Nell Painter: Old in Art School

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Photo by John Emerson

Nell Painter

Before becoming a painter, Nell Painter had a storied career as a historian—a Princeton professor specializing in nineteenth-century Southern history and gender and sexuality studies who also served as president of the Southern Historical Collection and wrote eight books. Her latest work, memoir Old in Art School: A Memoir of Starting Over, chronicles her decision, after retiring at the age of sixty-four, to pursue a BFA at Rutgers University, an MFA at the Rhode Island School of Design, and, fittingly, a prolific new life as a painter. An excerpt from her artist’s statement: “After a life of historical truth and political engagement with American society, my artwork represents freedom. Including the freedom to be totally self-centered.” (Hell yes and move over, young art-school bucks). At Quail Ridge Books, she joins retired UNC Press director Kate Douglas Torry in conversation; advance purchase of a book earns a seat and space in the signing line, though general unreserved seating room will also be available. Free–$26 (book purchase), —Sarah Edwards