a question of imagination and taste

a question of imagination and taste: the Jewett Arts Center, then and now is an exhibition in the Jewett Art Gallery, running from September 2 through October 10. The original artifacts, blueprints, drawings, and photographs in this show speak to the history and the contemporary life of this important modernist building.

The Jewett Arts Center opened in 1958. Designed by architect Paul Rudolph, Jewett replaced the Farnsworth Art Museum and 'completed' Wellesley's academic quad through its siting on the west side of Norumbega Hill. The building was decidedly modern, but made careful and deliberate nods in its materials and detailing to the neo-Gothic architecture of existing buildings on the quad.

Originally built to house the Art and Music Departments as well as the College's public art museum, Jewett today is a lively center of creative and academic inquiry, performance, and exhibition.

Information about a reception to celebrate this exhibition is forthcoming.

The Jewett Art Gallery is open to the public and free to visit, open daily from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Visitors driving to campus should plan to park in the campus parking garage and walk to Jewett (see campus map here).

For information about handicapped parking and accessible routes into the building, or for any other questions about the gallery or show, please contact Gallery Director Samara Pearlstein: spearls2@wellesley.edu or 781-283-2043.