Mark Landis has been called one of the most prolific art forgers in U.S. history. His impressive body of work spans thirty years, covering a wide range of painting styles and periods including 15th Century Icons, Pablo Picasso, and even Walt Disney. And while the copies could fetch impressive sums on the open market, Landis isn't in it for money. Posing as a philanthropic donor, a grieving executor of a family member's will, and most recently as a Jesuit priest, Landis has donated hundreds of works of art over the years to a staggering list of institutions across the United States. But after duping Matthew Leininger, a tenacious Registrar who ultimately discovers the decades-long ruse and sets out to expose Landis' philanthropic escapades to the art world, Landis must confront both his own legacy and a chorus of museum professionals clamoring for him to stop. However, stopping isn't as simple as it might appear. Landis, it turns out, struggles with mental illness and, over the years, has developed an outright "addiction to philanthropy" as his elaborate cons offer him the chance to cultivate connection and respect. Art and Craft starts out as a cat-and-mouse art caper, rooted in questions of authorship and authenticity.  What emerges, however, is an intimate story of obsession and the universal need for community, appreciation, and purpose.

$6 Alliance Members*, $8 General Admission

*Individual level and above
 

All programs take place in the Harwood Museum of Art's state-of-the-art Arthur Bell Auditorium.  Advance tickets are available at the Harwood's admissions desk or by calling 575.758.9826