Tonight: "The Art of the Steal"

The Collectors and Ciné have joined together to bring Don Argott's gripping documentary, "The Art of the Steal," to Athens. The movie chronicles one of the art world's most fascinating controversies––the long and dramatic struggle for control of the Barnes Foundation, a private collection of art valued at more that $25 billion. Dinner, catered by The National, begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the film at 8:00 p.m. $60 per Collector; $65 for the general public. For more information, call 706.542.0437.

Dinner, 6:30 p.m.
Catered by The National

Traditional tomato gazpacho, garnished with white almond gazpacho and croutons

Roasted chicken breast with rice salad, accompanied by black eyed peas, asparagus, peppers and arugula, and lemon-yogurt

Portuguese-custard tarts with cinnamon

Beverages

Film, 8:00 p.m.
“The Art of the Steal”

In 1922, Dr. Albert C. Barnes formed a remarkable educational institution around his priceless collection of art, located just five miles outside of Philadelphia. Now, more than 50 years after Barnes’ death, a powerful group of moneyed interests have gone to court for control of the art, and intend to bring it to a new museum in Philadelphia. Standing in their way is a group of Barnes’ former students and his will, which contains strict instructions stating the Foundation should always be an educational institution, and that the paintings may never be removed. Will they succeed, or will a man’s will be broken and one of America’s greatest cultural monuments be destroyed?

Click here to read a blog post about the Barnes Foundation.