Film Screening of Chesley Bonestell: A Brush with the Future
Staerkel Planetarium and Giertz Gallery are bringing a documentary film to Parkland College titled, Chesley Bonestell: A Brush with the Future, directed by Douglass M. Stewart, Jr.
This award-winning documentary about the "Father of Modern Space Art" explores Bonestell’s impact on America’s enthusiasm for space that began as early as the 1940s and grew into a national phenomenon in the 1950s and ’60s. His visionary paintings and illustrations in science magazines, books, and science fiction movies inspired and continues to inspire scientists, artists, architects, engineers, and sci-fi enthusiasts alike.
The documentary includes interviews with people who were influenced by or knew Chesley personally and punctuated with rare interview footage of Chesley himself. This documentary chronicles the extraordinary, nine-decade life of a quiet, artistic visionary, whose beautiful paintings continue to inspire us to reach for the stars. You can watch the trailer here. http://www.chesleybonestell.com/trailer.html
The film is screening at Staerkel Planetarium for one night only, October 9 (Wednesday), at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, students, and youth. There will also be a free theremin performance before the film screening in the lobby of the Staerkel Planetarium by “Sea of Stars” featuring Gloria Roubal and Jason Finkelman from 6:15 pm to 6:45 pm.
What does a theremin sound like? Listen to the classic 1951 music for the Day the Earth Stood Still here: https://youtu.be/ZoDkAJYqT58
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Partial funding also provided by Student Life and the Division of Arts and Sciences at Parkland College. Parkland is a section 504/ADA-compliant institution. For accommodation, call 217-351-2505.
Image: Saturn as Seen from Mimas, Chelsey Bonestell 1944; painting courtesy of Bonestell LLC