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Education Programs Educators Student Exhibitions

Young @ Art – 2024

Lucas Lillo, Practice, Practice, marker, Orange Grove Magnet School, 7th grade, Art Teacher: Hilda Muinos

View Last Year’s Exhibition

Each year the Tampa Museum of Art invites Hillsborough County art teachers to submit a student’s artwork for the Young at Art Student Exhibition. The Museum celebrates the creativity of this year’s submissions from students in kindergarten through eighth grade. We would also like to acknowledge the dedication and support of the visual arts by the educators, school staff and administration, the Hillsborough County School Board, the Hillsborough Education Foundation and the families and friends of the artists.

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Important Dates

Submit

Submission Guidelines

Artwork Delivery

Artwork Pick-up

Important Dates

Friday, December 1, 2023                        
On or before complete the online submission form at artfulevaluation.com

Friday, December 1, 2023                   
On or before, Deliver work to Laura Hobby (Public Schools only)

Saturday, December 23, 2024
On or before, deliver work directly to TMA (Private and charter schools)

January 13- March 17, 2024            
Exhibition on view

Sunday, January 21, 2-4pm                        
Reception, Remarks at 2:30pm

How to Register for Artful Evaltuation

Submission Guidelines

  • Enter one (1) artwork PER SCHOOL* from public, private, or charter elementary AND middle schools in Hillsborough County. If you’re at two schools, you may enter one (1) piece of art from each school.
    • *Schools with elementary (K-5) and middle school (6-8) students may submit (1) elementary work and (1) middle school work.
  • NO group projects are accepted.
  • NO 3-dimensional works accepted.
  • NO photographs of artwork accepted. (change from past year’s exhibitions)
  • Only 2-dimensional works accepted.
  • Maximum size INCLUDING mounting or matting: 9” x 12”
  • Securely mount work to either poster board or mat board. (Work only mounted on construction paper is damaged easily.)
  • Don’t laminate or have exposed staples or tape.
  • Make sure any collaged pieces are securely attached.
  • Complete the online entry form! Then, write the students name and school on the back of the work. Submissions without online forms will not be accepted into the Museum.
  • Make sure your school’s name is written prominently on the portfolio/envelope containing the art work. This will help the museum repackage artwork after the exhibition.
  • All guidelines must be followed and online entry form completed or work will not be accepted.

Artwork Delivery Options

  1. on or before December 7 – Deliver work to Laura Hobby, Art Supervisor, ROSSAC, Route 7, Each school’s submission should be packaged in a padded envelope along with Fine Arts Festival and Florida State Fair submissions.  If not being hand delivered, please allow 3 days for school mail, making the mailing deadline Friday, December 1. (public schools only)
  2. on or before Saturday, December 23 – Deliver work directly to TMA (private and charter schools)*

*Art work must be delivered through the security entrance on the north-east corner of the building.

Artwork Pick-Up Options

  1. Week of March 25 – Work returned to teachers through school mail (public schools only)
  2. Starting March 25th – Pick-up work from TMA by appointment only (private and charter schools)*

*Deadline to pick-up artwork directly from the Museum is Monday, April 8th

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Current Exhibitions

Vaughn Spann: Allegories

On view now

Vaughn Spann (American, b. 1992), "Within the Margins of Eternity", 2023. Polymer paint and mixed media on wood panel. 120 x 120 inches. Courtesy the artist & David Castillo, Miami
Vaughn Spann (American, b. 1992), Within the Margins of Eternity, 2023. Polymer paint and mixed media on wood panel. 120 x 120 inches. Courtesy the artist & David Castillo, Miami
Vaughn Spann (American, b. 1992), "Manifestations", 2023. Polymer paint and mixed media on wood panel. 120 x 120 inches. Courtesy the artist & David Castillo, Miami
Vaughn Spann (American, b. 1992), Manifestations, 2023. Polymer paint and mixed media on wood panel. 120 x 120 inches. Courtesy the artist & David Castillo, Miami

In a recent interview, artist Vaughn Spann (American, b. 1992) remarked, “Abstraction maps reality.” The four monumental paintings on view, all from the series Marked Men, represent the convergence of abstraction and figuration in Spann’s art. Rendered as a grid, each panel features a prominent ‘X’ at the center of the composition. Vibrant paint—from sapphire to sky blue, crimson red, fire orange, and marigold yellow, to blush pink and emerald green—emphasize Spann’s lattice of kaleidoscopic color. A combination of pigment and housepaint, the artist works the surface of the painting on the floor of his studio, building texture withing the picture plane, and then completes the work upright on the wall.

The X serves as a stand-in for the body and represents both personal and collective experiences. Created in a variety of hues and form, the X ranges from prominently visible to camouflaged or hidden. In Spann’s paintings, the X serves as a portrait of the everyman who has been targeted in racial profiling. It reflects self as well as the unknown or anonymous person. In discussing the inspiration for the Marked Men series, Spann shared: “I was stopped and frisked for the first time while I was an undergrad student…I was walking home from studying at a friend’s house. Cops pulled me over. Four other cop cars came by. They put me against a gate, and my hands are up, split. That same gesture echoes the X. And, for me, that’s such a symbolic form, and so powerful to this contemporary moment.”

Spann’s paintings illustrate a breadth of art historical and contemporary art influences, from the colorful abstract paintings by Stanley Whitney and Brice Marden’s lyrical yet minimal canvases, to Pop art icon Andy Warhol. Although each painter offers a uniquely different approach to art making, the grid and notion of repetition or seriality unites the artists. Both a formal and narrative choice, the containment of the grid heightens the image’s meaning or allegory. In discussing his grid paintings, Whitney once remarked, “There is freedom in setting limits for one self.” Spann, greatly inspired by Whitney, builds on this sentiment and adds, “…with freedom comes responsibility.” In this gallery, Spann’s Marked Men series signifies the artist’s dedication to social activism while paying homage to art history.

Born in Orlando, Florida, Vaughn Spann received his BFA in studio art from Rutgers State University and earned his MFA in painting and printmaking from Yale University’s School of Art. His art has been exhibited across the globe, with exhibitions mounted at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Rubell Museum. Spann’s work resides in the collections of the North Carolina Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Buffalo AKG Art Museum, and others.

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News

A Legacy of Artistry: ‘Embellish Me’ Exhibition Opens at Tampa Museum of Art

The Tampa Museum of Art is delighted to announce the opening of Embellish Me: Works from the Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth, an exquisite showcase of vivid canvases, intricate embroidery, and opulent gold foil and mosaics. Running from February 17 through July 28, 2024, this exhibition is a celebration of sumptuous artistry and a tribute to the late Norma Canelas Roth, a fervent advocate for underrepresented art.

Embellish Me explores the journey from pattern painting to elaborate fiber works, capturing the spirit of artists who indulge in the extravagant and defy conventional restraint. It’s a testament to the influence of feminism in art, with many pieces elevating techniques and color palettes traditionally linked to women artists.

Curated in memory of Norma Canelas Roth, the exhibition draws from her and William Roth’s extensive collection, highlighting pieces associated with the Pattern and Decoration movement. This impressive collection reflects Norma Canelas Roth’s enduring passion for art, Puerto Rican heritage, and Florida roots.

Visitors to the Tampa Museum of Art will be treated to works from celebrated artists such as Rudy Autio, Lynda Benglis, and Miriam Schapiro, among others. This diverse group of artists represents the breadth and depth of the Roths’ collection and their commitment to showcasing a variety of artistic expressions.

“Embellish Me” is not just an exhibition; it is a vibrant legacy of Norma Canelas Roth’s life and her unyielding dedication to collecting impactful art. The Tampa Museum of Art is proud to partner with the Patricia & Philip Frost Art Museum at FIU to bring this significant collection to the public.

Join us at the Tampa Museum of Art to experience the lavish world of “Embellish Me” and celebrate the artistic contributions of Norma Canelas Roth and the many talented artists featured in this unique exhibition.

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Categories
Past Exhibitions

14th Congressional and Next Generation High School Art Competition 2024

On view February 3 through April 14, 2024

Henry Peter, Wild Fire, Digital Photography, Gibbs High School, Grade 10, Art Teacher: Amber Quimby
Gianna Untied-Leonard, Mind Numbing, Mixed Media, Bloomingdale High School, Grade 12, Art Teacher: Pamela Reeves
Emerson Lewis, Something Old, Something New, Acrylic, Alonso High School, Grade 12, Art Teacher: Shane Heath
Gabriela Wang, Calyx, Sculpture, Blake High School, Grade 12, Art Teacher: Caitlin Clay
Abigail Green, Magpiety, Acrylic, Cambridge Christian School, Grade 12, Art Teacher: Amy Dayton

This annual high school art exhibition features exemplary work created by high school students throughout the 14th Congressional District and Hillsborough County. Students compete for two top prizes: the Museum Choice Award and the Congressional Choice Award. The artwork selected for the Congressional Choice Award will continue to represent the district in the National Congressional High School Art Competition, hanging in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. Additionally, the recipient of this award receives a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Awards Ceremony in June 2024. 

The 14th Congressional District and Next Generation High School Art Competition is presented in partnership with the Office of U.S. Representative, Kathy Castor. 

Special thanks to the judging committee and award sponsors for their support

Ann Sklar Scholarship Fund

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 

Hillsborough County Public Schools 

Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts 

Categories
Past Exhibitions

Young at Art 2024

On view January 13 through March 17, 2024

Olivia E, The Cute Lion, Mixed Media, grade 1, Turner Bartels K-8, Art Teacher: Kandra Scrivner
Liam D, Bear! Oil Pastel, Palm River Elementary School, grade K, Art Teacher: Dagnarie Land
Paola B, Still Life Kusama Style, Mixed Media, Town & Country Elementary School, grade 5, Art Teacher: Julia Prieto-Acevedo
Melanie F, Parts Of Me, Color Pencil, Buchanan Middle School, grade 8, Art Teacher: Carla Wilkins

Each year the Tampa Museum of Art invites Hillsborough County art teachers to submit a student’s artwork for the Young at Art Student Exhibition. The Museum celebrates the creativity of this year’s submissions from students in kindergarten through eighth grade. We would also like to acknowledge the dedication and support of the visual arts by the educators, school staff and administration, and the families and friends of the artists.

100+ student artworks from private and public schools will be on view in the Education Center hallway. This exhibition is free to the public.

Categories
Past Exhibitions

The Last Picture Show: Photorealist Paintings by Rod Penner

On view November 22, 2023 through September 1, 2024

Rod Penner (American, b. Canada, 1965), "Sands Motel & Cafe", 2019. Acrylic on canvas. 31 x 64 inches. Collection of Louis K. and Susan P. Meisel, NY.
Rod Penner (American, b. Canada, 1965), Sands Motel & Cafe, 2019. Acrylic on canvas. 31 x 64 inches. Collection of Louis K. and Susan P. Meisel, NY.

 I’m interested in the look of things and the quality of being there. A moment that is completely frozen with all the variety of textures; rust on poles, crumbling asphalt, light hitting the grass.

                                                                                                                                                      Rod Penner

In the late 1960s, a new genre of realist painting emerged in New York City and San Francisco. While Pop art and abstraction remained the dominant forms of painting at the time, a group of artists explored the convergence of photography and painting. Dubbed “Photorealism” by the gallerist Lou Meisel, a cohort of artists used their own photographs to create landscapes, portraits, and still lifes in exact detail. To create such precise paintings, the Photorealists often employed projectors to enlarge their images onto canvas and utilized novel tools, such as spray guns, to render works with smooth surfaces. Brushwork, particularly bold gestural mark making, was abandoned in favor of a look that mirrored the quality of the photograph. The pictorial content varied but typically the West Coast artists favored everyday scenes of daily life. East Coast artists captured the shiny allure of chrome objects, such as diners, trucks, cars, and the typography of signs and advertisements. Artists on both coasts emphasized light and reflection in their paintings, which remains a signature element of Photorealism.

Rod Penner’s photo-based work inherits the legacy of Photorealism but also challenges the aesthetic of the genre. For nearly 40-years, Penner has painted America’s small towns. While much of his work portrays communities in Texas and New Mexico, Penner’s paintings explore the beauty in absence and decay that inhabit the once bustling corridors of Main Street, America. In this selection of eight paintings, Penner details deteriorating building facades, aging signs, and vacant streets devoid of people. Brooding clouds and expansive skylines loom above the one and two-story buildings, further highlighting the spectral quality of the town. Penner’s use of light and shadow, as well as reflections in puddles, create both a sense of drama in the composition and emphasize the passage of time.

To create his paintings, Penner uses his own reference photographs and videos to render precision of subject, light, and form. Unlike the Photorealists, he is not interested in recreating the photographic image, rather he uses the photo as a sketch. He photographs sites in the evening or Sunday mornings, finding inspiration in the solitude and quietness of the moment. In the studio, Penner uses a small paintbrush to laboriously render the details and visual textures of each scene. Although from a distance the works may appear as a photograph, close inspection of Penner’s paintings reveal his carefully placed brush marks. Each painting represents the artist’s poetic interpretation of Americana and the enduring presence of the past.

Rod Penner (American, b. Canada, 1965), "View Down Alamo Street", 2001. Acrylic on illustration board. 7 3/4 x 13 1/4 inches. Collection of Louis K. and Susan P. Meisel, NY.
Rod Penner (American, b. Canada, 1965), View Down Alamo Street, 2001. Acrylic on illustration board. 7 3/4 x 13 1/4 inches. Collection of Louis K. and Susan P. Meisel, NY.
Rod Penner (American, b. Canada, 1965), "Simple Simon's/Eagle Lake", 2022. Acrylic on canvas. 12 x 18 inches. Courtesy of Louis K. Meisel Gallery.
Rod Penner (American, b. Canada, 1965), Simple Simon’s/Eagle Lake, 2022. Acrylic on canvas. 12 x 18 inches. Courtesy of Louis K. Meisel Gallery.
Categories
Past Exhibitions

Embellish Me

Works from the Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth

On view February 17, 2024 through July 28, 2024

Miriam Schapiro (American, b. Canadian, 1923-2015), "Atrium of Flowers", 1980. Acrylic and fabric on canvas. 63 x 69 inches. Selected highlights of the William and Norma Canelas Roth Collection.

During the 1970s, artists in Los Angeles and New York challenged convention by pushing the boundaries of form, color, and meaning. While Conceptualism, Pop Art, and Minimalism gained significant attention and acclaim, other artists reveled in the handmade and sought to legitimize aesthetic ideas beyond those that preoccupied the mainstream art world. Even though the movement itself was loosely construed, artists affiliated with Pattern and Decoration sought to challenge established hierarchies and gendered assumptions in the art world. 

Tony Robbin (b. 1934), "1978-21", 1978. Acrylic on canvas. 70 x 56 inches. Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth
Tony Robbin (b. 1934), 1978-21, 1978. Acrylic on canvas. 70 x 56 inches. Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth

Throughout the exhibition visitors will encounter vividly painted canvases, detailed embroidery, as well as gold foil and mosaics. A feast for the eyes, the works included in the exhibition are unabashedly sumptuous. Beginning with pattern painting and moving into complex fiber works, the exhibition examines how artists embraced excess and rejected restrained formality. In their work and in their personal lives, several artists considered feminism to be a core component of their practices. Some aimed to elevate color palettes and techniques traditionally associated with women artists.  

Embellish Me is presented in honor of Norma Canelas Roth (1943–2022). A tireless advocate for artists, Roth felt deeply passionate about collecting art that was often neglected by mainstream art dealers, critics, and curators. Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and an alumni of the University of South Florida, she lived much of her life in Florida. She remained committed to collecting in depth. Embellish Me presents a selection of works collected by Roth, many of which made by artists affiliated with the Pattern and Decoration movement, which she collected extensively.  

Featured Artists

Rudy Autio

Lynda Benglis

Paul Brach

Brad Davis

Frank Faulkner

Valerie Jaudon

Richard Kalina

Joyce Kozloff

Robert Kushner

Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt

Pat Lasch

Kim MacConnel

Ree Morton

Tony Robbin

Lucas Samaras

Miriam Schapiro

Joyce Scott

Kendall Shaw

Ned Smyth

John Torreano

Ann Turnley

Betty Woodman

Robert Zakanitch

Embellish Me: Works from the Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth is organized by the Patricia & Philip Frost Art Museum at FIU and presented in collaboration with the Tampa Museum of Art

Joyce Scott (b. 1948), "Necklace (Skeletons)", 1994. Glass beads, semi-precious stones. 15 x 14 1/2 inches. Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth
Joyce Scott (b. 1948), Necklace (Skeletons), 1994. Glass beads, semi-precious stones. 15 x 14 1/2 inches. Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth
Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt (b.1948), "Untitled (crown)", 1986. Aluminum foil, plastic, staples, tinsel, garland, and other media. Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth
Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt (b.1948), Untitled (crown), 1986. Aluminum foil, plastic, staples, tinsel, garland, and other media. Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth
Lucas Samaras (b. 1936), "Reconstruction #39", 1978. Sewn fabrics. 75 x 48 inches. Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth
Lucas Samaras (b. 1936), Reconstruction #39, 1978. Sewn fabrics. 75 x 48 inches. Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth
Kim MacConnel (b. 1946), "Gymnasium", 1979. Acrylic and glitter on cloth. 72 x 104 inches. Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth
Kim MacConnel (b. 1946), Gymnasium, 1979. Acrylic and glitter on cloth. 72 x 104 inches. Collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth
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News

Tampa Museum of Art Launches Community Arts Education Initiative With Hillsborough County Public Schools

Student answers a question during a docent-led school tour at the Tampa Museum of Art
Student answers a question during a docent-led school tour at the Tampa Museum of Art

TAMPA Fla. – Thanks to a federal grant secured by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, the Tampa Museum of Art will welcome nearly 15,000 additional students in Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Transformation Network next year as part of a new Community Arts Education Initiative supplementing the Museum’s existing school tour programs.

The $1.9 million federal grant for the Museum and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts will provide local students with experiences critiquing works of art, as well as practicing critical thinking skills that will help students in many different subjects.

“Education is at the heart of our mission, and our recent Centennial Renovation has made it possible for us to welcome record numbers of local students to the Museum for learning experiences that engage and inspire,” said Michael Tomor, Ph.D., the Penny and Jeff Vinik Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art.

“All Hillsborough County students should have an opportunity to develop creative skills and enjoy the arts in partnership with the expanding Tampa Museum of Art education initiative and local cultural arts centers. I am proud to champion federal support so that a greater number of Hillsborough students can engage, grow and thrive through arts education,” said U.S. Rep. Castor.  

“Our Transformation Network provides support for our most vulnerable students in Hillsborough County. The Community Arts Education Initiative stresses innovative experiences for our students that will strengthen their critical thinking skills.  We are thankful for Representative Castor’s leadership and the Museum’s partnership for welcoming our students for this guided and gallery-based learning,” said Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres.

The federal grant funding will support an 18-month cycle of staff training, curriculum development, school visits, teacher and facilitator training, and assessments to determine the impact of the arts experiences on the students’ critical thinking skills. Students who participate in a visit to the Museum will demonstrate an increase in skills related to the Visual Art Critical Thinking and Reflection, Enduring Understanding 3 standard.

Teacher guides students through the antiquities exhibition at the Tampa Museum of Art
Teacher guides students through the antiquities exhibition at the Tampa Museum of Art

In addition to the federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Castor, the Community Arts Education Initiative is also made possible by the Museum’s recent Centennial Renovation project which doubled the size of the gallery space, and opened the Vinik Family Education Center which grew the Museum’s dedicated education space from 1,400 to 8,000 square feet, including four classrooms and a spacious lobby that features orientation areas and a secure entrance. The number of students that the Museum can serve will continue to grow with the upcoming Centennial Expansion. Learn more about the Centennial Renovation and Expansion project.

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Categories
News

SEAM Hospitality Announces New Partnership with Tampa Museum of Art to Enhance Event Experiences

TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay’s premier event venue management group, SEAM Hospitality, is excited to announce its newest collaboration with the iconic Tampa Museum of Art. This partnership showcases SEAM’s dedication to curating a diverse portfolio of premier event spaces throughout the Tampa Bay area.

SEAM Hospitality, an Event Venue Management Group specializing in venue management, emerged as a natural progression from the rapid success of Armature Works’ private events program. Recognizing the valuable insights gained from orchestrating hundreds of private events, a unique opportunity was identified to extend this expertise to benefit other venues’ operations. With 30+ years of collective experience and over 5,000 successful events executed, SEAM Hospitality offers guests convenience and expertise, while providing venues with increased bookings and operational efficiencies. Over the past year and a half, they have expanded into managing distinctive event spaces such as Station House, Hyde House Public Studio, Barefoot Beach Club, and now the renowned Tampa Museum of Art.

Nestled in downtown Tampa beside Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Tampa Museum of Art is not only a beacon of cultural pride for the region but also one of the few waterfront event venues in Tampa. These attributes firmly establish it as an exclusive and highly coveted event space. With its rich cultural heritage and capacity to offer a breathtaking setting for private events, the Tampa Museum of Art offers an unparalleled setting for occasions that require a touch of artistry and elegance.

“As a Tampa native, the opportunity to develop the partnership between the Tampa Museum of Art and SEAM holds a deeply personal significance,” says Ashley McChesney, Managing Partner of SEAM Hospitality. “The venue’s uniqueness and beauty are truly unmatched in Tampa. While the current team has already produced remarkable private events, my team and I envision even greater potential ahead. We’re excited for this new collaboration to take their private event program to the next level.”

“Partnering with SEAM Hospitality is a strategic and exciting move for the Tampa Museum of Art. SEAM’s exceptional track record in event management aligns perfectly with TMA’s vision for providing unparalleled experiences within our space. Together, we aim to celebrate the Museum’s cultural heritage and unique ambiance, ensuring that each event held here is not just an occasion but a work of art in its own right,” said Michael Tomor, the Penny and Jeff Vinik Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art.                                                                                                                

Incorporating the Tampa Museum of Art into their diverse collection of event venues, SEAM Hospitality continues to underscore their commitment to expanding unique local event spaces across the greater Tampa Bay area. This partnership announcement solidifies their reputation as a leading Event Venue Management Group.

About SEAM Hospitality

SEAM Hospitality is an Event Venue Management Group founded in 2020, specializing in venue management for existing venues or for those looking to expand into the event venue space. SEAM Hospitality brings over 30 years of collective experience, and has successfully planned, produced and executed over 5,000 events throughout Florida. To date, SEAM hospitality currently manages six event venue spaces throughout the Tampa Bay area. Additional information can be found at https://www.seamhospitality.com/.

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Categories
Past Exhibitions

Frontiers of Impressionism: Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum

On view September 28, 2023 through January 7, 2024

Claude Monet (French, 1840-1926), "Waterlilies", 1908. Oil on canvas, 37 3/8 x 35 3/8 inches. Worcester Art Museum Purchase 1910.26. Image courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum.
Claude Monet (French, 1840-1926), Waterlilies, 1908. Oil on canvas, 37 3/8 x 35 3/8 inches. Worcester Art Museum Purchase 1910.26. Image courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum.

Frontiers of Impressionism: Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum includes 53 works by over 30 artists—including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, and Max Slevogt. Together, they demonstrate Impressionism’s international allure and its national adaptations captured in subjects from Monet’s famed Giverny lily pond to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon.

In 2024, the term “impressionism” celebrates its 150th anniversary. Such a significant occasion inspires reflection on the profound impact that a relatively small group of artists in Paris made by positing a new mode of painting: one that favored painting outdoors over in a studio, immediacy over planning, the everyday over the grand, and the fleeting over the eternal. In doing so, the impressionists upended centuries of traditions in European art. This exhibition explores the radical impulses behind impressionism and its seemingly endless adaptability, as artists from around the world came to Paris to study and returned to their homelands, assimilating what they had absorbed and propelling the movement further. 

The Worcester Art Museum pioneered new artistic horizons by embracing impressionism early in its history. The French and American impressionism collections at the Worcester Art Museum have long drawn visitors to the galleries. The first directors purchased works by Monet from his Parisian dealer, Durand-Ruel, as well as directly from American impressionists, making the Museum one of the first in the United States to collect impressionism actively as contemporary art. Over the past 125 years, this collection has grown, encapsulating the story of the movement’s roots and emergence in France and its subsequent expansion to the United States, Germany, Scandinavia, and beyond. Highlighting more than 30 artists, including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, and Max Slevogt, this exhibition demonstrates impressionism’s international allure, captured in subjects as far-flung as Monet’s famed Giverny lily pond to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon. 

Childe Hassam, "Gathering Flowers in a French Garden", 1888. Oil on canvas. Worcester Art Museum, Theodore T. and Mary G. Ellis Collection, 1940.87. Image courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum.
Childe Hassam, Gathering Flowers in a French Garden, 1888. Oil on canvas. Worcester Art Museum, Theodore T. and Mary G. Ellis Collection, 1940.87. Image courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum.
John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925), "Oranges at Corfu", about 1909. Oil on canvas. Worcester Art Museum, Theodore T. and Mary G. Ellis Collection, 1940.99. Image courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum.
John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925), Oranges at Corfu, about 1909. Oil on canvas. Worcester Art Museum, Theodore T. and Mary G. Ellis Collection, 1940.99. Image courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum.

Frontiers of Impressionism: Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum is organized by

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