| The role of art as witness, Holocaust education, and the artists’ legacy |
| August 28, 2019 [St. Petersburg, FL] — The Florida Holocaust Museum (The FHM) is pleased to present Loss and Affirmation: In Conversation with Charles E. Pachner on Monday, September 16th at 6:30pm at the Museum. Charles E. Pachner, son of the late William Pachner, and The FHM’s Curator of Exhibitions and Collections, Erin Blankenship will discuss artist William Pachner and the role of art as witness, its role in Holocaust education, and the artists’ legacy. This event will also include a wine and cheese reception. American artist William Pachner emigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia in 1939 to pursue a career as an illustrator for mass magazines like Esquire, Colliers, and Cosmopolitan. After American entered World War II and being rejected after attempting to enlist in the Army, he began to devote himself to illustrating anti-fascist stories, painting portraits of wounded soldiers, and making art in praise of the Allied Powers. When the war ended in 1945 and learning that his brother and parents were murdered, Pachner abandoned is lucrative illustration career to become a full-time studio artist. During the years that immediately followed the war, his artwork communicated his reaction to inhumanity and the tragedy of the Holocaust. This exhibition looks back at his work created as art director for Esquire Magazine, and then as a freelance artist for magazines, and follows with artworks created in the aftermath of the Holocaust that convey his deep sense of loss and his reaffirmation of our shared humanity. This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited! To reserve your seat, please call 727.820.0100, extension 301. RSVP is required.Loss and Affirmation: Illustrations and Drawings by William Pachner is on display through January 5, 2020 at The Florida Holocaust Museum. The Florida Holocaust Museum is located at 55 5th Street S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. For additional information, please visit: https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org/explore-2/exhibits/loss-and-affirmation About The Florida Holocaust MuseumOne of the largest Holocaust museums in the country, and one of three nationally accredited Holocaust museums, The Florida Holocaust Museum honors the memory of millions of men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The FHM is dedicated to teaching members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides. For additional information, please visit www.TheFHM.org. |