Advance online tickets are no longer available for this event, but they may be purchased at the door up until 6:30 p.m.

Join curators from the American Folk Art Museum and contemporary artist Christine Bethea for a look into the evolution of folk and self-taught artists, including John Kane, whose work is currently featured in the Heinz History Center exhibition, Pittsburgh’s John Kane: The Life & Art of an American Workman

As part of this special panel discussion, learn about the barriers or challenges artists like John Kane faced during the past 100 years and how art museums and collectors have perceived their work.

Moderated by American Folk Art Museum Director and CEO Jason T. Busch, the panel will reveal how the lived experience of folk artists affects their creative expression, examine how their art reflects American social, cultural, and political life, and whether they should embrace or fear the “outsider” or “self-taught” labels.

This lively one-hour discussion will conclude with a Q&A with the audience.

History Center exhibitions, including the dynamic new Pittsburgh’s John Kane exhibit, will be open from 5:30-6:30 p.m. prior to the event.