‘Audrey Munson: The Life & Legacy of America’s First Supermodel’ Webinar

While modern supermodel legends like Gisele Bündchen, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell have posed for thousands of photographs throughout their career, can any of them say they’ve modeled for a sculpture? This is the story of Audrey Munson, and how one unassuming girl from Rochester, NY in 1909 became the world’s very first supermodel by gracing some of the country’s most beautiful buildings and memorials, many of which are still standing — especially all throughout New York City.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the life of Audrey Munson, an unknown performer in the early 20th century who quickly became the favorite model to America’s leading sculptors.

Led by Sylvia Laudien-Meo — art historian, museum educator, and NYC tour guide — this digital showcase of America’s first supermodel will include:

  • The biography of “Miss Manhattan,” including her early days as a performer, the rise of her modeling career, her debut on the silver screen, and her eventual ruin — a tale of love and murder
  • A look at the many Beaux-Arts buildings and memorials featuring her sculptures, many of which are in New York City
  • Stories behind this fascinating woman, from her achievements, to struggles, to intrigues
  • A discussion around her achievement as the first nude, non-pornographic actress on the moving screen – a rather frustrating adventure for her

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Sylvia — any and all questions about Audrey Munson are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

**A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Sylvia

Sylvia Laudien-Meo is a freelance Art Historian who works in and around the city in various capacities, specializing on Modern and Contemporary art, with a strong focus on Public Art. She teaches art history at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has been working as a museum educator at MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Jewish Museum for over many years, engaging visitors in conversation based, interactive art experiences of permanent collections and changing exhibitions.

For the Municipal Art Society, UFT, Brandeis Univ., and private clients, she has been touring the city for over 20 years, exploring art and architecture, parks, neighborhoods and history. Working in various different capacities gives her a unique opportunity to make intriguing connections and weave together the complex perspectives that make out the tapestry of our fascinating city.

SLM holds a Masters Degree in Art History (with minors in History and American Studies) from the Joh. Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, as well as a Tourism degree from the EST in Paris France.

Testimonials

“Sylvia was passionate about her subject and told interesting stories.” -Linda

“Interesting subject. Tied together a lot of monuments around the city that I did not realize were connected.” -Jennifer

“Very personable and informative speaker, interesting subject, makes me want to run outside and into the streets to find the sculptures” -Paula

“I really enjoyed all the photos of Audrey Munson statues with comparisons to probable classical inspirations. Those connections were enlightening.” -Katherine

“Her command of the topic; how well-researched it was; how she put it in context of what was happening in the city and in the world at the time.” -Peggy

“I liked the history of the statues and art and seeing them in photos, but also the tragic story of Audrey’s life. I hope when I get up to NYC again, I will have a chance to visit some of the sites.” -Carroll

“Very detailed review of Audrey Munson’s life and career. Got a good understanding of the sculptures she posed for and the various artists she worked with.” -Jerry

“I liked the photos, many of which would be hard to find on one’s own, & the speaker.” -Julie











When: Tue., Mar. 16, 2021 at 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
Buy tickets/get more info now
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While modern supermodel legends like Gisele Bündchen, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell have posed for thousands of photographs throughout their career, can any of them say they’ve modeled for a sculpture? This is the story of Audrey Munson, and how one unassuming girl from Rochester, NY in 1909 became the world’s very first supermodel by gracing some of the country’s most beautiful buildings and memorials, many of which are still standing — especially all throughout New York City.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the life of Audrey Munson, an unknown performer in the early 20th century who quickly became the favorite model to America’s leading sculptors.

Led by Sylvia Laudien-Meo — art historian, museum educator, and NYC tour guide — this digital showcase of America’s first supermodel will include:

  • The biography of “Miss Manhattan,” including her early days as a performer, the rise of her modeling career, her debut on the silver screen, and her eventual ruin — a tale of love and murder
  • A look at the many Beaux-Arts buildings and memorials featuring her sculptures, many of which are in New York City
  • Stories behind this fascinating woman, from her achievements, to struggles, to intrigues
  • A discussion around her achievement as the first nude, non-pornographic actress on the moving screen – a rather frustrating adventure for her

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Sylvia — any and all questions about Audrey Munson are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

**A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Sylvia

Sylvia Laudien-Meo is a freelance Art Historian who works in and around the city in various capacities, specializing on Modern and Contemporary art, with a strong focus on Public Art. She teaches art history at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has been working as a museum educator at MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Jewish Museum for over many years, engaging visitors in conversation based, interactive art experiences of permanent collections and changing exhibitions.

For the Municipal Art Society, UFT, Brandeis Univ., and private clients, she has been touring the city for over 20 years, exploring art and architecture, parks, neighborhoods and history. Working in various different capacities gives her a unique opportunity to make intriguing connections and weave together the complex perspectives that make out the tapestry of our fascinating city.

SLM holds a Masters Degree in Art History (with minors in History and American Studies) from the Joh. Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, as well as a Tourism degree from the EST in Paris France.

Testimonials

“Sylvia was passionate about her subject and told interesting stories.” -Linda

“Interesting subject. Tied together a lot of monuments around the city that I did not realize were connected.” -Jennifer

“Very personable and informative speaker, interesting subject, makes me want to run outside and into the streets to find the sculptures” -Paula

“I really enjoyed all the photos of Audrey Munson statues with comparisons to probable classical inspirations. Those connections were enlightening.” -Katherine

“Her command of the topic; how well-researched it was; how she put it in context of what was happening in the city and in the world at the time.” -Peggy

“I liked the history of the statues and art and seeing them in photos, but also the tragic story of Audrey’s life. I hope when I get up to NYC again, I will have a chance to visit some of the sites.” -Carroll

“Very detailed review of Audrey Munson’s life and career. Got a good understanding of the sculptures she posed for and the various artists she worked with.” -Jerry

“I liked the photos, many of which would be hard to find on one’s own, & the speaker.” -Julie

Buy tickets/get more info now