When you think of the King of Rock and Roll, you may not presume he has much in common with a renowned artist such as Marc Chagall. However, Vivian R. Jacobson, author and lecturer on Marc Chagall, insists that these two individuals share a profound commonality exuded in their passion for art grounded in a deep respect for religion. Presley and Chagall insisted on total control of their art, and they both needed women in their lives to inspire and sustain their sense of creativity. The Cardinal at North Hills, Raleigh’s premier urban continuing care retirement community, was eager to host Jacobson in the beginning of August. She delivered her lecture titled “Elvis and Chagall” to approximately 200 residents and invited guests. The lecture featured a multimedia presentation of paintings by Marc Chagall and musical background by Elvis Presley.
“It was a true honor to host Vivian, and she fascinated residents and guests by connecting these icons’ culture, beliefs and art,” said Tom Ford, executive director of The Cardinal at North Hills. “Vivian worked closely with Chagall on major international projects during the last eleven years of his life. Her insight and perception are invaluable, and we were delighted to get a personal account of what she observed before, during and after those years of service. In 2001, Vivian was appointed a speaker on Marc Chagall for the North Carolina Humanities Council Forum in conjunction with the National Endowment of the Arts. The grant was extended through 2018, and she lectured for art groups, museums, churches, synagogues, colleges and schools nationally as well as in Europe and Israel. We feel privileged to have her participate in our lecture series.”
Jacobson developed her lifetime interest in art by taking trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, where she first became acquainted with the works of Marc Chagall. In 1974, the Jacobsons hosted a reception for Madame and Maître Chagall on behalf of the Hadassah Medical Organization of Jerusalem, and shortly thereafter, Vivian Jacobson became a founding member of the American Friends of Chagall’s Biblical Message Museum in Nice, France. She initially served as secretary and became the president in 1978, a post she held until 1982. During this time, Chagall and the French association sought additional financial support for the museum’s exhibitions, concerts and library expansion, an undertaking which Jacobson accomplished successfully. She also led a campaign for the purchase of a replica 18th-century Blanchet harpsichord, the inside cover of which Chagall painted the biblical story of Rebecca and Isaac. They dedicated the art in 1981 as a testament to Chagall’s belief that the integration of art and music would create world peace. In addition, she was chairperson for the fundraising committee to present a Chagall tapestry to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago in 1986. Woven by Yvette Cauquil-Prince of Paris, the masterful “Job” tapestry was commissioned by the Friends of the Chagall Tapestry.
“As a Kisco Senior Living community, we seek to provide opportunities that enhance The Art of Living Well® philosophy, including discussions of impactful, culture-changing music and art. By offering social and educational engagements, we give residents and invited guests unique experiences designed to strengthen the mind, body and spirit,” said Ford. “Our goal for this speaker series is to bring charismatic personalities and notable individuals to our community to create significant opportunities for residents and guests to learn and enjoy noteworthy events.”
The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a private meet-and-greet, followed by the keynote at 2:00 p.m. A Q&A session will immediately follow with a book signing at 3:00 p.m. This event is part of The Cardinal at North Hill’s Art of Living Well® Speaker Series. Media can interview Jacobson prior to the start of the event from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. While this event is not open to the general public, media is invited to attend.