The Art of Invention
The Art of Invention is an evening event that explores the creative intersection of invention, intellectual property, and book publishing, centered on the story of Philo T. Farnsworth, the self‑educated farm boy who invented electronic television at age fourteen. Publisher Bruce Fries of TeamCom Books will discuss his work on the biography *The Boy Who Invented Television: A Story of Inspiration, Persistence and Quiet Passion*, and how the craft of transforming a forgotten inventor’s life into a book parallels the act of invention itself. The evening opens with a cocktail hour, followed by an illustrated presentation, and closes with a reception.
When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Location: Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I Street NW, Washington DC 20006.
Tickets: Members of the Arts Club of Washington $30 per person, Non‑Members $40 per person. Tickets are non‑refundable. All guests must be registered. Registration is available online; members may RSVP with a charge to their account, and non‑members purchase via the event page.
Schedule: 6:00 PM – Cocktail Hour; 7:00 PM – Illustrated Presentation; 8:00 PM – Reception.
Guest Speaker: Bruce Fries, founder and creative director of TeamCom Books, served as the artistic and editorial force behind *The Boy Who Invented Television*. He designed the cover, set the type, shaped the layout, and constructed the index. His previous book on MP3 technology was also a bestseller, launched with national publicity including CNN Headline News appearances and over 100 bookstore events.
Book Featured: *The Boy Who Invented Television: A Story of Inspiration, Persistence and Quiet Passion* recounts how Philo T. Farnsworth conceived of electronic television as a teenager, built the world’s first fully electronic television system six years later, and fought to defend his patents against the Radio Corporation of America. The book was endorsed by the Biography Channel, praised by PC Magazine, and described by Elma “Pem” Farnsworth as capturing “the true spirit of my husband’s journey of discovery.”
Run Time: 3 hours total, including cocktail hour, presentation, and reception.
Dress: Business casual or festive attire.
Venue: The Arts Club of Washington is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization located at 2017 I Street NW, Washington DC 20006.
Note: This event is open to the public. No age restrictions are specified.