Resource person: Audra Bullard - office@clehighlands.com

Description:

Thomas Nast, revered as the “Father of the American Cartoon,” was a German immigrant whose family fled to America in 1840 after his father incurred the wrath of the Bavarian Government. Never a good student, young Nast was recognized at an early age as an artistic prodigy. By the age of 16, his drawings were already appearing in newspapers; by 18, his cartoons were appearing in the prestigious “Harper’s Weekly.” His political cartoons embodied the phrase, “A picture is worth 10,000 words.” A strong moralist and the scourge of crooked politicians, he gained praise from the tenements of New York to the White House while championing the rights of minorities. Nast’s drawings were the chief source of news for Americans during the Civil War, and he is regarded as perhaps the chief influencer of American thought in the late 19th century. He also had a whimsical side, creating the popular image of Santa Claus and the Republican Party elephant. Perhaps most importantly, he instituted respect for the value and importance of political cartooning which remains with us today. Join us as we examine the life of a man considered the most influential popular artist of the 19th century

A Pittsburgh area native, Rick Kistner has lectured on various topics for over twenty years. Based on his dual professional career in local government administration and the performing arts, his topics primarily focus on American History, Biography, and Film and Theater. He holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Wright State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Dayton. He served as an adjunct faculty member at two colleges. Since 2006, he has delivered over 500 programs for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Road Scholar programs at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL.

Notes: Cancellation Policy Please let us know immediately if you are unable to attend a class. There is no refund for cancellations within two (2) weeks prior to a scheduled class. Programs that include food, beverage or art materials must be canceled within three (3) weeks prior to receive a refund. CLE reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum enrollment has not been met or for circumstances beyond our control, and participants will be notified, a complete refund will be issued. All classes are held in the CLE Lecture Hall at the Peggy Crosby Center unless otherwise noted. In the event information has changed from the published brochure, it will be posted on our website and in our e-blasts. Addresses for “private home” venues will be provided to registrants within 2 days of the program date.

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