As part of the Halloween season, Lewes Public Library Spoken Word Society presents a lecture by Kristen Matulewicz, Victorian specialist and Curator of Rockwood Park and Museum.

In 1888 Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema painted a scene of mass murder so sensual that its topic is often overlooked. Inspired by a depiction written in the Augustan Histories, Alma-Tadema pairs literature, archeology, and Victorian aesthetics to create a beautiful scene of death that is unlike any of its contemporaries. Deep dive into the changing fashions regarding death in the Victorian period and navigate the Victorian Art Movements through a visual analysis of literature-inspired deaths. 

Kristen Matulewicz is a seasoned presenter with over 15 years of public speaking experience who effortlessly guides her audience through the challenging art of visual analysis. Recipient of the Delaware Art Educators Association's prestigious M.U.S.E. Educator of the Year award for 2022, Kristen's innovative education approaches have garnered widespread acclaim. Her insights have been featured in top media outlets, including the Delaware State News, Delaware News Journal, and on WDDE Radio, WRDE Coast TV, The 302, and Delmarva Life. As a sought-after guest presenter, Kristen is skilled at unraveling the secrets and splendors of the visual world with expertise and charm. She has spoken at public schools, museums, expos, and universities, captivating audiences of all ages with her personable presentations. With her engaging style and boundless enthusiasm, she brings the Victorian era to life like never before.

NOTE: this session is available to attend in-person or through Zoom. Each individual MUST REGISTER and indicate which you prefer to attend.

If you need assistance with registration or getting your Zoom invitation, please email us.

Basic written instructions for using Zoom may be found here and a brief video tutorial may be found here. Closed captioning is available for all our sessions. Information on enabling closed captioning in Zoom may be found here.

The Lewes Spoken Word Society (LSWS) celebrates the tradition and artistry of oral storytelling through lectures, performances, discussions, demonstrations, and other publicly-shared experiences. The LSWS is partially funded by the generous support of the Browseabout Books, Cape Henlopen Lodge #2540, John and Sally Freeman Foundation, Sussex County Department of Libraries, M & T Charitable Foundation, Sussex County Council, Rotary Club of Lewes-Rehoboth Beach, and the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com.