Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > AETN to screen new film highlighting mid-century modern architecture at Fort Smith Public Library
Posted 14 Oct 2011
Clean Lines, Open Spaces: A View of Mid-Century Modern Architecture, a new documentary produced by the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) that will premiere in November, will be screened at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Sunday, Oct. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Clean Lines, Open Spaces, produced by AETNs Mark Wilcken, focuses on the construction boom in the United States after World War II. Much of what was built was a version of the International style that had been developing in Europe since before World War I. This new architecture used modern materials such as reinforced concrete, glass and steel and was defined by clean lines, simple shapes and unornamented facades.Featured in the documentary is the First Federal Bank Building, now known as the Area Agency on Aging, which was designed by local architect Bob Laser and is located on Garrison Avenue.The documentary looks at examples of mid-century modern architecture around the state, from the University of Arkansas's Fine Arts Center designed by Arkansas native and internationally known architect Edward Durell Stone to the Tower Building in Little Rock, the Fulbright Library in Fayetteville that reflects the aesthetics of famous Chicago architect Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe, and the abandoned Hotel Mountainaire, perfectly defining art moderne.A discussion will follow the screening with architectural historian and adviser to the filmmaker Dr. Ethel Goodstein-Murphee, Associate Dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas; Fort Smith architect Bob Laser and AETN producer Mark Wilcken.Clean Lines, Open Spaces: A View of Mid-Century Modern Architecture will premiere on AETN Monday, Nov. 14, at 9 p.m.Major funding for Clean Lines, Open Spaces: A View of Mid-Century Modern Architecture was provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council, with additional funding from the Arkansas chapter of the American Institute of Architects.The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) is Arkansass statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. For more information, visit www.aetn.org, or follow the AETN blog at www.aetn.org/engage. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), and KETZ (El Dorado).