Addison Gallery Reopens: Dive into Fall's Exciting New Exhibitions!

Addison Gallery Reopens: Dive into Fall's Exciting New Exhibitions!

The Addison Gallery of American Art at Phillips Academy is set to welcome art lovers back with open arms on Tuesday, September 2. This reopening comes with an exciting lineup of new exhibitions and programs running through the fall and into early 2026, each promising a unique glimpse into the evolving world of American art. As Andover MA News reports, the highlight of the season features „Tommy Kha, Other Things Uttered,“ showcasing the vibrant photography of 2025 Hayes Prize recipient Tommy Kha. This exhibition will be on view until January 25, 2026, offering visitors an engaging experience into contemporary visual storytelling.

In tandem with Kha’s work, the gallery will debut „Family Portrait,“ a rich tapestry of nearly two centuries of photography capturing family life across generations. Also on that opening day, „Playing to Our Strengths: Highlights from the Permanent Collection“ will launch, guiding viewers through the gallery’s impressive holdings, from American Impressionist works and Pictorialist photography to Ashcan School paintings and documentary styles. This exhibition runs until July 31, 2026.

The Highwaymen: Celebrating Resilience and Talent

Adding to the excitement, on September 9, the highly anticipated exhibition „Making Their Way: The Florida Highwaymen Painters“ will open its doors. This showcase dives into the world of self-taught African American artists who flourished during Florida’s racially segregated Jim Crow era. Their artwork, primarily vibrant landscapes, is a testament to resilience and creativity, as noted by Addison Andover.

The Highwaymen, hailing mainly from Fort Pierce and Gifford, Florida, produced hundreds of thousands of paintings between the late 1950s and early 1980s. Often excluded from mainstream galleries, they creatively sold their work through door-to-door canvassing or from the trunks of their cars. Remarkably, these pieces were sometimes sold while still wet, capturing the spontaneous beauty of the Florida landscape. Their art, deeply influenced by 19th-century visionaries like Winslow Homer and Thomas Moran, transformed perceptions of Florida, infusing it with color and life.

This exhibition boasts works from the collection of Jonathan Otto and has garnered support from numerous benefactors, including Bernard I. Lumpkin and Carmine D. Boccuzzi. It truly represents the tenacity and talent of these artists who continue to inspire future generations.

A Broader Context of Black Art in America

The celebration of Black artists doesn’t stop with the Highwaymen. Mark your calendars for another crucial exhibition, „Black Artists in America: From the Bicentennial to September 11,“ at the Crocker Art Museum, running from October 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026. This exhibition highlights over 50 works from a variety of acclaimed artists, showcasing the rich narratives and perspectives within the Black American community, as outlined by Crocker Art Museum.

This collection, the third installment of a series, examines how Black American artists addressed pressing issues from cultural identity to social justice, reflecting the tumultuous landscape of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Featured artists include the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Romare Bearden, whose influential works continue to resonate with audiences today. The exhibit promises a wealth of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces gathered from both public and private collections across the nation.

The Addison Gallery of American Art and the upcoming exhibitions serve as a reminder of the power of art to convey stories and evoke emotions. Whether it’s through the lens of family, landscape, or cultural expression, there’s truly something special on display. Don’t miss out on these enriching experiences that give voice to our collective history.

For more information about the Addison Gallery, visit addison.andover.edu.