Georgia O’Keeffe, one of the most important and fascinating artists of the Twentieth Century,
has given us astonishing abstract images, radical depictions of giant flowers, dramatic
cityscapes, glowing landscapes, and haunting representations of bones against the stark desert
sky. This talk will examine how her strikingly inventive works conveyed a spirit of
independence, adventure, and passion. Join us to learn why Georgia O’Keeffe and her works
have become an indelible part of the mythology and iconography of the American artistic
landscape.

Janet Mandel taught in New Jersey’s public schools for 32 years, the last eighteen of which were at Columbia High School in Maplewood, where she taught English, art history, and World Languages and Cultures. In October of 2003 she was named runner-up for the New Jersey Council for the Humanities (NJCH) Teacher of the Year award and was formally recognized by the New Jersey State Legislature and Governor Codey for this achievement. In May of 2004 she was the recipient of the “Innovations in Special Education Award” from the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) and the Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped (ASAH). Now retired, Janet presents illustrated talks on a variety of art history topics at adult schools, libraries, museums, senior centers, community centers, and similar venues.