How did Picasso, a known enemy of fascism survive the Nazi occupation of Paris? What was Velazquez's secret family history? How did Louise Nevelson's early childhood in the Ukraine influence her art? What's the relationship between painting and cinema for Edward Hopper and Alfred Hitchcock? What art did Jackie Kennedy collect? How has symbolism of birds evolved in art? What artist worked in a basement in Queens for his entire career? Was the Hudson Valley School's picture of the American West accurate?

These questions, and more, are addressed in my Talking Art Series. Since 2015, I've been bringing the arts to libraries, museums, and private organizations. My goal is to engage audiences with compelling presentations that deepen the way we understand narratives in art history. I also like to focus on artists that have been overlooked or at risk of being forgotten.


This year I've added two new talks, Louise Nevelson: Queen of New York and Chapters in American Illustration to my series.

Contact me if you would like more information on my availability, speakers fee, or to reserve a date. I look forward to hearing from you,

Cliff Tisdell

July, 2024

ctisdell166@gmail.com  

Talking Art Series


click on images for details

2015 - 2023:

Ameriprise and First Trust, Westchester, NY

Brookdale, Battery Park, NY

Bronxville Public Library, NY

Chappaqua Public Library, NY

DOROT, NYC

Edward Hopper House Museum, Nyack, NY

Larchmont Public Library, NY

Lillian Booth Actors Home, Englewood, NJ

Montclair State University, NJ

New Canaan Public Library, CT

New City Public Library, NY

Nyack Library, NY

Oakland Public Library, NJ

Sinai Free Synagogue, Mount Vernon, NY

Simsbury Public Library, CT

Suffern Public Library, NY

Trager Contemporary, Charleston, SC

Valley Cottage Public Library, NY

Westchester Society of Humanistic Judaism

photos top: with Joan Kuhn at the Chappaqua Library, 2019. middle: Joseph Cornell presentation at the Edward Hopper House, 2015 bottom: at Velazquez's childhood home, Sevile, Spain, 2022

Jackie Kennedy,

First Lady of the Arts

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"Thank you, once again, for a most fascinating presentation - about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' private art collection. Your talk added depth and perspective to Jackie's life and your thoughtful presentation style helps everyone "lean in" to the material even more.  We are so grateful!"


Wendy Handler

Director, Onsite &

Special Programs

DOROT, Inc.

New York, NY

"Dreams and Shadows was a big hit, we greatly value intellectually stimulating material."

Lillian Booth Actors Home


Dreams and Shadows is one of the most viewed videos on New City Library's YouTube channel archive

NEW TALK

NEW TALK



ARTIST'S TALK