Evanston residents James and Pamela Elesh recently donated 14 Lovis Corinth self-portraits, which date from 1904 to 1925, that will be exhibited this fall. A number of artist's proofs and early impressions make the Corinth lithographs special as a study collection. The Rudolph H. and Fannia Weingartner Collection of Prints by Sculptors, donated to the Block Museum in 1998, includes prints by the century's most important sculptors including Auguste Rodin, Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Astride Maillol, Louise Nevelson, Henry Moore and others. The new print, drawing and photography study center will make all of the Block Museum's collections accessible to Northwestern faculty, students, visiting scholars, teachers, school groups, and the general public, by appointment. The center also gives the museum the ability to organize small, scholarly exhibitions that are to be seen for short periods of time and are organized in conjunction with classes, seminars and special programs.
Plans also call for a film series, electronic exhibitions and increased educational opportunities.
Architect Dirk Lohan of Lohan Associates, Chicago, designed the new structure. The general contractor and construction management firm was Pepper Construction Company of Chicago. In recent months, the number of volunteer docents has quadrupled. Docents will also act as visitor guides explaining the uses of the new museum spaces. After a weekend of reopening festivities, starting Sept. 23, the Block Museum will reopen to the general public from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.