2/20/03

AU MUSEUM OFFERING EXCURSION TO PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM

AUBURN -- The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University is offering a three-day excursion in April to view the exhibition "Degas and the Dance" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The comprehensive exhibition of 140 paintings, drawings and works of sculpture by Edgar Degas, who died in 1917 at age 83, focuses exclusively on the French artist's fascination with ballet.

"Degas and the Dance" explores the artist's extraordinary achievement as an acute observer of the on- and off-stage activities of the dancers of the Paris Opera. It is the first exhibition to examine fully his work in the context of 19th century ballet, with costume designs, stage sets and photographs of dancers also included to provide added immediacy and context.

Michael De Marsche, director of AU's new art museum, calls the excursion "the chance of a lifetime to see a truly remarkable exhibition."

"This excursion continues the museum's effort to provide the Auburn community with the opportunity to see the very best in art exhibitions," De Marsche said. "We've tried very hard to create a great experience, where the traveler's every need is addressed from beginning to end."

The museum's excursion package includes round-trip transportation to Atlanta by motor coach; round-trip airfare; and one ticket and audio tour to "Degas and the Dance."

Tour participants will enjoy a range of special activities including docent-led tours of the famous Barnes Foundation art collection; the Rodin Museum; John James Audubon's home at Mill Grove; and the historic Union League and its collection of portraits and writings dating from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War.

Also included is a ticket to a performance of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. Tour participants will stay at a four-star hotel in the heart of Philadelphia. All meals are also included in the price of the tour and will include dining experiences at private clubs and many of Philadelphia's best restaurants.

The cost of the trip is $1,495 per person for double occupancy. The excursion will depart Auburn on April 11. To make reservations, or for more information, please call the museum offices at 334/844.1484 by Feb. 26.

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CONTACT: Haden Holmes Brown, assistant director, Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 334/844-1484.