"Classical Architecture and Monuments of D.C." Book Talk
Mar
29
7:00 PM19:00

"Classical Architecture and Monuments of D.C." Book Talk

Michael Curtis - Classical Architecture and Monuments, DC

The National Civic Art Society cordially invites you to attend a book talk and discussion in conjunction with the publication of Classical Architecture and Monuments of Washington, D.C.: A History and Guide by Michael Curtis. A reception will follow. RSVP here.

Discussing the book will be Al Cox, Historic Preservation Manager for the City of Alexandria, and Andy Seferlis, a professional tour guide and stone-carver who updated the book The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington D.C.: A Comprehensive Historical Guide.  

About the author: A co-founder of the National Civic Art Society who serves on its Board of Directors, Michael Curtis studied classical architecture at the University of Michigan, and painting, sculpture, and engraving in Florence, Italy. He has been a sculptor for more than 25 years. Major commissions include The History of Texas at the Texas Rangers Ball Park in Arlington, Texas, the largest American frieze produced in the 20th Century, as well as portrait busts for the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court’s Thurgood Marshall Building, and many other public venues. His specialty is portraiture and fine medals. 

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Nov
14
to Nov 15

Dramatic Cultural Change and the Future of Architecture

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On November 14, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., the National Civic Art Society is hosting a dialogue discussion on"Dramatic Cultural Change and the Future of Architecture."

The question is: In a time of increasing globalization, technological growth, and social alienation, what role ought architecture play? Should it keep pace with "modernity" and be equally au courant? Should it look back to tradition to encourage people to feel at home in the world? Or is there a third way?

Our speakers will be architects Duo Dickinson and Michael G. Imber, FAIA.

For more information, and to register, click HERE.

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Oct
16
2:00 PM14:00

Lecture: Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C.

On October 16, 2016, the National Civic Art Society hosted a lecture at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C. by Calder Loth, Senior Architectural Historian for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. His subject was "Reconstructing Lost Architecture: A Commendable Tradition." He provided the arguments for rebuilding destroyed historic landmarks, and offers examples from around the world. Loth noted that the reconstruction of demolished historic structures has long been considered strictly forbidden. The loss of a significant building is usually considered to be an opportunity to rebuild with a structure reflecting a "contemporary" aesthetic and lifestyle. Nevertheless, a widespread popular sentiment holds that natural or man-made disasters should not deprive us of important heritage, and that accurate rebuilding of landmarks is a commendable activity since reconstructions serve emotional, patriotic, aesthetic, and educational needs. Moreover, the majority of reconstructions are serious, scholarly achievements. Time has shown that few people regret these resurrected buildings.

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May
13
2:00 PM14:00

New Urbanism and the Human Habitat: Beauty in the Natural and Built Environment.

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On May 13, 2015 at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., the National Civic Art Society hosted a panel discussion on "New Urbanism and the Human Habitat: Beauty in the Natural and Built Environment."

Speakers:

  • James Howard Kunstler, author of The Geography of Nowhere
  • Michael Mehaffy, Portland-based urban designer
  • Roger Scruton, English philosopher and public commentator
  • Moderator: Orsolya Ujj, Pannonius Fellow of the Common Sense Society
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Jul
18
2:00 PM14:00

Panel: Eisenhower Memorial

On July 18, 2014, at the U.S. House Rayburn Office Building in Washington, D.C., the National Civic Art Society hosted a briefing to discuss the current state of the Eisenhower Memorial and its future prospects. The panel concluded that the design is dead, and advocated for a new, open competition.

Speakers:

  • The Hon. Bruce Cole, former Chairman of the National Endowment of the Humanities, and President Obama's appointee to the Eisenhower Memorial Commission
  • Justin Shubow, President of the National Civic Art Society
  • Catesby Leigh, art and architecture critic
  • Moderator: Howard Segermark, Chairman Emeritus of the National Civic Art Society
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