Date: Sep 05, 2008

Hofstra University Museum Presents "The Presidents: 1933-2001, History of Presidential Conferences at Hofstra University"

Art, Photographs, and Memorabilia Reflect the Eras and Decades

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY- The Hofstra University Museum presents a new exhibition that utilizes visual interpretations to showcase the importance of the Presidential Conference Series at Hofstra University, which began in 1982.  The Presidents:  1933-2001, History of Presidential Conferences at Hofstra University, will be on view September 8, 2008 through December 8, 2008 in the David Filderman Gallery and through October 26, 2008 in the Rochelle and Irwin A. Lowenfeld Conference and Exhibition Hall.

The exhibition will feature works of art from the Hofstra University Museum collection, as well as archival photographs, documents and memorabilia from the conferences to reflect the eras and decades of American presidents of the 20th century including Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Bill Clinton.

The Hofstra University Museum’s David Filderman Gallery, located on the ninth floor of the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, will exhibit selected artwork, from the Museum’s permanent collection, which was created during the time period from 1933 – 2001.  Examples in this exhibition provide artistic context and artistic interpretation of political and societal events that occurred during the timeframe of the presidencies highlighted during the conferences.   Works of art range from Thomas Hart Benton’s war propaganda poster, The Sowers, of 1942 to Patrick Nagatani’s Nuclear Enchantment photographic series in1989. 

The Hofstra University Museum’s Rochelle and Irwin A. Lowenfeld Conference and Exhibition Hall, located on the 10th floor of the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, offers a display of the conference programs from the individual conferences along with selected photographs of dignitaries that participated in the individual conferences such as Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail S. Gorbachev. 

In conjunction with the exhibit, a concert entitled Eight Decades of American Music: A Retrospective is planned for Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 3 pm in the The Rochelle and Irwin A. Lowenfeld Conference and Exhibition Hall, on the 10th floor of the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library.  Featuring the talents of Marilyn Lehman, piano; Karen Lehman, soprano; and Naomi Drucker, clarinet, this concert will include works by American composers Elliot Carter, Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Elie Siegmeister and Jonathan Russ.

For more information on this exhibit and related public program call (516) 463-5672 or visit the Hofstra University website at www.hofstra.edu/museum .

The Hofstra University Museum has been awarded the highest honor a museum can receive, continued accreditation by the American Association of Museums (AAM). Approximately 5% of museums nationwide have earned this distinguished recognition. Accreditation certifies that the Hofstra University Museum operates according to professional standards, manages its collections responsibly and provides quality service to the public.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from more than 145 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.