Current Exhibitions

The Rockwell Museum collection portrays the spirit, character and values of America through the eyes of American artists.

permanent collection           upcoming exhibitions        

student exhibits        past exhibitions

Our collection is more than a sampling of traditional American artists – the pieces housed within our Museum walls convey the story of the American experience. A diverse and unique display, the artwork prompts us to think critically and challenge our conceptions of the great American West and the people who live there.

Our collections and rotating exhibits serve great purpose in the community. These works of art are functional teaching pieces – they present some of our best opportunities to connect with our audiences, young and old.  

Here is what you’ll see at The Rockwell Museum right now:  

Spotlight Exhibition

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Crafting Identity: American Highlights from the Tia Collection

September 20, 2019 – January 5, 2020

The Arnot Art Museum and The Rockwell Museum present a  collaborative exhibition exploring the power of portraiture and the human form. At The Rockwell, explore American Highlights from The Tia Collection – see artworks by many important and influential American artists including Alice Neel, Irving Penn, Robert Mapplethorpe, William Eggelston, Robert Henri, Jozef Bakos, Andy Warhol, Ruth Orkin, Cara Romero, Roy Lichtenstein and more. 

This exhibition is made possible by Lydia Kenton Walsh and Robert Walsh

crafting identity

 

Special Exhibitions

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Showing Off: 19th Century Portraiture from the Arnot Art Museum

October 4, 2019 – February 2, 2020

Paintings were the primary mode of portraiture in the 19^th century, as photography was still not yet widely available, and provided a vehicle through which to “show off.”  This selection of paintings on loan from the Arnot Art Museum in Elmira, NY, features portraits of women and children. In the patriarchal society of 19^th century America, women and children’s portraits reinforced the success of their male head of household. 

showing off

Eye Contact: Contemporary Native American Photography from the Permanent Collection

January 25 – December 31, 2019

This intimate exhibition explores complex themes of Native American identity as seen through the lens of First Nations photographers, including Zig Jackson, Shelley Niro, Mario Martinez and Rosalie Favelle. Through their work, many Native American artists address the complex and often conflicting nature of their cultural identity, being both Native Americans and United States citizens.

eye contact

Antigravity: Needle-and-bowl by Melissa Vandenberg

March 8, 2019 – February 16, 2020

Melissa Vandenberg finds inspiration in ordinary materials, using items like matches, quilts, stickers, popsicles and temporary tattoos to address issues of power, mortality, patriotism and pride. Vandenberg used hundreds of handkerchiefs to create a site-specific installation in The Rockwell’s rotunda entryway. Vandenberg also had the opportunity to serve as a Guest Artist in the Corning Museum of Glass Hot Shop Amphitheater.

antigravity

Lock, Stock & Barrel

Ongoing

This selection of historic long arms and handguns is from the Robert F. “Bobby” Rockwell, III collection. From the American Revolution to the Hollywood cowboy, these historic firearms help tell the story of America and explores two and a half centuries of innovation in technology.

Historic Firearms

Fifth Annual Gingerbread Invitational

On view: November 29 – December 31, 2019

This year, Rockwell programming and exhibitions revolve around the theme of Questioning Identity – in this vein, bakers created and constructed “My Dream Home” – in gingerbread! Find these amazing creations in the Museum, November 29 – December 31. Vote for your favorite Gingerbread house to determine who will win the Community Choice Award!

The Gingerbread Invitational is made possible with support from Ellen and John O’Hare

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