As part of our April film series on Women in Art, the Maine Film Center and the Colby College Museum of Art present three short documentary films: The 100 Years Show; Betye Saar: Taking Care of Business; and Miss Alma Thomas: A Life in Color.
The 100 Years Show (2017, 30 minutes) tells the story of Carmen Herrera, who sold her first painting at age 89, and is now widely accepted as one of the leading postwar abstract painters. Untitled by Carmen Herrera is currently on view at the museum.
Betye Saar: Taking Care of Business (2020, 8 minutes) is a short film that takes place in the artist’s Los Angeles studio, as she speaks about collecting objects, African American history, art as a weapon, and making people think. Leader by Betye Saar is currently on view at the museum.
Miss Alma Thomas: A Life in Color (2021: 20:00) is the first documentary film to explore Thomas’ incredible life through the lens of curators, art specialists, scholars, and her family. It features award-winning actress Alfre Woodard as the voice of Alma Thomas. A work by Alma Thomas, Red Tree in High Winter, from the Colby Museum collection is currently part of a multi-city traveling exhibition, Alma W. Thomas: Everything is Beautiful.
Kris Bergquist, Mirken Curator of Education and Engagement at the Colby Museum, will introduce the film with Carole Baldwin, chair of the UMA Senior College (UMASC), and Priscilla Doel, a member of the curriculum committee for UMASC. Carole and Priscilla will share information about how 50+ adults can participate in lifelong learning opportunities with UMASC.
A Create-It Kit inspired by the work of Carmen Herrera will be distributed during the program (and available at the Colby Museum for the remainder of the month, or while supplies last). The kits, designed by the museum’s student guides, include all the materials needed to create a work of art in the comfort of your own home.
The Campus + Community Film series is a collaborative program of the Colby College Museum of Art and Maine Film Center at Railroad Square Cinema. Films selected are related to or inspired by current exhibitions and/or works in the Colby Museum collection.