Come explore the life and legacy of prolific California landscape painter William Keith in the historic Arts & Crafts church that inspired his later career, featuring a display on site of some of his rarely-seen works with insightful illustrated presentations by engaging scholars. The San Francisco Swedenborgian Church and The Hearst Art Gallery at St Mary’s College of California are pleased to present “William Keith: The Subjective Mystery of the California Landscape” on Saturday, October 14th through a day-long symposium open to the public. This is a limited-reservation event that will not be streamed online.
From his adventurous youth to his mature mastery, Keith was compelled by a visual fascination with the immense beauty of nature and famed for his depictions of the grandeur and moods of California’s mountains, valleys and seashore. The story of his evolving styles was influenced by a pantheon of 19th-century artists and intellectuals from Europe and America, and by close friends on sketching excursions with John Muir, Carleton Watkins, George Inness, and also by Rev. Joseph Worcester’s nearly daily visits. This symposium will thoughtfully explore not only the history, society, and artistic philosophy that guided his prolific hand and his legacy but touch on the personal joys and profound tragedy that transformed his life and art.
Reservation tickets are donation-based and benefit the care and preservation of the National Historic Landmark, the Swedenborgian Church and events like this. Tickets for an optional buffet lunch are also available. Space is limited, reserve your spot soon.
For more information visit the San Francisco Swedenborgian Church website.
