The Tampa Museum of Art opened its newest exhibition, “To See As Artists See: American Art from the Phillips Collection,” this past weekend. This showcase of modern-American artwork will be on display through April 28, 2013.
The Phillips Collection at the Tampa Museum boasts 107 painting by 75 artists showing the progression of modern-American painting from the 1850s through the 1960s. Some of the artists with works on display include: Maurice Prendergast, Rockwell Kent, Georgia O’Keeffe and Grandma Moses.
The museum executive director Todd D. Smith showed his enthusiasm for the exhibit. “The Tampa Museum of Art is one of only three U.S. museums to host this exhibition, and we are delighted to bring a cultural experience of this caliber to our region,” Smith said.
“Showcasing iconic masterworks that celebrate the best of American art from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century will make this exhibition one that is not to be missed.”
Duncan Phillips created The Phillips Memorial Art Gallery in honor of his father and brother in 1921 in Washington, D.C. It became the first American modern art collection and was later renamed The Phillips Collection.
Dorothy Kosinski, director of The Phillips collection said, “He [Duncan Phillips] was one of the few collectors between the wars to champion America’s artistic diversity, collecting works by self-taught artists, artists of color, immigrants and naturalized Americans. This early and steadfast commitment to American artists of fresh vision propelled the Phillips as an essential force in American art.”
Admission into the museum is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, Florida educators and active military and $5 for students. The Tampa Museum of Art also participates in a program sponsored by Bank of America giving free admission during the first full weekend of each month to Bank of America cardholders. To find out more about The Phillips Collection visit www.phillipscollection.org.
Kelly St.Onge can be reached at kelly.st.onge@theminaretonline.com