Focus is on Michelangelo's sculpture

Michelangelo's "Pieta" is enshrined in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. Photo by Louise Seeholzer

Art historian Sean Crum offers a discussion and slide presentation on Monday, June 11, at 7 p.m., at Westlake Porter Public Library, on the work and life of Michelangelo, frequently referred to as the greatest artist of all time. For a third year the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council is sponsoring an art presentation by Crum, who readily captivates his audience, and encourages their participation in discussion.

Crum’s focus will be on the sculpture of this well-documented 16th century artist, who created two of his most heralded works ("Pieta" and "David") before he was 30 years old. Though Michelangelo considered painting a lesser form of art, his frescoes on the ceiling and altar of the Sistine Chapel are considered two of the most influential in the history of Western art.

At the age of 74, Michelangelo took the position of architect for St. Peter’s Basilica and continued that work until his death, in 1564, at the age of 88. He was the first Western artist to have his biography published while he was still living. One of Michelangelo’s biographers, Giorgio Vasari, wrote that as a sculptor, painter and architect he was "supreme in not one art alone, but in all three."

Sean, 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. Sean 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 presents the June 11 program at no charge, as well as numerous other entertaining programs, in keeping with its mission to provide the community with an enhanced and broadened cultural life to promote awareness, education and involvement in the arts.