James Weldon Johnson's 'The Creation' Topic of USU Presentation

The Religious Studies Program at Utah State University features guest speaker Steven B. Shively in a public presentation that takes a look at the art and poetry in James Weldon Johnson’s “The Creation.”

Shively’s presentation is Thursday, Jan. 22, and begins at 3 p.m. in Fine Arts Visual Room 150 (approximately 1200 E. 700 North). The event is free and all are invited.

 

“The Creation” is one of seven verse sermons written by the famous African-American Scholar James Weldon Johnson. In his talk, Shively will explore the poem as an expression of African-American theology and culture — including Johnson’s humanizing portrayal of God as an African-American and maternal — as well as an accomplished work of literature.

 

Shively’s multi-media presentation features a recording of Johnson delivering his poem/sermon and a survey of the painting “The Creation,” created especially for Johnson’s work by Aaron Douglas, the premier artist of the Harlem Renaissance. The contrast between Douglas’s painting and Michelangelo’s iconic version of the “The Creation of Adam,” a work in the Sistine Chapel, will also be discussed.

 

Shively earned his doctorate in English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A faculty member at USU, he teaches courses in English education and American literature. Among his specialties are the Harlem Renaissance and religious themes in the writings of Willa Cather.

 

Visitors to the USU campus for the event may park in the Big Blue parking terrace near the Taggart Student Center for $1.50 an hour and walk east to the venue in FAV 150 in the Chase Fine Arts Center complex. Parking is also available in the designated free parking in the LDS church parking lot east of Fine Arts Visual.

 

For information, call the Religious Studies Program, (435) 797-1300.

 

 

Writer: Patrick Williams (435) 797-1354
Contact: Religious Studies Program (435) 797-1300
Contact: Steve Shively (435) 797-0235