Lester Beall & the Campaign to Electrify America

Lester Beall was one of the most important designers of the 20th century. He translated and transformed European avant-garde movements into a distinctly American modernism that permeated his commercial work and inspired his profession. This talk by graphic design historian and independent curator, Mark Resnick, will provide an overview of Beall’s life and career.It will also present a close look at the landmark series of posters Beall designed for the Rural Electrification Administration, a federal agency crucial for President Roosevelt’s “New Deal.”

Mark Resnick has deep experience in art, business, and law, in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. He has served in positions ranging from executive director (acting) of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, director of strategic initiatives at Williams College Museum of Art, chief business executive for 20 th Century Fox’s flagship film unit, chief lawyer for Sony Pictures’ film unit, and member of arts-related boards including that of the Yale University Art Gallery. He is an authority on the history of American graphic design, a field in which he curates, publishes, and lectures. He has recently returned to the consulting firm he founded in 2017, Resnick Arts and Culture Consulting.

Accessibility Note: Masks and clear masks are available free of charge at the museum. Assistive listening devices and stools are available. ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or a CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) is available upon request. Please contact access@posterhouse.org or (914) 295-2387 to request interpretation services and to address any other accessibility needs. For other event related questions, please contact info@posterhouse.org.