Documentary Screening of Lenore + Q&A with Susan Gervasi, Producer

Directed by filmmaker Susan Gervasi, Lenore traces the life of an artist who forged her path through adversity, creativity, and conviction.

From her early years at the Art Institute of Chicago to her New Deal commissions, Straus used art to explore themes of justice, identity, and social change. Her work—and her life—were shaped by the political tensions of her time, personal struggles, and a deep connection to place.

In Accokeek and the Moyaone Reserve, she built a vibrant creative community while continuing to evolve as an artist, later embracing Zen Buddhism and creating works marked by reflection and serenity. Lenore offers an intimate portrait of a woman whose art, relationships, and surroundings were inseparable.

Following the screening, guests are invited to a Q&A with filmmaker Susan Gervasi, exploring Straus’s life, work, and lasting impact.

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