First Sunday Lecture Series: Wilbur Kurtz, Artist and Illustrator

Wilbur Kurtz III (Bill) spoke on the life and career of his grandfather and namesake, noted Atlanta area artist, illustrator and historian Wilbur Kurtz.  The artist moved to Atlanta from the Midwest in 1912. His adventures with pen, paintbrush, and sketchbook spanned 55 years and his works are now on display in major American art museums.

Mr. Kurtz became technical adviser for three notable Hollywood films that treated of Georgia themes: “Gone With the Wind” (1938); “Song of the South” (1946); and Walt Disney’s “The Great Locomotive Chase” (1957).  The speaker displayed various items of his grandfather's paintings, sketch books, and memorabilia in this fascinating talk.

The "First Sunday" lecture series is held in the Smyrna Public Library Meeting Room and is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library.