Lavine Lecture: Bertoia Backstory on the MIT Chapel Reredos

Eero Saarinen’s MIT Chapel (1955) is one of the most iconic works of architecture situated on MITs campus as a non-denominational chapel, and serves as the site of the first architect and artist collaboration on MIT campus prior to the renowned percent-for-art public art program. Harry Bertoia created the Altarpiece for MIT Chapel, a brazed steel delicate sculpture that cascades down from the domed skylight scattering light throughout the chapel, and an integral component of the interior of this building evoking serenity and awe.

The List Center is pleased to present Celia Bertoia, daughter of Harry Bertoia and director and founder of the Harry Bertoia Foundation, for the 2019 Lavine Lecture. Celia Bertoia’s lecture Bertoia Backstory on the MIT Chapel Reredos will reflect on the work at MIT, demonstrate how this fit into his body of work and design, and give life to the relationship between Saarinen and Bertoia. Saarinen and Bertoia first met at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in the late 1930s, and after establishing their separate careers as architect and sculptor began combining their talents in the creation of furniture design and eventually leading collaborations as architect and artist.

The Lavine Lecture will be followed by a reception in the Wiesner Student Art Gallery, Second floor of the Stratton Student Center, MIT Building W20 located near MIT Chapel. 

About the Speaker

The youngest daughter of Designer and Sculptor Harry Bertoia, Celia Bertoia steered non-profits and real estate offices in Colorado until she moved to Montana and managed a race-timing company for a decade. Celia then founded and now directs the Harry Bertoia Foundation in southern Utah and her passion is to further the legacy of her father. She is a credentialed Fine Art Appraiser as well as the author of The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia: the Man, the Artist, the Visionary (2015). More information.

About the Lavine Lecture Series

The Leroy and Dorothy Lavine Lecture Series was established to honor the Lavines, two prominent Boston art patrons and longtime supporters of the MIT List Visual Arts Center. The Leroy and Dorothy Lavine Lectures bring to the Boston community distinguished art world figures for talks on modern and contemporary art.

This program is free and open to the public but seating is limited and RSVPs are required.   RSVP here.