2008.11.12. 7:30pm Seattle Arts and Lecture series presents John Updike at Benaroya Hall. Interviewed by local novelist David Guterson and curator of American art at SAM Patricia Junker. Coincidentally I just went to an overview talk by Junker on the upcoming exhibition of Edward Hopper's Women at SAM. Updike's take on the 3 paintings is interesting to hear. Apparently he had quite a lot of training in painting, and kept up being an art critics. Updike didn't prepare anything. The program was barely one hour, plus about 15 minutes Q&A from the audience. Even though his answers are witty and well versed, it's still far short of an expectation that comes with a $30 admission charge (which only allows a general seating behind row R). More questions were submitted, but the organizer cut it short. Plus the books being on sale in the lobby, the whole experience left an unpleasant money making after-taste.

3:30 Seattle Art Museum annual members meeting, followed by an overview lecture of the new exhibition on Edward Hopper's Women, followed by an inadequate reception.