Art historian puts Gothic cathedrals in the spotlight

Sean Crum will visit Westlake Porter Public Library to discuss Gothic cathedrals. Photo courtesy Sean Crum

The knowledgeable and engaging art historian, Sean Crum, will enlighten and entertain his audience on “The Glory of the Gothic: the Great Gothic Cathedrals” on Tuesday, May 16, at 7 p.m., at Westlake Porter Public Library.

The Westlake-Westshore Arts Council is sponsoring Crum’s presentation, which will review the development of Gothic cathedrals of late Middle Ages in Europe as masterpieces of art, architecture and engineering. His ability to colorfully present information and elicit smiles enables Crum’s audience to absorb and enjoy his topic.

Gothic architecture references a style of architecture used in Western Europe between the 12th and 15th centuries. Pointed arches, flying buttresses, and high curved ceilings characterize this style. A visit to a gothic cathedral would be a common item on an itinerary for European tourists.

Crum, a professional artist and musician for over 40 years and a professional art historian for 30 years, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Cleveland State University and a Master of Art degree from Case Western Reserve University.

His credits include over 35 art and educational awards, being featured in 12 one-man shows, and accepted in more than 50 juried shows. Numerous collections have his work, including Patricia Heaton’s collection and The Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas. Crum has conducted tours at the Cleveland Museum of Art and has done numerous workshops and demonstrations for various organizations. He retired from teaching art and art history for North Ridgeville High School in 2012. He is currently teaching art history for the Center for Life Long Learning at Lorain County Community College.

The WWAC brings Crum back “by popular demand” following a 2016 WWAC program he gave on Impressionist-era artists, which completely captivated his audience. The WWAC sponsors numerous interesting and entertaining programs throughout the year and provides them free to the community.