Workshops and Special Events
From time to time we have special teaching events, lectures, guest artist presentations, or shorter intensive workshops.
Workshops and Special Events
When Realism Broke the Rules -
What happens when art no longer agrees on
how reality should look?
presented by Lisa Allen
In this session, we turn to the 1913 Armory Show, the exhibition that shattered America’s confidence in a single, “correct” way to see the world. Building on our conversation about The Eight, we’ll explore how the Armory Show challenged the values upheld by the National Academy of Design—polish, tradition, and institutional authority—and replaced them with urgency, experimentation, and lived modern experience. By placing American realists alongside radical European works, the exhibition didn’t reject realism so much as expand it, asking whether modern life could still be portrayed using old visual rules. Together, we’ll look at how artists grappled with congestion, movement, psychology, and perception—and why the shock of 1913 permanently changed the direction of American art.
This presentation assumes no previous knowledge of American history or of the realism painting style.
Saturday May 30th 2026 at 4:30pm
Driftless Art Academy
Registration is required, space is limited!
RSVP - info@driftlessartacademy.com
or (507)535-9318
Lisa Allen studied American art history at the University of Pittsburgh and printmaking at Carnegie Mellon University. As a student of Driftless Art Academy, she is pleased to present her thoughts on how the work of the Studio aligns with an important artistic movement in American history.
Driftless Art Academy is holding a monthly Art History discussion series, led by our own talented Lisa Allen! Please watch here regularly for more information on coming dates.
Past Events
Norman Rockwell and the American Holiday Ideal - Exploring how art defined the spirit of the season
December 16th 2025
Step into the world of Norman Rockwell, the artist who gave America its most cherished holiday imagery. This 60-minute discussion will uncover how Rockwell’s masterful realism captured family warmth, generosity, and festive joy—images that didn’t just reflect tradition but helped shape it. We’ll explore his iconic illustrations for The Saturday Evening Post and examine how his work became a cultural blueprint for the holidays. Bring your curiosity and your voice as we dive into the art that made the season feel like home.
Fool Me Once -
Trompe L’Oeil in American Realism
presented by Lisa Allen
Friday November 21st 2025 at 5pm
Join us for a lively and visually rich discussion exploring how American artists used trompe l’œil — the art of illusion — to reflect a rapidly changing nation. We’ll delve into the work of 19th-century painters like William Harnett and John F. Peto, who turned everyday objects into powerful visual commentaries on industrialization, consumer culture, and national identity. Together, we’ll also examine how later realism painters continued this tradition, using illusion to challenge perception and provoke thought. Whether you're an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about how artists fool the eye, this conversation promises to surprise and engage.
Grace and Grit:
The Story of American Realism
by Lisa Allen
Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 4:30pm
Join us for a 1-hour presentation exploring the evolution of realism in American art. From the symbolic traditions of medieval Europe to the gritty truth telling of the Ash Can School and the illusionistic brilliance of trompe l'oeil, this session will highlight key movements, artists and masterpieces that shaped the nation's visual identity. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious about how realism reflects American life, this talk offers insight, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on the power of painting to define a nation.
