Seeing Stars in Burchfield's Works

Dr. Kevin Williams, Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences and Director of the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at Buffalo State College, will present interpretations of Burchfield’s use of celestial objects in his sketches and paintings. Indications in his journal note that Burchfield favored the constellation of Orion, prominent in works such as Orion in Winter (1962). Burchfield’s notes and sketches also reveal a study of the Big Dipper and a special tie to the constellation of Aries. While considering the use of the Moon and stars in Burchfield’s paintings, Dr. Williams will discuss the accuracy of the depictions of these celestial objects and will point out how several constellations were included in the Burchfield Penney Art Center itself. Weather permitting, this talk will be followed by viewing of Orion and other celestial objects outside of the museum.