LYDIA TURCIOS
Art Director
Freedonia Marxonia: The Marx Brothers Film Festival and Symposium celebrates the creative works of the Marx brothers and their connection to the town of Fredonia through “Freedonia,” the fictional setting of their 1933 film, “Duck Soup.”
The event is multifaceted and includes a yearly art contest. After all, what better way to celebrate than through creative works of your own?
Each entry must relate to the Marx brothers — Harpo, Groucho, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo — or their works in any way, shape or form.
Anyone within the Fredonia community is allowed to enter, and you are free to use any medium you choose! From a diorama, a detailed charcoal piece or even a lifesize standee.
Besides paying tribute to the famous comedians, the best part about this festival is its accessibility to any skill level. You are being judged more on your creativity than your technical skill. Go wild with your concepts and don’t worry too much about the outcome — the only rule is keep your work original.
All entries qualify for cash prizes — $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place.
The winning entries are to be included in a small display at Reed Library, including entries from this year and entries from the previous year. This display will run from Sept. 28 through Oct. 17.
This year’s entries are due by Sept. 28. You may submit your entries to Cindy Yochym in Reed Library, or contact her at Cynthia.Yochym@fredonia.edu. If you’re not sure where her office is, ask an employee at the reference desk in Reed Library or make a left at the Office of the Registrar.
Examples of submissions and more information on the event can be found at fredonia.libguides.com/marxonia.
The fully online illustrated lecture “Home Again: The Marx Brothers and New York City” (2020) by Noah Diamond can also be found here as last year’s commemoration, which will soon be followed by this years “There’s Nothing Like Liberty: The Marx Brothers and America” (2021). Both of these films are entirely free and open to the public.
Support for the Freedonia Marxonia comes through the Hahn Family Freedonia Marxonia Fund of the Fredonia College Foundation.