Charles Dickens unsuccessfully advocated for the establishment of international copyright law during his two trips to America (1842 & 1868). Kicking off the first full weekend of events in Lowell for the Charles Dickens and Massachusetts Exhibit at the National Park, this event will feature a reading by author Andre Dubus III, a slide show by photographer Arno Minkkinen, and a short performance by musician Alan Williams. The trio of UMass Lowell professors will discuss the ethical dilemmas they face as producers of creative work and their perspectives on such issues as international copyright, artistic influence, and art as "property.”  This presentation is supported by the UMass Lowell Center for Arts and Ideas.