A work entitled ‘Gas’ by Edward Hopper, who is the focus of an Opera House event.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present Hopper, a special cinematic examination of the celebrated American artist, on Saturday at 1 p.m. as part of its Art & Architecture On Screen Series.

Edward Hopper’s work is the most recognizable art in America – popular, praised, and mysterious, the rare artist whose work is accessible to both the casual and critical observer. Countless painters, photographers, filmmakers, and musicians have been influenced by his art – but who was he, and how did a struggling illustrator create such a bounty of notable work? This new cinematic production takes a deep look into Hopper’s art, his life, and hisrelationships.

From his early career as an illustrator, his wife giving up her own promising art career to be his manager, and his critical and commercial acclaim – this film explores the enigmatic personality behind the brush. Combined with expert interviews, diaries, and a startling visual reflection of American life, Hopper brings to life America’s arguably most influential artist. The production runs approximately one hour, 30 minutes.

Individual tickets are $15, ($10 students). Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, 12-4:30 p.m. Tickets also may be purchased online anytime at www.fredopera.org. Opera House programming is made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

For this production, the Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or Opera House staff member.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.

AP Photo

A Christie’s employee displays a pink diamond called “The Fortune Pink”.