WITH
Merle Born
What does a former teacher and art lover do when she retires to Florida? Merle Born started giving talks about Pablo Picasso over 3 years ago.
After her success presenting “Picasso Talks” to numerous clubs and organizations, Merle was asked if she could speak about other artists.
Marc Chagall immediately came to mind as perhaps the most popular Jewish artist.
After researching and presenting a talk on Chagall, she was again asked to speak about another artist. Merle chose Georgia O’Keeffe for her original point of view, her feminism and her truly American art. Other talks are being planned. Check this website for updates.
In these talks, Merle’s goal is to educate and entertain. People may be familiar with the art, but not the artist. They are eager to learn what influenced their art and learn little-known facts about their personal lives. Some of the details are quite fascinating!
Merle is an accomplished speaker. So well received are Merle’s presentations that several organizations have invited her back for a second and third time. These talks appeal to women’s organizations, art clubs, charitable organizations, etc. There is a virtual option as well.
Each talk is designed to be approximately 45 minutes in length and is accompanied by 20-30 projected images which illustrate information being delivered. Some talks are accompanied by handouts.
The talks are listed below...
Picasso’s Women
Picasso is well known for his many lovers. Every time a wife or mistress changed, so did his art. This talk introduces each of his eight principal wives and mistresses and discloses the eventual fate of each of them. It discloses some shocking details. It is especially appealing to women’s groups.
Picasso: The Man, The Mistresses, The Money
More general in nature than “Picasso’s Women,” this talk introduces you to Picasso’s background and how he became the richest and most famous artist of the 20th century. You will learn about his mistresses, his family, and what happened when he died without a will in 1973.
Marc Chagall: Painter and Poet of Love
An emblematic figure of modern art, Chagall impresses us with his colorful, dreamlike paintings. His life was one of love, loss, exile and longing. His humble beginnings influenced him tremendously. He had one true love-Bella. Learn more about his long life and enduring works.
Georgia O'Keeffe: Pioneer of Modern American Art
O’Keeffe’s significance and originality as an American painter cannot be overlooked. From farm girl to the most famous female American artist, O’Keeffe resisted attempts to make her anything other than what she wanted to be. Find out how her relationships with Alfred Steiglitz and New Mexico influenced her art.
Bio
Merle Born has always loved art. She grew up outside NYC and often took the bus into the city to visit its many museums. A French major at the University of Pennsylvania, Merle regularly took history of art classes to complement her studies. After receiving her Master’s from Stanford University, she became a French and Spanish teacher. Merle later moved into financial planning, becoming a CFP in 1988.
Her career in financial planning did not stop her from traveling regularly to France and beyond. Visiting museums and galleries and collecting art are among her passions. After she retired from her business as a Certified Financial Planner, Merle reunited with her passion for art and was a docent for 15 years at the Frist Museum of Art in Nashville. Currently she volunteers at the Norton Museum of Art in the Visitor Experience department.
Testimonials
Merle did a phenomenal job with great slides and a well organized informative presentation!! Kudos !!!
Mollie S.
Merle- you did a fabulous job sharing your expertise on PIcasso and the impact of ever-changing passion on his art. Thank you for sharing!
Nancy U.
Fabulous lecture on Picasso! Thank you Merle for sharing your expertise. Attending Merle’s presentations is like eating potato chips; once we’ve had two we want many more! Bravo!
Kim M.
What a way to start the weekend. Merle is an incredible presenter. Thank you so much!!
Roberta C.
RESOURCES FOR YOUR USE
• Sample Flyers
• Handouts
Contact
Email Merle at
merle@artisttalks.net
or fill out the form below.
Thank you!