Parody exhibit at American Gothic House Center

ELDON ? Grant Wood?s ?American Gothic? is one of the most recognized paintings in America, not only because of the original painting, but also because it has been portrayed in various ways through print advertising, television and movies.

From 6-7 p.m. May 24, the American Gothic House Center in Eldon will unveil its latest exhibit: ?Parodies of a Portrait: An American Icon?s Place in Pop Culture,? a visual history of how ?American Gothic? has been used to represent current trends and issues in society.

Beginning with Gordon Park?s photograph of Ella Watson, a cleaning woman employed by the Farm Security Administration in 1942, ?American Gothic? has been parodied for decades to showcase or bring attention to cultural and societal issues, often with a satirical overtone.

Generations of Americans have been introduced to ?American Gothic? through parodies of all types, of which many will be on display at the American Gothic House Center in the new exhibit. From Park?s dark and telling initial parody to model Cindy Crawford selling Pepsi products, the exhibit will highlight how ?American Gothic? has been used as the backdrop to promote a cause or to sell a product. At times serious, often funny, but always relevant to what is going on in America and the world.

After the unveiling May 24, the exhibit will be on permanent display at the American Gothic House Center.

Summer hours of operation are 1-4 p.m. Sunday and Monday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information, contact Holly Berg at 641-652-3352 or TheAmercicanGothicHouse@gmail.com or visit www.AmericanGothicHouse.net.