Welcome to Museum Reads, the Newport Art Museum’s Art-Themed book group for adults! Are you looking to learn more about art and artists, or enjoy digging into some of the issues present in our current exhibitions? Then this friendly discussion group is for you. We meet monthly on the third Thursday at 12 noon, in person and virtually. Join us virtually from the office for an invigorating lunch break, or enjoy an hour of inspiration during a wee one’s nap time, or find us in the gallery for in-person conversation.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude: A Biography by Bert Chernow

What induces an artist to undertake such complicated, dangerous, and ephemeral projects as covering a rocky Australian coastline in synthetic fabric, hanging a colossal curtain across a Colorado valley, or wrapping the Reichstag? Christo, the Bulgarian-born mastermind behind numerous unprecedented, large-scale, politically volatile, and, after the dust settles, sublime and unforgettable creations, has courageously challenged assumptions about art for more than four decades. A man of phenomenal energy, vision, and passion, he’s remained an enigma in spite of his renown, as has his collaborator and wife, Jeanne-Claude. This unusual couple, who share the same 1935 birthday and who fell in love under scandalous circumstances in 1959, didn’t declare their “artistic interdependence” until 1994. Chernow, who knew the resilient and intense pair well, recounts their dramatic life stories and chronicles the arduous technical, financial, legal, and public relations efforts involved in their monumental projects, establishing beyond doubt the true symbiotic nature of their partnership. Sadly, Chernow died before completing this captivating work, but it will stand as the keystone biography of a truly revolutionary artist and his soul mate. -Donna Seaman, American Library Association

Museum Reads is free for Members, and $5 for yet-to-be Members.

Be sure to register online to receive email updates and Zoom links.
For last minute registrations, please call the front desk for the Zoom link at 401-848-8200.