By MARGARET SCHAEFER
The Historical Guides Association is pleased to host Professor Jennifer Shields of Cal Poly on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m., at the Santa Rosa Parish Hall, 1174 Main Street, for a talk entitled “Julia Morgan’s Architectural Collage: The Wild Men of Casa Grande”. This will be a preview of her students’ focused exhibition in the Hearst Castle Visitor Center on the statues of Wild Men flanking the entrance to Casa Grande.
Professor Shields will reveal how her students exploited digital imaging, combined with visual layers and audio, to improve visitors’ experience and understanding. A large-scale physical model of the portal to Casa Grande, enhanced by a projected image, will be the centerpiece of the exhibition.
A brief introduction about the history of the Wild Man in European art by former Museum Director of Hearst Castle Mary L. Levkoff will precede Professor Shield’s presentation.
Jennifer A. E. Shields is Associate Professor of Architecture at Cal Poly. She earned her Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architecture degrees at the University of Virginia. In 2023, she was a visiting lecturer and researcher at Politecnico di Torino in Italy in the departments of Architecture and Building Engineering.
The HGA is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the continuing education and inspiration of its members in all aspects of local and state monuments and other historical museums. It is a social group with an educational purpose and aims to bring together people interested in history. Meetings are open to the public. The event will take place April 24, at 6 p.m., in the Santa Rosa Catholic Church Parish Hall. There is a suggested donation of $5 for non-members. Light refreshments will be served.
