Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts
As the summer inches ever nearer, some of us are fantasizing about weekend getaways to the beach. Curators at the Peabody Essex Museum are right there with us as they prepare to welcome a new exhibition on May 29: In American Waters. The exhibition showcases the vast history of marine painting and the impact of the sea on American culture and environment. The exhibition features paintings from artists who include Georgia O’Keeffe, Paul Cadmus, and Jacob Lawrence. To see the show in person, make sure to check here to plan your trip.
Historic Deerfield, Massachusetts
Speaking of American culture, craftsmanship is a hallmark of our national identity. Historic Deerfield will give museum-goers an in-depth look at the processes of American cabinetmakers in their upcoming exhibition Into the Woods: Crafting Early American Furniture. Featuring a collection of masterworks by American craftsman including Samuel McIntire and immigrant artisans such as Duncan Phyfe and Honoré Lannuier. This exhibition is a must-see for ANTIQUES readers, so plan your trip in advance here.
Greenwich Historical Society, Connecticut
As always, early summer in the northeastern United States brings with it the rebirth of lush green gardens. In this spirit, the Greenwich Historical Society has opened an exhibition called Beautiful Work: The Art of Greenwich Gardens and Landscapes. The exhibition offers visitors a beautiful history lesson that follows the transition of Greenwich farmland and woods into extravagant European inspired gardens. Visitors to Beautiful Work will be able to peruse rich archival collections of artifacts, artworks, and design plans that made up Greenwich gardens. Plan your visit to the historic town here!
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond
Transitioning away from American art, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is currently hosting an exhibition entitled Romantic Bronzes. The exhibition showcases more than thirty works by nineteenth-century French sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye, which were donated to the museum over the past twenty years by Mrs. Nelson L. St. Clair Jr. The collection boasts some of the finest works produced by Barye as well as works that highlight features characteristic of the artist’s medium, style, and historical period. As an opportunity to learn about bronze casting in the Romantic era, this exhibition is not to be missed. As always, general admission to VMFA is free. Plan your trip here.
