Spellman Museum Presents Program on Van Gogh's Postman on March 25

The following information is from the Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History:

What does 19th century artist Vincent van Gogh have to do with stamps and postal history?

“The relationship is not exactly direct,” notes Henry Lukas, director of education at the Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History on the Regis College campus Weston. But, he adds, “what we know of van Gogh and his life can be found in his many letters.”  

Near the end of his life in Arles, France, van Gogh's closest and most loyal friend was the Postman Joseph Roulin who brought him this correspondence. As a result of this friendship, van Gogh painted his portrait several times and it has appeared on a stamp. One of these paintings also hangs in the Museum of Fine Arts as well as a number of other museums. In addition, several countries including France, Belgium and the Netherlands have honored van Gogh by issuing stamps with his image and also reproductions of some of his most famous works.  

On Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m., Screen Actors Guild actor Ted Zalewski will bring Roulin's portrait to life at the Spellman Museum as he portrays the Postman Roulin and relates the powerful life story of Vincent van Gogh in his one-man presentation, “Vincent: A Portrait by the Postman Roulin.”

Admission to the performance is included in the admission to the Museum, the gift shop, activities room and U.S. Post Office. The galleries will open as usual at noon.

The program “Vincent: A Portrait” is based on Zalewski's extensive research into van Gogh's life and letters. Zalewski's one-hour performance as Roulin has been hailed by audiences as “spellbinding” and “unforgettable.” Come and be transported back to a French café and learn about the life of a great but tragic artist.

Ted Zalewski is also a nationally known interpreter of Theodore Roosevelt, an educator and an author. He is the founder of Solo Together, a national guild of historical interpreters based in Cambridge. For more information on this event call 781-768-8367 or email info@spellman.org. More information about the actor Zalewski can be found at www.solotogether.com.