Four Questions with art historian Daniel Belasco of Hastings

Hastings resident Daniel Belasco is an art historian and curator, as well as the executive director of the Al Held Foundation (Held, 1928–2005, was an American abstract painter). Belasco is also the author of the new book “Women Artists in Mid-Century America: A History in Ten Exhibitions,” which examines shows that took place between 1943-1962 at various museums and galleries. Artists featured include painters, photographers, fiber artists, welders, printmakers, and sculptors. 

On Jan. 12, Belasco gave a talk at the Hastings Public Library about his book, also discussing local mid-century artists Barbara Morgan (whose son Lloyd was a Hastings resident) and Nancy Nemec. Belasco is a member of the Hastings Village Arts Commission and is on the board of the nonprofit RiverArts. Here, Belasco answers the Dispatch’s questions about art and why he chose to write about women artists in mid-century America.