Friday's program introduces the Conservation Symposium “Analyze This: Looking at Art through the Prism of Science,” which takes place on Saturday, March 31, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, March 30
Welcome
• Wynne H. Phelan, director of conservation, MFAH

Opening Address
"The Making of a Luxury Image: Van Aelst’s Painting Materials and Artistic Techniques"
Presented in conjunction with Elegance and Refinement: The Still-Life Paintings of Willem van Aelst
• Melanie Gifford, research conservator for painting technology, National Gallery of Art
• Anikó Bezur, the Andrew W. Mellon Research Scientist, MFAH and Menil Collection

Reception

Saturday, March 31
Welcome & Introductions
Anikó Bezur, the Andrew W. Mellon Research Scientist, MFAH and Menil Collection
 
“Sensing Sensitivity: Avoiding Light Damage to Colors with Stability Tests on Art Objects”
Paul Whitmore, director of the Art Conservation Research Center, and research professor in the department of chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University
 
“CSI: Picasso”
Francesca Casadio, Andrew W. Mellon Senior Conservation Scientist, Art Institute of Chicago
 
“Modern & Contemporary Art: A Scientist’s Perspective”
Narayan Khandekar, senior conservation scientist, Harvard Art Museums, Straus Center for Conservation
 
Questions/Discussion

Reception
At the conclusion of the symposium, please join the speakers for a wine reception in the lobby of the Beck Building.

Watch the Symposium via Webcast!
Can't make it to the MFAH? Watch Friday and Saturday's events from your computer. Just follow these simple steps:

(1) Click the links below, a few minutes before the start time:

► Friday (Note: This link will be live after 6 p.m.)

► Saturday (Note: This link will be live after 1:30 p.m.)

(2) Fill in your first name, last name, and e-mail address.

(3) Click "Join Now," and the live stream should open automatically.

(4) If a yellow bar appears at the top of your screen OR if a box appears in the center of your screen requiring software installation, click "yes" or "install"—the live stream should open automatically.

This event is open to the public and free with general museum admission.
MFAH Members always receive free general admission.