AUTHOR SUSAN VREELAND LAUNCHES LUNCHEON OF THE BOATING PARTY IN SERIES OF DC AREA EVENTS

Bestselling Novelist's Work Showcases Renoir Washington, DC Art Treasure



Susan Vreeland, bestselling author of Girl in Hyacinth Blue and other books translated into
25 languages, takes on with her new novel Luncheon of the Boating Party
Auguste Renoir's celebration of La Vie Française,
the Phillips Collection treasure recently returned from tour.
Those 14 people enjoying a summer Sunday party on a café terrace--
they were actual people. Art collector, wealthy painter, celebrated actress, a Degas model,
Renoir's future wife--Vreeland takes us inside this vie moderne moment and each life,
weaving fact and imagination into a brilliant portrait of her own.

"Vreeland achieves a detailed and surprising group portrait, individualized
and immediate." Publishers Weekly

What: Susan Vreeland takes us inside Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party"
through the lens of her new novel. A Phillips Collection Artful Evening
event, held during the museum's Thursday night extended-hours program.

When: Thursday, May 10, 2007, 6 :30 pm

Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW,

How: $15; $10 for members. For more information and to register, contact
(202) 387-2151 x247 or groups@phillipscollection.org.

Other Greater Washington, DC area May events:

Borders, May, 11, Friday, 7:00pm. 5871 Crossroads Center Way, Baileys Crossroads, VA

The Walters Art Museum, May, 12, Saturday, 2:00pm Centre Street between Cathedral and Charles, Baltimore, MD
No charge to Museum members; $10 for non-members. Reservations: (410) 547-9000, ex 236 or 238.

photo credit:Shinji Turner-Yamamoto