h t e f T o o k w l a n T TOWN & GOWN
WINTER 2012
President’s Message
Modern Art in a Mansion – A Private Tour
Although Chapman’s yearlong 150th anniversary celebration has come to a close, excitement and progress at this remarkable university seem to escalate each year. Similarly, Town & Gown’s 44th year, from June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012, has so far been a memorable one.
The reviews tell the story of our next destination... “a true gem”... “one of the hidden treasures of the city”... “a must see.” They refer to the Weisman Art Foundation in Bel Air. On Wednesday, February 15, we will be treated to a private tour of this premier modern art collection, one of the finest in the nation. The foundation is housed in the former home of Frederick and Marcia Weisman. The 12,000-square-foot mansion, built in 1928, was designed by Gordon B. Kaufmann, whose later commissions included the L.A. Times Building and the face of Hoover Dam. The home retains its original furnishings and, despite its large scale, manages to feel quite relaxed and comfortable. Unlike displays in a museum, the art here is not behind ropes or under glass; it is wonderfully informal and accessible, as though the visitor is a guest in a billionaire’s private home (which, in fact, we will be).
• Our scholarships, awarded to upperclassmen, were presented to two deserving young men. • Our largest-ever donation to the campus, the Town & Gown Gardens at the Elliott Alumni House, was recognized at its dedication ceremony; the landscaping is lovely, and we don’t even have to pull the weeds. • Our commitment for a library endowment continues. • Our first two Lunch at the Forum programs, with renowned pianist Dr. Grace Fong and Dean Tom Campbell of Chapman University’s School of Law, set a high standard. • Our first trip of the season, a private cruise of L.A. Harbor, was a huge success. Not bad for the first half, eh? Looking forward, there will be three more informative and entertaining Lunch at the Forum meetings and an exclusive tour of a billionaire’s mansion and his modern art collection. You will read about these events elsewhere on this page. Thanks to you, our members, Town & Gown is thriving. We urge you to share your interest in this university by bringing your friends to our events.
Marcia Cooley
Many of the works are joyously whimsical, reflecting Mr. Weisman’s delightful sense of humor. After all, he said, “My philosophy is, if I like it, I buy it. Let’s see what happens.” Every room is filled with personality, sometimes highlighting smaller treasures or works by lesser-known artists, sometimes displaying multiple works by world-famous artists: Giacometti, Paul Klee, Rothko, Léger, de Kooning, Calder, Kandinsky, Warhol, even Niki de Saint Phalle (remember her from our trip to Escondido?). The grounds feature a fabulous array of sculptures, mobiles and stabiles. Due to the intimate nature of the Weisman Foundation facility, this tour is strictly limited to 24 participants. If there is enough interest, we will charter a repeat trip on Wednesday, March 14. Fay and Bill Amneus Co-2nd VPs, Special Events
Lunch at the Forum Presents:
From Politics and Peacemaking to the Power of Graphics
Our fall presentations with Dr. Grace Fong and Dean Tom Campbell gave us fascinating insights into music and law, stimulating both the right and left sides of our brains. As we move into the new calendar year, we are going international in two very different ways. On February 2, we will hear from Middle East experts James J. Coyle, Ph.D., director of Global Education, and Nubar Hovsepian, Ph.D., associate professor of Political Science and International Studies, in a panel discussion format on The Arab Spring: Implications for U.S. Policy. They warn us that they often have opposing viewpoints. Coming one year after the start of the Arab Spring uprisings, the speakers will offer a critical analysis of this vital
region and its impact on American policy and interests. Among Professor Coyle’s areas of teaching expertise are terrorism, national security strategy and Middle East politics. Professor Hovsepian, who is from Egypt, teaches courses on international studies, globalization, democracy and democratization, Middle East politics and conflict in the Middle East. Having just visited Egypt in January, he promises to have up-to-date information to share with us. The March 1 luncheon will feature Eric Chimenti, M.A., associate professor of art and chair of the Department of Art, and Claudine Jaenichen, M.A., assistant professor of art, who will awaken our awareness of The Impact of Design: From the Olympics to Medicine. Continued on page 2