Dr. Joni Kinsey
Professor Emerita, School of Art and Art History
Thursday, April 16, 2026
4:00 p.m.
Kollros Auditorium
1st Floor - Biology Building East
The idea of “American Art for the Public Good” has been at the core of my research and teaching for forty years. Even as I have sometimes dealt with enormous paintings owned by elites, I have consistently been drawn to topics that have relevance or meanings for everyday folks, or that resulted from public funding of art for the people. This illustrated lecture will offer a brief overview of some of these--nineteenth century federal survey work that resulted in the first portrayals of land that became national parks, images of the American prairie, popular print culture, and Regionalism and the New Deal era—before taking one image in depth, exploring it visually and historically to demonstrate how visual imagery can contribute to a shared sense of common cause.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Tricia Zebrowski in advance at 319-331-4289 or tricia-zebrowski@uiowa.edu.