Galloway Hosts an Evening with J.F. Martel on Nov.29

Galloway Hosts an Evening with J.F. Martel on Nov.29

Author of Reclaiming Art in the Age of Artifice and host of the podcast Weird Studies, J.F. Martel will return to the Galloway campus on Wednesday, November 29, to give a public lecture on “Art and the Power of the Impossible” that evening at 7 PM in the Chaddick Center for the Arts. He will explore the impact of art on the creation of individual identity, culture, and community formation. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 6:30 PM to enjoy a meet and greet and light refreshments before the lecture.

Mr. Martel will also spend several days with students and teachers. He visited Upper Learning literature classes last year, which students described as “transformative” and “transformational.” He was equally impressed with Galloway students, saying the following in an episode of his podcast:

I was truly inspired by [The Galloway School]. The institution exudes the philosophy of its founder, and it’s a really special place. I was very touched by the experience. I worked with [Upper Learning] students and spent a couple of days participating in classes, which was made possible by teachers Dr. Lauren Holt, Alex Diaz-Williamson, and Ed Clark. It was great to see that these students truly get it! It was rejuvenating and revitalizing to have deep discussions with people who, by their very nature and their stage in life, have skin in the game, and see that these ideas matter. It was so much fun and truly a beautiful experience at an amazing school.

Like our students, Mr. Martel values education, its kinship with creativity, and its discovery of art in the unlikeliest places through learning activities. 

Current seniors in Dr. Lauren Holt’s AP Lit course have read Reclaiming Art in the Age of Artifice and shared the following while reflecting on Mr. Martel’s upcoming visit:

I think anyone, especially individuals interested in current events (like AI, social media, the film industry, etc.) would be intrigued by Martel’s ideas.

 Looking at the media we consume so much today, I think many people might be interested in his perspective, take it into account as they consider the TV shows, movies, social media, etc. we consume, and start to really question the message it is putting out (especially since Galloway is a community that strives to create free, independent, critical thinkers).

Attending Martel’s lecture would be an interesting opportunity for the Galloway community to strengthen their understanding of art so they can see its value and power. 

Mr. Martel’s residency as part of the Galloway community is supported by a grant from the Goizueta Foundation. We encourage you to listen to his podcast, read his book, and join members of the Galloway community as we dive deep with J.F. Martel! Click here to RSVP.