The Art of the Steal is a riveting documentary about one of the art world’s most fascinating controversies: the long and dramatic struggle for control of the Barnes Foundation. Roger Ebert places The Art of the Steal as one of the Ten Best Documentaries of 2010.
We are delighted that Lenny Feinberg, producer and the driving force behind the film, will be on-hand for a Question & Answer session following the film. This controversial film finds audiences on divided sides. We expect that the discussion following the film will be quite spirited!
The Barnes Foundation is the result of Dr. Albert C. Barnes’ commitment to buying high quality European, African and American art during the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Located just 5 miles outside of Philadelphia, it is a $25 billion art collection that includes 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes, 59 Matisses and 46 Picassos.
Now, more than 50 years after Barnes’ death, a powerful group of moneyed interests have gone to court for control of the art, and intend to bring it to a new museum in Philadelphia. Standing in their way is a group of Barnes’ former students and his will, which contains strict instructions stating the Foundation should always be an educational institution, and that the paintings may never be removed. Will they succeed, or will a man’s will be broken and one of America’s greatest cultural monuments be destroyed?
Using archival material and many interviews to present a case that audience members will find either compelling or strident, depending on their point of view, The Art of the Steal brings to life one of the most adored and detested figures in the American art world.
The Art of the Steal will be shown on March 3 and March 5 at 4 PM at the Santa Ana Theatre in La Bibiloteca.
As a reminder, today marks the beginning of REEL DOCS’ 3rd season in San Miguel. Caren Cross and Jennifer Posner’s mission with REEL DOCS is to bring high quality documentary films to San Miguel, along with their directors or producers, in an effort
to stimulate thought and discussion. This season begins with an important documentary created in Mexico. 2501 Migrants: A Journey explores questions of art and an indigenous community in the context of global migration. 2501 Migrants: A Journey will be shown on Friday, February 25 at 2PM and Saturday, February 26 also at 2PM. Screenings will be held in the Santa Ana Theatre at the Biblioteca and will include a Question & Answer session with filmmaker, Yolanda Cruz.
More details about REEL DOCS, season 3, can be found at www.reeldocs.org.
The Teatro Santa Ana Theater is located in Biblioteca in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. You can access the theater at all times at Reloj 50 A. During the Biblioteca's normal hours you can also access the theater from the library entrance.
The Teatro Santa Ana theatre hosts many events lectures, concerts, movies and live theatre. All events feature local and international talent.
