Alfred, We Hardly Knew Thee January 7, 2008

A 1956 write-in candidate for the presidency and iconic symbol of Mad Magazine is the first feature in Eastern Michigan University's 2008 winter art series.

"Alfred, We Hardly Knew Thee," appearing in Ford Gallery Jan. 8 through Feb. 9, highlights the evolution of fictional character Alfred E. Neuman from late eighteenth-century English social commentaries to his reign as the mascot of America's longest-running humor magazine. A reception is scheduled Wednesday, Jan. 9, 4-7 p.m., with a gallery talk hosted by John Hett, editor and publisher of the Journal of Madness, at 5:30 p.m.

The madness continues Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Halle Library Auditorium, where Hett will speak on the history of Alfred E. Neuman and on works from his extensive collection from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Hett will be joined by Al Feldstein, editor of Mad Magazine for nearly 30 years, who will talk about his decision to showcase the character and Alfred's subsequent appearances in the magazine.

Official Website: http://www.emich.edu/fordgallery/index.html