Gallery

Driftwood: The Life of Harlan Hubbard

April 23, 2025 TICKETS

Join The Carnegie and the Behringer-Crawford Museum as we celebrate the remarkable life and work of artist Harlan Hubbard (1900-1988). The event will unfold on stage beneath The Spirit of Covington, the largest mural ever created by Hubbard. Completed in 1934 as part of his commission for the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP), this striking work of art provides a fitting backdrop for the occasion.

Join author Jessica K. Whitehead as she shares insights from her comprehensive biography, Driftwood: The Life of Harlan Hubbard. Whitehead’s book explores the life of the writer, artist, and sustainability pioneer, delving into his family background, education, and relationships and his theories on art, writing, music, and philosophy. Drawing from journals, letters, paintings, and sketches, Whitehead paints a rich portrait of Harlan and his wife, Anna, and their remarkable way of life.

Following Whitehead’s remarks, enjoy the rolling world premiere of Piano Trio No. 2: Payne Hollow by Louisville composer Daniel Gilliam. Performed by members of the NouLou Chamber Players, this new piece honors the Hubbards’ artistic spirit and deep love of classical music, featuring the instruments they played and cherished: piano, cello, and violin.

Details

Jessica K. Whitehead, writer and curator of collections at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, is author of The History of the Kentucky Derby in 75 Objects and a contributor to The Watercolors of Harlan Hubbard: From the Collection of Bill and Flo Caddell.

Daniel Gilliam is a composer from Louisville, KY. He is also the program director, and an announcer, on 90.5 WUOL Classical Louisville.