DUDLEY MEMORIAL LECTURE
THE DUDLEY MEMORIAL LECTURE was established in 1984 at the Corcoran Museum in memory of Argentina Dudley by her husband, Robert Whittier Dudley, and their children to commemorate and perpetuate her life’s work and interests. A talented artist, Argentina devoted her time and energy to the Corcoran for over a quarter of a century. The family’s endowment fund secures the annual lecture in perpetuity. The lecture is not discipline specific. The guidelines are to invite a “a distinguished art historian, critic, humanitarian, or other significant personage in the arts.”
The lecturer is typically invited by the Corcoran director, in consultation with faculty members, followed by a reception or dinner with members of the Dudley family, students and faculty. Speakers receive a stipend and accommodations. The event is open to the public.
NOTABLE DUDLEY LECTURES
2024: John Troutman, Curator of Music and Musical Instruments at the National Museum of American History
2023: Valerie Cassel Oliver, Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
2019: Nao Bustamante, Multimedia and Performance Artist
2018: Wendy MacNaughton, Illustrator and Graphic Journalist
2017: Tom Joyce, MacArthur Fellow and contemporary American artist
2009: Art Spiegelman, Author and illustrator
Argentina Copello Dudley
A native of the Dominican Republic, Argentina Copello brought her passion for art and art history with her to Washington when her father was named ambassador to the United States in 1943.
For a quarter of a century, she devoted her time and energy to the arts and arts education at both the National Gallery of Art and later the Corcoran. A leader in establishing their volunteer docent program, Argie quickly became one of the Gallery’s champions. She chaired the Corcoran Ball in 1976 and served as president of the Corcoran Women’s Committee from 1978 - 1980. She also promoted the es- tablishment of a permanent education department at the Corcoran, personally providing funds for staffing.
A talented artist herself, Argie, as her friends knew her, shared her knowledge and motivated others by training dozens of docents and giving hundreds of gallery tours to children and adults. With enormous energy and enthusiasm, Argentina Copello Dudley viewed art and art education as illuminating forces that enable people to experience the world with a greater understanding. The Corcoran was fortunate to be the recipient of the devotion and talent of this very gracious lady.
Robert Whittier Dudley
Robert Whittier Dudley was born in Hanover, NH in 1912. He attended the University of Wisconsin and University of Michigan Law School. After graduating, he served in the Navy and was eventually stationed in Washington DC where he met and married Argentina Copello. For years, they lived in Spring Valley, where they raised six children, and eventually moved to Bethesda, MD. In addition to being CEO of United Masonry and Consumers Gas, Bob gave generously of his time as Trustee of Holton-Arms School and as Board President for the House of Mercy.
Bob instilled in his children the values he lived by: the importance of family, education, friendship, integrity, and kindness.