The art movement dubbed Regionalism, which primarily existed in the American Midwest and South, began with the Great Depression and ended with World War II. Its artists rejected European modernism, industrialization, and cities. Instead, they depicted traditional rural life, hoping to recover (or invent) a dignified American identity during an economically and socially trying period. This lecture explores the work and influence of the American Regionalist artists, including Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood, John Steuart Curry, and Alexandre Hogue. Their lives and work are documented within the context of the social and political issues they faced, as they left their unmistakable imprints upon 20th century art.

Bio:
Eleanor Schrader is an award-winning educator, lecturer, and author. She lectures worldwide on art and architectural history, and leads art and architecture tours throughout the world. She has been named a Distinguished Instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches history of architecture, interior design, furniture, and decorative arts. She is also Professor Emeritus of Art and Architectural History at Santa Monica College. She has done graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby's Institute in London and New York. She has served as a Design Review Commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the John Lautner Foundation.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people 50+ years of age, seeking intellectual stimulation through university level courses (without the pressure of grades) for the sake of learning and social engagement.