American folk art treasures grace Portland Museum of Art

Ammi Phillips (1788–1865), Stockbridge, Massachusetts, ‘Three Children of Henry Joslen Carter,’ 1860,. Oil on canvas, 28 ¾ by 37 ½in. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York. Gift of Cynthia K. Easterling in honor of her grandmother Grace E. Carter, 2012.5.1 Photo by Heritage Auctions, Inc.

Ammi Phillips (1788–1865), Stockbridge, Massachusetts, ‘Three Children of Henry Joslen Carter,’ 1860. Oil on canvas, 28 ¾ by 37 ½in. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York. Gift of Cynthia K. Easterling in honor of her grandmother Grace E. Carter, 2012.5.1. Photo by Heritage Auctions, Inc.

PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Museum of Art will host American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection from February 3 through May 7.

Featuring more than 70 significant works from the American Folk Art Museum’s collection, this exhibition offers insight into the diverse landscape of folk and self-taught art in the United States from the 18th century to the present day. Capturing thoughts and experiences, the dynamic artistic production on view functions as a witness to history, a carrier of cultural heritage, and a reflection of the world at large. The idea of art’s entanglement with our shared and complex past — and the ability of artists to speak to, counter, and articulate the nuances of those histories — animates this vibrant installation.

Jessie B. Telfair (1913–1986), Parrott, Georgia, Freedom quilt, 1983. Cotton, with pencil, 74 by 68in. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York. Gift of Judith Alexander in loving memory of her sister, Rebecca Alexander, 2004.9.1. Photo by Gavin Ashworth


Jessie B. Telfair (1913–1986), Parrott, Georgia, Freedom quilt, 1983. Cotton with pencil, 74 by 68in. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York. Gift of Judith Alexander in loving memory of her sister, Rebecca Alexander, 2004.9.1. Photo by Gavin Ashworth

Four primary sections, organized under the titles Founders, Travelers, Philosophers, and Seekers, explore the roles, ideas and firsthand testimonies of artists of various backgrounds and perspectives. A wide range of forms — from quilts, embroidery and assemblages to pottery, paintings and sculpture — reveals aspects of American identity, nationhood and histories, and celebrates the multiplicity of insights art can offer on these questions. Through the interweaving of historical and contemporary works that speak to the beauty, complexity and contradictions of this country, American Perspectives affirms that everyone has a story to tell.

Clementine Hunter (1886/1887–1988), Natchitoches, Louisiana, ‘Playing Cards,’ 1970. Oil on canvas board, 18 by 24in. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York. Gift of Mildred Hart Bailey / Clementine Hunter Art Trust, 1996.1.2. Photo by Gavin Ashworth

Clementine Hunter (1886/1887–1988), Natchitoches, Louisiana, ‘Playing Cards,’ 1970. Oil on canvas board, 18 by 24in. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York. Gift of Mildred Hart Bailey / Clementine Hunter Art Trust, 1996.1.2. Photo by Gavin Ashworth

Each piece in the exhibition holds a unique and intimate viewpoint from a broad collection of artists. “The individual stories and ways that these works of art carry these stories forward is reflected beautifully in this show. Visitors have the opportunity to delve deeply — to go down a rabbit hole, so to speak — with each piece, and you can really fall in love with these objects and their makers,” said PMA’s Assistant Curator of American Art Ramey Mize, adding, “It’s an invitation to look closer and to look at things differently, to adopt a new perspective.” American Perspectives stages questions regarding U.S. identity, nationhood and histories, creating space for a multiplicity of viewpoints on these issues and embracing the dynamism and diversity of American life.

Visit the website of the Portland Museum of Art and see its dedicated page for American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection.