The Plein Air Landscape: Selections from the Permanent Collection
October 18, 2024 – February 23, 2025
In the late 19th century, French Impressionists like Claude Monet revolutionized painting by taking it outside in the open air—en plein air—where the painting done outside was the goal, and not just a means to an end. American artists like Childe Hassam and Frank Reaugh studied in Europe and brought plein air painting back to the United States, where expansive vistas and dramatic landscapes provided ample inspiration. This exhibit traces plein air painting from its roots in Impressionism to today’s worldwide plein air movement, especially in Texas and right here in San Angelo.
Bill Farnsworth, Keep the Change, 2017
From the Realms of Glory: Spanish Colonial Art from the Permanent Collection
November 22, 2024 – January 19, 2025
A stunning selection from SAMFA’s collection of sacred art from Spanish Colonial and 19th century Latin America. Created between 1600 and 1900, these works, in the words of the Catholic Catechism, were intended to “draw man to adoration, to prayer, and to the love of God.” On view through the holidays, this exhibition is a celebration of the rich artistic and religious traditions of Catholic Latin America.
Where Children Sleep: Photographs by James Mollison
February 15 - April 6, 2025
Organized by Curatorial Assistance Traveling Exhibitions, Pasadena, California
Generously sponsored by Susan and Mort Mertz
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In this revealing series of photographs, James Mollison invites us into the diverse stories of children in many different countries and circumstances. Each studio-style portrait is accompanied by a detailed study of the child’s “bedroom,” which can range from elaborate sanctuaries to the barest spaces set aside for sleep. The photographs and their related materials convey the story of a universal childhood, full of insecurity, hope, pain, comfort, and doubt. Economic inequality, children’s rights, and how we are defined by our possessions and formed by our circumstances are some of the complex social, typological, and cultural issues that resonate in Mollison’s work.
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The project, in all its diversity, is frankly observant and often surprising. Mollison’s subjects convey the simple truth that all children, whether from a first—or third—world economy, need to be nurtured and protected. His call to action is that we might walk away changed, viewing every child we meet as an individual in need of love and care. As the very concept of sleep and personal space conveys, Where Children Sleep is, above all else, a portrait of vulnerability.
2025 Ceramic Invitational Exhibition and Symposium
April 26 - July 13, 2025
Generously sponsored by John Williams and the San Angelo Endowment for Ceramic Events
The Art of Ezra Tucker
July 11 - September 7, 2025
Tour Produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C., David J. Wagner, Ph.D., Curator/Tour Director
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In this first traveling exhibition of artworks by Ezra Tucker, the untold stories of the Black experience in the history of the American West are depicted alongside monumental and dramatic paintings of North American wildlife and examples of allegory, fantasy, illustration, and narrative. With a background in commercial illustration and design, Tucker combines his exceptional drafting skills with earth tones and warm light to give his subjects the glow of an old master’s work. Visitors will see Tucker’s hallmark ability to achieve a bold, romantic look by using a color palette and lighting that is familiar yet new.
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The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality
August 23, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Jointly organized by Stacey W. Miller and International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC
Generously sponsored by Suzanne Sugg and Beverly Stribling
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With a special focus exhibit, from the collection of Suzanne Sugg, Chinese children’s hats and other headwear from around the world. The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality presents 89 hats and headdresses carefully selected from a private collection of more than 1300 extraordinary pieces of headwear from all over the world. This exhibition features headwear from 42 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America, and is a tribute to the stunning diversity of the world’s cultures. With a few exceptions, the pieces are from the mid-to-late 20th century, and many are still worn today in parts of the world for revelry, ritual, and the rhythms of everyday life. More than utilitarian objects of material culture, each hat is a unique work of art—not merely because of the skill required to make it, but also as a singular expression of creativity and cultural meaning.
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26th San Angelo North American Ceramic Competition
April 18 - June 21, 2026
Generously sponsored by John Williams and the San Angelo Endowment for Ceramic Events