RIHS Talk and Walk to Mark H.P. Lovecraft???s Birthday in August
EVIL FUNGUS
(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) ??? In commemoration of the 126th anniversary of Providence native H.P. Lovecraft???s birth, the Rhode Island Historical Society will offer two special events in August: A presentation from artist Jason C. Eckhardt on ???Illustrating Lovecraft???s Fungi From Yuggoth,??? taking place August 18, and the walking tour ???H.P. Lovecraft: A Literary Life??? on August 20, the author???s birthday.????
CONTINUITY
Eckhardt???s free talk on Thursday, Aug. 18, 6pm, at the Aldrich House, will give a brief survey of the creation of the sonnet cycle ???Fungi From Yuggoth??? by Lovecraft, followed by an explication of Eckhardt’s process in illustrating the poems, from initial readings to consultation with editor David E. Schultz to preliminary drawings to finished pieces. A slideshow of illustrations will be included, and a Q&A will follow. The event is free with registration:
http://goo.gl/forms/ICtEUIihq0f2NUFk1.????
On Saturday, Aug. 20, 1pm, the ???H.P. Lovecraft: A Literary Life??? walking tour will give participants an opportunity to see Providence through the legendary author???s eyes, as passages from his work are connected with locations around the East Side. Admission is $10 (cash/check/charge); those interested in attending can call (401) 273-7507 x360 or email jwilson@rihs.org to make reservations, which are highly recommended.
Illustrating Lovecraft???s Fungi From Yuggoth??? Lecture (free)
???H.P. Lovecraft: A Literary Life??? Walking Tour ($10)
Thursday, Aug. 18, 6pm (lecture)
Saturday, Aug. 20, 1pm (walking tour)
Aldrich House, 110 Benevolent St., Providence (lecture)
John Brown House Museum, 52 Power St., Providence (walking tour start)
About Jason C. Eckhardt
Jason C. Eckhardt was born into an artistic family.?? He is self-taught and has been drawing all his life. His mother, Mary Elizabeth Post, was a noted Newport County watercolorist, and her example and encouragement helped foster Eckhardt’s artistic passion. At age 12, Eckhardt discovered the book Norse Gods and Giants, by the d’Aulaires, and this inspired him to become an illustrator. At 13, he found the writings of H. P. Lovecraft, a discovery that gave direction to his nascent illustration. Eckhardt’s artwork has appeared in such publications as Necronomicon Press, Arkham House, Dell Magazines, Hippocampus Press, and others. He is a six-time recipient of the Best Editorial Cartoon of the Year award from the New England Newspaper and Press Association, and is currently working on a graphic novel biography of Lovecraft written by Lovecraft scholar Sam Gafford. Eckhardt lives in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
About the Rhode Island Historical Society
Founded in 1822, the RIHS is the fourth-oldest historical society in the United States and is Rhode Island???s largest and oldest historical organization, as well as its only Smithsonian Affiliate. In Providence, the RIHS owns and operates the John Brown House Museum, a designated National Historic Landmark, built in 1788; the Aldrich House, built in 1822 and used for administration and public programs; and the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center, where archival, book and image collections are housed. In Woonsocket, the RIHS manages the Museum of Work and Culture, a community museum examining the industrial history of northern Rhode Island and of the workers and settlers, especially French-Canadians, who made it one of the state???s most distinctive areas.