NEW YORK.- The Whitney Museum of American Art is observing the 100th anniversary of Lincoln Kirstein’s birth with an exhibition focusing on a diverse trio of artists from Kirstein’s circle: Walker Evans, Elie Nadelman, and Pavel Tchelitchew. Lincoln Kirstein: An Anniversary Celebration, conceived by guest curator Jerry L. Thompson, working with Elisabeth Sussman and Carter Foster, is on view in the Museum’s 5th-floor Ames Gallery. Selections from Kirstein’s writings form the basis of the labels and wall texts.

Lincoln Kirstein (1906-96), a noted writer, scholar, collector, impresario, champion of artists, and a hugely influential force in American culture, engaged with many notable artistic and literary figures, and helped shape the way the arts developed in America from the late 1920s onward. His involvement with choreographer George Balanchine, with whom he founded the School of American Ballet and New York City Ballet, is perhaps his best known accomplishment.

This exhibition focuses on the photographer Walker Evans, the sculptor Elie Nadelman, and the painter Pavel Tchelitchew, each of whom was important to Kirstein. Kirstein curated the first major Evans exhibition and wrote the introduction to Evans' book American Photographs (1938). He rescued the reputation of Elie Nadelman from relative obscurity and wrote monographs devoted to his sculpture and drawing. From Tchelitchew, Kirstein commissioned a portrait of himself that is one of the painter's greatest works; Kirstein collected his art and wrote about him extensively.

The entire 2007 spring season of the New York City Ballet has been dedicated to Lincoln Kirstein. In addition, the City Ballet is partnering with the Whitney to offer audiences a special Kirstein Centennial Celebration Series. In addition to two programs of dances, ticket-buyers can enjoy a pre-performance reception with Whitney curator Carter Foster, who will provide an inside look at the Whitney’s Kirstein exhibition.