Spring 2026 Series
Join the Arts Council for another arts lecture series that will dive into art and the lives of the best artists in history, in addition to other artistically interesting topics. Scroll down to learn more…
INSPIRED!
Moments, Objects & Cultures That Changed the Course of Modern Art
Wed., Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:30pm
OR
Thu., Apr. 9, 2026 at 10am
(Choose at reservation)
LECTURER: Ellen Burke
“All my work is based to some extent on Japanese art” ~ Vincent Van Gogh
Legend has it that in 1871 French artist Claude Monet walked into a food shop in Amsterdam and spotted Japanese prints being used as wrapping paper. He was so inspired by the prints that he purchased one; a purchase that would change his life and art as well as the history of Modern Art. Through his fascination with Japanese printmaking, Monet embraced an economy of expression, an obsession with light and shadow and a desire for balance. Monet spent the last decades of his life painting his water lilies, again and again seeking a perfection perhaps best described as Japanese. Join us as we explore the influence of exotic cultures, artifacts and objects on Western art and artists through the works of Monet, Mary Cassatt, Matisse, Picasso, and Gauguin.
LECTURER: Ellen Burke is an arts educator with 37 years of experience as a studio art instructor and fine & performing arts administrator. In addition to teaching in Massachusetts, she was an adjunct instructor in art education at the New Hampshire Art Institute. Since moving to Pinehurst, she has presented art lectures at local galleries and teaches small group art lessons to children and adults.
Michelangelo’s David statue encased in a protective brick cocoon
THE MONUMENTS MEN IN ITALY WWII
Tue., Apr., 21, 2026 at 5:30pm
OR
Wed., Apr 22, 2026 at 10am
(Choose date at reservation.)
LECTURER: Abbe Allen
Months before the introduction of the Monuments Men with the successful D-day invasion, there were Monuments Men on the ground in Italy. They faced a monumental task. It is estimated that the city of Florence alone contains approximately 10% of the world’s art treasures. In order to protect Michelangelo’s David, and his other statues along the corridor, the Academia in Florence encased the statue in brick. We will look at the trials, tribulations and successes of the Monuments Men in Italy.
LECTURER: Abbe Allen is a retired professor of history, political science, & art history from Sandhills Community College. Prior to moving to Whispering Pines, she was an adjunct instructor in the humanities at Columbus State Community College & a docent at the Columbus Museum of Art. Abbe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University, two Master of Arts degrees from The Ohio State University, & one Master of Arts degree from Ohio University.
COST per lecture: $26 for Arts Council Members ($32 for Nonmembers)
All lectures will be presented in the Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House
(482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines)
Space is limited. Reserve your seat now with full payment
at the Arts Council or call 910-692-ARTS (2787)