2011 Artists in Residence

2011 Harman-Eisner Artists in Residence
Eric Fischl · Robert Spano

Erich Fischl is one of America’s most influential figurative painters of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He is best known for his portraits that expose dark undercurrents in suburban and mainstream America. He is also the founder, president and lead curator of America: Now and Here. This multi-disciplinary exhibition of 150 of some of America’s most celebrated visual artists, musicians, poets, playwrights, and filmmakers was designed to spark a national conversation about American identity through the arts. Fischl is a Fellow at both the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Science.

Robert Spano is a conductor, pianist, composer, and pedagogue. Serving as Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 2001, Spano is regarded an approachable artist with the innate ability to share his enthusiasm for music with an entire community. He has quietly been responsible for nurturing the careers of numerous classically trained composers and conductors. The Atlanta School of Composers reflects his commitment to American contemporary music, thus defining a new generation of American composers. As Music Director of the Aspen Music Festival and School, he oversees the programming of more than 300 events and educational programs for 630 students, including Aspen’s American Academy of Conducting. He has led ASO performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Ravinia, Ojai and Savannah Music Festivals.