Last week, Professor Elliot Engel of Raleigh, North Carolina thrilled local audiences with his engaging and informative lectures. Hosted by Piedmont Arts, Engel spent the afternoon at Bassett High School and the evening in the Piedmont Arts’ gallery with a catered dinner and lecture. This sold-out event was sponsored by King’s Grant, had flowers provided by Draper Flowers and Gifts, and dinner was catered by Third Bay.
Engel’s day in Henry County began at Bassett High School where he expounded on William Shakespeare’s influence on modern language and various turns of phrase that people use every day and do not know were credited to him. His lecture was a fascinating way to teach nearly 200 students about the Bard and his impact on the English language.
His visit continued at Piedmont Arts that evening where he presented his lecture, “The Cold Genius of Robert Frost.” Participants started the evening by gathering in the Frith Performance Hall for community, camaraderie, and a delicious barbecue meal catered by Third Bay. After dinner, a brief intermission took place as the audience made their way to the Hooker-Garrett gallery where seating had been arranged. After an introduction by Executive Director Heidi Pinkston, Engel delighted the gathered audience with biographical information, poetic interpretations, and charming anecdotes about the famous New England poet. Engel is a beloved fixture in Piedmont Arts’ performing arts seasons and they are excited to bring him back to Martinsville soon.
Piedmont Arts is a nonprofit art museum in Martinsville. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more at PiedmontArts.org.
