The Rockwell Museum believes in offering experiences to the community that challenge perspectives about America through ever-changing exhibitions and innovative programming. That’s why we’re thrilled to present actor and public servant Kal Penn in honor of The Rockwell’s 40th Anniversary. Penn will present on “Art in Politics” on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at the Corning Museum of Glass Auditorium (1 Museum Way, Corning). Tickets for adults are $30, students $15. Advance purchase highly recommended at rockwellmuseum.org.
Kal is a rising star in Hollywood with a passion for the intersection of pop culture and politics; he even took a two-year sabbatical to work full time for the White House. How can we use our creativity to better digest and engage the world around us?
Kal will speak on how working in diverse environments and with a wide array of individuals completely transformed his perspective on politics, media and public service. He recalls his work with the White House with wit and charisma, including a cultural delegation to Cuba with the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
About Kal Penn
Kal Penn is known for his starring roles in House, 24, the Harold and Kumar franchise, and forthcoming ABC series Designated Survivor. Though there is a tradition of Hollywood stars campaigning for politicians, Penn may be the only one in recent memory to take a sabbatical from his career midstream to work full time in politics. From 2009 to 2011, he was an Associate Director at the White House Office of Public Engagement, where he primarily served as President Obama’s Liaison to Young Americans (focusing on, among other issues, outreach around “don’t ask, don’t tell,” increasing financial aid, and young veterans).
During his years at The Office of Public Engagement, Penn also served as the president’s liaison to Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, engaging them in a variety of initiatives.
Penn recently hosted The Big Picture with Kal Penn, a National Geographic TV series currently on Netflix that uses data and mapping to make powerful connections and visualize our world in amazing new ways. Each episode uncovers surprising facts on a topic (like money, sex, food, crime, migrations or sports), revealing how our world works, how we got here, and even where we’re headed—while exploring powerful stories from the real people and communities behind the data.
Penn has appeared on the popular sitcom How I Met Your Mother, and has hosted The Big Brain Theory, a competition to find the nation’s brightest engineer, on the Discovery Channel. On the big screen, Penn has starred in various independent films and blockbusters, including three Harold and Kumar movies, Superman Returns, and Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain (alongside Martin Sheen and Mischa Barton). The New York Times called his lead role in Mira Nair’s The Namesake a, “crackling, star-making performance.” Penn has also taught courses at the University of Pennsylvania, and University of California, Los Angeles.
About The Rockwell Museum: A Smithsonian Affiliate
The Rockwell Museum, in association with the Smithsonian Institution, believes in arts in education and is passionate about offering authentic art experiences. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2016, The Rockwell is an evolving community center which showcases the best of America through compelling exhibitions and imaginative programs. The diverse collection includes a mix of contemporary American art with traditional bronze sculptures, landscape paintings and other works that embody the American experience. Housed in the beautifully restored 19th century Old City Hall building, The Rockwell is active in the local community and holds special events and educational programming with area public schools. The Rockwell provokes curiosity, engagement and reflection about art and the American experience.
