See the Metropolitan Museum of Art from an Artist’s Perspective February 24, 2012

- Host Mark Venaglia is an artist with work in corporate and private collections worldwide
- Explore the new galleries in The American Wing while learning about its controversies
- Get to know American art’s “Green Movement” and its origins in the early 1800s
- Join Mark for coffee or a cocktail afterwards to debrief the experience

The authentic edge of art exists within the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Combining the insights of an artist, art collector and museum curator, host Mark Venaglia will give you a unique perspective on the home of some of the world’s most sought-after works that were once the source of much controversy.

Mark is one of the leaders of art’s “Green Movement.” He’ll explain how the movement was pioneered by the Naturalist painters of the early 1800s, with great examples found in the gleaming galleries of the newly renovated American Wing.

In particular, Mark will discuss and demonstrate how “Heart of the Andes” painter, Frederick Church, is the grandfather of American cinematography. View the painting the way the Victorians who waited for several hours in line did: with opera glasses to observe every intricate detail.

You should cover admission prior to meeting Mark at the start of the SideTour. Pro tip: Don’t forget The Met’s “pay what you wish” option. Also, the Museum doesn’t accept laptops at coat check, so unless you want to haul your bag around please leave it at home.