Queering the Collection: Liz Downing

Location: Ancient Greek and Roman Galleries Registration required. Explore the humanity, desire, vengeance, and grief at the heart of ancient stories. Liz Downing activates the Walters’ collection with performances of contemporary translations of ancient texts such as Alice Oswald’s Memorial, Emily Wilson‘s Odyssey, Madeleine Miller’s Circe, and Old Song’s Sappho, Anacreon Callimachus. Join in a discussion with the artist and Lisa Anderson-Zhu, Curator of Ancient Mediterranean Art & Curator of Provenance. REGISTER Queering the Collection is a program series that invites artists, scholars, and visitors to participate in conversations that connect queer-identifying perspectives with the Walters collection. Speakers will discuss works of art in the galleries, followed by a Q&A session with the audience. About the Speaker Elizabeth “Liz” Downing is a painter, singer, songwriter and performance artist. Liz divines inspiration from many sources including ancient stories that have been told in different iterations throughout time as well as her experience growing up in a pink motel along highway 280, in Alabama. In 1983 Liz received her Master of Fine Arts Degree from the Maryland Institute, College of Art and studied under the great painter, Grace Hartigan. Since then, Liz has been involved in musical performance art, growing a family, teaching and all the while, painting and making songs with inspiring collaborators in projects that include Mole Suit Choir, Curving Tooth and The Cups. Available resources: Assistive listening devices, seating, sensory kits Accessibility resources and accommodations are available for programs and events. Visit our accessibility web page for more information. Please email accessibility@thewalters.org with questions and requests.