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 ener- gy to the Corcoran. A leader in establishing the volunteer docent program, Argentina 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 Co- pello 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. At seventeen, Bob invested his meager savings in the post-crash market. Those funds and part-time jobs en- abled him to graduate from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Michigan Law School. After serving in the Navy, he married Argentina Copello. For years, they lived in Spring Valley, where they raised six children, eventually moving to Bethesda, MD. Bob was CEO of United Masonry and Consumers Gas, and sat on the boards of a wide array of companies. He also served as a Trustee of Holton-Arms School and Board President for the House of Mercy.

Bob was a practical man, formal and business-like in speech and manner. An avid tennis player, Bob was a smooth dancer and had a beautiful singing voice. After Argie’s death, he married Olga Hirschhorn.

 When he was young, Bob learned from both bad and good experiences the importance of honesty, integri- ty, and openness in all his dealings, and worked with the same group of investors for decades. In addition to the edict “never spend principal,” Bob instilled in his children the importance of family, steadfast friendships, education, and a sense of humor. As phrased on a mo- mento from his colleagues, “His wisdom gave light.”