on a journey that looks at the role the government has played in encouraging public art since the Bicentennial, along with offering an overview of major works created across the United States in the past five decades. Along the way, we’ll grapple with some timely questions, including “Who is public art for?” and “What is the purpose of public art?”

Max Grinnell has designed and taught courses on urban studies, community development, geography, planning and sociology at the University of Wisconsin, Boston University, the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and the University of Chicago. He has worked with the Michael Sorkin Design Studio, the American Institute of Architects, the Boston Public Library, the Chicago Public Library, Frommer’s, Fodor’s Travel + Leisure, and more.