Neiman Marcus, The Blanton As Catalysts for Social Reform?

It's an odd proposition, but according to Michael Kimmelman, New York Times' chief art critic, there are striking parallels between museums and department stores as "institutions of social change." He's in Austin this afternoon to present his argument, which will also examine the role of commerce in today's museums.

A finalist for the 2000 Pulitzer Prize in criticism, Kimmelman has authored several books on art and art history. Notable works include “Portraits: Talking with Artists at the Met, the Modern, the Louvre and Elsewhere” (1998), voted Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year, and his latest, “The Accidental Masterpiece: On the Art of Life and Vice Versa” (2005), which explores the art found in everyday life.

Today's lecture is free, but seating is limited.

New York Times Chief Art Critic Michael Kimmelman
Friday, April 20th
B. Iden Payne Theatre, Winship Drama Building [map]
3:30pm
Free

Photo from PBS