VIBE USA 2017 Special Events
HOW RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL HELPED SHAPE OUR NATIONS CULTURAL GROWTH : MALVINA HOFFMAN AND ANNA PAVLOVA
A Brave New World: The story, friendship and art of Malvina Hoffman and Anna Pavlova.
Location: Masquer Theater
Date: Thursday January 12th, 2017
Time: 11:30am-1pm
Malvina Hoffman, a woman called the American Rodin, lived from 1885 - 1966 and was an American sculptor and author. Her largest success was the commission by the Field Museum in Chicago depicting peoples of the world which was titled "Races of Mankind." An integral part of Malvina's story is her relationship with the ballerina Anna Pavlova, who was muse to the artist. Malvina first saw the famed Russian ballerina in 1910 at a performance in London. Hoffman spent years capturing the exquisite grace of Pavlova’s movement in different sculptures and reliefs. When they met, the women immediately became close friends and found a deep connection through their art. Malvina Hoffman, an artist who was awarded the largest commission in the history of art - while being paid more than any man or woman in 1930, and Anna Pavlova, the greatest ballerina of her time, had a friendship which lasted for 20 years - until Pavlova's death. Both were working women and the sole bread winners for their families and staff, at a time when women were still trying to get the vote.Together they collaborated to promote their art and stay financially strong.
Bronze of Pavlova
Part of the Malvina Hoffman collection that is traveling to VIBE USA for exhibition
Showplace of the Nation February 14th, 1957: Elisabeth Gillette- Top Row Second to the Left
"Captain of the Ballet"
Elisabeth Gillette - Backstage giving notes
Didi Hoffman is the Biographer of Malvina Hoffman, "America's Rodin", who was a household name at the time of her death in 1966. Didi received a BA in English at the University of Florida. Her manuscript "Malvina Hoffman - Head Hunter," is currently awaiting publication. Didi is devoted to bringing Malvina Hoffman back to her rightful place in American history and Art history and VIBE USA is honored to bring this great story of two powerful women, Malvina Hoffman and her muse, Anna Pavlova to Missoula, MT. Malvina was awarded the largest commission in the history of art - more than any man or woman ever in 1930 and Anna Pavlova started her own ballet company before women had the right to vote.Their friendship lasted until Pavlova's death. Both women worked and were the sole breadwinners for their families. They were born Victorian but were thoroughly modern in their art and lives. This event will also demonstrate how Radio City Music Hall helped shape our nations cultural growth: from Rodin to Malvina Hoffman & Anna Pavlova, to Choreographer Margaret Sande and Ballerina Elisabeth Gillette to her daughter Charlene Campbell Carey & Artistic Director of Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre.
Moderator: Barbara Koostra, Director Montana Museum of Art & Culture
Barbara Koostra spent 17 years as a professional clarinetist performing at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. and in New York City with the New York City Opera and other orchestras in performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. She received a bachelor of music degree from Northwestern University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Montana.
Koostra has worked as an arts administrator in a variety of posts on the local, state and federal levels. Koostra was previously Executive Director of the Missoula Cultural Council and Communications Director at the Montana Arts Council. She also served in the communications office at the National Endowment for the Arts. Koostra has served as Director of the Montana Museum of Art and Culture since 2005.